Mid-November 2024
Whether you’re seeking to delve into the details of wine blending or just looking for a few good eats, you’re sure to find a culinary experience you’ll enjoy. Appropriately taking place at the home of extraordinary culinary talent, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin showcases a passion for food and beverage. Conveniently taking place during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and located just a short walk from Epcot, this event offers foodies the ideal opportunity to continue their culinary experience while enjoying the festivities at Epcot.
The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is a two-night event is held at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, with chefs from the hotel’s 17 award-winning restaurants and lounges. Stroll the causeway on Crescent Lake immersed in a culinary festival with live music and different tasting stations from restaurants such as Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Todd English’s bluezoo, and more.
Beverage stations at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic will offer mini-learning experiences and feature offerings such as wine, sake and beer. Those looking for a more in-depth experience can choose from a variety of hour-long beverage seminars taught by certified wine sommeliers and beer and cocktail specialists from the hotel’s team. Attendees will learn drink origins, pairing tips and enjoy an informative tasting experience.
The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is open to the general public, so regardless of where you are staying, at the Swan or Dolphin Resort or at a Disney-owned resort, you can still purchase causeway event tickets, seminar tickets or even a la carte tickets and have a great evening.
The following are details for the 2023 event. Details will be posted for the 2024 event when released.
General Information Menu Wine Tastings Seminars Experiences
2023 Annual Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Information
The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic has been a cherished event for culinary enthusiasts visiting the Walt Disney World Resort. Hosted annually at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, this event usually takes place over a weekend in the fall and coincides with the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, making it a fantastic addition for those who are visiting the larger EPCOT event.
This outdoor event features culinary selections from the hotels award-winning restaurants and beverage samplings from around the world, all amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment. The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic will take place from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. both evenings of the event.
In addition to the Classic Event on the Causeway, participants may chose to purchase an additional ticket for one of the following Educational Seminars. Causeway tickets and seminar tickets each sold separately.
General tickets are $185 per person ($197.59 with service fee)
The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic offers guests an upscale culinary experience right in the heart of Walt Disney World. It’s a fantastic opportunity for food and wine lovers to gather, learn, and celebrate the rich diversity of flavors and techniques presented by the talented chefs and beverage experts of the Swan and Dolphin Resort. Tickets allow unlimited food and beverage tasting throughout the event.
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Menus
Shula’s Steakhouse
Friday and Saturday:
Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus Beef Tenderloin, Potato Puree, Pearl Onion, Dijon Mustard, Cognac Sauce
Smokin’ D’s BBQ
Friday: Smoked American Lamb: Hand Crafted Lamb, Smoked Cumin and Harissa Barbeque Sauce, Roasted Black Pepper and Date Puree, Pickled Mustard Greens
Saturday: Smoked Beef Rib, Smoked Molasses Barbeque Sauce, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Tobacco Onions
Cabana Bar and Beach Club
