Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant

Imagine a slice of California's sunny valley transported to Florida's tropical climate—that is exactly the impression Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant makes. Located in Fort Myers, this establishment is a unique hybrid of an upscale restaurant, a tasting room, and a stylish wine accessories shop.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Founded by Tim McEnery, this USA chain has become famous for its commitment to the idea that quality wine and delicious food are the best ways to strengthen human connections. The interior is designed in a Napa Valley style: an open kitchen, modern design with wood elements, and a cozy bar create an atmosphere of relaxed elegance. The Fort Myers restaurant features an impressive 260-seat space, as well as a charming outdoor patio for warm evenings.

The winery produces over 50 varieties of wine, which have won hundreds of prestigious awards. While the winery sources the finest grapes from around the world, the winemaking process is overseen by Cooper’s Hawk masters. The restaurant menu focuses on modern American cuisine with international accents, where each dish is assigned a specific bin number to help guests find the perfect wine pairing.

For your convenience, we have gathered all the relevant contact information for the venue in one place. You can book a table in advance or check for availability in the tasting room.

The main adventure at Cooper’s Hawk begins in the Napa-style tasting room. Here, you can sample exclusive varieties, including "Wines of the Month," or order signature wine-based cocktails like the Sangria-Tini. It is the perfect place to expand your oenological knowledge in a casual setting.

In the dining area, be sure to try the signature dishes. Regular guests recommend the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, served with potatoes and mustard, or the tender coconut curry Mahi-Mahi. Thanks to the bin number system on the menu, you can easily find a match for your dinner—for example, BIN 89 is a perfect companion for the truffle oil risotto.

If the weather permits, head to the outdoor patio to enjoy the Florida breeze with a glass of chilled sangria. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the retail store: here you can purchase not only the wine you enjoyed but also unique gifts, gourmet treats, or professional accessories for your home bar. For true connoisseurs, there is a Wine Club membership that provides access to private events and limited-edition releases.

Finding Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is easy, as it is conveniently located in the eastern part of the city. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via I-75: take the exit for Colonial Blvd (SR 884), then turn onto Olympic Ct. The drive from the downtown area takes about 20 minutes, and there is ample parking available on-site.

For those arriving from other regions, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) serves as a major landmark. The winery is located just 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) from the terminals, which is approximately a 10–15 minute trip by taxi or rental car. A ride via Uber or Lyft will typically cost between $20 and $30.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use the LeeTran buses that run to the stops nearest to Olympic Ct. However, keep in mind that a short walk or a quick taxi ride (about 5 minutes) may be required from the bus stop to the venue, making personal transport or ridesharing the most comfortable options.

The history of this unique project began in October 2005 when entrepreneur Tim McEnery opened the first location in Orland Park, Illinois. Tim's idea was revolutionary at the time: he noticed that while there were many wineries, full-service restaurants within them were rare, and he decided to combine these two worlds under one roof. Thus, the first winery with full restaurant service in Illinois was born.

The concept proved incredibly successful, and the chain began to expand rapidly. By 2019, the company reached impressive financial heights and was acquired by the investment group Ares Management. Despite its scale, Cooper’s Hawk maintains the spirit of a family business, where genuine human connections formed over a glass of good wine are at the forefront.

The Fort Myers location became a milestone for the company—it is the 54th establishment in the chain, opening its doors on April 3, 2023. It was the brand's first representative in this part of Florida. Today, under the management of an experienced team, including General Manager Clarissa Fleshner, the restaurant continues the traditions established by its founder nearly twenty years ago.

Particular mention should be made of the Cooper’s Hawk Wine Club, which has grown from a small group of enthusiasts into a massive community of over 780,000 members. Many popular menu items, such as the famous Mexican Drunken Shrimp, were developed by the original executive chef Jose Esparza and have remained guest favorites for many years.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine of Cooper’s Hawk, we recommend setting aside 1.5 to 3 hours. If you plan to start with a tasting in the Napa-style room, allow about 30–60 minutes for this—enough time to leisurely sample several varieties and browse the retail shop for souvenirs.

The main part of the visit—lunch or dinner—usually takes between 1 and 2 hours. Given the pairing concept (matching wine with food), guests often prefer to spend time in unhurried conversation. If you are planning a private event or a celebration in one of the private rooms, you should expect to stay for 4 hours or more.

The establishment is open to guests daily, offering both early lunches and late dinners. The standard operating hours are: Monday–Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00, and on Friday the restaurant is open until 22:00. On weekends, doors open a bit earlier: Saturday from 10:00 to 22:00, and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00.

Please note that hours may vary on holidays or during private events. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

A visit to the winery can easily be combined with exploring other local points of interest. The surrounding area offers a variety of entertainment, from educational museums to outdoor activities. When planning your route, check out these nearby locations to make your day even more fulfilling.