{superpower_3=Multiple revenue streams: wine, food, clubs, events, superpower_4=Scalable buildout with flexible real estate options, territories_awarded=20, superpower_1=Urban micro-winery model (no vineyards required), services_image_top_medium=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/services_image_medium, superpower_2=High operating margins through vertical integration, contact_street_address=8560 Vineyard Ave Ste 408, contact_city=Rancho Cuamonga, royalty=5% first 12 months, registration_rhode_island=Deferred - Taking Leads, registration_michigan=Registered, strong_zee_sales_skills_are_required=No, current_franchisees=15, id=42167154452, scheduling_link=https://calendly.com/kenwew/discussion, in_house_financing=No, business_category=Food/Drink, registration_california=Registered, marketing_website_url=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/brands/waters-edge-wineries, working_with_other_brokers=Yes, registration_new_york=Deferred - Not Taking Leads, required_liquid_capital=250000, initial_item_19_overview=Average sales revenue around $850K/year. The GP margin is 75-79% and EBITDA is between 9 - 15% after year 1., hs_pipeline_stage=33940788, override_brand_summary_image=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/additional_background?variant=large, registration_wisconsin=Deferred - Taking Leads, billing_contact_last_name=Dept, registration_washington=Deferred - Taking Leads, sales_contact_last_name=Lineberger, services_image_top_large=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/services_image_large, bizbuysell_listing=No, main_contact_is_contract_signer=Yes, superpower_5=Lifestyle-driven concept with strong community appeal, franchise_fee=55000, brand_fund_external=2%, veteran_discount=10% off franchise fee, semi_absentee_ownership=Yes, hs_updated_by_user_id=52193499, two_minute_drill_url=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/two-minute-drills/waters-edge-wineries, superpowers=We are the only winery franchise brand in the US. We do not grow or process grapes, but contract that out globally. We bring in the raw varietal juice and create wine in each location. We like to say "Sourced globally, made locally." It's similar to a microbrewery. The business model support GP margins north of 80% on a bottle of wine, and north of 90% on a glass of wine. These categories represent about 60% of AUV, which supports healthy operating margins. In addition, our model has 5 revenue streams for our owners: 1) Sale of wine by the bottle/glass and taste;2) Custom label (unique to our model);3) Bistro-style food;4) Private events and 5) Recurring revenue with our wine club memberships., service_2=Bistro-style food offering, service_3=Private Events, billing_contact_email=accounting@watersedgewineries.com, service_4=Custom labeling, registration_north_dakota=Deferred - Taking Leads, year_founded=2004, service_5=Recurring revenue with the wine club, sales_process=Step 1 - Intro & overview Step 2 - Day in the life discussion Step 3 - FDD Review Step 4 - Validation/Site Visit Step 5 - Deposit and site selection - this is an important differentiator where we fly out to meet the prospective owner and visit potential locations with them. We then negotiate a favorable lease and if the prospect moves forward collect the balance of the franchise fee from the, or if they want to back out, we refund some of the initial deposit. This reduces risk and lets them have solid financial information before signing a lease or a franchise agreement., hs_pipeline=11403875, brand_registration_notes=There are a handful of states that require that wineries grow grapes in-state. We cannot operate in those states. For an up-to-date look at where we can and cannot operate, go to this site: https://watersedgewineries.com/the-franchise/#avail-states, industry=Winery, territory_protection=Yes, service_1=Wine by the bottle, glass and taste, franchise_offering_components=A manager can run the day-to-day operations;Recurring Revenue Model (membership, subscription);Recession Resistant;Technology-driven;Founder or Leadership that have 10+ years of industry experience;Hiring & Recruiting support;Strong & Diverse Franchisee Validation;A physical location is required (retail or office location), hs_object_source_label=FORM, registration_indiana=Registered, registration_maryland=Deferred - Taking Leads, leads_email=ken@watersedgewineries.com, billing_contact_first_name=Accounting, initial_broker_commissions=Highest paid is TES @ $25K for one unit, and 40% of the initial franchise fee for additional ones. Second locations franchise fees are 75% of current franchise fee, third are 50% of current franchise fee, and fourth and beyond are 25% of current franchise fee., currently_franchising=Yes, item_7_3_unit_low=1400000, franchisee_info=https://api-na1.hubspot.com/form-integrations/v1/uploaded-files/signed-url-redirect/201590342504?portalId=21052030&sign=GrWxz2zmeagpE16Xst2qP8v5HC4%3D&conversionId=335564ab-4f8c-4c63-b86a-8d76404909f0&filename=335564ab-4f8c-4c63-b86a-8d76404909f0-2-7178165/franchisee_info-Location-List-4d257e.pdf, contact_zip_code=91730, website=www.watersedgewineries.com, white_logo=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/white_logo, secondary_contact_email=mark@watersedgewineries.com, preferred_funding_partner=Guidant, open_locations_disclosed_in_item_19=Yes, royalty_external=6%, corporate_location=Rancho