By Peter Covino

Entertainment Editor

So much wine, but is there enough time?

It’s food and wine time at Epcot. The International Food & Wine Festival, now celebrating it’s 15th anniversary has grown into one of the largest events of its kind. But it’s popularity means large lines at pretty much every dining station along the 1.3 mile stroll at Epcot’s World Showcase.

There are more than 25 international marketplaces this year including three new marketplaces Belgium, South Korea and Singapore. Returning marketplaces such as Argentina, Chile, Poland, South Africa, Australia, and the United States also have new menu offerings.

But if you want to make the most of a trip to Epcot during the festival, which continues until Nov. 14, some strategy might prove to be useful. Food lines are typically long all day (Saturday’s opening day lines at stations were 15 minutes and longer in most cases) but are even worse after 5 p.m. when season ticket holders stop in to enjoy the cooler temperatures. The World Showcase opens at 11 a.m. daily and that is also the best time to try and hit one or two of the international marketplaces. Weekdays also are a safer bet.

A quick look at what is new at the event this year:

Belgium — The Belgium marketplace features steamed mussels, freshly baked waffles with berry compote and whipped cream; Godiva chocolate iced coffee; Stella Artois beer.

Charcuterie & Cheese — meat and cheese offerings including cheese fondue with croutons and roasted potatoes; applewood smoked beef, duck and ham;

and Martini Prosecco.

South Korea — Lettuce wraps with roast pork and kimchi slaw, barbecue short rib with steamed rice and cucumber kimchi; honey ginger tea Bohae Bokbunjajoo (Black Raspberry Rice Wine).

Also included in the Epcot admission price are taste seminars (30 minute seminars that celebrate pure ingredients, held Friday- Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.), book signings and meet and greets; and the Eat to the Beat concerts.

The festival also features many special events including dinners and wine pairings.

The once-free wine and beverage seminars now cost $8 to $12 per person. Held four times each day, the 45-minute seminars include meeting a wine expert, learning tips and sampling selected wines.

Tapas-sized portions of food vary but some sample prices include $4.75 for braised short ribs in Cabernet with mashed potatoes (France); freshly baked waffle $2.75; steamed mussels $3.75; maple glazed salmon with lentil salad $4.50 (Canada).

This year’s Eat to the Beat Concerts include:

Sugar Ray, “Fly;” Taylor Hicks, “Do I Make You Proud;” Air Supply, “Lost in Love;” Sister Hazel, “All For You;” Howard Jones, “No One Is To Blame;” Exposé, “Seasons Change;” 38 Special, “Hold on Loosely;” Night Ranger, “Sister Christian;” Billy Ocean, “Caribbean Queen;” Starship starring Mickey Thomas, “We Built This City;” Boyz II Men, “End of the Road;” Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp, “Give A Little Bit” Jon Secada, “Just Another Day” Hanson, “MMMBop;” Rick Springfield, “Jessie’s Girl” and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, “Go Daddy-O.”

The website www.disneyfoodblog.com features a complete look at menu offering, prices and more.