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 in spring 2018. Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in Florida.
Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the restaurant industry’s foremost wine experts with accolades and
awards from national publications including Wine Spectator. Miliotes is no stranger to Walt Disney
World Resort – he was part of the opening team of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and
managed the venue from 1995 to 2002. While there, he met and worked alongside Ron Rupert, who will
serve as the Executive Chef for Wine Bar George.
“I’m thrilled that Ron is joining our team and I’m looking forward to working with him again,” Miliotes
said. “Ron is incredibly creative, and his expertise will bring a menu that’s designed to complement the
wine list. With our menu, guests will have the opportunity to explore endless food and wine pairings.”
Rupert began his culinary career at Walt Disney World Resort in 1988. He was part of the opening team
of California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where he teamed with Miliotes and Chef Clifford
Pleau. During his 14 years at Walt Disney World Resort, Rupert was also part of the opening teams at
Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Ariel’s at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club
Resorts. Rupert and Miliotes have worked closely to create a menu that will pair with a wine list of
more than 100 selections by the bottle and glass.
“The menu will include a selection of small plates, shareable plates, cheese and charcuterie boards, and
desserts. 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 can expect to experience food that is familiar, yet new all at once.”
When the two-story 210-seat wine bar opens, it 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.
“Guests will experience a feel reminiscent of the ‘Old World’ as if they are on the bottom floor of a
gravity-flow winery surrounded by their best friends,” explains Miliotes. “The upstairs floor includes
seating for groups of all sizes, space for private events and sweeping views of Disney Springs.”
Future patrons can expect their experience to include wine education, which will be served up in an
approachable and fun manner. Every part of the Wine Bar George experience, including special events
and visits from renowned winemakers, will educate and enlighten guests about food and wine.
Wine Bar George is currently accepting applications for positions online. Interested applicants can
visit winebargeorge.com/join-our-team/ for more information. Follow George @WineBarGeorge on
Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and join the #WineBarGeorge conversation. Visit WineBarGeorge.com for news and updates.
Thinking of visiting a Disney Destination in 2018? Fill out the form below, send an email or CLICK HERE for a FREE, no obligation quote with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I also offer rate monitoring to ensure you are receiving the best available rate offered by Disney and my services are 100% FREE!
If you are having trouble viewing the form above, CLICK HERE.
Source/Image Credit: Disney
