Established
2004
Franchise Units
15
Minimum Investment
$554,974
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$1,339,058
Home Based
No
Description
The Micro-Winery Revolution: Bringing the Vineyard to the City
Imagine owning a world-class winery without ever having to prune a vine or worry about a bad harvest. Waters Edge Wineries has completely redefined the American wine industry by stripping away the agricultural risks of traditional viticulture and replacing them with a high-energy, community-focused urban winery and bistro model.
Founded on the principle that great wine should be accessible, Waters Edge Wineries allows entrepreneurs to craft ultra-premium wines right in the heart of their local communities. By sourcing high-quality crushed grapes (must) from the world’s finest vineyards—from the hills of Tuscany to the valleys of Napa—franchisees produce, bottle, and label over 50 varieties of wine on-site. This "micro-winery" concept combines the elegance of a traditional tasting room with the social atmosphere of a modern wine bar and the culinary appeal of a gourmet bistro.
In a market often seen as intimidating, Waters Edge Wineries stands out as an inclusive, sophisticated, and scalable business. It’s not just about selling a glass of wine; it’s about providing a "sensorial journey"—complete with custom labeling parties, exclusive wine clubs, and an artisanal menu that keeps guests coming back for more.
Why Invest in Waters Edge Wineries?
Recession-Resilient Industry: Wine remains a staple "affordable luxury" for consumers, even in shifting economies.
Multiple Revenue Streams: Your income isn't tied to a single source. Revenue is generated through:
Wine by the glass and bottle sales (on-site and carry-out).
Bistro-style food service (flatbreads, paninis, and charcuterie).
Wine Club Memberships (reliable, recurring monthly revenue).
Custom Labeling (perfect for weddings, corporate gifts, and events).
Private Events (tastings, parties, and community gatherings).
Lower Risk, High Reward: By outsourcing the "crush" and agricultural heavy lifting, you avoid the multi-million dollar overhead of owning a vineyard while maintaining the prestige of being a winery owner.
Proven Growth: The brand has been recognized for multiple consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.
Background
Established Year: 2004
First Franchise Year: 2012
Founders: Ken and Angela Lineberger
Headquarters: Rancho Cucamonga, California
Current Market Presence: As of 2026, the brand continues its steady expansion across the USA, with over 15 active units and dozens more in development across states like Texas, Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.
The journey began with "The Wine Tailor," the Linebergers' original concept aimed at making winemaking personal. Over two decades, this evolved into the Waters Edge Wineries system. Today, the brand is known for its "boutique cooperative" feel—where every location reflects the local culture and demographic while benefiting from the global sourcing power and technical expertise of the corporate team.
Support Training
Waters Edge Wineries provides a "vine-to-bottle" support system designed for individuals who have never made a drop of wine in their lives.
Pre-Launch Support: Expert assistance with site selection in high-traffic, upscale retail areas (typically 3,500+ sq. ft.), lease negotiations, and full architectural build-out of your micro-winery and kitchen.
Winemaking Training: A comprehensive 54-hour program involving web-based instruction and hands-on training at the California headquarters. You will learn the "Stainless-Steel Symphony"—the process of fermenting, aging, and bottling using their proprietary tank systems.
Operational & Marketing Guidance: From POS systems to social media strategies, the corporate team helps you build a local following before your doors even open.
Ongoing Mentorship: Benefit from monthly conference calls with other owners, updated newsletters, and a dedicated franchise liaison to ensure your operations remain efficient and profitable.
Ideal Candidate
You don’t need to be a sommelier, but you do need a passion for the "lifestyle." Waters Edge Wineries seeks:
The Community Leader: Someone who enjoys networking, hosting events, and becoming the "face" of a local social hub.
The Passionate Entrepreneur: Investors with a background in corporate management, finance, or retail who want to transition into a creative, hands-on business.
Financial Readiness: A minimum net worth of $350,000 to $500,000 and liquid capital of at least $150,000 to $250,000.
Operational Commitment: While absentee ownership is allowed in some structures, the brand thrives best with owners who are actively involved in building the culture and managing the guest experience.
Financial Detail
| Category | Details |
| Total Investment Range | $554,974 – $1,339,058 |
| Minimum Cash Required | $150,000 - $250,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% to 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% |
| Initial Term | 10 Years |
