Waters Edge Wineries: Revolutionizing the Urban Winery Experience

Founded in 2004 by Ken and Angela Lineberger, Waters Edge Wineries is a groundbreaking franchise concept that brings the traditional winery atmosphere into the heart of local communities.

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, the brand started franchising in 2012, offering entrepreneurs the chance to operate fully equipped wineries without owning a vineyard.

Rather than cultivating their own grapes, Waters Edge Wineries partners with an international network of top vineyards to source premium crushed grapes. This innovative method allows each location to produce a wide range of wines on-site, from popular favorites like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay to distinctive options such as Barolo and Gewürztraminer.

The micro-winery business model not only lowers the financial barriers typically associated with winemaking but also makes the winery experience more accessible in urban environments, expanding the appeal of wine culture to a broader audience.

Training

Waters Edge Wineries provides several types of training programs to its franchisees to prepare them for successful operations:

1. Initial Training Program: Waters Edge Wineries requires franchisees and their General Managers to complete an initial training course, which includes both remote web-based instruction and in-person classroom training at their facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California. This training covers winery system operations, food handling certifications, and store management fundamentals.
2. Custom Winery System Training: Depending on whether the franchisee purchases a large or small tank system, specialized winery system training is provided to ensure proper handling of equipment and wine production processes.
3. Refresher Training Courses: Franchisees and managers may be required to attend refresher training sessions as needed. These courses, held at designated locations, focus on operational updates, new products, and maintaining compliance with franchise standards.
4. Ongoing Training and Meetings: Waters Edge Wineries may also require attendance at annual franchise conventions and regional meetings. These sessions cover new operational procedures, product preparation, store management updates, and promotional strategies.
5. Additional Assistance and Remedial Training: If requested or deemed necessary, the franchisor provides additional assistance and training, especially when operational deficiencies are identified, with associated fees and expenses borne by the franchisee.

Territory Protection

Waters Edge Wineries offers its franchisees a Designated Area but does not grant an exclusive territory. Franchisees are granted the right to operate a single Waters Edge Winery & Bistro at a specific location described in their Franchise Agreement, and within this Designated Area, the franchisor agrees not to establish or allow another Waters Edge Winery & Bistro to open.

However, the Designated Area does not cover Special Sites like casinos, airports, malls, and tourist venues, where the franchisor retains the right to operate or grant licenses freely.

Despite this limited protection, Waters Edge Wineries reserves broad rights to compete with the franchisee even within the Designated Area. The franchisor may sell products under the Waters Edge brand or other brands through different channels such as the internet, catalog sales, or telemarketing without compensating the franchisee.