This annual foodie event takes place in early November on the scenic causeway between the Swan and the Dolphin resorts. The Food & Wine Classic has dozens of food and beverage stations. The themed areas include Carnival Corner, Chinatown, The Beer Garden and The Pig & The Poke. You can spend the night at one of the three resorts of the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin complex or you can just buy tickets for the event. The event takes place on Friday and on Saturday and runs from 5:30pm to 9:00pm on both days. When you check-in you receive a wine glass that you carry around. There are dozens of wine stations and you can taste wine from all around the world (Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Italy, New Zealand, Spain and from the states of California, Oregon and Washington). When they pour you a glass, remember that they are supposed to give a tasting pour, which is about half the size of a regular serving.
We started our evening near the Swan swimming pool at the Bubbles Lounge, which served prosecco, cava and sparkling wine. We then stopped in Chinatown and tested some dumplings and Shu Mein (a mix of Noodle, Braised Tofu, Shiitake Mushroom, Bamboo, Ginko Nuts and Vegan Broth).
We continued to the next booth and stopped by Shula’s Steak House to sample their Angus Beef Tenderloin. That was a perfect match with the South American red wines we tasted nearby.
Afterwards we started crossing the causeway and tasted more delicious food. We particularly enjoyed the Chicken Souvlaki, Agnolotti, Baked Ricotta, Salmon and Mahi-Mahi dishes. They also had great sushi from Kimonos, the Japanese restaurant.
To name a few more great dishes I would recommend the Tuna Bowl (Hawaiian Yellowfin Tuna), the Ceviche and the Shrimp tempura.
We were very pleased to sample delicious tacos from Rosa Mexicano, the Mexican restaurant that is replacing the Fresh Mediterranean Market in the Dolphin hotel. The venue is supposed to open in early 2023. Rosa Mexicano is a high-end chain with already ten locations.
We also made a stop at the Beer Garden and enjoyed the Crispy Buffalo Wings. They have a huge beer selection and it is a great alternative for people who prefer beer over wine. This is not our case and we sampled more Pinot Noir on our way to the dessert station. They had a Banana Split Tart and a range of delicious mini desserts such as a Dark Chocolate Tart, a White Peach-Red Currant Melba and a Pumpkin Hazelnut Cheesecake.
The music entertainment was staged in different locations. The main stage was in front of the Dolphin, but they also had jazz in the Bubbles Lounge near the Swan swimming pool. We also enjoyed the typical Mexican music at Rosa Mexicano and the Steel Drums on the beach.
We had a great time and we will definitely return to enjoy this event year after year. The food and the staff are great and the venue is simply spectacular. At the end of the event, by 9:00pm you can just walk over the bridge and enjoy the Epcot fireworks.