Waters Edge Wineries® Celebrates Year Of Consistent Growth, Global Accolades

Despite continued challenges faced by the hospitality industry amidst the global pandemic, Waters Edge Wineries locations have thrived. In addition to growing its franchise footprint and delivering more wine tasting experiences than ever, the brand earned numerous accolades, including a coveted spot on Inc. magazine's annual Inc.

5000 list for the first time.

“I’m incredibly proud of our home office team and our franchise owners, whose continued successes truly are our successes,” said Ken Lineberger, president and CEO of Waters Edge Wineries. “The passion of those within our system is what brings our unique concept to life every day in communities across the country, and we look forward to expanding even further in the year ahead, as we enter new markets and meet new neighbors along the way.”

With locations from California to Pennsylvania, and many in between, each Waters Edge Winery & Bistro location combines the very best of a winery and wine bar in one versatile model offering an expansive wine list, bistro style food options, private event opportunities, a wine club and more.

In 2021, the brand conducted nearly 47,000 tastings - both in-person and virtually - and sold more than 78,000 bottles of wine, either for guests to taste on-site or to take home to enjoy with friends and family. In addition, the brand expanded into new territories with two openings in Illinois, one in Ohio and one relocation in Oklahoma.

In addition to the Inc. 5000 recognition, the brand’s individual locations also received local accolades throughout the year. Waters Edge Winery & Bistro of Kalispell was named “Best Winery” and “Best Wine Selection” in The Daily Inter Lake’s 2021 “Best of Flathead” List as well as “Best Small/Medium Sized Business of the Year” by the local Chamber of Commerce. The Broken Arrow location expanded to now include a larger production facility and event space while Gillig Winery completed renovations for its outdoor patio.

Each location combines the traditional winery experience with the popular wine bar concept offering bistro-style artisanal selections including appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches, salads and desserts, custom bottle labeling as personalized gifts, private tasting areas for groups, a wine club and more.