EPCOT Food & Wine Festival: Part I

This Tuesday and Thursday, I'll feature some of my adventures from the 2011 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival in Orlando, FL.  For more information on this event, please visit: DisneyWorld.Disney.Go.Com.

This was my first experienced EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, and I wasn't sure what to expect.  To be honest, I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to go, as the event falls over harvest season (September 30th to November 13th).  However, it is one of the most beautiful times to visit Florida if you get a chance!

"Johnny Depp" and I gearing up for a fun day around EPCOT

[Make sure you bring your own water!]

(Photo by author's grandfather)

Wine and Food Everywhere

(Photo by author)

How it works: The festival is set up throughout the circle that is EPCOT - with food and wine stands outside each individual country and a few scattered near the entrance.  Each stand has a menu with prices associated with each item. Unless otherwise noted, the quantities are small portions - enough for a taste!

The menu at South Africa

(Photo by author)

The menu at Germany

(Photo by author)

Cost: This is one of those events that you'd probably have to budget for.  Parking at EPCOT is $14 per vehicle.  The daily entry fee into the park is $85 per person.  And then as you add up your cost of each individual item you want to try (assume between $3 to $12 per item), the cost can surely add up.  However, it is a fun day, especially if you have a crazy family that enjoy walking around EPCOT:

The crazy family at the Mexico Margarita Hut

From back left to bottom right: my aunt (who would liked to be named Amy), her husband (my uncle, Terry), my grandfather, my grandmother, and Johnny Depp

(Photo by author)

The Countries:

For some reason, we skipped the entrance countries (Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribbean) and went straight to Mexico.  I believe our reason was because we had been meandering throughout EPCOT for over an hour and hadn't tried a single piece of food.... ok and we all personally enjoy the frozen margaritas at Mexico.  We thought they would be refreshing in the noon Floridian sun!

Mexico: Here we tried The Grilled Ribeye Taco (with chipotle pepper sauce and scallions).  This is the only food item I neglected to get an image of... probably because we were all sipping on our margaritas... which were not actually featured at the Mexico stand.  The drinks of choice were: Dos Equis Beer, Strawberry Lime Margarita on the Rocks (a 2 oz portion), L.A. Cetto Chardonnay or Petite Sirah.  However, I think the margarita went better with the spicy ribeye taco, which was a small 6" soft-shell taco.

We skipped Scandinavia (I tried to talk everyone into Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries...)  I mean, come on!  How often do you get to try lingonberries?!

China: Here we tasted Pork Pot Stickers in some sort of spiced soy sauce, I think.  These were "eh, ok" and we much rather would've paid the extra $1 for the Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles after seeing what it looked like.  [I should note, this is when we started evaluating the "taste" prior to purchase.  I told you - we are crazy.]  

China Pork Pot Stickers

(Photo by author)

Again, we skipped South Korea (no one was into kimchi apparently) and went straight to...

South Africa: Where we purchased Bunny Chow (a vegetable curry served in a bread loaf) and La Capra Pinotage.  My grandfather ordered an additional taste of La Capra Shiraz... because he likes Shiraz, I think!  The Bunny Chow was delicious!  I loved the tangy, light curry in all those fresh-cut veggies.  The Pinotage was very oaky and hot (high ethanol), which surprised me.  It had a slight berry note, but was very spicy, especially paired with curry (should've tried a white here...).  [I should note that Pinotage is actually a hybrid variety that South Africa is making famous.]  The Shiraz, on the other hand, was a bit reductive, thin-bodied and berry flavored.

South Africa Bunny Chow and La Capra Pinotage

[Note the portion size of each!]

(Photo by author)

Cheese:  Which is not actually a country, but it is a stand at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival!  I didn't partake in the cheesy experience, but I found two cheese-lovers who did:

Aunt Amy and Grandmom enjoying their cheese

(Photo by author)

Actually, I found these platters to be some of the best deals of the day.  I think both of them were about $4 each and the portion size was quite nice.  Both women enjoyed their Artisan Cheese Selection tray (with Le Delice de Bourgogn Lincet, Thomasville Tomme Sweet Grass Dairy, and Chevre Affine Wyngaard Kaas) and the Cheese Fondue with Sourdough Bread.

The tasty Artisan Cheese Selection with honey, crackers, dried cranberries, and fig, I think

(Photo by author)

Cheese fondue with Sourdough Bread

(Photo by author)

No one did any beer throughout the day, so we also skipped the Brewer's Collection (way too hot for beer, I think).  But we did stop at...

