Copa di Vino sells single-serve wine in sealed cups, eliminating the need for a bottle or corkscrew. Founder James Martin famously appeared on Shark Tank twice, rejecting the investment offers he received.
The business grew considerably following the show and was acquired by Splash Beverage Group in 2020 for $5.98 million. Copa di Vino was previously valued at an estimated $20 million, but its new owner ran into financial trouble and stopped selling the product in 2025.
The original producer has since secured a licensing agreement to continue selling Copa di Vino, although the brand’s current valuation remains unknown.
James Martin’s Background
James Martin was raised in The Dalles, Oregon. He studied electrical engineering at Linn-Benton Community College and mathematics at Portland State University.
In 2003, he became the head of beverage manufacturing company Quenett. When James got the chance to acquire an abandoned flour mill in the area, he was motivated to turn it into a winery. His neighbors and family helped him open Sunshine Mill Winery in 2005.
Founding Copa di Vino
The Oregon native once went on a vacation to France to visit its vineyards. On the trip, he rode a bullet train, where he first encountered the idea of drinking wine from a single-serve container.
When he returned home, Martin was driven to develop the technology to make his concept a reality. The product was ready in 2009, and the founder named it Copa di Vino, which means “a glass of wine” in Italian.
Martin eliminated the need for a bottle and corkscrew, developing packaging that allowed wine to remain fresh in a sealed cup. The convenient format helped the business attract customers and expand distribution.
Growth Following Shark Tank
Following the television exposure, Copa di Vino expanded distribution through retailers including 7-Eleven, Walmart and Kroger. The business continued growing without investment from the Sharks.
In December 2020, Splash Beverage Group acquired Copa di Vino’s key assets for $5.98 million. The purchase included cash, a convertible promissory note and shares linked to future revenue targets.
Splash planned to expand the brand through its distribution network, but financial difficulties eventually disrupted operations.
Copa di Vino’s Financial Troubles in 2025 and 2026
Splash Beverage Group struggled to fund its beverage operations and stopped marketing and selling Copa di Vino in April 2025.
That month, Splash entered into a licensing agreement allowing Copa Di Vino Corporation, the original producer, to continue using the brand and its intellectual property. However, Splash’s funding problems continued throughout 2025, and the company eventually abandoned plans to relaunch the product line itself.
According to its 2025 annual SEC filing, revenue from Splash’s discontinued Copa di Vino operations fell from $3.35 million in 2024 to just $370,000 in 2025. The discontinued business also recorded a loss of $886,000.
The relationship between Splash and the original producer had also become strained. In April 2025, Splash agreed to pay $700,000 to settle two lawsuits brought by Copa Di Vino Corporation.
In July 2026, Copa Di Vino Corporation filed another lawsuit, when the producer alleged that Splash had failed to make scheduled settlement payments. The complaint claimed around $788,000 was outstanding as of July 1, including amounts under a related agreement but excluding further interest and costs.
Splash disputed the claims and was considering its legal options. No final court determination had been reported in the available filings.
Is Copa di Vino Still Being Sold?
Copa di Vino products remain listed for sale at some US retailers, including WineTransit and Stony Beverage Depot, although availability is limited. As of November 1, 2026, the brand’s official website was still active, but its online shop is offline.
The original producer, Copa Di Vino Corporation, secured exclusive US licensing rights in April 2025 after Splash Beverage Group stopped selling the wine. It’s unclear how much new stock is currently being produced.
The agreement also allows Copa Di Vino Corporation to purchase the brand’s intellectual property between January 2026 and January 2027. If it doesn’t exercise that option, the licence can continue under the existing terms.
What Is Copa di Vino Worth Today?
Copa di Vino was previously valued at an estimated $20 million, but its current worth is unclear following Splash Beverage Group’s financial difficulties.
The last confirmed acquisition price was $5.98 million in December 2020, when Splash purchased the brand’s key assets. Splash’s discontinued operations and the later licensing agreement make it difficult to determine how much revenue Copa di Vino currently generates.
The original producer now has the opportunity to regain ownership of the brand’s intellectual property, although no completed purchase has been publicly confirmed.
James Martin’s Two Shark Tank Appearances
James Martin made his first appearance on Season 2 of Shark Tank, asking for $300,000 for 5% equity. Kevin O’Leary proposed $600,000 for 51%, but Martin was unwilling to surrender control of his company.
A year later, Copa di Vino had reportedly grown from $600,000 to $5 million in sales, although it was still dealing with inventory problems.
In 2012, Martin returned for Season 3, again seeking $300,000 for 5%. Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec offered $600,000 for 30%. Martin’s relaxed approach to negotiations, including stopping to drink wine, frustrated the Sharks. He ultimately left without a deal for the second time.
