Summary of Disney’s Finest Wine Experiences
Best Wine Locations at Disney
While just about every Disney fine dining location offers a notable wine list, a few stand out remarkably. Head to the California Grill for one of the most impressive wine selections on the property, paired with an outstanding meal and breathtaking views. Moreover, Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge features an extensive collection of wines sourced from the American Northwest, with a sommelier on hand to assist in selecting the perfect pairing.
Wine Flights
Taking the concept of wine and food pairing further, select Disney dining venues offer special meal and wine events. These wine pairing dinners, available on select dates, provide guests with a chance to relish some of Disney’s finest cuisine paired with thoughtfully selected wines. For instance, the Jiko Wine Dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge showcases the location’s best dishes paired with an impressive collection of South African wines, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts.
Other restaurants that feature special wine pairings or flights include Bistro de Paris (Epcot), Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian, and Koussina in Downtown Disney. Reservations are recommended for these exclusive events, which are designed for adults only.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
For the ultimate wine lover, Epcot’s annual festival is a must-visit destination. Offering hundreds of varieties of wine from around the globe, guests can explore exotic selections at kiosks situated in every region. Notable highlights include Apple Icewine from Canada, a refreshing Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler from China, and unique offerings from emerging marketplaces, such as Portugal. This festival is tailored for sampling, providing an exceptional opportunity to taste diverse wines without a significant commitment.
Epcot Wine Tasting Stations
If you miss the Food and Wine Festival, don’t worry—select countries in Epcot host daily wine tastings. At locations like France, Italy, or Germany, guests can sample trios of regional wines, each country showcasing its special selections. Additionally, bottles are available for purchase if you discover a variety that truly delights your palate.
Wine and Dine Plan
The premier option of the Disney Dining plan includes a bottle of wine for each day you participate in the program. Most Disney restaurants are included in this plan, featuring Signature Dining options such as Le Cellier and Artist Point. Bottles of wine available under this plan are clearly marked on the restaurant’s menus, and most require only one bottle credit to redeem. Consequently, this plan is an economical choice for those who enjoy pairing wine with their meals and wish to explore new varieties daily.
Wine in the Magic Kingdom
Historically, guests wishing to enjoy a glass of wine with their meal had to avoid Disney’s Magic Kingdom. However, this changed when wine became available at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Fantasyland in 2012—as a French restaurant, it was only fitting. In May 2018, all table service restaurants within the Magic Kingdom began offering beer and wine options (note that quick-service locations do not serve alcohol).