Eric Cooperman

With an extensive 24-year background in hospitality, Eric has held various positions, including crafting beverage programs for Urban Wren in Greenville, SC, and Union Square Hospitality Group in Washington DC. Notably, he served as Corporate Director of Beverage at The Cliffs in North/South Carolina for nine years, overseeing beverage operations across seven private golf communities. Prior to this, Eric was General Manager/Wine Buyer at Gran Cru in Orlando, FL, where he played a key role in the establishment’s success over eight years.

Eric’s expertise is underscored by prestigious designations such as an Advanced Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine from The Society of Wine Educators, and Maître d’ certification through the ClubCorp Management Program. He gained firsthand winemaking knowledge from two harvests in Oregon and holds culinary and hospitality management degrees from Johnson & Wales University and Florida International University, respectively. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, Eric further honed his skills as a Michelin-trained chef, with experience at the three-starred restaurant “La Rive” in The Netherlands.

Winner of the Ruinart International Wine Challenge in France, Eric has also served as a distinguished Wine Judge at the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival in South Carolina and as a Judge for the Chaîne des Rôtisseur’s Young Sommelier Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, he has showcased his expertise as a Guest Sommelier at renowned events such as the Euphoria Wine & Food Festival in Greenville, SC, the Charleston Wine & Food Festival in Charleston, SC, the Highlands Wine & Food Festival in Highlands, NC, and the James Beard Foundation.