Stepping into Cork & Glass Wine Shop feels like embarking on a journey through the world’s finest wine regions. Where else can you experience the bold flavors of Argentina, the rolling hills of California’s San Jose, and the timeless charm of Italy, all within the warm atmosphere of a family-owned gem?
The shop was founded by Jose "Pepe" Fundora, who was raised in the hospitality industry. His parents, Maria and the late Antonio Fundora, owned and managed restaurants, including the beloved Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant in Alpharetta.
Initially, Pepe wanted to explore other industries outside his upbringing, but fate had different plans for him. After attaining his Electrical Engineering Degree from Georgia Tech and spending a few years in corporate America, Pepe found himself impacted by a lay-off and once again joined the family business. He cultivated a distinct talent and keen ability for making patrons feel like one of the family.
His passion was ignited after a trip to California’s wine country during harvest season with his parents, where he connected with winemakers and was soon inspired to become a certified sommelier. “For a lot of my peers, a specific bottle is their aha moment. For me, it was an aha experience.”
Pepe opened Cork & Glass in 2020 next door to Casa Nuova, with the vision of offering high-quality wines at an exceptional value while educating customers about wine and food pairings.
"This slogan, making wine accessible, actually came from one of our guests," Pepe shares. "I want people who are novices to experts and everyone in between to have the same exposure to fantastic wine."
The shop offers a range of services, including wine and beer sales, wine tastings, classes, wine dinners, and a robust wine club membership with tiers set to meet any budget.
Pepe splits his time and duties between both Cork & Glass and Casa Nuova, blending his expertise in hospitality and wine to create memorable experiences for his customers.
678.694.8812
5670 Atlanta Hwy, Suite A2, Alpharetta
For a lot of my peers, a specific bottle is their aha bottle. For me, it was an aha experience.