Jiko Wine Dinner?

[cmwilson523]

Has anyone been to the new wine dinners that are being held at Jiko? There was a post on another site about Disney starting this in April, but I haven't heard anything since.

It is $130 per person, with a several course dinner paired with wines, and is held once a month in their Wine Room.

Anyone been there and able to report back?

Thanks!
Catherine

 

[cdtommie]

Catherine, my wife and I went to the dinner in early May and had a great time. The pace was leisurely (we were there about four hours) and the company was great (we were seated next to Conductor Bruce who runs the MK railroad on Wednesdays and his wife...there are about 10-12 people per table). We really enjoyed both the food and wine (I believe six different wines were served...the pours were good with seconds on a few of them if you wished). The menu covered was very diverse with both fish and meat courses along with dessert (of course) and a great sorbet (with a Hanger One vodka shot). There was also some entertainment - folk songs sung by Jiko cast members and a short film on SA wine. It was money well spent and we would love to do this again.

 

[cmwilson523]

Thanks so much for replying!

It sounds great, and we may put this in our plans for the next trip.

 

[ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!]

Wooohoo! We did this in June and it was AMAZING! We also got to sit next to Bruce and Marta and boy oh boy what a treat. I felt like I was having a wonderful Wine Pairing Dinner AND a dinner with an Imagineer. Bruce is fantastic, his knowledge of Disney and the parks is unreal. The dinner is wonderful, we were planning on going next week (July 7th) but theyre completely booked. We're calling every day to see if anything opened up but so far nothing. I recommend this dinner to anyone that loves food and wine. Our sommiliar (sp?) was Anthony and it was sponsored by Golden Kaan. Anthony was great, he had so much information about the wines, the creation, the politics behind it...you learn so much and you enjoy one of the best meals on WDW property. Just wait til my DF see's this thread, she will chime in with a lot more info.

I have a copy of the Menu (sent by concierge) if you would like an idea of whats it like. Just send me a PM.

 

[TheNerdyMinnie]

That was such a wonderful dinner! The sommeliers do an excellent job at introducing and describing the wines. we even got a quick lesson on south africa. The dishes as well were delicious...the lamb chops to die for There was never a dull moment. The interaction with the sommeliers and chefs, as well as the other guests was entertaining. So much so, it was nearing midnight and we were still at the table enjoying ourselves! And not only did we leave with our tummys and palates pleased, but we returned to the room with four bottles:two that I won, and two pinotages, which has now become one of our favorite wines. Everytime I think about it I want to return! OHhh woe is me...if only I had called earlier to book it.

 

[nasmith]

Ahhhhhhh-I would LOVE to see the menu--- How do we find out when these dinners are available? Thanks- Jill

 

[MaryFMac]

I'm fairly sure it takes place on the first Thursday of the month. We're sad to miss it on our trip this year.

 

[Grainy]

Signature Wine Dinners at Jiko are still going on. July is sold out, but I was able to book for August. They are held every first Thursday of the month, other than during the Epcot F&W. 130.00 Dollars is well worth it per person. Reception, then dinner, 7 or 8 courses, paired with wines from South Africa. It is a great deal and you can't beat the ambiance of Animal Kingdom Lodge, or the wine room at Jiko. Interaction with wine makers and chefs is great too. Very educational. It is a leisurley paced evening, that will take you about four hours. Great fun, and definitely a reason to plan your vacation around. See you there sometime

 

[lillygator]

are they not held during the Food and Wine Festival?

 

[dizfanz]

How far in advance can you make a PS for the wine dinners?

 

[1MegMeg]

are they not held during the Food and Wine Festival?

Hi Lilly! They are held during the food and wine festival, but not on Thurdays, the are on the first Sunday instead (at least in November when we are going). We were originally going November 3rd - 6th, but we pushed our entire trip back a day (4th-7th) so we can attend the wine dinner. I am so excited!

Dizfanz - You can make reservations 90 days out.

 

[cdtommie]

Dizfanz, when we booked the May dinner we were told to call after March 15 (printed in the DDE newsletter). When I called on March 15 I was told to call back in another week because it wasn't in the computer yet. When I did this I received the reservation. They did not ask for a credit card number but I was charged after the dinner...they must have just charged the card number I used to enroll in DDE.