Special events at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival require a significant extra cost and advance tickets. All info subject to change.

NEW: Check out the detailed 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events guide published by Disney.

Seminars Will Be Available For Booking on August 16th

At this time, Food and Wine Festival Special Events will be able to be booked on August 16th at 7am ET (call 407 WDW-FEST for details). Special events will be available through online booking again this year. Sweet Seats and Wine View Lounge tickets must be purchased by phone.

The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner <– New for 2011!

This is a new event for 2011 which will highlight healthy dining for families! Celebrity Chef Andrew Zimmern will be featured along with celebrity chefs, Bryan Voltaggio and Chris Cosentino and their kids. See these Chefs in their roles as Dads while learning cooking techniques that can be used for fun, family activities. Look for non-alcoholic mixed drinks as meal pairings!

When: October 29, 2011, 5-7pm
Where: Festival Welcome Center
Pricing: $95.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included. Theme park admission required. –SOLD OUT!

Chocolate Discoveries Seminars <– New for 2011!

Patterned after the popular Food and Wine Festival Cheese Seminars, Chocolate Discoveries allows guests to sample four different chocolates in their natural bar form while a presenter discusses the flavor variations.

Then, guests will have the opportunity to taste a savory dish made with chocolate, desserts made with chocolate, and even chocolate-inspired wine and cocktails! SEE A REVIEW HERE!

When: October 9 and 16, and November 6. 2:45pm.
Where: Festival Welcome Center
Pricing: $70 per person, plus tax.

October 9: JeanPierre Wybauw, Chocolate & Sugar Confectionery Consultancy –SOLD OUT!
October 16: Julian rose, Moonstruck Chocolates, Portland, OR –SOLD OUT!
November 6: Jean-Rene Thiery, Le Cordon Bleu, Orlando, FL –SOLD OUT!

First Bites Opening Reception

Get a sneak peek of eats and experiences that will be represented in this year’s 2011 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

When: September 29th, 2011, 6:30-9pm
Where: Festival Welcome Center
Pricing: $175 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.

Vertical Wine Tasting <– New for 2011!

Taste 10 vintages from an exceptional vineyard — Freemark Abbey — which is celebrating 125 years of winemaking in the Napa Valley.

Wine Master Ted Edwards and John Blazon MS will present two of Napa’s legendary vineyards — Sycamore and Bosche — for a comparison.

When: November 5, 1-3pm
Where: California Grill, Contemporary Resort
Pricing: $225 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.
Featured Vintages: 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 (subject to change)

Culinary Adventures in Signature Dining

Eat your way through a phenomenal dinner while a Chef (sometimes a celebrity Chef!) walks you through every bite, explaining technique, menu choice, and wine pairings.

When: Select days throughout the festival, Dinner 6:30–9 p.m.
Pricing: $125-$495 per person

The Wave…of American Flavors: October 6 Frank Brough, 6:30PM, $155 –SOLD OUT!

The Dining Room – Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe: October 12 Chris Albano, 6:30PM, $140

California Grill: October 13 Brian Piasecki, 6:30PM, $250

Raglan Road Signature Dinner: October 18 Master Chef Kevin Dundon will host this Signature Dinner. Enjoy a phenomenal dinner while the Chef discusses each dish and describes the tantalizing flavors within. Reservations for this special evening can be booked directly with Raglan Road (407) 938 0300.

Paradiso 37: October 19 Jose L. Camey, 6:30PM, $125

Portobello Yacht Club: October 20 Tony Mantuano, 6:30PM, $150

Epcot Wonders Retreat: October 21 Jens Dahlmann and Chefs of Epcot, 6:30PM, $195

Victoria & Albert’s Signature Dinner: October 23 Chef Scott Hunnel, 6:30pm, Cost is $495 per person, plus tax/gratuities. –SOLD OUT!

Kouzzina by Cat Cora: October 25, 27, 27, 28, 29 — Will be presided over by Kouzzina’s Chef de Cuisine, Dee Foundoukis

Hollywood Brown Derby: October 27 Craig Schleider, 6:30PM, $155 –SOLD OUT!