Friday: Compressed Late Harvest Watermelon, Spiced Labneh, Marinated Tomatoes, Frisee, Marinated Feta Cheese
Saturday: Traditional Falafel, Seasoned and Herbed Ground Chick Pea, Warm Naan, Tzatziki Sauce, Tomato, Parsley
The Fountain
Friday: Beef Sliders: Hand Formed Angus Beef Patty, True Aioli, Smoked Bacon, Roma Tomato Chutney
Saturday: Grilled Chicken BLT: Marinated Chicken, Hellman’s Mayonnaise, Crisp Bacon, Iceberg Lettuce, Roma Tomato, Brioche Bun, Frieda’s Macaroni Salad
Il Mulino New York Trattoria
Friday: Gorgonzola Cheese Filled Agnolotti, Spiced Pear, Walnuts, Nasturtium, NJuda Vinaigrette
Saturday: Baked Ricotta Cheese Custard, Carrot, Radish, Tomato, Pine Nut “Gremolata”
Kimonos
Friday: Kimonos Roll: Ahi Tuna, Yellowtail, Sustainable Salmon, Wasabi Mayonnaise
Saturday: Dragon Roll: Crispy Shrimp, Yellowfin Tuna, Haas Avocado, Kewpie Mayonnaise
Amare
Friday: Polpetti: Tomato Braised Lamb and Beef Meatball, Crispy potato, Saron Aioli, Toasted Pine Nut Crumble
Saturday: Tonnarelli Pasta: House-Made Tonnarelli Pasta, Steamed Baby Clams, Roasted Tomato Sauce, Calabrian Chili, Guanciale
Garden Grove
Friday: Sautéed Atlantic Salmon, Celery Root Puree, Crispy Sprouts
Saturday: “Shakshuka” Horseradish ~ Dijon Cream Sauce
Picabu
Friday: Red Wine Braised Beef, New Potatoes, Field Mushrooms, Organic Vegetables, Egg Noodles
Saturday: Quinoa Bowl: Toasted Organic Quinoa, Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower Roasted Cherry Tomato, Red Onion, Pepperoncini, Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Rosa Mexicano
Friday and Saturday: Signature Classic Guacamole en Molcajete, Fresh Tortilla Chips, Roasted Tomato Salsa Tacos: Red Chile Chicken, Avocado, Tomatillo, Pico de Gallo, Queso Fresco, Corn Tortillas Roasted Mushroom: Plancha Roasted Shiitake, Cremini and Oyster Mushrooms, Pasilla Chile, Green Apple Slaw, Sliced Avocado, Queso Fresco, Mint, Corn Tortillas
China Town
Friday and Saturday: Pan Seared Vegan Dumpling, Spicy Sauce Shu Mein: Shanghai Noodle, Braised Tofu, Shiitake Mushroom, Bamboo, Vegan Broth Congee: Slow Cooked Rice Porage, Shrimp Dumpling, Fried Shallot, Green Onion, Garlic, Crispy Chili Flakes Gua Bao: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Pork Belly, Pickled Cucumber, Red Chile, Toasted Sesame, Hot Sauce
For the Love of Florida
Friday and Saturday: Seminole Pumpkin Fry Bread: Pumpkin Flavored Fry Bread, Powdered Sugar, Warm Pumpkin Spice Sauce Grilled Florida Oysters: House Made Kumquat Hot Sauce, Shallot Butter Tarpon Springs Greek Salad: Romaine Lettuce, Greek Dressing, Kalamata Olives, Pickled Beet, Potato Salad Butter Poached Bay Scallops: Florida Corn Puree, Charred Scallion Vinaigrette, Radish Threads, Shallot Butter
Beer Garden
Friday and Saturday: Poached Potato Dumpling: Poached Potato Dumpling Caramelized Onion Puree, Browned Butter, Crispy Bacon Crispy Bualo Wings: Hot Sauce, Celery Sticks, Blue Cheese Dressing Crispy Cauliflower: Sweet and Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Shoyu Yert’s Boiled Peanuts
Carnival Corner
Friday and Saturday: Creamy Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Crab Trued Marble Potatoes: Locatelli Cheese, Soft Herbs, “Shake and Bake Seasoning” Italian Beef: Slow Cooked Sliced Linz Heritage Angus Beef Rib-Eye, Soft Roll, Giardiniera
Pastry
Friday and Saturday: Triple Chocolate Cherry Ring Flambé, Kirschwasser Chocolate Sauce, Caramelized Sesame Ice Cream Pear Pecan Praline Cake, Black Fig Compote Blood Orange and Raspberry Tart Wild Strawberry Eclair 70% Single Origin Peruvian Chocolate Mousse, Mango-Passion Fruit Gel
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Wine Tastings
Argentina
In the last ten years, Argentina has transformed from a relatively obscure name in the global wine industry to the New World’s most rapidly expanding wine exporter. Malbec, a Bordeaux grape originally brought from France to Argentina in the mid-19th century, stands out both in quality and volume. Argentina also produces other red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda (referred to as Charbono in its homeland of Italy), Syrah, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir.
