Harbor Nights

Always stellar entertainment… live band, opera sang from the balcony. Amazing food from surrounding on-​property restaurants… even better wines to taste. I always make it a point to go. One of my favorite tastings in Orlando. Fyi… self parking is free.

This event happens every two to three months on a Friday night at Universal Studios Portofino Bay area. For approximately $ 50 dollars (advance purchase-​usually sold out day of event), you get some great wines and food to sample (about 5 – 6 appetizer samples in 10 – 12 stations and similar for the wine, both red and white) along with an excellent live jazz band. During the intermissions for the band, there are several performers that sing opera from one of the balconies of the hotel. There are not enough tables for the crowd, but you can walk around and enjoy the food, wine and the atmosphere. Dancing is also going on in front of the band. It is usually outdoors and in a great location. I have gone several times and have had an outstanding time each visit. Brought an out-​of-​town guest this time and he just loved the experience. The event last 3 – 4 hours, there is a $ 5 valet parking fee (as well as free self parking) and the mood is always festive!

Great date night at Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel. Cheap valet parking at only $ 5 for the event was a nice surprise too. The event is set up in the open area around the lagoon and there were several different food and wine stations with awesome sampling. Also, there was a live jazz band and while they were taking a break there were live opera singers on one of the balconies overlooking the area. We were one of the youngest couples and there were no kids around.

You really do feel like you are transported to another place far away from Orlando. This event is hosted The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando and is a wine tasting and jazz event that embodies the Mediterranean.
The setting is perfect with the backdrop of the water and the colorful buildings surrounding you and an array of adults enjoying food, wine and live entertainment. It’s a much older crowd and there were no kids so it was a very relaxing, adult evening. Also, the weather was perfect so that was a cherry on top.
There are an array of food stations from all of the different locations in the resort. The one I attended had a delicious menu:
Mama Della’s Ristorante: Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Rollatini, Mushroom and Fingerling Potato Ragu — It was absolutely delicious, I think I went back for thirds. That is also another awesome thing about this event, you can eat and drink as much as you want!
Splendidos Bar and Grill: Chilled and Refreshing Tuscan Bread Soup with Feta Cheese and Smoked Shrimp Skewer — It was refreshing but I am not much of a fan when it comes to chilled soup.
Bice: Eggplant Rollatini with fresh Ricotta, Basil, Parmiggiano and Spinach topped with roasted Ro– ma Tomato and Garlic Sauce — I think I ate about 7 pieces… absolutely full of flavor.
Trattoria del Porto — Spinach and Ciabatta Stuffed Beef Braciole, Basil Tomato Sauce: So gooooood!
Sal’s Deli Market: Fried Italian Sausage Mini Calzone, Marinara Sauce — It was so hot when I got it, freshly made so it took me a while to eat it but I enjoyed every second. So good.
Gelateria: Orange Sorbetto and Chocolate Gelato
Dessert: Canolicini (mini canolies) and «Pink grapefruit» soft serve gelato
I actually didn’t partake in the desserts as I had tons of wine instead =) 8 red wines, 5 white wines and 2 dessert wines were mixed throughout. My favorite was the Bex Riesling — absolutely crisp and refreshing.
The entertainment was so fun! They had a live band and a good amount of people were dancing, that was awesome. They also had live opera singers perform on a balcony above the event and that was truly a highlight.
$ 5 Valet parking or complimentary general parking.
Check out upcoming Harbor Nights: