Food and Wine Dinners

[sam08223]

DW and I are going to the World in Oct 2003 --- We'll be there during Food & Wine Fest. Heard a little about special dinners -- Any feedback on them? Also sign up dates? Any other special Food & Wine events I should make ressies for? (Staying @ BCV -- Epcot easy to access) Thanks

 

[TDC Nala]

For descriptions of last year's events, check www.wdwig.com

This year's events should be similar.

Last year they started taking reservations in July. If you want reserve dinners, signature dinners or the wine dinner, book them ASAP because they sell out very quickly. The Party for the Senses is HUGE and doesn't sell out fast. For the money, my favorite item is the Food & Wine Pairing at the Coral Reef Restaurant.

 

[Margie J]

I went to one special Winemakers dinner a couple years ago and it was a highlight of my trip. The one I attended was called "The Old World" and featured many German wines and German/Bavarian style foods. Very rich and hearty fare.

A wine was paired with each course, from appetizers to dessert. The wine servings were generous so staying at the BCV is good. You won't have to drive.

The menu items were creative and tasty. If I can find the menu I will post it. While each course was served the Chef that created it came out to introduce themselves and explain the menu item. The winemakers also described each wine we were being served. As an extra special treat I got to sit next to one of the very handsome winemakers.

Special menu cards were at each placesetting. We also got to take home a wineglass with the Food & Wine emblem on it. The night ended with us being escorted out to a roped off area to view Illuminations.

Do make reservations early since many locals enjoy these dinners too. They book up fast.

 

[SamSam]

The 'Grand Tasting' is wonderful event with many different entree's to try and different wines to pair them up with. We will definitely be doing this again this year.

I agree that the Wine and Food Pairings are one of the best deals during the festival. We went to 2 last year and will go to as many as possible this year. They are $25 and well worth it.
Here is a sample menu from one that we attended last year.
Warm Lobster Salad over Root Vegetables
-this was paired w/Fess Parker 100 years of Magic Chardonnay

Pan Seared Sea Bass w/ginger,white rice and lemon broth
-paired with Fess Parker Marcellas Vineyard Charonnay

Seared Lamb served w/roasted garlic mashed potatoes
-paired w/Fess Parker Reserve Pinot Noir

Assorted Cheeses - Smoked Gouda, Gorgonzola, Dubliner
-paired w/Fess Parker Biennacido Pino Noir

My mouth is watering just typing this! We're going Nov. 1st and right now that seems like years away!

 

[ghidorah97]

My wife and I attended two Signature and one Reserve Dinner last year -- and they were simply awesome! We also attended one Party for the Senses, and I have to agree with Sam that this is well worth the cost of entry.

I posted reviews of each of these dinners, with the exception of the last Signature dinner....never could find the time to get around to it. I'll post the menu here if interested.

As for booking the dinners, you absolutely must book the very first day they are available or you won't get in. Seating is extremely limited for these events and books up almost immediately (while down there I discovered that Florida residents can join a Disney dining club and receive early warning when these dinners become available and take almost all of the open spots).

Hope this info helps!

-Brad

 

[Dee & Greg]

We attended a WineMakers Dinner a couple of years ago... the theme was South Africa. The food was outstanding, and paired with fabulous wines... definitely the highlight of our trip and worth the $75 each. Highly recommended!!