With packed agendas, meeting and convention attendees are always looking to make the most of their free time. Featuring unique boutiques, live entertainment, and several dining locations, Disney Springs is the place to be. One of the dining locations newest to Disney Springs is Wine Bar George, where attendees can make themselves at home in an estate-style wine bar offering selections from acclaimed wineries and up-and-coming regions – handpicked by the owner himself, who is one of 249 master sommeliers in the world.

Let’s meet the owner of Wine Bar George, Master Sommelier George Miliotes:

Hi, George. Tell us about your experience and your history with Disney.  

I 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, we created an award-winning wine list and one of the first “100 wines by the glass” lists in the country. This was also where I met our Executive Chef of Wine Bar George, Ron Rupert. Ron and I have worked closely together for many years starting with the California Grill. In 2007 I became a Master Sommelier by passing a series of rigorous examinations that require candidates to identify wines by taste, aroma and sight. I’ve studied wine most of my life and always enjoy finding the most interesting wines through annual trips to wine-growing regions all over the world. 

Master Sommelier George Miliotes with Executive Chef Ron Rupert

What makes Wine Bar George a unique location within Disney Springs? 

The Wine Bar George offers more than 140 wines by the glass, bottle….and ounce! Whether you are looking for a glass of wine on tap or an ounce of some of the finest wine in the world, we have something for everyone to enjoy. The design for Wine Bar George is similar to a winemaker’s home estate with a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. Our menu features wine, food, and a selection of cocktails, all of which include grape-based spirits. Myself, along with my team, are always happy to pair wine and food for our guests.

Do you partner with any other Disney chefs or Disney Springs locations to create your menu? 

I worked very closely with Ron to develop a menu that pairs with our extensive wine list. We do use the honey from Savannah Bee Company on our Cheese & Charcuterie Boards as well as chocolate from The Ganachery for a dessert we call The Chocolate Experience. They have some of the best honey and chocolate respectively and we like partnering with our neighbors. 

A selection of items from the Wine Bar George menu

How can meeting groups convene at Wine Bar George for their private function?

The We have seven different spaces available for private events for groups ranging in size from 8 – 300 guests. There’s a range of experiences we offer depending on what a group is looking for during their event. We can do private wine tastings followed by lunch or dinner led by myself or another Sommelier on our team; wine tastings where guests taste six wines “blind” and learn to taste like a Master Sommelier; or even reception-style dinners with Sommelier-led pairings and high-end tasting tables. The options are really endless and we enjoy customizing each experience for our guests.

Are any of your wines featured on the menu? 

Over the years I’ve been involved in the blending process for several wines with winemakers around the world. While none of those wines are currently on the list, I have hand-selected and tasted every single wine on our list, so they are all excellent in their own way in my opinion. Hopefully in the future we will have some wines on our list that I had a hand in helping create! 

Tell us – How does George’s story inspire you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn using hashtag #DisneyMeetingsBlog. 

We're eager to help you create the perfect meeting or private event for any size group, theme and objective. To speak with a Disney Meetings representative about our pricing and options available at our Disney Parks & Resorts destinations in Florida, California, Hawaii, or at our international destinations, please Contact Us or Submit a Request for Proposal. Or, Sign Up to stay in touch and continue learning more about Disney meetings and events.