If you have ever been to Jiko – The Cooking Place, Walt Disney World’s signature restaurant located at the Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort, then you know that it features an amazing wine list. With wines exclusively from South Africa, the restaurant boasts one of North America’s largest collections of South African wines. And now, opportunities to enjoy those wines just got even better, as Jiko announces afternoon wine tastings and a schedule of special wine dinners.
Wine Tastings
New to South African wines, or just interested in learning more? Stop by Jiko on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm to sample some amazing wines. Offerings include three wines, which are paired with cheese and fruit. Price per person is $25, and reservations can be made by calling 407-938-7149.
Wine Dinners
If multi-course meals are more your style when it comes to trying wines, then Jiko’s wine dinners are for you. The restaurant has announced six dinners beginning in May, which will each feature the chef, as well as the winemakers themselves, on hand to explain each course and pairing. The schedule as of now is as follows:
May 4– Post House Winery with Nick Geber will feature wines of the popular Post House farm, located in the Stellenbosch region.
June 8– Winemaker Alex Dale, founder of Radford Dale Wines, will be on hand with Vinum Vintages, some of the most select wines from the Stellenbosch region.
June 15– Ken Forrester Wines will be featured. The award-winning winery located adjacent to Helderberg Mountain in the heart of the Stellenbosch region is frequently referred to as the home of Chenin Blanc.
September (date to be announced)– This late summer event will showcase Mulderbosch Vineyards from the Stellenbosch area. Winemaker Richard Kershaw will be on hand to share handcrafted wines.
October 27– Robin Back from Spice Route and Fairview Winery in the Paarl wine district of South Africa will be present for this extra-special evening, which is part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival event schedule.
Dinners consist of five courses and are $135 per person, except in October, when dinner will include seven courses for $180. Price includes tax and gratuity. For reservations, email [email protected].