Germany: For a glass of the Selbach-Oster Estate Spatlese - a semi-sweet, light white wine that tasted of apples, honey, and flowers.  My Aunt Amy quoted, "I would go back for more!"  While in Germany, we also visited the caramel desert store.  My aunt bought an Apple Pie Caramel Apple and got me a side dessert of Chocolate-Caramel Covered Strawberries!  We met two nice German boys who I thought I could feature on the blog today - they actually made our desserts for us:

Guys from Germany that made our yummy desserts - thank you guys!  I hope you get a chance to read this!

(Photo by author)

The yummiest chocolate-caramel covered strawberries ever...

(Photo by author)

The apple pie caramel apple... already cut up and ready to eat

(Photo by author)

Strawberries... devoured...  These were surely a taste sensation!

(Photo by author)

Some extra German decor.  This is a painted Ostrich Egg - $1,200.  :)

That brings us halfway around EPCOT's world!  Stay tuned on Thursday for more adventures and taste profiles at the 2011 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival...

A Local Wine Meal

Hopefully everyone enjoyed last week's Regional Wine Week Features that was hosted by DrinkLocalWine.Com.  I thought I'd get this week started by focusing on an "all-local" dinner for one (or two if you have someone to share this with).

In California, it was easy to swing the whole "Eat and Drink Local" mentality because everywhere you turned were local food markets and wineries.  :)  Not to mention the local olive oil producers, local cheese manufacturers, and local sparkling water producers:

Calistoga Water Plant - Water Delivery Statue

(Photo by author)

But in other areas, the "Eat and Drink Local" mentality can be a little bit more difficult.  I remember the farmer's market days in Virginia... also easy to come by local goods.  And when I drive through Biglerville, Pennsylvania, I'm often reminded of all the fresh produce (especially apples) that are plentiful this 2011 harvest season.

So I made it an effort to try something local for an evening.  I suppose it's not all "local" (as in within 20 minutes of my house) as I traveled throughout the state of Pennsylvania and picked up those goods that I could only purchase in that area.  Here's what I came up with:

Tada!  My Eat Local/Drink Local Dinner for One!

(Photo by author)

What did my simple dinner include, you ask?  Answer:

Wine: Manatawny Creek Winery 2008 Syrah from Douglassville, PA 

Apples: from Biglerville, PA - some of the best apples in the world

White Cheddar Cheese: Berkey Creamery from State College, PA

Jalapeno-Pimento Cheddar Cheese: Berkey Creamery from State College, PA

And all that I have to say at the end of the night is... yuuuummmm....  :)  Give this a try!  I'm sure you'll be amazed what fun combinations of food you can come up with!  Post here if you have an awesome suggestion.  (P.S. I know I should have included a veggie... but I didn't have any...  AND in case you are wondering apples and cheddar cheese are FANTASTIC pairings)

A Special Blog Post for PENNSYLVANIA WINE DAY

I invite you all to taste a glass of Pennsylvania wine today, Saturday, October 15th, and cheers the industry that is currently 4th in wine grape production and 7th in wine volume.  They have come a long way since the days of Prohibition when the industry was almost eliminated, and if you are a daily reader of my wine blog here, I'm sure that you'll find there are many treasures out there worth sipping.

2011 Red Chambourcin Prepping for Harvest

(Photo by author)

A Tasting at Christian W. Klay Winery in the Pennsylvania October weather

(Photo by author)

So please, raise a glass with me or take the day to visit your local tasting room!

HAPPY PENNSYLVANIA WINE DAY 

To ALL the Pennsylvania wineries and Pennsylvania wine consumers!

For more information on Pennsylvania wine, winery tourism, or Pennsylvania Wine Day, please visit http://www.pennsylvaniawine.com/.

Regional Wine Week: Manatawny Creek Winery

DrinkLocalWine.com is hosting "Regional Wine Week" across the U.S. from October 9th through the 15th, so this week, all my blog posts will focus on Pennyslvania and its wine industry.  However, visit the DrinkLocalWine.com website to see more blog posts about wines across the U.S - all those states we don't hear too much about in the wine world.  Remember that October 15th is Pennsylvania Wine Day, and make sure to cheers Pennsylvania wine, no matter where you are!