Jiko Signature Dinner: October 27 Dennis Thompson (Chef) and Robin Back from Spice Route and Fairview Winery in the Paarl wine district of South Africa present a wine-pairing dinner in the beautiful Jiko Cape Town Wine Room. Dinner is seven courses. $195. 6:30pm. For reservations, email [email protected].

Kouzzina Signature LUNCH: October 30 Chef Dee Foundoukis; 11am; $125

Citricos: November 1 Phillip Ponticelli, 6:30PM, $175 –SOLD OUT!

Fulton’s Crab House: November 2 Brent Sick, 6:30PM, $150

Flying Fish Cafe: November 3 Tim Keating, 6:30PM, $175 –SOLD OUT!

Radeberger Beer Dinner: November 3 Jens Dahlmann and Chefs of Epcot, 6:30PM, $155

Yachtsman Steakhouse LUNCH: November 9 Anthony R. De Luca, 12PM, $175

Bongos Cuban Cafe: November 10 Armando Abreu, 6:30PM, $125

3D Delicious Dessert Discovery

This event, introduced in 2010, is back for the 2011 Festival! Featuring desserts, more alcohol than you can drink, and special viewing of Illuminations, it’s a fun night for not too much cash! To see what this event is like, check out our guest review of a 3D Delicious Dessert Discovery event in 2010!

When: Fridays — October 7, 14, 21, 28. November 4, 11. 7-8:30pm on Oct 7, 14, 21. 8-9:30pm on Oct 28 and Nov 4, 11. –October 28 – SOLD OUT!
Where: World Showplace
Pricing: $55; VIP “Sweet Seats” will be available for $80 (include private table, entry into event 15 minutes early, specialty beverage and dessert, and more)

Kitchen Memories

Formerly Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen, this fun event will return to the 2011 Festival and feature celeb chefs!

When: Fridays — September 30. October 7, 14, 21, 28. November 4, 11. 10am-12pm.
Where: Festival Welcome Center
Pricing: $110-$150, plus tax. Gratuity included.

September 30: Scott Hunnel, and Erich Herbitschek; Victoria & Albert’s and Erich Herbitschek, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; $110
October 7: John Stewart & Duskie Estes, ZAZU Restaurant; $110
October 14: Alan Wong, Alan Wong’s Restaurants; $110
October 21: Robert Irvine, Robert Irvine’s Eat!; $150 –SOLD OUT!
October 28: Cat Cora, Kouzzina by Cat Cora; $150 –Cat Cora canceled. Replaced by Charles Mattocks!
November 4: Art Smith, Table Fifty-Two; $110
November 11: Suvir Saran, Devi Restaurant; $110

Party for the Senses

PftS returns in 2011! Live entertainment will be presented by Cirque du Soleil once again. This event is pricey and offered only on Saturdays, so plan accordingly. To see what this event is like, check out our Guest Review of Party for the Senses from 2010!

When: Saturdays — October 8, 15, 22. November 5, 12. Time has changed from 2010: 7:30-10pm. — Wine View Lounge SOLD OUT!
Where: World Showplace
Pricing: $145 = standard ticket, Wine View Lounge = $260 (includes private tables, entrance 15 minutes early, premium bar, artisanal cheese station, and more)

Grand Marnier Tastings

This seminar, titled “Taste, Shake, and Indulge Like the French: Grand Marnier Tasting and Interactive Experience” showcases the talents of a Grand Marnier cocktail master. Included:
* Indulge in a glass of Moët & Chandon Ice Imperial, the first Champagne to be served on ice
* Sample Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, Grand Marnier 100th Anniversary and Grand Marnier 150th Anniversary
* Savor Crêpes Suzette and dessert au Grand Marnier made by the Chefs of Bistro de Paris
* Mixology lesson
Read the details on the 2010 Grand Marnier Tasting here.
When: Saturdays — October 8, 15, 22, 29. November 5. 2:30-4pm
Where: Bistro de Paris, France Pavilion at Epcot
Pricing: $55.00, plus tax. Gratuity included. –SOLD OUT!

