The Disney Family of Wines Weekend is set for May 17 – 19, 2019 and offers guests the chance to enjoy an “intimate and adventurous getaway.” This special weekend was put together for those whose passion for wine is as genuine as their love for Disney.
At the event, guests can explore various flavors with a collection of curated wines produced by winemakers and wineries that have a special connection to Disney.
This package includes a 3-day/2-night food & wine vacation experience at Walt Disney World Resort:
- 2-night stay at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Main Tower – Lake View for the nights of May 17 and May 18, 2019
- 30+ wines will be presented throughout the weekend in workshops and culinary experiences. Varietals of wine include, but are not limited to: Riesling, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, Rosé, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Cuvée, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Sparkling Wine, and Zinfandel. (Subject to change without notice.)
- 4 interactive workshops hosted by representatives from each winery, including Disney Legend Kurt Russell, producer of Gogi Wines and culinary experts. They will share their stories, recipes, and history of winemaking alongside their personal Disney experiences. (Subject to change without notice.) Workshops include:
- Chardonnay’s Expression throughout California – This seminar will be an exploration and education on several Chardonnay’s from our Family of Wines. You will identify flavor profiles and taste wines from three distinct regions of California (Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County, Carneros). Presenters will describe the winemaking experience and how that process affects the flavor of the wine.
- Featured Wineries: Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, MacMurray Estate Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards
- Discover OUR Family of Pinot Noirs – A tasting and discussion on the Pinot Noir varietal that is well represented in the Disney Family of Wines. One of the greatest and most challenging wines to grow, you will hear from the wineries why Pinot grapes are so special. Once again, these wines will come from three different regions of California (Santa Barbara County, Napa Valley, Marin County) showcasing three distinct growing conditions and flavor profiles.
- Featured Wineries: Kurt Russell’s GoGi Wines, Chappellet Vineyard, Skywalker Vineyards
- Seed to Table and Secrets of Flavor – Ingredients are the foundation of fine cooking and winemaking. Learn more about what goes into growing the finest ingredients including food grown here at Walt Disney World exclusively for this weekend experience. Also, you’ll discover a New World of Flavor through a hands-on Sensory Experience. Fully develop and understand your palette through a series of tastings that include the finest ingredients from the Chef’s kitchen.
- Featured Wineries: Kurt Russell’s GoGi Wines, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, MacMurray Estate Vineyards
- Wine Wonders and American Artisanal Cheese – A unique approach to cheese making and wine appreciation. Participants will hear about the history and art of cheesemaking while tasting highly acclaimed boutique cheeses produced in the same regions as the wines paired with them. You will hear how ingredients from the same land create a connection that is recognizable in the flavors.
- Featured Wineries: Skywalker Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, Chappellet Vineyard
- Chardonnay’s Expression throughout California – This seminar will be an exploration and education on several Chardonnay’s from our Family of Wines. You will identify flavor profiles and taste wines from three distinct regions of California (Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County, Carneros). Presenters will describe the winemaking experience and how that process affects the flavor of the wine.
- Interact and learn from the following representatives from each winery. Subject to change without notice:
- Chappellet Vineyard – Jay James, Master Sommelier and Director of Sales
- Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard – Tim Snider, President of Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard
- Frank Family Vineyards – Elizabeth Parenteau, Southeast Sales Manager
- Kurt Russell’s GoGi Wines – Disney Legend Kurt Russell, producer of GoGi Wines and Jami Russell Way, COO of GoGi wines
- MacMurray Estate Vineyards – Kate MacMurray, Spokesperson, and daughter of winery founder, Disney Legend Fred MacMurray
- Silverado Vineyards – Jon Emmerich, Winemaker of Silverado Vineyards
- Skywalker Vineyards – Tom Johnson, General Manager- Skywalker Ranch and Vineyards
- Intimate Welcome and Farewell receptions, two luncheon experiences, and gala dinner. Subject to change without notice:
- Welcome Reception – Hosted by representatives from each of our Disney Family of Wines, this reception will feature high-end food tastings and considered wine pairings. It’s a chance for guests to share time with other enthusiasts and kick-off the weekend’s activities.
- Culinary Adventure – A hands-on, interactive cooking experience that takes place in the unique Contemporary Catering Kitchen. Participants hand roll sushi, create pasta; “break down” a beef tenderloin; handcraft fromage blanc and learn the secrets of the professional pastry chef. This 5-course event is paired with the Disney Family of Wines.
- Disney Family of Wines Storytelling – Each of the Disney Family of Wines comes with a special connection to Disney. Join representatives from these wineries as they share their stories, recipes, and history of winemaking alongside their Disney experiences.
- Gala Dinner & Fireworks – This special evening will include a one-of-a-kind six-course menu designed for this gathering. Once again hosted by our culinary and wine “celebrities” our guests will enjoy these featured wines artfully paired with each course with details about the production of these wines from vine to table. The event includes a pre-reception and concludes with a dessert reception and private fireworks viewing.
- Farewell Reception – A final opportunity to celebrate the experiences of the weekend, speak to chefs, sommeliers, & winery principals, and enjoy a few final tastings.
Sample Itinerary – Subject to change without notice:
- May 17
- Evening – Welcome Reception
- May 18
- Mid-Morning – Workshop 1
- Luncheon Experience – Disney Storytelling
- Mid-Afternoon – Workshop 2
- May 19
- Mid-Morning – Workshop 3
- Luncheon Experience – Culinary Adventure
- Mid-Morning – Workshop 4
- Late Afternoon – Farewell Reception
- $2,950 per person, based on adult double occupancy. Space is limited!
This package is available to guests age 21 and older with valid proof of age. Theme park admission is not required to attend events and is not included in this package. Advance reservations are required by May 3, 2019, and can be made by calling (407) 939-4239.
Senior Editor for the DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 Disney Parks Moms Panelist (now planDisney) | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disney Cruise Line | ºoº
