When it comes to wine at Walt Disney World, the list of opportunities at Disney Springs is endless… and delicious.
While a vacation to Walt Disney World (WDW) can be filled with magical memories, it can also be stressful, hot and more than a little crowded. Whether you’re hoping to sneak away mid-family-vacay for a kid-free night out or you’re planning a trip to WDW alone with your partner, the idea of an elegant wine dinner or a late-night champagne and charcuterie board splurge can seem like a fairy-tale-come-true after a week of hurrying to meet Mickey and get that castle selfie.
Although all four WDW parks serve alcohol in some form now, there’s something special about Disney Springs — WDW’s shopping, dining and retail area — when it comes to being wined and dined. Not only is theme park admission not required, but Disney Springs offers stunning waterfront dining, beautiful sunset views, and some impressive events for wine enthusiasts looking for a respite among the crowds and hustling.
We’ve rounded up some of the best wine-related happenings at Disney Springs. And, if your magical vacation doesn’t coincide with one of the dates below, not to worry: We’ve also listed some of the best restaurants to grab a glass of wine and relax any day of the week.
Terralina Crafted Italian
This waterfront Italian restaurant offers guests beautiful views and amazing food prepared by James Beard Award winning chef Tony Mantuano and his executive chef, Justin Plank.
Monthly Wine Experience: Featuring wine flights from varying regions and a selection of small plates, guests who participate in Terralina Crafted Italian’s Monthly Wine Experience will be guided by the restaurant’s team of sommeliers through wines from all over the world. Upcoming dates this summer venture through regions of Italy. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.
Pickling Class: Guests who attend this May 18 pickling class will take home a jar of homemade pickled vegetables, dine on antipasti, pasta and dessert and sample delicious red and white wines. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Similar events for wine-lovers are added often, so check the Terralina Crafted Italian website before your trip to WDW to see if there’s an event that works with your vacation schedule. And, if you can’t make it to an event at Terralina, just grabbing an appetizer and some wine on their gorgeous patio is a treat.
Photo credit: Wine Bar George
A charcuterie board available during Wine Bar George’s Late-night Sips and Snacks event.
Wine Bar George
This “estate-style” wine bar offers more than 140 wine selections, all handpicked by George Miliotes, a master sommelier who often makes his way to tables recommending his favorite wines and chatting with customers.
Late-night Sips & Snacks: From 11 p.m. until 2 a.m., Wine Bar George serves wine, champagne and charcuterie boards as part of their late-night menu. (Available Thursday-Saturday only.)
Wine Country Brunch: Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Wine Bar George holds a Wine Country Brunch. Entrees like buratta with avocado and bacon and French toast with caramel sauce are on the menu. And, in addition to wine, champagne, and spirits, guests can order a Frozcato Mimosa: a mimosa made with Walt Disney World’s famed pineapple Dole Whip dessert.
Reservations for these events – or any time of day – can be made in advance on the Wine Bar George website.
Photo credit: Paddlefish
Paddlefish is the only restaurant at Disney Springs that offers rooftop waterfront dining.
Paddlefish
This beautiful restaurant is a 3-story steamboat that floats dockside at Disney Springs. Paddlefish serves seafood and other entrees, and is the only restaurant at Disney Springs that offers rooftop waterfront dining.
Rooftop Wine Experience: Guests who attend this monthly wine tasting will be served light food and samples of wines from different regions. Upcoming wine experiences highlight new wines on the Paddlefish menu and the wines of Sonoma Valley, California. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Paddlefish also periodically hosts events like a Rooftop Wine Dinner and a Rooftop Brunch. Although no such events are scheduled in the coming months, visit the Paddlefish website before your trip to check for availability. Again, Paddlefish is also a great dining destination for wine-lovers – even when a special event isn’t on the calendar.
Enzo’s Hideaway
Enzo’s Hideaway is a 1920’s-style bar that gives off a cool speakeasy vibe.
Sunday Supper: At one of Enzo’s Hideaway’s communal tables, families can dine on family-style entrees like pasta and charcuterie plates during the Sunday Supper, served on Sundays from 4:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Cutting costs at WDW is always a good idea, and at this dinner, guests may bring a bottle of their favorite wine along for no additional corkage fee, so you’ll have more money to spend on that cute Minnie Mouse ear headband.
Reservations can be made in advance on the Enzo’s Hideaway website for Sunday Supper or another dining experience.
Photo credit: Jaleo
At Jaleo, more than 150 wines are available, including this delicious sangria.
More places to enjoy wine at Disney Springs
While these restaurants currently have no schedule wine events, their wine lists are impressive and they’re each a welcome break from the busy pace of WDW.
Jaleo: Jaleo is an authentic Spanish tapas restaurant by chef José Andres. In addition to small plates, paellas and a stunning atmosphere, Jaleo serves on-tap Spanish wines, sherries and over 150 selections of wines.
Amorette’s Patisserie: Amorette’s Patisserie isn’t a sit-down restaurant, but its wine slushies are worth stopping in for: both to cool down on a hot Florida day and because they’re so good, you don’t want to miss out. Flavors are seasonal, but they’re all delicious.
Chicken Guy!: This quick-service restaurant is a great place to grab a meal when you’re in a rush or haven’t made a dining reservation, and Chicken Guy’s menu was created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, so it’s guaranteed to be good. This restaurant is a great place to relax, and makes this “wine list” because it sells a canned rosé that pairs amazingly with chicken tenders and the 20+ sauces available to dip them in.
For a complete listing of Disney Springs’ dining locations, visit the Disney Springs website.