George Miliotis, owner and master sommelier of Wine Bar George in Orlando, Florida, located in Lake Buena Vista at Walt Disney World, shares the secrets of an award-winning wine program.
What does winning a WBWL Award mean to you and the team at Wine Bar George?
What makes tonight especially meaningful for our entire team is that this award from The World of Fine Wine isn’t about the size or breadth of a wine list. It’s about being unique, creative, and different in the wine world.
It recognizes our approach to wine by the glass. We offer 240 wines, all available by the bottle, glass, or ounce. The World of Fine Wine is one of the only organizations that truly values this kind of creativity and innovation, and we’re proud that they inspire us to keep pushing ourselves to make our program even better every year.
What are you trying to achieve with your list at Wine Bar George?
Our goal is simple: to find the right wine for every guest. That’s why our team engages with each guest individually. We want to create a personal and memorable experience every single time.
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This award recognizes our wine-by-the-glass list, which uses the Coravin® system. With Coravin®, we can pour exceptional wines without opening the bottle, allowing guests to explore rare and unique selections by the glass.
We visit every table and talk about the wines so guests can learn something new and fully enjoy what they’re drinking. Whether it’s a Château Latour or a Moscato, we love helping each guest discover the wine that’s perfect for them and makes their experience special.
What do you feel is the biggest strength of your list at Wine Bar George? Can you name three wines that best represent what you’re trying to do?
The strength of our list lies in its flexibility and range. Every one of our 240 wines is available by the bottle, glass, or ounce, which gives guests the freedom to explore and compare.
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For example, you can come in and taste three different wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, or try a flight of beautifully aged Riojas side by side. We’re proud to offer wines that span all levels, styles, and price points, with something for everyone from the curious to the connoisseur.
What is your favorite wine and food pairing from your restaurant?
One of my favourite pairings at Wine Bar George is our 16-ounce skirt steak with chimichurri sauce paired with El PÃo Gran Reserva Rioja 2012.
It’s a match made in heaven. The richness of the steak and the bright acidity and depth of the Rioja complement each other perfectly.
