Food & Wine | By Savannah Tradd | Photos submitted by TJM Communications
For food and beverage lovers, there’s a difference between simply enjoying a great glass of wine or perfectly crafted cocktail and understanding what makes it great. This fall, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic invites guests to do both.
Returning Nov. 20 & 21 for its 17th year, the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic has become one of Central Florida’s signature culinary events. For two evenings, the resort’s scenic causeway transforms into an outdoor festival filled with unlimited tastings from the resort’s award-winning restaurants, wines, beers and spirits from around the world, and live entertainment. From 5-9 p.m. each night, guests can stroll, sip and sample their way through the resort’s distinctive culinary program.
But for those looking to dig a little deeper into what’s in their glass, the Food & Wine Classic offers another experience worth discovering — educational seminars just prior to the causeway party on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m.
This year’s instructor-led Tasting Experiences provide guests with an experience centered on learning, tasting and discovering. And there’s no need to know your tannins from your terroir before taking a seat. Designed to be approachable for everyone from seasoned enthusiasts to curious beginners, the classes explore wine, beer and spirits with guidance from industry professionals and beverage specialists.
Each experience features six guided tastings selected to showcase different styles, flavors and techniques. Guests are welcomed to a fully set tasting table with tapas, artisan cheeses, crackers and other accompaniments selected to complement the tasting journey. Interactive tasting mats help participants follow along and identify key characteristics in each pour, while expert-led presentations offer insight into pairings, production and the stories behind what’s in the glass.
The result is less like sitting through a formal class and more like enjoying a conversation with someone who really knows — and loves — what they’re pouring.
Salud! A Journey Through Spain
Wine lovers can embark on a tasting tour without ever leaving Orlando during Salud! A Journey Through Spain. The experience takes participants through some of Spain’s celebrated wine regions, exploring the country’s rich winemaking traditions one glass at a time.
Guests will taste a range of distinctive Spanish wines, from crisp, refreshing whites to bold, expressive reds, while learning more about the varietals, regions and traditions behind each pour. Spanish-inspired bites add another dimension, demonstrating how the right food pairing can transform what you taste in the glass.
Beer Here!
For those who would rather raise a pint, Beer Here! takes a closer look at the craftsmanship behind an assortment of classic, craft, and specialty beers.
Participants will explore different brewing styles and flavor profiles while learning what makes each selection unique. Along the way, experts share simple food-pairing techniques that can help guests get more out of their favorite brews. It’s an experience designed to appeal just as much to someone beginning to explore the world of craft beer as it does to the person who always has a new favorite IPA in the refrigerator.
Craft Cocktails
Some cocktails come and go. Others earn a permanent spot at the bar.
The Craft Cocktails tasting experience turns the spotlight on enduring favorites including the Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, Gin Fizz and Cosmopolitan. Guided by cocktail experts, guests will explore the ingredients, techniques, flavors and stories that have helped make these drinks classics.
Beyond tasting, participants will pick up approachable tips and tricks they can use at home, making this experience especially appealing for anyone hoping to upgrade their home bartending skills.
The Tasting Experiences also reflect a larger part of what makes the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic distinctive: the culinary expertise found at the resort year-round. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is home to 23 restaurants and lounges and an extensive beverage program with more than 70 sommeliers and more than 1,400 wine selections.
For first-time attendees, the seminars can add an entirely new dimension to the weekend. Spend part of the evening discovering the difference a pairing can make, learning why certain flavors work together or finding a new favorite pour, then head outside and put that newfound knowledge to use while exploring everything the Food & Wine Classic has to offer.
The 17th annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic takes place Nov. 20-21 from 5-9 p.m. The interactive tasting seminars take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. Tickets are open to the public, including guests who are not staying at the resort. For additional information about the event, Tasting Experiences and to purchase tickets, visit FoodandWineClassic.com.
