Review: Wine and Dine Studio 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

We continue from the Cheese Studio.

The Wine and Dine Studio returns in the same location as last year on the walk into World Showcase from Future World near the Imagination Pavilion.

It’s the Marketplace on the far left. This is a particularly good place to stop because there are three kiosks all located in short order with an expansive area to set your food down and enjoy it in relative peace.

Although Disney is using the same picture as last year for the Trio of Artisan Cheese, the names look to be different. We’ll get it again to make sure.

Seared Scallops, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms – $6.25

Disney does Festival scallops well and these continue that tradition, perfectly prepared with a mild flavor and a buttery texture. The Truffled Celery Root is surprisingly similar to mashed potatoes in consistency and flavor with a little bit of an earthy vibe, while the large pile of mushrooms adds some heft. Don’t go into this one for the Brussels Sprouts as there’s very little of that going on, but I don’t think you’ll miss them. Altogether, it was a lot of food for the money and a good value. One of the best items in Future World.

Taste: 9/10

Value: 9/10

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Brown Butter Vinaigrette, Parmesan Cheese and Pumpkin Seeds – $4.50

We’re not in raviolo territory here, which means each plate arrives with two small ravioli stuffed with sweet, soft squash and topped with a decadent Brown Butter Vinaigrette with a deliciously nutty richness with a little bit of acid to help cut some of the sugar. The pasta retains a nice firm al dente quality and the Pumpkin Seeds add crunch along with a couple thin pieces of freshly-sliced Parmesan Cheese to bring it all together. It’s not an overwhelming portion by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s restaurant-quality pasta and a solid dish that’s only going to taste better as temperatures cool. I wasn’t even mad that it cost $4.50

Taste: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Artist Palette of Cheese and Wine – $11.25

With Gorgonzola with Cow and Sheep’s Milk, Artigiano Aged Balsamic & Cipolline Onion, and Italico along with Reata Chardonnay, Rainstorm Silver Linings Pinot Noir Rosé, Spellbound Petite Sirah wine

Immediately above is what we were served last year.

While the cheeses are slightly different this year, the results were exactly the same. Everything ended up being slimy and gross after the pre-made trays sit out in the sun with plenty of time for the cheese to sweat and eventually begin to melt. The oozing, liquid-y accompaniments don’t help the situation, giving each bite a disgustingly soft, sticky mouthfeel. I’d consider this one in much cooler temperatures, when it will also be more comfortable to stand outside in Florida and eat cheese and drink wine.

Speaking of wine, they’re all fine with bottle prices ranging from $13-$20. The Chardonnay is the best of the bunch with a nice mineral presence backed up by pear, apple, and oak. The Rosé is good too, heavy on strawberries and watermelon with light carbonation and a dry finish. The Petite Sirah is an accessible, sweet red wine that feels jammy in the mouth with bright, full-bodied fruit. None are best of class, but they all taste like wine. Of the three, I’d probably opt for the Chardonnay paired with the Scallops or the Ravioli.

Overall, the Scallops are as close to a must-buy as you’ll find at the Festival and the Squash Ravioli are worth adding to the order. We didn’t have much luck with the cheese, but the situation will assuredly improve as temperatures drop and perhaps as operations improve.

Hawaii is up next.