"I am weeping" - When Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary lost an opportunity with Copa Di Vino

In a rare moment of regret on ABC's Shark Tank, Kevin O'Leary watched a potential goldmine slip through his fingers. O'Leary lamented after James Martin walked away from a deal for Copa Di Vino, a revolutionary single-serve wine concept:

"I am going to go buy a $1,000 bottle of wine tonight, and I'm going to drink it because I am weeping for the opportunity lost,"

The reality show, where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to wealthy investors (the "Sharks"), has seen its share of missed opportunities. But Copa Di Vino's story stands out – it's the only product to appear twice on Shark Tank, with Martin turning down the Sharks both times.

The concept was simple yet innovative: premium wine in recyclable single-serve containers with resealable caps. No bottle, no corkscrew, just wine ready to enjoy. What followed would become one of the show's most memorable episodes and a testament to the power of believing in your vision.

---

What is Copa Di Vino and how did it fare on Shark Tank?

The idea struck Martin in 2007 during a bullet train ride in southern France. Celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife Molli, they were served sealed, single-serve glasses of wine. Two years later, Copa Di Vino (Italian for "a glass of wine") was born.

The product solved a common wine-drinking dilemma: how to enjoy a single glass without opening an entire bottle. With an ergonomic shape and a tight seal to keep the wine fresh, Copa Di Vino's containers were both practical and eco-friendly.

Martin's first appearance on Shark Tank in 2011 saw him asking for $600,000 for 20% of his company. The product was already in major retailers like Ralphs and Kroger chains. O'Leary, seeing potential in the packaging technology, offered $600,000 for 51% of the patent – but Martin walked away.

His second visit in 2012 was even more dramatic. Seeking $300,000 for 5% to fund a second bottling line, Martin faced a joint offer from O'Leary, Mark Cuban, and Robert Herjavec: $600,000 for 30%. The negotiation turned tense, with Cuban backing out and Herjavec storming off set. Once again, Martin left Shark Tank without a deal.

Despite turning down the Sharks twice, Copa Di Vino flourished. From $500,000 in the first six months, sales exploded to over $5 million annually. Martin celebrated on Facebook in 2012:

"And so the success continues. The winery has tripled in size and Copa is now one of the fastest growing brands in America!"

The brand expanded to Walmart and 7-Eleven, offering varieties from Merlot to Moscato, all starting at $3.49 per glass. Their online shop, launched in April 2022, sold out completely in its first month.

---

A new chapter for Copa Di Vino

In January 2021, Copa Di Vino entered a new era when Splash Beverage Group Inc. acquired the brand, including its coveted packaging technology. The Fort Lauderdale company planned to use the innovation across its beverage portfolio.

Martin, who ran Quenett Winery before Copa Di Vino, hasn't slowed down. He launched Oregon Mountain Estate in 2012 and founded DrinxTec and Eternity, companies focused on universal refilling packages.

The story of Copa Di Vino proves that sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't make. While O'Leary might still be weeping over his lost opportunity, Martin's success shows that with the right product and enough conviction, you don't always need a Shark to swim to success.

---

You can watch Shark Tank on Hulu and Apple TV.