06/29/2026
🍷 Meet Eric Ruiter, our Beverage Supervisor and one of the creative minds behind every cocktail and wine experience at Corkfire.
Born and raised in Lake Elsinore, Eric earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Cal State Long Beach. After spending a decade bartending in New York City and Downtown San Diego, he returned to the Inland Empire and joined Corkfire in 2020. He became Lead Bartender in 2021 and stepped into the role of Beverage Supervisor in 2025.
Eric oversees both our cocktail and wine programs, bringing creativity, intention, and authenticity to every menu. Earlier this year, he earned his Introductory Sommelier certification, adding another layer of expertise to the guest experience.
For Eric, every cocktail tells a story. He works closely with our bar team to develop signature drinks that reflect each person's personality, creating a menu filled with character, passion, and originality.
His favorite events are our Chef's Dinners, where his background in theatre blends with hospitality to create immersive evenings of exceptional food, thoughtful wine pairings, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable experiences.
When he's not behind the bar, Eric is spending time with his wife of nine years, Brittney, and their daughter, Willow.
The next time you visit Corkfire, pull up a seat at the bar and say hello. You're in great hands.