Cucamonga, CA, item_19_highlights=Individual Units are shown. The highest sales volume location was $2,559, 506 and lowest was $220,920, functions_of_semi_absentee_owner=Same process as above, and over time they can be less involved if their staff has been trained to work independently to operate the business., sales_contact_phone=9099215431, item_19_data__2=Not Disclosed, item_19_data__1=$881,555, item_7_low=577295, starting_employees_number_3=1, real_estate_description=Class-A retail space in more affluent areas of the community. Space is typically between 4,000 and 5,000 square feet and has good visibility and traffic patterns., starting_employees_number_4=1, starting_employees_number_1=6+, starting_employees_number_2=2-3, referral=My niece through Jason., hs_lastmodifieddate=1767710742942, number_of_associated_contacts=1, contact_created=true, main_logo=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/main_logo, services_image_top_small=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/services_image_small, sold_out_markets=None., year_started_franchising=2012, units_awarded_last_12_months=2, contact_phone=9099215431, page_title=Waters Edge Wineries, franchise_fee_additional=$13,750 each, contact_state=California, approximate_break_even_time_frame=6 - 18 months., main_background=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/main_background?variant=large, group_health_insurance=No, has_group_contact=No, customer_acquisition=[Digital, Sales, Reputation Management, Recurring Revenue], fdd_upload=https://api-na1.hubspot.com/form-integrations/v1/uploaded-files/signed-url-redirect/201596945453?portalId=21052030&sign=XY2wKAxZP1ilH85HDoM4LcvtZlo%3D&conversionId=335564ab-4f8c-4c63-b86a-8d76404909f0&filename=335564ab-4f8c-4c63-b86a-8d76404909f0-2-7178165/fdd_upload-8-6-25-FDD-FULL-(PEA)-(NON-REGISTRATION-STATES)-4cd6d1.pdf, hs_object_source_id=335564ab-4f8c-4c63-b86a-8d76404909f0, services_image_bottom_small=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/services_image_small_2, franchisee_weekly_hours_required=Full-Time (40 or more hours per week);Part-Time (20-40 hours per week), sales_contact_first_name=Ken, brand_fund=Our franchisees are required to spend 5% of their sales on marketing. If we begin collecting the brand fund, they can reduce their spending to 3%. We are not currently collecting the fee, but may start in the next year., update_state_registrations_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/update-state-registration?brand_name=Waters%20Edge%20Wineries, secondary_contact_last_name=Mitzenmacher, functions_of_owner_operator=Initially, day-to-day operations oversight and implementing our training programs for staff as well as overseeing winemaking. Over the first year, the franchisee can transition functions to trained staff and move to a more hands-off role if they choose., target_customer=Wine lovers everywhere! The main mission of our model is to bring the winery experience to the people - so anyone who wants to enjoy a winery experience in their local community is in our target audience., registration_virginia=Registered, sales_contact_email=ken@watersedgewineries.com, contact_first_name=Ken, billing_contact_phone=None, starting_employees_type_4=GM (if desired), person_completing_2_minute_drill=Ken Lineberger, ideal_candidate=Owner Operator Preferred;No Industry Experience Required;Values Outstanding Customer Service;Community Centric;Business Acumen;Outgoing, day_to_day_operators=Franchisee;Manager/Supervisor, starting_employees_type_1=Servers, starting_employees_type_2=Chef/kitchen prep, starting_employees_type_3=Winemaker, founder_name=Ken Lineberger, onboarding_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/franchisor-onboarding-2-minute-drill?brand_name=Waters%20Edge%20Wineries, unique_name=Waters Edge Wineries, has_current_fdd=Yes, home_based=No, average_start_to_open_time=6-12 months, major_competitors=Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants (corporate-owned, non-franchise) Waters Edge Wineries operates in a category with limited direct franchise competition. Most alternatives are either wine bars, restaurants, or corporate-owned winery concepts like Cooper's Hawk., name=Waters Edge Wineries, hs_object_id=42167154452, available_internationally=No, fun_facts=- Waters Edge Wineries® owners produce and bottle wine on-site in urban markets across the U.S. - Waters Edge Wineries sources premium grapes from multiple global wine regions, allowing great wine in places without vineyards. - Many Waters Edge Wineries owners transitioned from corporate careers to winery ownership as a lifestyle business., services_image_bottom_medium=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/services_image_medium_2, community_impact=Waters Edge Wineries® has a strong track record of supporting local communities beyond day-to-day operations, primarily through charitable fundraising and community engagement. Many Waters