Sweet Sundays

An expert pastry chef creates three signature desserts as guests look on. Snack on brunch and champagne!

When: October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. November 6, 13. 10am-12pm
Where: Festival Welcome Center
Pricing: $90, plus tax. Gratuity included.

October 2: John Hui, The Lodge at Pebble Beach
October 9: Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, Carlo’s Bakery –SOLD OUT!
October 16: Frederic Monti OR Elizabeth Falkner (Frederic Monti is noted on the DisneyWorld.com website)
October 23: Gale Gand, TRU
October 30: Geraldine Randlesome, Geraldine’s Creative Cutters
November 6: David Guas, Bayou Bakery Coffee Bar and Eatery
November 13: Warren Brown and Mary Meyers, CakeLove and Love Cafe

Wine Schools

A wine authority leads guests through the event, showcasing the flavors and traditions of distinctive wine cultures. Tasting lessons are offered. Guests will receive a certificate of completion at a reception following the event.

When: Sundays — October 9, 16, 23, 30. November 5. 1-4pm (event 1-3, reception 3-4)
Where: Wonders Retreat, Festival Center
Pricing: $135 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included

October 9: Evan Goldstein MS, Theme: Argentina en Fuego
October 16: Fred Dame MS & Brian Koziol MS, Theme: Compare and Contrast Wines From Around the World
October 23: Sharron McCarthy CSW, Theme: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered by Italian Wines
October 30: Charl du Plesis, Winemaker, Theme: South African Wines
November 6: Andrea Robinson MS, Theme: Burgundy and Beyond

Mexico Tequila Tastings

A wonderful overview of the Tequila industry, with samples of blanco, reposado, and anejo Tequilas. In the past, guests have also enjoyed appetizer samplings from La Cava del Tequila’s menu. (Now that the apps have been taken off the menu, we wonder if they’ll still be at the tasting?) Read about our Tequila Tasting from 2009.

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 12-1pm
Where: La Cava del Tequila, Mexico Pavilion at Epcot
Pricing: $45, plus tax. Gratuity included. –SOLD OUT October 8!

Mexico Tequila Tastings Plus Lunch <– New for 2011!

With the great success of Mexico’s tequila tastings the past two years, they’re adding a new Tequila Tasting Plus Lunch this year! This will be held at Epcot’s new La Hacienda de San Angel restaurant. SEE A REVIEW HERE!

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 1-2:30pm
Where: La Hacienda de San Angel, Epcot
Pricing: $65, plus tax. Gratuity included. — Oct. 2, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5 — SOLD OUT

Cheese Seminars

Seminars about CHEESE! Who could resist? Check out cheeses from different locales and be taught by the experts. Cheese will be paired with wines and beers.

When: Saturdays — October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. November 5, 12. 10:30-11:45AM
Where: Festival Center
Pricing: $75 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.

October 1: France, Eastern; Presenter Max McCalman
October 8: Italy; Presenter Erin Hedley –SOLD OUT!
October 15: Old World Mountain; Presenter Max McCalman –SOLD OUT!
October 22: Spain; Presenter Max McCalman
October 29: United States; Presenter David Gremmels –SOLD OUT!
November 5: France, Western; Presenter Max McCalman
November 12: Old World Maritime; Presenter Max McCalman

French Regional Lunch

A guest favorite! Have lunch at Epcot’s Bistro de Paris and learn about paired wines throughout the meal from a winery principle. To see what a French Regional Lunch (or a “Frunch” to repeat guests) is like, check out this guest review of a French Regional Lunch from 2010.

When: Select Fridays and Sundays from 12-3:30pm
Where: Bistro de Paris, France Pavilion at Epcot
Pricing: $99 per person, plus tax. Gratuity included.

