Bring your own bottle/Corkage fee

[daverube]

I just received the California Grill's Wine List via email; however, it doesn't have anything on it regarding a byo corkage fee. The wife-to-be and I will be dining there in November during our honeymoon and thought about bringing a really nice bottle or two. As such, does anyone know if byo is allowed and what the corkage fee would be??

thanks,

dave

 

[Stitch69]

Not sure, that is a good question.....will be interesting to see what we find out.

 

[tink81]

I would call 407-WDW- DINE and ask a cast member to be certain.

 

[slappy magoo]

I would guess that there isn't a byob policy at the California Grill. Actually, I'm not sure there's a byob policy anywhere in WDW, maybe with the possible exception of wine you actually purchased IN WDW

(The next paragraph will sound snotty of me, so be aware, I'm not saying this is how *I* feel, but how I believe the management of California Grill feels)

Cali Grill is really upscale, fine fine FINE dining, the sort of restaurant that dining magazines will tell you to visit, even if you have no intention of going into any theme park. The sort of restaurant where management will be shocked and appalled to discover YOU think you can bring in a bottle of wine that competes in any way shape or form with their impeccable wine list (even if your taste in wine is better than their wine list). Granted, their wine list-their bar in general-will be pricey, but if you decide to dine there, it's kind of understood that you should expect an astronomical bill when you first arrive.

In short, if you've never been to Cali Girll, you'll know, when you walk in, that it's most assuredly not a byob kinda restaurant. If you really want to try, I'd suggest making up a cover story, like the wine you have is the same label and vintage from your first date, or something like that.

 

[daverube]

Slappy - I understand where you're coming from. I can appreciate the point of a non-byo policy (we actually have never byo'd anywhere)....however the places we eat (we live in NOLA and go to some really great, and sometimes snooty, places) always allow outside bottles (its usully noted on the wine list)....then again, that may be more of a NOLA drinking thing....

In reviewing the Cali Grill's wine list, I have several of their bottles at home already....I'll use the Spectator to check out the wines we don't have to see if anything looks really special.

Anyway, thanks again.

I'll call Disney and see what they say and will post again later!!

dave

 

[Moustronaut]

Just curious, did you look at their regular wine list or their reserve list, or both?

 

[daverube]

Just curious, did you look at their regular wine list or their reserve list, or both?

They've emailed me what looks to be their regular wine list. They did note that it changes quite often, though. Have you seen a reserve list at CG??

 

[RonAnnArbor]

Just a heads up - BYOB is NOT permitted in any of the Disney restaurants. A) the liquor laws in Florida do not permit that on property which already has proprietary liquor licenses; and B) The restaurants make a large portion of their income off of alchohol sales, and they don't want you bringing in your own.

 

[crazydaveh]

I was at the Cali Grill last weekend. Nope... Nothing outside allowed in. I tried to bring in a beer I bought at the bar on the 4th level of the Contemp and they told me it's a different license up there so I can't bring it in.

I did what anyone would do... BIG GULP

 

[lamarvenoy]

Cali has the largest selection of wines on property and I believe they are still the only restaurant allowed to outsource their wine list. If they don't have it on the list ...a phone call could most likely arrange it.

 

[mousermerf]

Hmm..

There are corking fees, I remember those from when I worked dine res.. and I know you can't a bring wine they sell. Otherwise, the current policies.. dunno.

ETA: I'm not having any luck hunting down the policy regarding byob and such, but this might interest you:

Jiko - Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - Most Outstanding Wine List in the World - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

So, you might want to give Jiko a try.

 

[Moustronaut]

They've emailed me what looks to be their regular wine list. They did note that it changes quite often, though. Have you seen a reserve list at CG??

Yep. As a normal practice they bring both lists to your table when you sit down. Can't remember anything specific on it though.

 

[AkiraRaptor]

Jiko - Wine Spectator Award of Excellence - Most Outstanding Wine List in the World - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

So, you might want to give Jiko a try.

I'd second that...they have some excellent choices at Jiko.

 

[daverube]

I finally spoke to a CM at the Cali Grill last night. As for BYO, the skinny is that it is no longer allowed, though I was told the restaurant used to allow it.

Anyway, thanks for you comments and help.

97 days.

dave

 

[RonAnnArbor]

You know - I have been going there for ages and ages through its incarnations, and I don't remember them ever allowing you to bring your own wine in. I think the CM there was just being nice in saying that they did once. At any rate, it is not allowed.

 

[bgraham34]

I was just going to say that its not allowed. My uncle wanted to do that last year and he was told no....

 

[ChuckElias]

I'd second that...they have some excellent choices at Jiko.

I'll "third" it. Excelsior Cabernet, 2002.

BTW, the corking fee onboard the Disney Magic was $15 in 2004. Don't know if it's still the same. They waived it when we gave them our "corny" story, which happened to be true.

 

[Teenchy]

Slappy - ..however the places we eat (we live in NOLA and go to some really great, and sometimes snooty, places) always allow outside bottles (its usully noted on the wine list)....then again, that may be more of a NOLA drinking thing....

dave

Different in NOLA...you guys can walk down the street with a bottle cant you just a little humor...hope everyone in NOLA is coming along after last year...looking forward to a possible visit this fall.

 

[daverube]

Different in NOLA...you guys can walk down the street with a bottle cant you just a little humor...hope everyone in NOLA is coming along after last year...looking forward to a possible visit this fall.

The French Quarter and CBD are fine....so is most of uptown. Most of our favorite restaurants are open. However, as to the city "coming along," don't bank on it for a while....it seems that the politicos can't stop pointing fingers...and the lazy poor can't stop committing crimes....

Sorry, folks, I'll jump off the soap box....

If you visit, make sure you eat at Irene's Cuisine on the corner of St. Phillip and Chartres (in the quarter)...the menu is creole italian....it is one of the best restaurants around (and affordable, compared to some)...should you have any questions, feel free to email or ask here.

dave

 

[Teenchy]

..it seems that the politicos can't stop pointing fingers...

...should you have any questions, feel free to email or ask here.

dave

I live in DC...the Capital of pointing fingers...I know what you mean.


And Thanks.