Lunch At The Extraordinary Wine Bar George In Disney Springs

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.

Lunch At The Extraordinary Wine Bar George In Disney Springs


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.


Wine Bar George Sign
Wine Bar George Exterior


When guests first step inside Wine Bar George it feels small and intimate, but don't be fooled because this establishment seats 210 inside a two-story, 6,000 square foot location. Reminiscent of a winemaker's home estate, the decor is a pleasing juxtaposition of deep warm woods and brick that soften the hard-edge of concrete and black industrial style.


Step Into A Charming Wine Country Bar
130 Wine By The Glass, Bottle, And Ounce


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.


Grape Vine Tap Handles
Spotless Glass Reflects Light About The Bar


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.


Wine Bar George First Floor Tables
First Floor Wine Cellar High Top


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.


Wine Bar George Second Floor Bar
Second Floor Inteior


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.


Master Sommelier George Miliotes


Obviously, the wine list here is extraordinary. George has curated a beautiful collection of wines from around the world at a number if different price points. You can order yourself an every day Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz for $32 a bottle or you can splurge with an impressive Pavilion Blanc du Chateau Margaux at $1000 a bottle. The best part though 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. Wine Bar 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 will 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 and charcuterie, family style plates and sweets. Big bold flavors create superlative pairings that will keep you coming back for more than drinks.


The Extraordinary Wine List
Wine Bar George Also Serves Beer And Cocktails
Wine Bar George Food Menu


Without a doubt, my favorite cocktail is a French 75. Dating back to World War I, the combination of lemon, gin, and champagne was named because the combination was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm field gun.

I was delighted to see that Wine Bar George had what they call an American 75 on their cocktail menu. The American 75 is made with St. George Terroir Gin (my favorite), Etoile Sparkling Wine, fresh lemon juice, and a spritz of lavender oil. The bright flavors of this cocktail took a long time favorite of mine and made me love it even more. A refreshing burst of lemon blends seamlessly with the gin and wine, the spritz a lavender oil offering subtle floral notes. I will absolutely be switching to Etoile in my home bar. Thanks for the recommendation George!


Wine Bar George American 75


The combination of sparkling wine with mac-and-cheese seemed self-indulgent to me, so of course I had to order George's Crispy Mac & Cheese bites.

Deep fried balls of mac-and-cheese are served nage (otherwise known as "in the swim") of a fresh tomato sauce, with a generous shaving of fresh pecorino. There's a delicate balance here that I haven't had in other dishes of this sort, a refinement that takes this low-brow food and elevates it to chic. Breaking into the bites with a fork guests will find macaroni swimming in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The surprise in these bites came in the form a just a touch of unexpected spice. There's a tiny bit of siracha in the cheese sauce that adds an exciting touch of chili and garlic flavor.

One order of Crispy Mac & Cheese bites comes with four bites. The portion made for a perfect lunch, or would be a nice appetizer for two.


Mac And Cheese Bites Make For A Great Lunch
Inside The Bites Are Fully Of Creamy Cheese


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.

Thanks to our friends over at the Disney Food Blog for exclusive use of their images to help fill out this review. Have you been to Wine Bar George yet? Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorites are!