LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., – Master Sommelier George Miliotes will bring his renowned wine expertise to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort when his new venture, Wine Bar George, opens May 19, 2018 at 5pm. On May 20th, normal hours begin 11am – 2am. Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.
Miliotes is no stranger to Walt Disney World Resort — he was part of the opening team of the California Grill restaurant at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and managed the venue from 1995 to 2002. While there, he created an award-winning wine list and one of the first “100 wines by the glass” lists in the country.
“Disney Springs is the perfect place to open a wine bar and share my passion with the world,” Miliotes said. “Having the opportunity to train and hire my own team while sharing my 40-plus years of knowledge is truly incredible, and I look forward to opening our doors soon.”
As one of only 249 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Miliotes will feature wines from acclaimed and well-known wineries as well as growing regions and wineries that are up-and-coming. The location will offer an unparalleled wine list including more than 130 selections by the ounce, glass and bottle.
“The wine list will feature more than 130 wines all served by the ounce, glass or bottle,” Miliotes said. “The list will include more than 40 varietals from regions around the world. We will use the Coravin, the Vinfinity system and wine on tap to ensure each wine is enjoyed to its fullest extent. Servers will adeptly pair a range of small plates, cheese and charcuterie, shareable entrees and dessert with each wine. If you are looking for an awesome $9 glass on tap or a few ounces of Château Margaux, we will have wines for you to enjoy.”
Guests will have the opportunity to explore endless food and wine pairings at Wine Bar George. Executive Chef Ron Rupert and Miliotes have worked closely to create a menu that will pair with the extensive wine list.
“Offerings will feature seasonally relevant items, and everything will be made in-house,” Rupert said. “I’ve worked jointly with George to develop a menu that represents both global and local cuisine.Guests will enjoy food that is familiar, yet new all at once.”
With a team hand-selected by Miliotes, guests can expect their experience to include wine education, which will be served up in an approachable and fun manner. Joining Miliotes as General Manager is George Vavalides who brings more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry including nearly 20 years with P.F. Chang’s. Jamie Irizarry will be part of Miliotes’ team as Restaurant Manager. Irizarry has more than 15 years in the industry working with restaurants such as Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and The Capital Grille. Robyn Cohen will join as Director of Beverage with 15 years of bartending experience including, most recently, at Flying Fish on Disney’s BoardWalk. Cohen and Miliotes worked jointly to develop the featured cocktails at Wine Bar George, all of which will include a grape-based spirit. In addition to the extensive wine list, the wine bar will offer a variety of cocktails, a selection of beer and cider and frosé.
The 200-seat wine bar will join a growing and remarkable group of dining, shopping and entertainment offerings at Disney Springs. The design for the 6,000-square-foot space will be similar to a winemaker’s home estate with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. The space includes seating for groups of all sizes, areas for private events and sweeping views of Disney Springs. Follow George @WineBarGeorge on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for more news and updates.
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About Disney Springs Disney Springs is a one-of-a-kind retail, dining and entertainment district located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With its namesake springs, beautiful open-air promenades and lakefront setting, Disney Springs evokes the charm of Florida waterfront towns at the turn of the 20th century. It’s also home to a collection of more than 150 shops, entertainment venues and restaurants, including top-name retail brands, specialty boutiques and dining experiences created by celebrity and award-winning chefs. Located in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Disney Springs is open daily.
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