My life in the wine industry started with Manatawny Creek Winery in Douglassville, Pennsylvania (about an hour east of Philadelphia).  It was the first winery that captivated me into the world of wine.  And through my childhood into my adulthood, the people at Manatawny Creek Winery kept me coming back year after year after year to learn more.  To this day, I still learn from them, and still appreciate the wines they are making.  Joanne Levengood, the winemaker, has an obsession with purple.  So when you walk into the tasting room, get ready to get purpled!  And remember to have some fun.  After all, it's only wine!  Here's an inside look at Manatawny Creek Winery:

Flowers in the parking area

The observation vineyard at Manatawny Creek Winery

During the start of the growing season

The entrance into Manatawny Creek Winery

Welcome sign

Love the little details to pricing all the wine gear throughout the tasting room

A crisp harvest day filled with local grape-picking volunteers

The creek that runs towards the tasting room during the harvest season

This is another winery where I think there is something for everyone.  Every other year the Chardonnay is either oaked or un-oaked to express the traditional buttery/oaky taste of Chardonnay that some people love or express the fruit that is becoming more popular.  The Blanc de Blanc (bubbly) is one of my favorite made by the traditional method... or if you're a sweeter-bubbly drinker, try the Sparkling Raspberry to start out your tasting.  Soleils Jumeaux ("twin suns") is one of the more popular white blends that almost everyone ends up liking.  If you are in the mood for more traditional, red European varieties, there are a series of Cabs, Merlot, and Syrah available in addition to The Trio and Meritage blend.  But if you're into those sweeter wines, make sure to try the Blue Bear Ease or Razz Bear Ease.  Either way,  end your tasting with a sip of Cabernet Franc Port and a piece of local chocolate.  Or try one of the dessert wines: Honey Wine, The End, or Muscat (my personal favorite!). 

On Monday, I'll feature an "all-local" meal with Manatawny Creek Winery's 2008 Syrah.  Nonetheless, I hope you have enjoyed Regional Wine Week featuring 5 fantastic Pennsylvania wineries.  But don't stop with these suggestion.  Pennsylvania now offers over 150 wineries across the state, some of which are just opening in the coming months!  For more information on Pennsylvania wine, please visit http://www.pennsylvaniawine.com/ and remember to "cheers" to Pennsylvania wine tomorrow for Pennsylvania Wine Day!

Regional Wine Week: Maiolatesi Wine Cellars

DrinkLocalWine.com is hosting "Regional Wine Week" across the U.S. from October 9th through the 15th, so this week, all my blog posts will focus on Pennyslvania and its wine industry.  However, visit the DrinkLocalWine.com website to see more blog posts about wines across the U.S - all those states we don't hear too much about in the wine world.  Remember that October 15th is Pennsylvania Wine Day, and make sure to cheers Pennsylvania wine, no matter where you are!

Tucked deep in Pennsylvania's north eastern wilderness is Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, which is a perfect place to stop in between your fishing, kayaking, skiing, or hiking experiences.  The Pocono/Scranton area is one of the most beautiful parts of Pennsylvania that I know of, and Maiolatesi is no exception.  Here's a look at some of the key features inside Maiolatesi's tasting room:

The mural inside the tasting room at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars

Welcome to Maiolatesi's tasting room!

Wines to purchase inside the tasting room

A close up of Maiolatesi's White Label - one of my personal favorites

An old, historic wine press inside the tasting room

The view from Maiolatesi Wine Cellars (during the summer months)

(All photos by author)

At Maiolatesi, winemaking is an art that has been passed down through several generations.  There's something at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars for everyone.  Some of their specialties include Sweet Tea Wine, Watermelon Cayuga White, and Just Peachy - some of my favorite sweet wines found throughout the state.  The fruit flavor in these wines is phenomenal and made with great care.  Additionally, Maiolatesi sells a very nice sparkling wine: Sparkling Viognier - one of the few sparkling wines with a Viognier base.  However, if you're into drier wines, try the Riesling, White Label (incredibly aromatic and enticing), and Giulia's Reserve Chardonnay.  Nonetheless, enjoy your experience tasting wine in north eastern Pennsylvania.  Cheers!

Regional Wine Week: South Shore Wine Company

DrinkLocalWine.com is hosting "Regional Wine Week" across the U.S. from October 9th through the 15th, so this week, all my blog posts will focus on Pennyslvania and its wine industry.  However, visit the DrinkLocalWine.com website to see more blog posts about wines across the U.S - all those states we don't hear too much about in the wine world.  Remember that October 15th is Pennsylvania Wine Day, and make sure to cheers Pennsylvania wine, no matter where you are!

