Disclaimer: I was provided with a wonderful meal as a guest of Wine Bar George. All opinions are my own.
To say I was excited when I originally heard that Wine Bar George would be coming to Disney Springs is an understatement. As a long time Disney fan, I knew the history of George Miliotes. Master Sommelier George Miliotes was part of the opening team of the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. As one of 249 Master Sommeliers in the world, George Miliotes is a passionate educator and curator of wines. He continuously studies wine, identifying the most interesting wines through annual trips to wine-growing regions from France to South Africa. And . . . I never met a glass of wine I didn’t like! For months, on each of my visits to Disney Springs I would watch the progress and count the days until Wine Bar George opened. I’m happy to say my first visit did not disappoint.
As his guest for the evening, I was honored to have him explain his wine choices to go with each course of my meal. He was the most gracious host taking time from his busy schedule to share and teach his love of wine. It felt like I was sitting with an old friend.
Wine Bar George
The Disney Springs location is ideal. Wine Bar George is located in the Landing section of Disney Springs. The restaurant and bar is simply decorated and makes you feel welcome and at home within minutes of arrival. The main floor is small and intimate with a full service bar with seating and a handful of high top tables that seat 6. The second floor is large, offering intimate sofa seating, tables made from wine barrels and outdoor patio seating. Floor to ceiling windows offer a beautiful view of Disney Springs.
First Floor Tables
Second Floor Tables
Wine on Tap
Outside is The Basket, a quick service component to the restaurant which sits nicely right under the second floor patio. The Basket is a walk-up window offering items you would love to put in your picnic basket and of course, wine on tap sold by the glass. And – wait for it – a cookie with rose’ wine icing!
First up – George’s famous Frose’! George is a perfect host and greeted us with a glass of his famous Frose’ and I will admit, I could have sipped on that all day long. It’s the perfect frozen drink for a hot Florida day while strolling through Disney Springs.
Frose’
The Food
We started our meal with House Made Meatballs over Triple Cheese Polenta with Tomato Sauce ($14) and Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites with Tomato Nage & Pecorino ($12).
House Made Meatballs over Polenta
Crispy Mac & Cheese Bites
A family style platter of Skirt Steak ($59) with roasted potatoes and vegetable was next. Tender is an understatement. Delicious does not do it justice. A simple meal so beautifully done you try to figure out how you can make it at home. The family style platter can easily feed 3 or 4 people. Red wine is never my first choice but George paired a wonderful red wine from Spain with our skirt steak that I must say was the best I’ve had in a long, long time. He sure does know what he’s doing when it comes to wine! (LOL!)
Skirt Steak
Dessert
Who would think to make a cake with candied olives? Olive Oil Cake with Candied Olives and Lemon Marscapone was so different from any dessert I have had in a long time. Candied olives are delicious! I don’t even like olives! Although not a huge fan of Key Lime Pie, I had to sample both of the desserts our host presented. The Key Lime Pie tart was so light and delicious I have seriously changed my mind about Key Lime Pie (as long as it always tastes like this one!).
One of the most relaxing evenings and best meals I’ve ever had at Disney Springs. Along with the great company and gracious host it will definitely sit at the top of my list of favorites. Everyone should visit Wine Bar George when in Disney Springs. It’s a perfect date night spot or evening out with friends you won’t soon forget.
