The 10th edition of the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic takes place Nov. 8 and 9 around and between to two hotels. It’s a weekend full of cocktail classes, culinary workshops and lots of wine sipping and food tasting.
I’ve always thought this was a great idea – hosting a companion event to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival just a popped Champagne cork away but without the theme-park admission fee. I think it’s even smarter that this year they’ve moved it to November from the usual October dates, so balmier weather has a better chance of reaching Florida.
The structure of the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, or WDWSDFWC, if you prefer, has remained the same, but its breadth has broadened.
It’s mainly an evening event, beginning both days at 5:30 and ending at 9 p.m., though the seminars are held an hour earlier at 4:30. Some of the seminars include: wine blending; pasta making; fine art of sushi and sake; classic cocktail making; beer education and tasting; and cheese and wine pairing. The seminars are ticketed separately and they always sell out early, so check out the full list and sign up now. (My only complaint with the seminars is that there are so many interesting ones and only two chances to participate.)
After the seminars end, it’s out to the causeway that links the two properties. There the food and wine stalls will be set up, and this year there’s a beer garden, too.
The food is from the numerous Swan and Dolphin restaurants, so we’re talking Todd English’s bluezoo, Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino, Kimonos, Picabu and others. English himself is scheduled to be on hand along with S&D’s Dan Herman and Laurent Branlard. You can see a full list of what will be served at the official Food & Wine Classic website.
You can see the different ticket options there, too. Most popular is the Causeway Ticket option, which gets you unlimited food and beverage samples and access to the beer garden for $145.
And the entertainment, as well, because the causeway comes alive with lights and music after dark (daylight savings ends the Sunday before the event). I especially love the pulsing lights on the tall palms that make the trees seem to dance.
There’s a lot to like about the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. I’ll have some more updates later about some of the food that will be offered. But don’t wait; get your tickets now before they sell out.
