Hi Jonathan and Veronica,
The Food and Wine Festival is also my favorite time to visit WDW. As you know, during the festival many additional countries are represented around the International Gateway in Epcot. These stands will have samples of everything from signature soups, appetizers, desserts, beers, and wines.
I used the dining plan last year when I was there. I was able to use snack credits for non alcoholic food samples.
If you are looking for a great Food and WIne experience, check out some of the
Festival Dining Experiences or the
Special Wine and Culinary Experiences. My all time favorite experience is the Party for the Senses. Your admission allows you into an entire VIP tent filled with tasting stations manned by the areas best chefs and wineries from around the world.
All of the "experiences" require reservations and (if I remember correctly) payment in advance. The reservations get booked up very quickly. In past years the dates of these events usually came out late June or early July.
Have a great trip.