Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Brew Masters

Beer aficionados are invited to grab a frothy mug and indulge in a barrel of beer-friendly events during the 11th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Sept. 29-Nov. 12 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Recognized for wines from around the globe, diverse culinary creations and celebrity chefs, the six-week-long festival also caters to beer lovers with 500 complimentary beer seminars, special events and a lively Oktoberfest celebration.

"Our festival has a blend of offerings that appeal to wine, beer and food enthusiasts," said Brad Rex, vice president of Epcot. "We offer hundreds of beer seminars, and more than 30 different beers are available throughout the festival."

Highlights include:

• International Beers of the World, hosted by InBev. The distinctive flavors of premium ales and lagers such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale and Beck's are available for tasting in the United Kingdom Rose & Crown Pub Garden. Complimentary seminars run several times daily (see Festival Guide). Beer lovers can purchase a wide selection of beers at the Great Beers of the World Kiosk.
• The History of Beer in America hosted by Boston Beer Company, brewers of Samuel Adams Beer. Guests can learn about the history of beer including the art and science of brewing. Seminars are scheduled daily at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6:30 p.m. in the American Adventure courtyard.
• Hops and Barley Market hosted by Samuel Adams. Guests can sample 10 different Samuel Adams beers and two dishes -- a savory bacon and onion tart and a New England crab cake with barley salad -- outside American Adventure.
• The tradition of Oktoberfest. The daily celebration is located in the heart of the Germany pavilion's Bavarian Village. Beck's Premier Light and Beck's Oktoberfest brews are shipped direct from Munich for the festival.
• Brewers Dinner. A New England Brewer's Tale by Boston Beer -- An Evening with Jim Koch, founder of The Boston Beer Company, is an elegant dinner that takes guests through the history of beer in America with extraordinary food and beer pairings. Nov. 2 in the American Adventure rotunda. $145 per person plus tax (gratuity included).