Sep 23

Sep 23 Wine Travel: 5 Food and Wine Pairings to Try at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival

So it’s almost the end of September (where has the year gone) which means that Disney’s annual EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is well under way. The festival, which started on August 29 and goes until November 23, is looked forward to every year by foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. And this year, Disney has really outdone themselves with their wine offerings at each of their Global Marketplace setups in the park. Man, I wish I was heading to Orlando to experience this this year. Sadly, I will just be jealous and live vicariously through you guys. So if YOU’RE one of the lucky ones heading down to O-Town this year for the festival, here are 5 food and wine pairings and where to find them that you’ll have to try for me!

1) Active Eats Pavillion

I’ll take my mac and cheese the way I take my baked potatoes and tater tots: LOADED!The Active Eats pavilion is home to a loaded macaroni and cheese, featuring Nueske’s pepper bacon, cheddar and leeks. Pair this with a glass of Evolution by Sokol Bosser pinot noir. This Williamette Valley, Oregon is juicy and silky. The winery says that this pinot noir is “the wine for the imaginative food lover.” Well I imagine you love food and wine just as much as me so this pairing will work out just nicely.

2)The Alps Pavillion

I know that when I’m ready to unwind after a taxing day of skiing on the Swiss Alps (j/k I’ve never been =-)) ,I’m ready to warm up with a delicious plate of ooey gooey raclette swiss cheese over baby potatoes, cornichons and a baguette. Mmm mmm mmm. I mean bread, cheese and potatoes are pretty much ESSENTIAL to live. It’s proven somewhere. Now since the festival is in sunny Florida and not actually in the Alps, I’m going to pair this with a cool glass of Frozen ROSÉ. #FroséAllDay !

3) Apple Seed Orchard Wine Bar

If you ask my friends about me they will tell you that I LOVE a meat and cheese plate. Luckily for you (not me. Remember, I’m not going sadly = - ( ), that’s exactly what they’re offering at the Apple Seed Orchard Wine Bar. Pair that savory piece of prosciutto and that creamy slice of brie with a glass of Frog’s Leap Zinfandel. 82% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Syrah and 1% Carignac. The lush layers of cherry and bright acidity will compliment the saltiness of the charcuterie.

4) Canada

Now time to see what the Canada pavilion is all a-boot! (Get it? lol) Well apparently they are all about luxury. They are serving up a wild mushroom Filet Mignon with topped off with a truffle-butter sauce. OMG! I’ve died and gone to umami heaven. I LOVE TRUFFLES! I would put them on everything if I could. You should pair this decadent meal with a glass of Château Des Charmes Equuleus Red Blend, St. David’s Bench. A rich bordeaux blend with flavors of oak, cherries and annise.

“Le-Cellier”-Wild-Mushroom-Beef-Filet-Mignon-with-Truffle-Butter-Sauce.jpg

5) Germany

I had to close out my food and wine recs with a dessert option. There is no dessert I love more than a warm apple strudel topped with vanilla sauce. That’s what going down at the Germany pavilion. Pair this fruity dessert with something the Germans do really well: a flight of Riesling flight. These three rieslings (August Kesseler R Riesling Kabinett, J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett and Selbach-Oster 2014 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Reisling Spatlese) run the gamut from slightly sweet to dry to full bodied.

So those are my recs for this year’s fest but as a bonus, for me, PLEASE hit up the Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar and have a mimosa flight for me. Or even better have a glass of Veuve Cliquot Brut Rosé for me, if you feel like getting REAL fancy. And why wouldn’t you?

Don’t worry I’ve attached an awesome map laying out all of the food kiosks created by Disney Food Blog. Check out their site to get a real in depth look at all of the menu offerings and other happenings at the festival this year.