One of my favorite tasting rooms in Erie, Pennsylvania is the South Shore Wine Company, which is owned by Mazza Vineyards.  There is a lot of history in this tasting room, which was established in 1864.  South Shore Wine Company was actually Pennsylvania's first commercial winery, which was in full production until Prohibition.  Eventually the upstairs was used as an inn, restaurant, and local banquet hall.  Today, you can enjoy your favorite soup and sandwich on the lovely, airy veranda (and I highly recommend this).  Here's a small look at the wine cellar at South Shore Wine Company:

The staircase down into the wine cellar

The wine cellar entrance at South Shore Wine Company

The tasting bar at South Shore Wine Company

Some old barrel art

I highly suggest a pairing between South Shore Wine Company's Lemberger and Noiret.  These are two varieties that Erie grows very well and are quite tasty!  The Noiret, especially, is incredibly nice: full-bodied, spicy, and full of fruit.  These varieties are definitely worth eating with your red meats, heavy chicken dishes, bar-b-q's and your favorite pizza or pasta dish.

Regional Wine Week: Briar Valley Vineyard & Winery

DrinkLocalWine.com is hosting "Regional Wine Week" across the U.S. from October 9th through the 15th, so this week, all my blog posts will focus on Pennyslvania and its wine industry.  However, visit the DrinkLocalWine.com website to see more blog posts about wines across the U.S - all those states we don't hear too much about in the wine world.  Remember that October 15th is Pennsylvania Wine Day, and make sure to cheers Pennsylvania wine, no matter where you are!

In Bedford, (southwestern) Pennsylvania there's a quaint tasting room on East Pitt Street that is surrounded by cute shops and lots of downtown culture.  The Briar Valley Vineyard and Winery tasting room is gorgeous.  The tasting bar is hosted by an energetic and knowledgeable wine pourer who can answer just about every question about wine you might have.  If you look up while sipping on your local favorite, you might catch the extravagant ceiling design.  And if you feel like sitting around for awhile, there's a comfortable sitting area to enjoy the afternoon.

The award winning wines at Briar Valley Vineyard & Winery

The beautiful decor at Briar Valley

The ceiling in the tasting room

A cozy place to sit and sip your favorite wine

Extra sitting room at Briar Valley Vineyard & Winery

The tasting bar

If your thing is dry wines, then Briar Valley Vineyard and Winery is the place to go.  This winery specializes in dry wines, except for The Encore dessert wine.  Alsatian whites like Riesling and Gewurztraminer are a beautiful start to your tasting.  A beautiful dry Cabernet Franc rose wine is used to transfer you from the white wines to the reds.  But also included is a serious and oaky Lemberger, which is one of the best I've ever tasted.  If you like Cabs and Bordeaux blends, also included are full-bodied Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Proprietor's Blend.  To taste the difference between the Cabernet Franc and Merlot is an experience you have to try!

This is one winery you do not want to miss while traveling through Pennsylvania.  Cheers!

Regional Wine Week: Pinnacle Ridge Winery

DrinkLocalWine.com is hosting "Regional Wine Week" across the U.S. from October 9th through the 15th, so this week, all my blog posts will focus on Pennyslvania and its wine industry.  However, visit the DrinkLocalWine.com website to see more blog posts about wines across the U.S - all those states we don't hear too much about in the wine world.  Remember that October 15th is Pennsylvania Wine Day, and make sure to cheers Pennsylvania wine, no matter where you are!

Pinnacle Ridge Winery is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and is one that shouldn't be overlooked.  Winemaker, Brad Knapp is an expert in sparkling wine production, but he also puts great care and style into his still wines.  His goal: minimal intervention during production using traditional (old world) methods as much as possible.  Pinnacle Ridge focuses on wines made from Vitis vinifera (European) grapes, but you can find a few hybrid varieties thrown throughout the tasting sheet: Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, and Cayuga.  Here's a look at Pinnacle Ridge...

Pinnacle Ridge Winery

Entrance into Pinnacle Ridge Winery

The barrels and winemaker, Brad Knapp, on display in the tasting room

Welcome to Pinnacle Ridge!  I love this sign!

A touch of creativity at Pinnacle Ridge Winery

One of my favorite wines produced by Pinnacle Ridge Winery that I have gotten a chance to try is the 2008 Veritas.  Brad only makes the Veritas label on excellent vintage years, and the 2008 label is no exception.  Heavy, enticing, and dominant - this full-bodied wine is a good selection for those that enjoy deep and dark red wines.  Upon several minutes of letting the wine breathe, I found this wine to have fresh flavors of currants, berries, spice, green olives, burnt toast, and fresh oak with a slight hint of vanilla in the finish.  Definitely a wine worth pairing with steak, burgers, and heavy sauces.

2008 Veritas by Pinnacle Ridge

(All photos by author)