"Wine Bar George" to Open at Disney Springs in Fall 2017

Master Sommelier George Miliotes recently announced that he plans to bring his renowned wine expertise to Disney Springs when his new venture, Wine Bar George, opens in fall 2017. Wine Bar George will be the only Master Sommelier-led wine bar in the entire state of Florida. George Miliotes is widely regarded as one of the foremost wine experts in the restaurant industry, with accolades and awards from national publications including "Wine Spectator" and others.

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 created an award-winning wine list and one of the first 100 wines by the glass lists in the country.

“I’m excited to return to Walt Disney World Resort, and 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 in the coming year.”

As one of only 230 worldwide industry professionals certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers, Miliotes will feature wines from famed growing regions both stateside and abroad at Wine Bar George. The location will offer an unparalleled wine list including more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass.

“With an international wine list that’s both approachable and adventurous, my hope is that Wine Bar George will cater to wine connoisseurs and novices alike,” Miliotes said. “The wine menu will feature a range of varietals, vintages and prices. Guests will be able to experience sips from acclaimed and well-known wineries as well as growing regions and wineries that are up-and-coming.”

Additionally, Wine Bar George will include a food menu featuring small plates, cheese, and charcuterie designed to complement the wine list. Offerings will feature local artisans and seasonally relevant items.

“As a native Floridian, it’s important to me to support local farms and businesses,” Miliotes said. “And with our seasonal menu, we’ll change our offerings as ingredients come into their prime. Every menu item will complement selections on our wine list, bringing guests ideal food and wine pairings and culinary explorations.”

Guests 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.

“I’m thrilled to share my enthusiasm and passion for wine with every single guest,” Miliotes said. “Every interaction we have with our guests is the chance to teach them about the fascinating world of wine. Good wine and good food go together, and sometimes people overcomplicate that notion. At Wine Bar

George, guests will enjoy the trifecta of exceptional food, renowned wines and leave with as much wine knowledge as they wish.”

When the 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 reminiscent of a winemaker’s home estate featuring oak wood, warm lighting and a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT GEORGE MILIOTES:

As one of 230 Master Sommeliers in the world, George Miliotes is a passionate educator and curator of wines. A firm believer in education and knowledge-sharing, Miliotes continuously studies wine, identifying the most interesting wines through annual trips to wine-growing regions from France to South Africa. Building relationships with some of the best vintners in the world, he also takes an active role in the winemaking process helping to create custom blends.

Miliotes’ unique by-the-glass lists encourage guests to make some adventurous choices, selecting new wines, whether they are domestic or global, to pair with their courses. The result of his worldwide efforts are wine lists that are distinct to his restaurant’s culinary offerings, and widely reviewed as exceptional in every way.

George Miliotes is the grandson of Greek immigrants and a child of the restaurant and hospitality business. His family owned a specialty market and café in Orlando, Fla., which became a gathering spot for local chefs and served as the starting point for Miliotes’ passion for food and wine.

Miliotes later became the general manager of California Grill at Walt Disney World Resort, where he not only created an award-winning wine list, but also one of the first lists in the country to offer 100 wines by the glass. He is widely regarded as one the restaurant business’ foremost wine experts.

In March 2007, Miliotes became a Master Sommelier, passing a series of rigorous examinations that require the candidate to identify grape variety, country of origin, district of origin and vintage of wines by taste and sight alone. From 2002 to 2016, he oversaw all aspects of wine culture for Darden including The Capital Grille and Eddie V’s, and was one of the founders of Seasons 52. George led the development of their award-winning wine lists and educated and motivated service teams about wine in order to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Miliotes will return to Walt Disney World in 2017 with the opening of Wine Bar George, the only wine bar in Florida led by a Master Sommelier. Scheduled to open next fall in The Landing at Disney Springs, Wine Bar George will bring Miliotes’ expertise and worldwide travels to the heart of Central Florida. Follow George on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook @WineBarGeorge, and visit WineBarGeorge.com for more information.

PHOTOS: © 2016 Wine Bar George. All Rights Reserved.