Updates regarding the 15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Details are emerging about the 15th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The theme for this year is "Celebrating 15 years of Delicious Discoveries." In keeping with that theme, the list of Festival Marketplaces, announced today, feature the introductory dates of each of the participating countries:

Argentina, Introduced: 1996
Australia, Introduced: 1997
Belgium, NEW: 2010
Brazil, Introduced: 1996
Canada, Introduced: 1996
Charcuterie & Cheese, NEW: 2010
Chile, Introduced: 1997
China, Introduced: 1996
Desserts & Champagne, Introduced: 2000
France, Introduced: 1996
Germany, Introduced: 1996
Greece, Introduced: 1996
Hops & Barley, Introduced: 2005
Ireland, Introduced: 2001
Italy, Introduced: 1996
Japan, Introduced: 1996
Mexico, Introduced: 1996
Morocco, Introduced: 1996
New Zealand, Introduced: 1997
Poland, Introduced: 1996
Puerto Rico, Introduced: 2005
Singapore, Introduced: 2005
South Africa, Introduced: 1997
South Korea, NEW: 2010
Spain, Introduced: 1997
The Brewer's Collection, Introduced: 2003
United States, Introduced: 1996

Returning this year is the popular Party for the Senses. Every Saturday from 6:30 - 9 at World ShowPlace Pavilion approximately 1500 guests wander among tasting stations sampling food and wines from some of the best chefs at the Walt Disney World Resort and around the world. This year, Cirque du Soleil returns to perform awe-inspiring acts throughout the evening. The event also offers reserved seating to the Eat to the Beat Concert Series at the America Gardens Theater.

The cost is $135 per person, plus tax, gratuity included - Theme park admission required.

For an additional $90 ($225 per person, plus tax, gratuity included - Theme park admission required), guests can access the Wine View Lounge - an exclusive area within the Party for the senses that includes:
- Private Reserved Seating
- Entrance to the World ShowPlace 15 minutes early
- A Premium Bar
- An Artisnal Cheese Station, and more!

The Festival Welcome Center opens daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features a variety of seminars and demonstrations, as well as a tasting bar and store to purchase food and wines sampled throughout the Festival.

• Culinary Demonstrations – $9 & $13 per person, tax included.
  Theme Park admission required.
  45-minute culinary sessions where you will meet the featured chef and wine presenter and pick up a few tips. Best of all – you will taste the demonstrated dish and wine pairing!

  Daily: 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.

• Wine/ Beverage Seminars – $8 & $12 per person, tax included. Theme Park admission required.
  45-minute seminars where you meet the featured winery principal or beverage expert and learn a few tips. Plus, you get to sample the selected wines/beverages.

  Daily: 12 noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m.

• Authors without Borders
  Complimentary sessions with renowned authors from the food and wine industry. Hear them speak about popular topics in these 30-minute conversations.

  Friday – Sundays at 12:15 p.m. and 4 p.m.

• Authentic Taste Seminars
  Complimentary 30-minute seminars which celebrate the origins, properties, and history of pure ingredients in a lively and informative presentation by subject authorities.

  Friday – Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• Book Signings and Meet & Greets
  Opportunity to chat with a celebrated author and/or personality and have your purchased book/merchandise autographed.
  
• Bottle Signings
  Meet winemakers and have your purchased bottle of wine autographed for a great souvenir.
  
• Seasons of the Vine
  This seven-minute journey provides a “behind-the-scenes introduction” to wine growing. Narrated by Jeremy Irons this film will run continuous shows throughout the day.
  
• Intermissions Café featuring wine, cheese, and light snacks – Hosted by Kobrand
  A special way to start your day or wind down in the evening! Featuring the following wines: Caposaldo Prosecco, Caposaldo Pinot Grigio, Benziger Family Sauvignon Blanc, Maison Louis Jadot Chardonnay, Maison Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, Wild Rock Pinot Noir, St. Francis RED, Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fonseca Bin 27
  
• The Stockpot Shop
  Find commemorative items such as the event poster, Festival cookbook and a great selection of cooking and entertaining products.
  
• The Cellar
  The wine shop boasts a selection of over 300 wines from the cellars of the prestigious wineries showcased throughout the Festival.
  
• Tasteful Chapters
  Visit our book shop and look for the official book-signing location for celebrity chefs and authors. Be sure to pick up a collectible Festival-themed mini Disney Gift Card – a handy way to pay for so much fun at the Festival!