Orlando Wine Bars
Orlando offers an amazing wine scene. From the small, family-owned cafés to the ultra-glamorous wine bars in some of the most exclusive neighborhoods, there is something here for everybody. I’ve divided the list into wine bars near the major tourist attractions and those others located in Orlando neighborhoods. Happy tasting!
Near Disney Attractions…
This photo courtesy of Vines
Vines Wine Bar– 7533 West Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819
Situated in the upscale Dr. Phillips neighborhood, Vines boasts an extensive selection of fine quality wines mainly by the bottle, although there are also a few choices to enjoy by the glass. Here you can have the ultimate food & wine pairings, as there is a sommelier on staff to help you navigate the expansive list. And to complete the wine experience, in the bar area you can savor the classic rhythms of live jazz every night from 7-11pm (no cover). Vines also hosts organized tasting events for those seeking more in-depth learning and wine sampling. The additional outdoor spaces offer both bistro-style seating in the front, as well as a comfortable patio in the back, which includes a TV screen in case you want to have wine while watching your favorite sports team play. Be sure to visit the wine shop next door that also has information regarding tastings and other special events.
Funky Monkey Wine Company– Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819; Downtown location- 912 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
You guessed it. As the name clearly suggests, there’s nothing ordinary about this wine bar. From the colorful decor to the weekly live burlesque performances (reservations recommended), Funky Monkey Wine Company leaves with its guests an impression not to be forgotten. Along with the typical wine list, the wine bar also offers an “uncorked” experience where you can visit any of the open wines, basically until the bottles are empty. The selection of the bottles is ever-evolving, essentially offering new tastings every week. The custom-designed event space offers an attractive reception area for corporate events, family gatherings, and celebrations from small intimate affairs to large scale parties with carving stations and the whole nine. Stylish, yet unconventional, Funky Monkey is always unforgettable.
In the Neighborhoods…
Bikes, Beans, & Bordeaux– 3022 Corrine Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
How could anyone not love a place with a name like Bikes, Beans, & Bordeaux? Husband and wife team, Jen and Darrell Cunningham, took their passion of community connection, health and fitness, and cycling and created B3, an (eco)friendly neighborhood café and wine lounge. B3 presents a beautiful example of that “3rd space”, a place outside of the home or work setting where one can unwind, relax, and B yourself. Here you’ll find a cozy and inviting backdrop where you can go to read a book, catch up with friends, or enjoy “me time”, all over a glass of wine and healthy small plates as accompaniment.
What makes B3 especially memorable is the personal attentiveness not only to the guests of B3, who Jen and Darrell welcome like family, but to the community as a whole. While B3 offers great coffee, an eclectic wine list, and healthy food choices to the general public, it also serves as an information and meeting point for cycling enthusiasts. Check out the curtain rods created with old bike handle-bars. Plus….there’s the added commitment to health & fitness, particularly with cycling (B Well), supporting local artists (B Creative) and promoting charities (B Nice). Great casual atmosphere in Orlando’s Audubon Park Garden District!
TAPS Wine and Beer– 480 North Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789; Locations also in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Naples
Situated in the lovely Winter Park Village, TAPS proposes an elegant collection of wines by the glass, both at the bar and at the Enomatic self-serve machines. I was pleasantly surprised to even find selections by renowned makers such as Caymus, Cakebread and Silver Oak, which at TAPS are available by 1/2 or full glass servings, and of course by the bottle. I ordered a half-glass of each creating my own personal wine flight 🙂 What is really cool about TAPS besides their great selection of wines is the ambiance. The interior decor in the Wine Lounge is truly beautiful and features floor to ceiling curtains, L-shaped sofas, chandeliers, and personalized art-work adorning the walls. But my favorite space I have to say is the outdoor lounge. The seating is comfortable, inviting, and offers an attractive space to people-watch while basking in Florida’s radiant sunshine.
EOLA Wine Company– 136 Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789; Downtown location-430 East Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801
One of the original wine bars in the Orlando area, Eola Wine Company maintains a true bar à vin (wine bar) atmosphere as you’d find in old Paris. It’s dimly-lit, quiet, and laid back interior welcomes those who delight in simplicity- good conversation over a nice glass of wine. Speaking of which, there are quite a few selections, more than 70 wines by the glass. So the choice is yours! Wine flights are also available should you want your own personal tasting experience. Try that with select appetizers, flatbreads and desserts and create your own “pairing”!
The Wine Room on Park Avenue– 270 South Park Avenue , Winter Park, FL 32789
This wine bar will “wow” even the most experienced connoisseur. Imagine more than 150 hand-selected wines by the glass, thanks to the multitude of Enomatic dispensing machines, including one serving even Champagne! To compliment the vast array of international wines available in 1 oz, 2.5 oz, or 5 oz pours, The Wine Room also presents their Fromage Cave featuring artisan cheeses and a very elegant tapas-style menu. For those who love learning about wines as much as I do, you can attend their special tasting events held throughout the year, where guest speakers from featured wineries do a presentation on their distinct collections.
I love Champagne, and The Wine Room is one of the few places that has a gorgeous selection of bubblies by the glass from famous Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Moët, and Perrier-Jouët. This sparkling wine list also makes it possible to order champagne cocktails such as Mimosas–all day, everyday!
What really makes this wine bar unique is its famous vault located in the basement. What used to be a real bank vault, is now a château-style living room, available for private parties, business meetings, or other special engagements. The Lounge offers yet another space for those wanting a quieter atmosphere away from the crowds, as Friday and Saturday nights especially, can be jam-packed.
Just east of Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando, this former Publix supermarket, in fact the first one in Central Florida, is now a casual wine bar in the stylish Thornton Park district. The outdoor café-style seating makes for a great spot to enjoy the wide selection of wines by the glass. The list features mostly New World wines (e.g. USA, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand), although a few regions in Europe and South America are represented as well. Dexter’s also has tasting events throughout the year and is the official starting point for Thornton Park Wine & Art Walk, held every 2nd Thursday where people come to celebrate wine and art. Speaking of strolling, be sure to swing by Benjamin French Bakery & Café which is just a few doors up the street. The woman who owns it is a native from France, from the Bordeaux region to be exact, and the pastries that she bakes are amazing!
