I just wanted to include a quick post about my thoughts of the Center this year.
The wine shop was in the same location this year, and seemed to have about the same amount of wines as in years past. I did buy two bottles my first night, to drink after returning to my room from the parks. I finished the first one in three nights, but ended up having half a bottle of the second one the last morning, that I couldn't bring myself to pour out, so ending up drinking quite a bit before checking out.
Didn't do any of the wine tastings or culinary demonstrations this year, so can't comment on those.
I loved the champagne bar this year. They had fruit and cheese plates with dorothea cheese, and that made a tasty snack two days. I love the dorothea cheese.
They also had a short video about the making of wine in the theater that used to show the Making of Me. I watched it twice, it was decent and was air conditioned seating.
The book shop seemed to have a little less selection this year, though it was early on in the Festival, so maybe they've added more since then. There are two I decided I wanted, though I didn't buy them there, as I know I can get them cheaper here at home, Upper Crusts, which is a bunch of recipes featuring bread, and Fear of Wine, which looked like a good general guide to wine.
The merchandise this year I thought was good. I was dissapointed that there were no more bags left made from last year's banners, and I can only hope that they start making some that way every year, as I'm sure eventually I'll be there for the first day of the Festival again.
They had a lady selling food and wine-scented soaps this year. I almost bought some, but didn't. I did buy a tote bag, the cook book, wine glass charms, and the Tinker Bell pin.
