Disney provides early look at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Disney has provided a sneak peek to the upcoming 17th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Disney World, scheduled to run Sept. 28-Nov. 12.

More than 270 chefs from across the country, including renowned chefs like Robert Irvine and Rock Harper, will hold culinary demonstrations and tasting events as 25 ethnic and regional marketplaces feature food and wine from all over the world.

Photo © Disney

Here are some of the highlights, according to a Disney news release:

• Two new marketplaces debut: TERRA Marketplace will offer vegan menu items, including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips; and the FLORIDA Marketplace will have fresh twists on regional flavors.
• Each Wednesday, festival chefs will host a walking-and-tasting tour around World Showcase with stops at several marketplaces. Guests will taste five dishes and five beverage items to include beer, wine and cocktails while learning chefs’ culinary secrets.
• Special culinary programs showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.
• A complimentary Marketplace Discovery Passport can be stamped at each international marketplace.
• Grand tasting events will take place Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, featuring not only food but more than 50 wines and beers and live entertainment.

In addition to the food, there will be a special concert series featuring:

Sept. 28-30: Night Ranger
Oct. 11-12: Smash Mouth
Oct. 13-14: Javier Colon
Nov. 5-6: Blues Traveler
Nov. 7-8: Dennis DeYoung, original member of STYX.