Edge Winery locations partner with local nonprofits by donating custom-labeled wine, private tastings, and winery experiences for charity auctions and raffles. These offerings consistently generate meaningful fundraising results for local causes. In one notable example, a charity auctioned a case of Waters Edge wine for $30,000, demonstrating the unique value and appeal of the brand’s experiences. Beyond charitable fundraising, Waters Edge Wineries helps expand access to high-quality wine experiences in underserved markets. Approximately 80% of U.S. wineries are concentrated in just six states, leaving the remaining 44 states with limited access to authentic winery experiences. The Waters Edge model is intentionally designed to bring a local, high-quality winery and tasting room experience to communities that would otherwise never have one. Additional community impact includes: - Hosting local fundraisers, civic events, and private gatherings that keep spending local - Creating hospitality-focused jobs in downtown and mixed-use developments - Serving as a community gathering place that encourages connection, education, and local engagement Overall, Waters Edge Wineries' locations function not just as businesses, but as community hubs that support local charities, strengthen downtown areas, and broaden access to wine culture nationwide., hs_object_source_detail_1=Franchisor Web Application , competitive_advantage_3=Multiple recurring revenue streams (wine clubs, events), registration_illinois=Registered, competitive_advantage_2=On-site wine production without vineyard ownership, competitive_advantage_1=Only true franchise model combining winery + bistro, contact_email=ken@watersedgewineries.com, business_model_b2b_percentage=0%, competitive_advantage_7=Reduced agricultural risk vs. traditional wineries, fbr_survey_link=https://campaigns.franchisesidekick.com/fbr-survey-information?brand_name=Waters%20Edge%20Wineries, competitive_advantage_6=Community-centric model drives repeat local traffic, competitive_advantage_5=High-quality wine in markets not known for producing great wine, competitive_advantage_4=High operating margins through vertical integration, number_type_of_employees=8 - 35 depending on annual sales volume. May be higher for larger operations., hs_createdate=1764712805800, display_on_website=true, contact_last_name=Lineberger, registration_south_dakota=Deferred - Not Taking Leads, locations_open=11, employee_skillset_type=Compensated more with a specific skillset, item_19_label__1=Average Gross Sales, item_19_label__2=Do not disclose in Item 19, required_net_worth=500000, joined_inventory_at=1767657600000, e2_visa_candidates=Yes, registration_hawaii=Deferred - Taking Leads, registration_minnesota=Deferred - Taking Leads, company_locations_open=0, brand_summary=Waters Edge Wineries® is an urban micro-winery franchise that brings the winery experience into local communities. Franchisees produce and bottle high-quality wines on-site using premium grapes sourced from top vineyards around the world, without owning vineyards. The concept combines wine production, a welcoming tasting room, bistro-style food, wine clubs, and events in a relaxed neighborhood setting. It’s ideal for executives or entrepreneurs who love wine and hospitality and want a lifestyle-oriented business with multiple revenue streams, strong margins, and a proven model—without the complexity of a traditional winery., services_image_bottom_large=https://commandcenter.franchisesidekick.com/brand_image/42167154452/services_image_large_2, submission_idempotent_id=335564ab-4f8c-4c63-b86a-8d76404909f0, technology=[Scheduling, CRM, Inventory Management], secondary_contact_phone=909-322-6816, franchise_fee_10=220000, employees_per_mature_location=10 or more employees, territory_description=100K population 20 mile radius, brand_summary_marketing_revision=Waters Edge Wineries® is an urban micro-winery franchise that brings the winery experience into local communities. Franchisees produce and bottle high-quality wines on-site using premium grapes sourced from top vineyards around the world, without owning vineyards. The concept combines wine production, a welcoming tasting room, bistro-style food, wine clubs, and events in a relaxed neighborhood setting. It’s ideal for executives or entrepreneurs who love wine and hospitality and want a lifestyle-oriented business with multiple revenue streams, strong margins, and a proven model—without the complexity of a traditional winery., area_development_opportunities=No, franchise_fee_3=123750, item_7_3_unit_high=3000000, franchise_fee_4=137500, industry_size=2024 Market Size: USD 75.3 Billion, franchise_fee_5=151250, franchise_fee_6=165000, secondary_contact_first_name=Mark, franchise_fee_7=178750, franchise_fee_8=192500, franchise_fee_9=206250, territory_check_email=ken@watersedgewineries.com, hs_object_source=FORM, item_7_high=1335899, display_two_minute_drill=true, application_invite_link=https://www.franchisesidekick.com/zor-application-invite?brand_name=Waters%20Edge%20Wineries, is_boring_offering=No, franchise_fee_2=96250, dynamic_page_slug=waters-edge-wineries, business_model_b2c_percentage=100%}

