Waters Edge Wineries Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Waters Edge Wineries, established in 2004 by Ken and Angela Lineberger, is an innovative urban winery franchise that brings the vineyard experience directly to local communities. Headquartered in Rancho Cucamonga, California, the company began franchising in 2012, enabling entrepreneurs to operate fully functional wineries without the need for traditional vineyards.
Unlike conventional wineries that require extensive land for grape cultivation, Waters Edge Wineries sources crushed grapes from a global network of esteemed vineyards.
This approach allows franchisees to craft a diverse selection of wines on-site, including popular varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, as well as unique offerings such as Barolo and Gewürztraminer.
The micro-winery model not only reduces the cost and risk associated with traditional winemaking but also brings the winery experience to urban settings, making wine culture more accessible.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Waters Edge Wineries franchise? It costs on average between $830,000 – $1,338,000 to start a Waters Edge Wineries franchised store.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the size of the winery, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $664,000 – $953,500 |
| Winery Equipment | $26,000 – $96,000 |
| Computer System & Label Printing | $2,549 – $13,750 |
| Revel System POS hardware & VinesOS software | $12,530 – $14,519 |
| Added Services Fee | $1,050 |
| Rent, Lease & Utility Security Deposits | $9,000 – $40,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $35,000 – $55,000 |
| Insurance (initial deposit) | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| Training Expenses | $2,000–$9,500 |
| Custom Winery System Training | $4,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising and Promotion | $4,500 – $8,500 |
| Winery Licenses & Licensing Compliance | $5,500 – $10,900 |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Uniforms | $500 – $1,500 |
| Payroll Service | $180 – $750 |
| Local Organizations (Optional) | $0 – $500 |
| Bank Charges for first 3 months | $60 – $150 |
| Janitorial for first 3 months | $500 – $1,000 |
| Entertainment for first 3 months | $0 – $7,500 |
| Printing and Reproduction | $100 – $1,000 |
| Security System | $100 – $300 |
| Televisions | $0 – 6,500 |
| Direct TV or similar service (optional) | $0 – $375 |
| Food Protection Training, Testing, and Certification | $388 – $629 |
| Additional Funds (3-month period) | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $829,957 – $1,337,923 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Waters Edge Wineries franchise? A Waters Edge Wineries franchised business makes on average $525,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,132,000 yearly revenue for similar other food & beverages franchises. Below are a few Waters Edge Wineries competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Waters Edge Wineries Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Waters Edge Wineries locations are there?
As of the latest data, Waters Edge Wineries operates 15 locations across the United States, combining both company-owned and franchise-owned establishments. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to bringing the winery experience to diverse communities nationwide.
What is the total investment required to open a Waters Edge Wineries franchise?
The total investment required to open a Waters Edge Wineries franchise ranges from $830,000 to $1,338,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Waters Edge Wineries franchise?
Waters Edge Wineries requires franchisees to pay a royalty fee of 5% of gross monthly sales, excluding sales tax and net of discounts. Additionally, there is a monthly fee of $395, which covers services such as website development, marketing support, and access to the company’s advanced intranet system.
What are the financial requirements to become a Waters Edge Wineries franchisee?
To become a Waters Edge Wineries franchisee, you should have a minimum net worth of $350,000 and liquid capital of at least $250,000.
How much can a Waters Edge Wineries franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Waters Edge Wineries franchise are approximately $0.53 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.53 million yearly revenue can result in $80,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Waters Edge Wineries?
Waters Edge Wineries is owned by Ken and Angela Lineberger, who founded the company in 2004.
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