Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Springfield IL
I’ve had the opportunity to taste a few Cooper’s Hawk wines at various events in the past , but on a recent trip through Springfield IL my wife and I took time to visit and have an early dinner at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant.
The location itself is very classy with separate entrances directly into the tasting room and bar from the outside patio. The Springfield location is one of over 52 the U.S.
Before stepping in for dinner, we were greeted in the tasting room by Chris. Before discussing the tasting, a bit of information. Cooper’s Hawk winery, located in Woodridge, IL, partners with some of the world’s premier vineyards, importing grapes from many regions, including California, Oregon, Chile, Argentina, Australia and Italy, enabling them to create over 50 varietals of wines.


On the day of our visit, the wine menu had 51 wines from which to choose. That alone was unexpected, and of course very welcome; at least until I had to choose the ones I wanted to try.
It is not often that I participate in a tasting where I like every wine, but I must admit that was the case on this visit. Chris was engaging and was not only knowledgeable about the wines, but was willing to share his personal preferences. My choices for the day are as follows, with their tasting notes my *favorites and +purchases noted:
- Sauvignon Blanc – SIGHT Pale yellow, green rim NOSE Classic varietal aromas of lemon/lime, gooseberry, green herbs, and white flowers abound PALATE Light- to medium-bodied with mouthwatering acidity; bold flavor and a long citrus finish PAIRING Seafood, salads, veggies, goat cheese
- Chardonnay – SIGHT Straw yellow, NOSE Pronounced aromas of baked apple, Asian pear, and grilled pineapple are accented by toast, cinnamon, and vanilla PALATE Rich and creamy with balanced acidity, this medium-bodied wine delivers notes of banana, melon, and spice PAIRING Smoked cheeses, poultry, grilled or smoked salmon
- Cooper’s Hawk Lux Chardonnay * + – SIGHT Bright yellow NOSE A bouquet of ripe lemon, stone fruits, melon, and Golden Delicious apple intertwine with smoke, baking spices, and caramel PALATE Dry, full-bodied, and round in the mouth, this wine produces a little heat up front, finishing with citrus, peach, and spice notes PAIRING Lobster or crab, mesquite chicken, veal, rich sauces
- Cooper’s Hawk Red * – SIGHT Opaque purple NOSE Fruit forward with aromas of red raspberry, black cherry, and blackberry leading into tobacco, vanilla bean, and cracked pepper PALATE Smooth tannins, medium weight, and a core of dark berries make this an easy sipping wine PAIRING Roasted turkey, chicken parmesan, bratwurst or sausage
- Old Vine Zin * – SIGHT Deep ruby red with purple hues NOSE Layers of fruit ranging from strawberry to black currant are punctuated by pink pepper, baking spices, and sandalwood PALATE Spice notes and ripe, jammy fruit is in harmony with rounded tannins and lively acidity PAIRING Anything wrapped in bacon (dates, filet, scallops), sweet/tangy sauces
- Cabernet Sauvignon – SIGHT Opaque ruby red NOSE A bouquet of mixed berries, pencil shavings, herbs, and a wealth of spices are complemented by cigar box and oak nuances PALATE Displaying true varietal character supported by a solid structure and great balance, this wine will continue to drink well for years to come PAIRING Bone-in steaks, pungent cheeses, mushroom risotto, rich dishes
- Cooper’s Hawk Lux Meritage * + – SIGHT Dark ruby with hints of brick NOSE A dynamic nose of mixed berries, anise, toast, truffle, dried herbs, vanilla, and flowers PALATE Firm tannins, good acidity, and full-bodied this wine exhibits amazing depth that will develop with age, yet drinks well young PAIRING Mediterranean couscous, game hen, and Italian braciole
- Super Tuscan – SIGHT Red/purple with garnet rim NOSE Slightly earthy with aromas of chocolate, raisins, nutmeg, vanilla, cherry, leather, and tobacco PALATE Full-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity, aromas develop well with decanting PAIRING Rich, hard cheeses, braised beef, or veal
Although I only purchased two bottles that day, I could easily have chosen many more to take home.

After the tasting, we moved to the beautiful dining room where we had a wonderful dinner. The menu has quite a selection appetizers, pasta, steak, chop, seafood, and chicken items, but I would not call them classic as they all seem to have chef’s own twist. This also applies to the selection of burgers, sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian items. I tried the Blackened Ahi Tuna, and it was amazing!


I truly enjoyed everything about Cooper’s Hawk, and look forward to returning to this and other locations in the future.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 2501 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62704