Micro Winery Franchise Cites Rising Interest in Brand, Development Opportunities in Campaign to Open Up Model to Wider Investment; WeFunder Program Will Provide Accessible New Path to Ownership for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. – (February 24, 2025) – Waters Edge Wineries®, an innovative micro winery system known for bringing the cultural experience of wine to communities across the country, today announced the launch of an innovative, SEC-regulated capital-raising program with WeFunder. Noting increasing momentum and a wealth of new expansion opportunities on tap for the brand, as well as a commitment to supporting both its corporate team and franchise owners on their path to long-term success, Waters Edge Wineries has opened up several new levels of investment allowing the general public and aspiring entrepreneurs to get involved.
“Growth has been at the core of our business since its launch in 2004, and this is the latest extension of that, as we look to continue finding innovative ways to simultaneously support our franchise owners and our brand as a whole,” said Ken Lineberger, founder and president at Waters Edge Wineries. “By partnering with WeFunder, we are opening the door for those who are passionate about wine and entrepreneurship to become part of our journey in an exciting new way.”
Known for making fundraising to grow capital for small businesses more approachable to a wide range of individual investors, WeFunder will allow for investment potential in Waters Edge Wineries with a minimum investment amount of $100, creating a highly approachable investment opportunity. Early bird investors receive a discount on the brand’s share price and there are additional perks that correspond with higher levels of investment. These details can be found on the Waters Edge Wineries WeFunder site. Funds raised through WeFunder will be strategically allocated to support local Waters Edge Wineries franchisees with their in-market sales and marketing efforts, implement initiatives that optimize operational efficiencies at the corporate level, and create programs that enhance the brand’s national visibility, building recognition for prospective franchisees to drive future systemwide growth.
“Over the years, we’ve encountered many people who were interested in our brand but looking for a way to participate in the company’s growth instead of full franchise ownership,” said Lineberger. “Investing through our WeFunder crowdfunding campaign is the perfect opportunity to come onboard with a lower point of entry and less risk. This is also the ideal way for aspiring entrepreneurs who have been unable to purchase a Waters Edge Wineries franchise – either due to lack of working capital, construction roadblocks or other hurdles – to join our family while we are in growth mode.”
Founded in 2004 by husband-and-wife team Ken and Angela Lineberger, Waters Edge Wineries has revolutionized the traditional winery concept, seeing remarkable growth over the past 20 years. Each Waters Edge Winery & Bistro location serves as a lively community hub, offering a distinctive and immersive experience for both novice and expert wine enthusiasts. All wines are crafted in-house, featuring popular selections such as Merlot, Cabernet and Chardonnay, alongside lesser-known varieties like Barolo, Gewürztraminers, Pinotage, Petit Verdot, Port and more. Guests can indulge in bistro-style artisanal offerings, including appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and desserts, while also enjoying custom bottle labeling for personalized gifts, private tasting areas for groups, an exclusive wine club and more. This inviting atmosphere allows wine lovers to engage with what was once an exclusive lifestyle, making it more accessible and enjoyable to communities across the country. Currently, Waters Edge Wineries can be found throughout Arizona, California, Kentucky, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
The Waters Edge Winery & Bistro model is ideal for entrepreneurs passionate about wine who seek a way to share their love and knowledge without being in the agriculture business. Franchise owners receive comprehensive training on the micro-winery tank system and are provided with pre-opening training courses, both hands-on and classroom-based, to help prepare for the launch of their winery. The company also offers social media and marketing support to help franchise owners realize success.
For more information on Waters Edge Wineries or for franchising information, contact 909-GOT-WINE, visit WatersEdgeWineries.com or email Sales@WatersEdgeWineries.com. For more details on investor perks, share price, early bird discount and the opportunity to invest in Waters Edge Wineries through WeFunder, interested investors can visit https://wefunder.com/waters.edge.wineries.
About Waters Edge Wineries®
California-based Waters Edge Wineries is an innovative urban winery system bringing the cultural experience of wine to communities across the country. Each Waters Edge Winery & Bistro location combines the very best of a winery and wine bar in one versatile model that can be located anywhere, regardless of topography or agricultural factors. Founded in 2004 by husband-and-wife team Ken and Angela Lineberger, Waters Edge Wineries currently operates locations in California, Kentucky, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. The company caters to entrepreneurs who are seeking a fun, exciting career where they can share their passion for wine while creating memorable guest experiences.
