With over 50 locations around the United States, Jacksonvilles one and only Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant presents you with a unique wine experience.
Located at: 4850 Big Island Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246, United States
The Founder
Cooper’s Hawk was founded by Tim McEnery in 2005 with Orland Park, Illinois being their first location. Since then, he’s opened a total of 54 locations around the United States and still has aspirations to open Cooper’s Hawks all around the country.
Entrance/Retail
Among entering the winery, you’ll be entering directly into the retail area. Here you can purchase wine paraphernalia, Cooper’s Hawk merchandise, and exclusive high-quality wine tools.
One popular item is the Cooper’s Hawk decanter sitting at a wopping $199.99 which is also used to serve guests dining in.
There is also a to-go area in the retail area where you can also purchase treats like chocolate truffles and tasty chocolate-covered strawberries. They have chocolate, white chocolate truffles, and the “Truffle of the Month”.
Wine Tastings
Now the wine tastings are the bread and butter of Cooper’s Hawk. Among entering, the tasting room is located within the same space as the retail area. Although it may look like a bar, there are no seats; a part of the Cooper’s Hawk experience is to enjoy your wine before you sit at your dining table.
Firstly, when you get to the tasting area, you’re then approached by one of the wine tasting attendants. It’s important to remember that these guys don’t just “sell wine” – they’re required to have general wine knowledge and knowledge about Cooper’s Hawk wine as well so don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re at Cooper’s Hawk to socialize, prepare yourself for a potentially interesting conversation about wine.
You’re then presented with three sheets of paper that each look like this.
This is a wine tasting sheet. As the wine tasting attendant presents you with these three sheets, they’ll inform you that you can pick one out of the three. The three different kinds of tasting sheets are varietal (consisting of mainly dry wines), sweet, and Lux (premium Cooper’s Hawk wines + international wines). With these tasting sheets you’ll be able to write notes and comments about each wine you try.
Each tasting consists of 8 different wines to sample. These tastings typically start off with a bubbly wine which helps cleanse the palate and end with a tasty dessert wine.
With the Lux wine tasting you’re allowed a complimentary truffle. Just go up to the to-go area and show them your Lux tasting sheet. They will allow you to pick between which flavor truffle you’d like.
The Wine Club Membership
At Cooper’s Hawk, wine tasting attendants and servers are incentivized to promote memberships to the Wine Club.
The Wine Club has many perks and is worth it if you’re a wine drinker.
You’ll have three different options of wine memberships to pick from – 1 bottle, 2 bottles, or 3 bottles per month. We recommend the 2 or 3-bottle membership because you’ll be entitled to free monthly tastings. With these tastings you can either use both for yourself, or bring a friend.
You can pick between the Variety, White, Red, or Sweet membership. We always recommend going for the variety or sweet. With the White or Red membership, you’re limited to only white or red wines. Variety allows you to decide on which ever one you’d like(including sweet wines) for the same price as just the White or just the Red. Sweet membership is the cheapest option but only choose this if you’re all in for sweet wines.
You will be given the option of picking up your wine or getting your wine delivered to you.
Every month whether you have the 1, 2, or 3-bottle membership you will be able to pick between the Wine of the Month (WOM), a Cooper’s Hawk signature wine, a Cooper’s Hawk Lux wine, or an international wine.
Please note that both Lux and international wines have up charges
Dine-in Experience
Cooper’s Hawk follows a high standard in every category so it’s safe to bet that your food will come out with speed and quality. The staff here is extremely helpful and attentive; teamwork is heavily relied on by the staff and strictly punctuated in their training.
Cooper’s Hawk operates with a scratch kitchen to guarantee only the freshest and tastiest dishes.
When you order a wine bottle, you can request to use their signature decanter to maximize the aeration for your wine.
You can also order a flight of wine consisting of four different wines to have while you wait for your food.
Try some of their tasty and unique cocktails! You won’t be disappointed.
While you wait for your food – the server will set a plate of their warm pretzel bread that you can enjoy with some delicious butter while you wait for your meal.
June Bug recommendation
Cocktail: Nightjar Sangria or Original Mai Tai
Appetizer: Drunken Shrimp or Lobster Bisque soup
Main Course: Dana’s Parmesan-Crusted Chicken or Trio of Medallions
Dessert: Cooper’s Hawk Chocolate Cake or Salted Caramel Crème Brûlée
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