• Brands
• Waters Edge Wineries

Waters Edge Wineries

Brand Summary

Waters Edge Wineries® is an urban micro-winery franchise that brings the winery experience into local communities. Franchisees produce and bottle high-quality wines on-site using premium grapes sourced from top vineyards around the world, without owning vineyards. The concept combines wine production, a welcoming tasting room, bistro-style food, wine clubs, and events in a relaxed neighborhood setting.

It’s ideal for executives or entrepreneurs who love wine and hospitality and want a lifestyle-oriented business with multiple revenue streams, strong margins, and a proven model—without the complexity of a traditional winery.

Brand Superpowers

Urban micro-winery model (no vineyards required)

High operating margins through vertical integration

Multiple revenue streams: wine, food, clubs, events

Scalable buildout with flexible real estate options

Lifestyle-driven concept with strong community appeal

*THE NUMBERS

$577,295 - $1,335,899 Investment Range

$881,555 Average Gross Sales

Not Disclosed Do not disclose in Item 19

6% Royalty

Our franchisees are required to spend 5% of their sales on marketing. If we begin collecting the brand fund, they can reduce their spending to 3%. We are not currently collecting the fee, but may start in the next year. Brand Fund

$500,000 Financial Requirements

Business Basics Get to know the brand

The Stats What is the growth trajectory of the brand

Ideal Candidate What characteristics do the highest-performing franchisees have

Founder	Ken Lineberger
Home Office Location	Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Company Founded	2004
Began Franchising	2012
Industry	Winery
Industry Size	2024 Market Size: USD 75.3 Billion
Veteran Discount	10% off franchise fee
Group Health Insurance	No

Business Basics Get to know the brand

Founder	Ken Lineberger
Home Office Location	Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Company Founded	2004
Began Franchising	2012
Industry	Winery
Industry Size	2024 Market Size: USD 75.3 Billion
Veteran Discount	10% off franchise fee
Group Health Insurance	No

The Stats What is the growth trajectory of the brand

Company Units Open	0
Franchise Units Awarded All Time	20
Franchise Units Awarded Last 12 Months	2
Franchise Units Open	11
Number of franchisees	15

Ideal Candidate What characteristics do the highest-performing franchisees have

Owner Operator Preferred
No Industry Experience Required
Values Outstanding Customer Service
Community Centric
Business Acumen
Outgoing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DO THEY OFFER FINANCING TO HELP BUY THE FRANCHISE?

No

WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGY DO THEY HAVE IN PLACE?

Scheduling, CRM and Inventory Management

DO THEY OFFER FLEXIBLE OWNERSHIP?

Yes

DO THEY OFFER A DISCOUNT TO VETERANS?

10% off franchise fee

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*REFER TO MOST RECENT FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT ITEM 19. THIS INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE FIRST PUBLISHED. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU ALWAYS VERIFY FEES, INVESTMENT AMOUNTS, AND OFFERS FOR THE FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY DIRECTLY WITH THE FRANCHISOR PRIOR TO DECIDING TO INVEST.