Orlando Spotlight: Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George is a critically acclaimed restaurant and bar located in The Landing area of Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

What Makes it Unique

• Master Sommelier Leadership: It is the only wine bar in Florida led by a Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, who is one of a select number of Master Sommeliers in the world. This expertise is a cornerstone of the establishment.
• Extensive Wine List: The bar boasts an impressive selection of over 200 wines available by the glass, bottle, and even the ounce, which is a rare offering that encourages guests to taste and explore.
• The Basket: Wine Bar George offers a unique to-go service called “The Basket,” where guests can select picnic-style food and wine, like the “Froze All Day,” to enjoy while walking around Disney Springs.

History

• The founder and owner, George Miliotes, is an Orlando local with a long history in the Walt Disney World dining scene, having been part of the opening team and managed the famed California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort from 1995 to 2002.
• During his time at California Grill, he created one of the first wine lists in the country to offer 100 wines by the glass.
• He became a Master Sommelier in March 2007.
• The opening of Wine Bar George in Disney Springs brings Miliotes full circle back to the WDW family fold, having been an eagerly anticipated local restaurant opening since its announcement in 2016.
• A second location has also opened at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Terminal C, near Gate 241, offering a similar experience.

Customer Feedback / Recognition

• The establishment’s wine list has received significant global recognition, winning the prestigious global award for “Best Wine-by-the-Glass List!” in 2025 by The World of Fine Wine, following a win for the “Best Wine Bar List” in the world in 2023.
• Food reviews highlight several dishes as standouts. The Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites are praised for a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. The triple cheese polenta served with the House-Made Meatballs is often called the star of that dish. The Zucchini Hush Puppies with a preserved lemon remoulade have also been noted for their light flavor.

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is Mediterranean-inspired and features small plates, boards, and entrées.

Small Plates & Boards:

• Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites with tomato nage and pecorino.
• House-Made Meatballs with triple cheese polenta and tomato sauce.
• Saganaki on Fire (Vlahotiri, Metaxa, crostini).
• Dicuru Burrata featuring Florida-sourced ingredients like The Villages tomatoes and Belle Glade corn, served with Olde Hearth sourdough bread.
• Zucchini Hush Puppies with preserved lemon remoulade.
• The Big Board (six artisanal cheeses & five artisanal meats).
• Artisanal Cheese Board (four artisanal cheeses/condiments).

Wine Country Brunch (Saturday and Sunday):

• Fried Chicken Biscuit with pimento cheese, bacon relish, sunny side egg, and grits.
• Steak and Eggs* with sunny side eggs, roasted potatoes, and sriracha hollandaise.

Desserts:

• Key Lime Pie (a Florida favorite).
• Olive Oil Cake with candied olives and lemon mascarpone.

Significant Events

• Wine Tasting with Master Sommelier George Miliotes: A special, 90-minute event offered on select afternoons where guests participate in a blind tasting of six hand-selected wines and hear about George Miliotes’ journey to becoming a Master Sommelier. This event sometimes features a “Sparkling Edition.”
• Flavors of Florida Pairing Events: The restaurant has participated in the Disney Springs Flavors of Florida Celebration, offering special menus and events, such as a five-course pairing event featuring Florida-inspired cuisine and expertly paired wines. A limited-time seasonal item like the Dicuru Burrata was offered during this event.
• Trimbach Wine Dinners: The venue has hosted special ticketed events like a Trimbach Wine Dinner.

Contact Information and Links

Disney Springs Location:

• Address: 1610 East Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
• Phone: (407) 490-1800

Website and Social Media:

• Website: https://winebargeorge.com/ (The website link found in the context is https://winebargeorge.com/new-products and a link to the virtual tour is https://winebargeorge.com/virtual-tour)
• Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@georgemiliotes4375 (Based on a link within the virtual tour section)
• Instagram (Mentioned by reference): @winebargeorge
• General Questions/Feedback Email: A contact form is available on their website.
• Large Party Reservations (7 or more guests) Email: [email protected]
• Event Questions Email: [email protected] or [email protected] (Both emails were found in the context)