Sneak Preview Of New Fort Myers Cooper’s Hawk

Media in Southwest Florida were treated to a sneak preview of new Fort Myers Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant Thursday. The new restaurant is on Six Mile Cypress close to Daniels Parkway. Doors officially open to the public on April 3rd. In addition to the restaurant, Cooper's Hawk boasts a market and Napa-style tasting room. The idea is to make wine tasting more accessible and approachable. In addition, the concept seeks to celebrate food and wine pairings.

It was founded in the Chicago area and has since grown to 54 locations. The first Cooper's Hawk in Southwest Florida opened in Naples in 2016. However, it is nothing like its sister restaurant to the north. Each Cooper's Hawk is distinctly different. All spots have a wine tasting room, full bar, main dining room, and a private dining area. However, the designs and layouts are unique to each location.

Here are a few photos from the sneak preview of new Fort Myers Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant. It's sure to be a new favorite for food and wine lovers in the Fort Myers area. I have a short video of the event here.

Fans of the restaurant and wine tasting room have been talking about it for months. Finally, there is an opening set for Cooper's Hawk in Fort Myers. The restaurant, market and Napa-style tasting room concept is slated to open to the public on April 3rd. It is on Olympic Court and Six Mile Cypress, near Daniels Parkway. This is the company's 54 location in the U.S. and the second in Southwest Florida.

I went to the grand opening of the first Cooper's Hawk in Southwest Florida in 2016 and have been to a number of event's there over the years. It's on Tamiami Trial in North Naples and it is almost always packed.  I met and interviewed founder Tim McEnery during one of the tasting and cooking events,

I love the story behind this concept. McEnery got the idea during a tasting at a small boutique winery outside of Chicago. He was with his future wife and thought if only a restaurant was on site, it would be perfect. Finally, he had the idea to combine the two into what has become a massive operation.

Today he sources grapes from wine regions worldwide for the Cooper’s Hawk brand. He even gets celebrity chefs and famous sommeliers to help. The wines are served in the tasting room, the restaurant, and sold through their wine club. In addition, monthly memberships are available at several different tiers.

For those who are all about a good food and wine pairing, you will love the menu. Wine suggestions are offered with each dish. There is  also as a full liquor bar if wine is not your thing. See you at the bar with opening set for Cooper's Hawk in Fort Myers. Here are some photos to whet your appetite.