One of Conde-Nast Traveler Magazine's 21 Best Restaurants in Orlando, FL, Wine Bar George
is an oasis of delights for the wine lover in your traveling party. I
stopped in for a cocktail recently and found that I couldn't pass up
ordering lunch as well.Wine bar George is located in The Landing section of Disney Springs lying between Raglan Road and Jock Lindsay's Hangar Bar. The only Wine Bar in the State of Florida to be led by a Master Sommelier, that distinction is nothing to be ignored. Master Sommelier George Miliotes has earned his place amongst the 250 some professionals that hold one of the most exclusive job titles in the world.
Wine Bar George is a contemporary eatery that boasts a wine list to make an oenophile's heart sing. Well over 100 wines from around the world are served here by the glass, bottle, or ounce. The day I visited there were 135 available in house. At the helm of this establishment is George himself.
Everywhere you look light is reflected by bottle and glass. Place settings wait at each table with carefully placed signature stemware beckoning to be filled.
Tap handles on the bar are cut from old growth grape vines, a rustic nod to the love and inspiration of vineyards. Details at Wine Bar George are both functional and stylish.
First floor seating can be found at the bar, a collection of dining
tables, and a big beautiful white marble high top next to a wall of wine
cellars. Space is often open during the weekday lunch hours,
and I was lucky enough to walk right in and find a seat. Travelers
looking to really take their time and luxuriate over a meal may want to
consider midday at Wine Bar George rather than dinner.There's much more than meets the eye at Wine Bar George! Upstairs, WBG's second floor space holds a second full service bar and additional seating both indoors, and outside on the balcony.
Don't be surprised if while you are visiting Wine Bar George, you come face to face with George. He often oversees operations from marble high top in the corner of the first floor. Be sure to say hello and tell him you were sent by Walt Disney World for Grown-ups.
Obviously, their wine list is extraordinary. George has curated a beautiful collection of wines from around the world at a number of different price points. You can order an every day Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz for $32 a bottle or splurge with an impressive Pavilion Blanc du Chateau Margaux at $1000 a bottle. The best part is that you don't have to order an entire bottle to be able to taste some of the most renown wines in the world today. George uses a Coravin Wine Preservation system that allows pours of all sizes to be pulled from the bottle without pulling the cork. Because of this revolutionary technology Wine Bar George is able to sell wines by the bottle, glass, or even just an ounce.
If you or your traveling companions aren't all about the grapes that is OK too. Wine Bar George has a great selection of craft cocktails, micro-brews, and ciders to wet your whistle.
Of course you'll need a little something to eat here as well. Wine Bar George has the very talented Chef Ron Rupert who created a full menu of small plates, cheese & charcuterie, family style plates & sweets. Big bold flavors create superlative pairings that'll keep you coming back for more than drinks.
Wine Bar George has so much to offer the Walt Disney World Line-up, it has quickly become one of my "go to" destinations for drinks and nibbles. The food is delicious and the wines are truly out of this world. You don't need to be a wine lover to quickly fall head over heels for this extraordinary place. It's a little bit of Napa nestled happily at Disney Springs serving up the perfect sips and nibbles for an eager crowd.
