Things happen and change quickly, but as of today, Epcot is open at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, and the Taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is under way.
If you live in that part of the world or are planning a Disney adventure, be aware that this year’s festival features an extended timeframe — probably because there is a lot of the park that is being refurbished — and requires an additional fee beyond the park entrance fee.
But if you go with an empty stomach and a plan, you can get a lot for that added fee.
You could make a meal and then some just at the Italy area, where the food selections include Margherita flatbread with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese… tortellini with four cheeses, vodka sauce and bacon… and Sicilian cannoli filled with sweet Ricotta, chocolate and candied orange.
To wash it all down, the wine selections include a Pinot Grigio, a Chianti, a Prosecco, a Moscato, a sweet red and two kinds of sangria.
Feeling like you might prefer French fare?
At the France area, the featured food is a goat cheese tart with caramelized onions on a flaky pastry crust… braised duck confit à l’orange with mashed sweet potatoes… and brioche cake filled with light pastry cream and raspberry coulis.
A traditional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Bordeaux provides an authentic French wine experience, or guests may opt for a rosé-style wine with natural raspberry flavor.
Germany is known for both beer and wine, and you’ll find three brews and a Riesling in that country’s area, where the food selections include a pasta gratin with ham, onions and cheese… bratwurst in a pretzel roll… and apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
In addition to featuring the fare of individual countries, the festival has a “Wine & Dine” area that spotlights festival favorites from Poland, Ireland and Greece, several wines from California, and a dry Riesling from Seneca Lake in New York. To learn more about this year’s festival, click here.
