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The untold truth about Cooper’s Hawk: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Cooper’s Hawk is a renowned chain that seamlessly combines restaurants with tasting rooms, creating a unique and inviting experience for wine lovers. With over 40 locations across the United States, Cooper’s Hawk has earned a loyal following and continues to impress guests with its upscale yet intimate atmosphere.
The visionary behind Cooper’s Hawk
Founded in 2005 by Tim McEnery, Cooper’s Hawk began as a dream to merge the worlds of winemaking and dining. McEnery, then just 29 years old, embarked on a journey to create a restaurant/winery duo that would captivate the palates of wine lovers everywhere. Despite numerous legal hurdles, McEnery persevered and opened the first Cooper’s Hawk location in Orland Park, Illinois. Today, the company generates an astounding $340 million in annual sales, a testament to McEnery’s vision and dedication.
A Culinary Adventure
One of the most distinctive aspects of Cooper’s Hawk is its comprehensive dining experience. Each location features a full-service restaurant and wine tasting room where guests can enjoy delectable dishes expertly crafted by Matt McMillin, Vice President of Culinary and Beverage Innovation. With a focus on American cuisine infused with global influences, the menu at Cooper’s Hawk features more than 100 delicious items, each thoughtfully paired with a specific Cooper’s Hawk wine. From seasonal ingredients to scratch preparations, every bite at Cooper’s Hawk is a testament to culinary excellence.
The art of winemaking
Cooper’s Hawk takes great pride in its meticulous approach to winemaking. Through strategic partnerships with international and domestic growers, the company sources grapes from renowned regions such as California, Washington, Oregon, Italy, Australia, Portugal and France. By sourcing grapes from these diverse locations, Cooper’s Hawk ensures optimal growing conditions and exceptional quality without having to plant vineyards in its home state of Illinois.
Once the grapes arrive at the Cooper’s Hawk winery in Woodridge, Illinois, they undergo a meticulous process of oak aging, bottling and distribution. The winery produces an impressive 700,000 cases of wine annually, earning the company over 500 awards in national and international competitions. Cooper’s Hawk’s commitment to excellence is evident in every sip.
Discover the Négociant Model
Cooper’s Hawk embraces the négociant model, acting as a wine broker and producer. This approach involves sourcing grapes from multiple vineyards and crafting exceptional wines in-house. While the négociant model can be abused by some, Cooper’s Hawk has consistently demonstrated its commitment to quality and innovation. Nearly every varietal produced by the company has received accolades, including its red, white, dessert, fruit and luxury brands. Even the labels themselves have been recognized for their design, solidifying Cooper’s Hawk as a benchmark for excellence in the wine industry.
The lure of the wine club
At the heart of Cooper’s Hawk’s success is its acclaimed wine club. With more than 300,000 members in 2018 and a growing community of wine enthusiasts, the club offers an array of benefits and exclusive experiences. Club members can choose from several membership options, receive monthly wine shipments, and enjoy wine tastings at Cooper’s Hawk tasting rooms. The club even rewards members with points for dining and market purchases that can be redeemed for dining experiences and discounted bottles of wine. For those unable to visit a Cooper’s Hawk location, the Club offers convenient quarterly wine deliveries right to their doorstep.
A wealth of perks
Becoming a member of the Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club opens up a world of delightful perks. Each month, members are treated to a wine tasting for two, featuring a selection of seven to eight wines accompanied by detailed tasting notes. In addition, the club offers special monthly themed dinners, where multi-course meals are thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines. To further enhance the wine-centric lifestyle, Cooper’s Hawk organizes international wine trips, providing members with memorable journeys curated by CEO Tim McEnery, Executive Chef Matt McMillin and Master Sommelier Emily Wines. These immersive experiences offer a deep dive into the world of wine, culture and food.
Leadership and Development
Cooper’s Hawk prides itself on the expertise and passion of its team. Emily Wines, Head Sommelier, is actively involved in the American branch of the Court of Master Sommeliers. Her dedication to the craft is evident and she plays an integral role in shaping the wine offerings at Cooper’s Hawk. The culinary direction, spearheaded by Matt McMillin, ensures that every dish on the menu is thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with the wines, creating a truly immersive dining experience.
A lasting legacy
Since its inception, Cooper’s Hawk has solidified its position as a beloved destination for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. The combination of exceptional wines, delectable cuisine, and a warm and inviting atmosphere has captured the hearts of guests across the country. With an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, Cooper’s Hawk continues to push boundaries and redefine the wine and dining experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply appreciate the finer things in life, a visit to Cooper’s Hawk promises an unforgettable journey of flavors, aromas, and delightful moments. Indulge in the remarkable wines, savor the exquisite cuisine, and immerse yourself in the passion and artistry that define the Cooper’s Hawk experience.
FAQS
The concept behind Cooper’s Hawk is to combine restaurants with wine tasting rooms, offering guests a complete dining experience coupled with the opportunity to explore a wide selection of wines.
Who founded Cooper’s Hawk and when?
Cooper’s Hawk was founded by Tim McEnery in 2005 when he opened the first location in Orland Park, Illinois.
Where does Cooper’s Hawk source its grapes from?
Cooper’s Hawk sources its grapes from growers in several regions including California, Washington, Oregon, Italy, Australia, Portugal and France.
How does Cooper’s Hawk ensure the quality of its wines?
By sourcing grapes from renowned regions and utilizing the négociant model, Cooper’s Hawk is able to maintain control over the winemaking process, ensuring optimal quality and consistency in its wines.
What are the benefits of the Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club?
The Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club provides members with exclusive benefits including monthly wine shipments, wine tastings, access to special events, dining rewards and the opportunity to participate in international wine tours.
Who sets the culinary tone at Cooper’s Hawk?
Matt McMillin, Vice President of Culinary and Beverage Innovation, is responsible for leading the culinary direction at Cooper’s Hawk, ensuring that each dish is thoughtfully crafted to complement the wines on offer.