DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Sip your way around the Walt Disney World Resort with our picks for the 10 best spots for wine drinkers. From Disney Springs to the Magic Kingdom, we have you covered!
1. Be Our Guest Restaurant
Be Our Guest may be the only option for wine lovers visiting the Magic Kingdom, but it still manages to stand out among other wine hotspots at the Walt Disney World Resort. This dining experience in the Beast’s castle not only offers the only wine in the park, but it specifically includes a private wine label with blends crafted exclusively for the restaurant. The private label wines include a Rosé, French Champagne, Chardonnay, and the most unique of the bunch, the Château-du-Pape. This blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre perfectly balances sweet and spicy with its notes of herbs, blueberries, and various spices. A sampler flight of the private label wines is also available.
2. Biergarten Restaurant
The name “Biergarten” might immediately inspire images of pretzels and beers, but this authentic German buffet can actually be a wine drinker’s paradise. Located in Epcot’s Germany pavilion, this dinner and show experience offers some of the country’s best Rieslings and red blends. Rather than joining the fun with a liter of beer, order a glass or bottle of J.H. Selbach Blue Label Riesling and have a bratwurst for us! Indecisive? Biergarten also offers a white wine flight featuring sipping portions of all the whites from dry to sweet.
3. Via Napoli
Via Napoli has one of the best red sangrias at the Walt Disney World Resort. (White sangria more your thing? Don’t worry, we’ll cover that too!) This World Showcase restaurant features an extensive wine list and while you can’t go wrong with anything you order (here and at the adjacent Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar) the red sangria should not be missed. This signature blend of red wine and fruits perfectly balances a boozy flavor with the sweetness of the fresh fruit. At $12/glass the pitcher here can offer the best deal depending on the size of your party, or how much wine you’d like to drink as the $36 pitcher can easily fill about 4.5 glasses.
4. Jiko
Animal Kingdom Lodge is always a solid choice to visit for a break from the theme parks. With a gorgeous lobby, one of the best resort gift shops at the Walt Disney World Resort and breathtaking savannah views, this resort is the place to relax in between rides at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. To get in some relaxation with wine, plan a dinner reservation at Jiko or stop by the Cape Town Lounge and Wine Bar. For the most immersive exploration into African wines however, book a reservation for the Jiko Wine Tasting, which takes place weekly on Wednesdays. The tasting includes a trio of wines selected by Jiko sommeliers paired with savory cheeses.
5. Phins
Speaking of relaxation, take a break from strolling through Epcot and walk or take a FriendShip boat over to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for the only tap wine at the Walt Disney World Resort. This resort recently underwent a $140 million redesign, which included the addition of Phins, the all-new lobby bar which features specialty cocktails, beer brewed exclusively for the resort, and of course tap wine. Wine served on tap not only retains a superior quality and taste over bottled wine, but it’s also great for the environment as single stainless steel kegs are used for storage and bottles, corks, and labels are almost entirely eliminated. Plan a visit from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Sundays for “Sunday Sips,” and indulge in mimosas and bellinis before spending the day in the parks.
6. Nomad Lounge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been stepping up its beer and wine game in recent years, with one major addition being the Nomad Lounge in Discovery Island. A favorite for wine lovers at this lounge (which is part of Tiffins) is the Sinaloa Sangria, a South American blend of Miquel Torres Rosé Wine, Barsol Quebranta Pisco, and fresh fruit. Other offerings by the glass include sweet and spice-infused reds and sweet Moscatos from South America.
7. Citricos
Citricos, located just off the monorail at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa features an award-winning international wine list. While it is a signature restaurant (meaning it can be on the more expensive side and it will use two credits on the Disney Dining Plan) in terms of the Grand Floridian this can be an excellent date night alternative to Victoria and Albert’s, which is unfeasible for many guests.
8. Amorette’s Patisserie
Head to Disney Springs for one of the most unique wine menus at the Walt Disney World Resorts. Amorette’s Patisserie may be best known for its sweets and treats, but this is also Disney’s destination for wine slushes! Flavors rotate seasonally, but they’ve included everything from red sangria to apple Riesling.
9. The Boathouse
Another hit on a wine lover’s trip to Disney Springs to The Boathouse. If you’ve still be waiting for that white sangria we mentioned earlier, this is the place to get it! This blend of white wine, prosecco, and fresh fruit is the perfect refreshing wine for dining by the waterfront on a warm Florida day. Outside of our recommendation of the white sangria, The Boathouse does have an extensive wine list, so you’re sure to find just the wine to pair with your lobster bisque or Dockside Bucket.
10. Wine Bar George
Disney Springs is quickly making its name for itself for wine lovers. The area’s newest addition, Wine Bar George, is now open! You’ll spot Wine Bar George in the Landing, where you can sip away inside at a chic dining room or at the outdoor wrap-around deck. The bar includes over 100 selections of wine from notable wineries as well as up-and-coming ones all meticulously selected by Sommelier George Miliotes.