Australia
Australia is showcasing the richness and variety of its wines. The prime wine-producing areas are found in the southern part of the nation. The climate of each region plays a pivotal role in defining the wine’s character. Thus, grasping the geographical nuances of its vineyards is essential to appreciate the essence of Australian wines. The five pivotal wine-producing states in Australia include Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
California
California is renowned for its wine, produced primarily within this U.S. state. Together with New Mexico, they represent prominent examples of New World viticulture. California, roughly 75% the size of France, is responsible for about 90% of America’s wine output. In fact, its wine production surpasses Australia’s by a third. If California stood as an independent nation, it would rank as the world’s fourth-largest wine producer.
France
France stands as one of the world’s foremost wine producers, sharing this distinction with Italy, Spain, and the U.S. The legacy of French wine dates back to the 6th century BC, and many French regions boast winemaking traditions from the Roman era. Iconic grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, and Syrah have their roots in France and are now cultivated globally. Moreover, many global winemaking techniques and styles can trace their origins back to France.
Italy
Every region of Italy produces wine, making it one of the world’s most ancient wine-producing areas. As the globe’s top wine producer, Italy boasts a sprawling 702,000 hectares (1,730,000 acres) dedicated to vineyards, yielding an average of 48.3 million hl of wine annually. In 2018, Italy led the world by contributing 19 percent to global wine production, surpassing France’s 17 percent and Spain’s 15 percent.
Japan
Sake, often called Japanese rice wine, is an alcoholic drink made from rice that’s been polished to eliminate the bran. Contrary to its name, sake’s production isn’t like wine, which ferments the natural sugars in fruit, typically grapes. Instead, sake’s brewing process resembles beer’s, where starch transforms into sugars, which then ferment to become alcohol. However, sake’s brewing stands apart from beer’s two-step conversion of starch to sugar and then sugar to alcohol. In sake production, these conversions happen concurrently.
New Zealand
Wine from New Zealand originates from various viticultural areas throughout the country. Its stretched island geography in the South Pacific Ocean lends it a maritime climate with significant differences from the northern to southern regions. As is typical of many New World wines, New Zealand wines are often made from a single grape variety and labeled as such, or when blended, the varieties are specified on the label. The country is renowned for its Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and, in recent times, its rich and dense Pinot Noir from Marlborough, Martinborough, and Central Otago.
Oregon
The Oregon wine region has long captivated wine experts and avant-garde consumers. Its high-quality, cool-climate Pinot Noir often draws comparisons to Burgundy, more for its sheer quality than stylistic resemblance. Around 60% of the grapes produced in Oregon are Pinot Noir, whereas the combined production of Cabernet, Riesling, and Chardonnay accounts for merely 10%.
Spain
Wines crafted in Spain hail from the Iberian Peninsula. With over 1.2 million hectares (2.9 million acres) dedicated to vineyards, Spain claims the title of the nation with the most expansive wine planting. However, it ranks third in global wine production, trailing behind Italy and France, with the United States following close. One reason for this is the sparse planting of ancient vines on the arid, nutrient-poor soils characteristic of certain Spanish wine areas, which results in notably low yields.
Washington
Wine from Washington is crafted from grapes cultivated in the U.S. state of Washington. In terms of wine production, Washington stands as the second-leading state in the U.S., trailing only California. By 2017, Washington boasted more than 55,000 acres dedicated to vineyards, yielding a harvest of 229,000 short tons of grapes. The state’s 940+ wineries distribute their wines to over 40 countries worldwide.
Other Beverages
Beer Garden
Wander the terrace sampling a variety of beers, encompassing local and seasonal highlights. Our chef will curate signature “bar snacks” to complement our chosen brews. Cheers!
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Educational Seminars
Friday, November 10, 2023
Pasta Making with Executive Chef Dan – $110 ($118.09 with service fee)
3:00PM – 5:00PM
Experience the art of Pasta Making with Chef Dan Herman, Swan and Dolphin’s Executive Chef and culinary mastermind behind the Food & Wine Classic! Interact with key members of Swan and Dolphin’s culinary team while assisting with the preparation of 3 different specialty pastas. Learn how to prepare pasta dough from scratch and build the perfect pasta for your personal palate.
Enjoy your culinary creation with wine pairings selected by Swan and Dolphin’s Certified Sommeliers. Don’t wait to book this class, space is very limited!
