Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival 2019: What’s new?

Photo: Busch Gardens

The annual Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival is right around the (impeccably landscaped) corner. Guests can enjoy an international tour of authentic culinary selections at 19 themed food and beverage kiosks. Choices include entrees, desserts, craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s a great opportunity to sample food and beverages not normally served in the park.

Japan – Gyoza and bubble tea
Photo: Busch Gardens

The 2019 Food & Wine Festival takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17 to June 30, as well as Memorial Day Monday. In its seventh season, this year’s event includes three new food kiosks and new beverage bars with a focus on beautiful garden settings.

Mediterranean – Loukoumades
Photo: Busch Gardens

From the press release …

“With its assortment of tasty international creations, our Food & Wine Festival has established Busch Gardens Williamsburg as a leading culinary destination in the region,” said culinary operations Senior Leader Franz Kitenko. “This annual festival provides tastes for every palate in one convenient location.”

Mexico – Carne asada taco
Photo: Busch Gardens

Food & Wine Festival 2019: New Kiosks

• Mexico (new) – Selections such as fried shrimp tacos, carne asada tacos and chorizo empanadas
• Jamaica (new) – Menu items include jerk chicken sliders, gamba fritters, pineapple rum upside-down cake and an assortment of tropical drinks
• Philippines (new) – Choices such as chicken adobo and siopao (a steamed pork bun with a sweet soy glaze)
• Herbal Infusion (new beverage bar) – Cocktails include a watermelon mojito, mint julep, rosemary lemon Moscato and specialty lavender lemonade
• Craft Bar (new beverage bar) – Large selection of craft beers on tap
• Garden to Glass (new beverage bar) – Bloody Mary, summer wind cocktails and specialty smoothies
• Sangria Garden (new beverage bar) – Traditional red Sangria, citrus Moscato Sangria and strawberry rose Sangria

Philippines – Siapao
Photo: Busch Gardens

Food & Wine Festival 2019: Returning Kiosks

• Brazil
• Cuba
• French Quarter
• Hawaii
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Mediterranean
• South Korea
• Virginia
• Island Freeze (frozen beverage bar)

From my calculations, it looks like Germany, Spain, the Caribbean and the American Southwest have been left off the menu this year. Of course, Spanish cuisine could be implemented into the Mexico kiosk, as well as Caribbean cuisine in the Jamaica location.

Herbal Infusion
Photo: Busch Gardens

In addition to food kiosks and beverage bars, there will be specialty offerings experiences such as craft brewery talks, a Wine River Cruise and wine, tequila and Scotch tastings (additional fees are required). The Sampler Pass is also back, which is a nice alternative to digging around in your bag for wallets, cash or cards.

Garden to Glass – Orange, beet and ginger smoothie
Photo: Busch Gardens

Please visit buschgardens.com/foodandwine for more information, menus and to purchase tickets or annual passes.

The Food & Wine Festival is one of my favorite Busch Gardens events (check out some of the past events). See you there!

South Korea – Beef Bulgogi
Photo: Busch Gardens