12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival an Artistic Showcase of Memorable Tastes Sept. 28-Nov. 11

It is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Vanity Fair Premium Napkins Sept. 28 through Nov. 11 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Epcot guests can explore the nuances of great wines from around the world and sample blissful bites from dozens of countries against the backdrop of paintings inspired by food and wine. The paintings are served up from the palettes of artists in China, Italy, France and beyond as a fitting accompaniment to first-rate food, wine and beer that spotlight regional experiences from Turkey to Chile to Scandinavia during the six-week-long festival.

More than 25 international marketplaces serve tapas-sized portions of regional specialties, and recommended wines and beers available at each kiosk make for picture-perfect pairings. Exciting new marketplaces this year include Oklahoma, Dominican Republic and Peru.

Meanwhile, daily seminars offer complimentary tastes of wine, beer and food from around the world. In addition, a series of special culinary programs features a lineup of renowned winemakers, guest chefs and speakers participating in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

"Our festival theme, 'Tastefully Inspired,' is an opportunity to emphasize the relationship between two expressions of art -- the canvas and the table," says Nora Carey, festival manager. "We're showcasing great artwork from around the world that celebrates food and wine in many scenes. While the theme is an inspirational springboard for our culinary talent, it also lets us tell stories to our guests that will surprise, enlighten and embolden them to think about food in a new way."

The Epcot festival has grown dramatically, attracting a diverse audience of more than one million guests each fall -- from wine connoisseurs and epicures to neophytes primed to boost their wine IQs. Beer aficionados can raise their steins at several tasting locations, including Germany's Biergarten, which specialize in brews from light to dark.

"There's no other festival environment in the world like ours," Carey says. "From the picturesque World Showcase Lagoon to the authentic architecture that showcases many cultures, it's an ideal backdrop for the exceptional culinary and wine-related talent of Walt Disney World Resort and for the great celebrity chefs and wine connoisseurs who join us each year."

Musical entertainment pairs well with culinary fun during the nightly Eat to the Beat! concert series featuring a varied lineup of classic rock, oldies, jazz and funk hit-makers. Concerts are performed three times each evening at America Gardens Theatre. This year's scheduled lineup includes appearances by Jon Secada, Little Richard, Sheena Easton, David Cassidy, The Village People, Chubby Checker & the Wildcats and 10 additional crowd-pleasing acts.

Other festival highlights include:

The Festival Welcome Center, with a Champagne and Wine Bar, complimentary wine seminars and book signings, and festival keepsakes including exclusive festival pins and the official festival cookbook.
Some 250 Disney chefs and guest chefs conducting culinary demonstrations and hosting elegant dinners and tasting events. Guest chefs appearing this year include Cat Cora, Alan Wong, Jeff Henderson, Roy Yamaguchi, Todd English, G. Garvin, Keegan Gerhard, Robert Irvine, Jose Gutierrez, Suvir Saran, Warren Brown and many others.
Mireille Guiliano, author of bestsellers French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating for Pleasure and French Women for All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes and Pleasure, will sign books and participate in special culinary programs during opening weekend.
Special exhibits along the promenade, featuring authentic cuisine, entertainment and traditional crafts. New exhibits include:
Oklahoma showcasing Native American cooking and culture in celebration of the state's centennial.
The Pearville Fair, a slice of Americana featuring the variety and flavor of these favorite fruits.
Peru celebrating the land of the Incas with Lima chefs and unique arts and crafts.
Dominican Republic presenting entertainment by the Ballet Folklorico and rum cocktails.
Twinings Tea Bar featuring rich tea history and a selection of refreshing iced teas.
Andes Mountain Wine Bar offering a selection of varietals from Argentina and Chili.
New 10-day experiences showcasing culinary and culture by Michoacan-The Soul of Mexico; Taste of Puglia, Italy and The Greek Wine Bar Island.
The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting event featuring tempting tastes from eminent chefs, more than 70 wines and beers and entertainment by Cirque du Soleil La Nouba.

Included with Epcot Admission:

Wine and beer seminars, cooking demonstrations, special book signings at the Festival Center, Eat to the Beat! concerts, culinary and cultural exhibits, and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.

Special Programming by Reservation:

The weekly Party for the Senses grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings at Epcot restaurants, Exquisite Evenings at Epcot dinners, Regional Feasts, Epcot Wine Schools, Cheese Tastings, Sweet Sundays, Afternoon Tea with Stephen Twining and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate admission.

Guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) for information and to make reservations for special events and programs. Festival details are available at the Web site: disneyworld.com/food.