Instructor: Chef Daniel Herman, Complex Executive Chef
Base to Bubbles Beverage Seminar – $85 ($91.59 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Learn the basics of champagne, including the importance of the grapes, land, climate, and viticulture to the process. Be introduced to the five key regions of Champagne and the different champagne styles in all areas of the world. Hone sight, smell, and taste as we finish with a blind champagne tasting.
Instructor: Olivier Zambaux
Certified Sommelier / Director of Banquets
It’s Better to Wine in Italian Beverage Seminar – $75 ($80.99 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Take a journey with us through the three main wine regions of Italy. This class will showcase the passion Italians have for their wine and how each wine is influenced by the food! Experience the history of the wines and how they have evolved to the modern palate without compromising their Italian traditions!
Instructor: Kristian LaPlante
Certified Sommelier / Assistant Director of Food and Beverage
Wine Blending Beverage Seminar – $85 ($91.59 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Swan and Dolphin’s certified sommeliers believe there is no better way to truly learn about wine than to taste it! During this hands-on seminar, we will break down the components of barrel samples while discussing the origins of the wine, review the plush varieties of grapes, and take a step-by-step look at the delicate wine making process. The real fun begins with an opportunity to blend your very own meritage! Become more adventurous and knowledgeable about the art of wine and always purchase the right bottle for any occasion.
Instructor: Luciano Sperduto
Certified Sommelier / Director of Food and Beverage
Craft Cocktails Beverage Seminar – $85 ($91.59 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Break down the components of a great cocktail and learn how to make them at home. Step into Swan and Dolphin’s bar and explore the art of craft cocktails (and enjoy the cocktails you prepare!).
Instructor: Jason Bradley
Certified Sommelier / Director of Beverage
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Beer, Please! Beverage Seminar – $75 ($80.99 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Does your beer knowledge start with “Bud” and end with “weiser”? Expand your beer horizons with micro brews and craft beers from around the world. Discover the process behind different brews and their impact on the food and beverage industry during the past few years as well as future trends. After completing a lesson on the brewing process, enjoy a personal tasting of the multiple styles of beer and perfect food pairings for any meal.
Instructor: Brian Exner
B.A.R. Certified, Certified Sommelier / Assistant Director of Food and Beverage
Craft Cocktails Beverage Seminar – $85 ($91.59 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Break down the components of a great cocktail and learn how to make them at home. Step into Swan and Dolphin’s bar and explore the art of craft cocktails (and enjoy the cocktails you prepare!).
Instructor: Jason Bradley
Certified Sommelier / Director of Beverage
Wine Blending Beverage Seminar – $85 ($91.59 with service fee)
4:30PM – 5:30PM
Swan and Dolphin’s certified sommeliers believe there is no better way to truly learn about wine than to taste it! During this hands-on seminar, we will break down the components of barrel samples while discussing the origins of the wine, review the plush varieties of grapes, and take a step-by-step look at the delicate wine making process. The real fun begins with an opportunity to blend your very own meritage! Become more adventurous and knowledgeable about the art of wine and always purchase the right bottle for any occasion.
Instructor: Luciano Sperduto
Certified Sommelier / Director of Food and Beverage
Experiences
The Grand Tasting – $425 ($451.99 with service fee)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023
2:00PM – 2:45PM WELCOME RECEPTION & REGISTRATION
2:45PM – 5:00PM THE GRAND TASTING
The Grand Tasting is a Master Sommelier led experience including a Champagne reception, 3 flights of elite wines, and Chef’s Table menu pairings from Executive Chef Dan Herman.
VIP Champagne & Dessert Party – $150 ($160.49 with service fee)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023
8:30PM – 10:00PM
Join the festivity at the NEW resort, The Swan Reserve, for a VIP dessert pairing reception. Swan and Dolphin’s Executive Pastry Chef has teamed up with their Certified Sommeliers to pair some incredible Champagnes & sparkling wines with Swan and Dolphin’s award winning desserts. Keep the night going from The Vue, Swan and Dolphin’s 15th floor ballroom with spectacular views including Disney fireworks, during this VIP after-party experience.
Epcot, which is right around the corner, also offers an International Food and Wine Festival in the fall
Look into other annual events at Disney World