September 30: Bordeaux Region, Chateau Larose Trintaudon & Friends Winery, Presenter Mark Diamond –SOLD OUT!
October 7: Tour de France Region, Georges Duboeuf, Andrew Lurton, Sauvion Vidal Fleury, Pierre Sparr wineries, Presenter Jose Hernandez –SOLD OUT!
October 9: Bordeaux Region, Andrew Lurton winery, Presenter Jose Hernandez –SOLD OUT!
October 14: Codes du Rhone Region, Jean Luc Colombo winery, Presenter Lydia Tremble –SOLD OUT!
October 16: Codes du Rhone Region, Jean Luc Colombo winery, Presenter Lydia Tremble –SOLD OUT!
October 21: Burgundy Region, J.C. Boisset winery, Presenter Gregory Patriat –SOLD OUT!
October 23: Burgundy Region, J.C. Boisset winery, Presenter Gregory Patriat –SOLD OUT!
October 28: Alsace Region, Maison Pierre Sparr winery, Presenter Bernard Sparr –SOLD OUT!
October 30: Alsace Region, Maison Pierre Sparr winery, Presenter Bernard Sparr –SOLD OUT!
November 4: Champagne Region, Nicolas Feuillate winery, Presenter Pascal Boye –SOLD OUT!
November 6: Champagne Region, Nicolas Feuillate winery, Presenter Lori Barranon –SOLD OUT!

“The Best of Bocuse” Dinner <– New for 2011!

Honoring Chef Paul Bocuse, Epcot’s France Pavilion will offer a dinner all about the great Chef — who was instrumental in creating Bistro de Paris and Les Chefs de France.

The dinner will be prepared by Chef Francesco Santin, a long time chef at Paul Bocuse’s 3-star restaurant in Lyon, and will include five courses including truffle soup; red snapper with potato “scales”; sorbet des vignerons; chicken fricassee with morels; a cheese course; and tarte tartin.

Jean-Luc Columbo, a pioneer wine-maker and long-time friend of Bocuse, will be guest speaking and sharing wines from the Rhone valley.

Guests will receive a copy of Paul Bocuse’s last cookbook, “The Best of Paul Bocuse.”

When: Monday, November 7th, 6:30-10pm
Where: Bistro de Paris, Epcot
Pricing: $245, plus tax. Gratuity included.

Food and Wine Pairing Dinners

Learn about particular wine growing regions while sampling three wines and three tasting-sized portions of menu items from Epcot’s ethnic restaurants. These food and wine pairing dinners are popular events and often sell out quickly. Read about our experience at the Morocco Food and Wine Pairing Dinner in 2009.

When: Italy on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2-4pm –SOLD OUT on Oct. 1, Oct. 5, Oct. 8, Oct. 12, Oct. 15, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Oct. 29, Nov. 5,, Nov. 9 and Nov. 12! ; Tokyo Dining on Mondays from 3:30-5pm; Marrakesh (Morocco) on Tuesdays from 3:30-5pm.
Where: Tutto Italia in Italy, Tokyo Dining in Japan, and Marrakesh in Morocco
Pricing: Italy: $65; Morocco and Japan: $55. Plus tax. Gratuity included.

Pizza and Beer Tastings in Italy <– New for 2011!

Head to Italy in Epcot’s World Showcase for a new type of pairing! Via Napoli will show off the pizza it’s become famous for. SEE EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL PIZZA AND BEER TASTING REVIEW HERE.

When: Tuesdays from 2-4pm
Where: Via Napoli, Epcot
Pricing: $50, plus tax. Gratuity included. –SOLD OUT October 4 and 25th !

Italian Dessert and Wine Pairing <– New for 2011!

Tutto Italia’s executive chef will be creating desserts, which will be paired with Italian wines never before been served in the United States. We have an Italian Dessert and Wine Pairing review!

When: Thursdays from 2-4pm
Where: Tutto Italia, Epcot
Pricing: $50, plus tax. Gratuity included. –SOLD OUT – Oct. 6!

Italian White Truffle Lunch <– New for 2011!

Five courses that incorporate white truffles imported directly from Alba, Italy. Batasiolo wines from Piedmont will be paired with the lunch.

When: Sunday, October 23 from 12-3pm
Where: Tutto Italia, Epcot
Pricing: $175, plus tax. Gratuity included. –SOLD OUT!

For more information about the Festival, see our 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page.

Thanks to Stitch Kingdom for the heads up on a recent press release!