Nation's Largest Wine Boutique Franchise Announces Expansion Plans

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- WineStyles Tasting Station^®, a boutique concept dedicated to simplifying the wine and craft beer shopping experience, announced today aggressive expansion plans to grow its national footprint. The company currently has more than 20 locations across the country where customers can taste, learn and enjoy the best in wine, craft beer, artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates, gourmet foods, pizzettes and other small bites.

As part of its national initiative, the West Des Moines-based company aims to grow the business to nearly 50 stores over the next several years. The brand is seeking qualified candidates in new cities such as Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa; and Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham; N.C. Additionally, WineStyles plans to expand its presence in existing markets and is targeting communities in the Greater Chicago Area; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Neb.; Houston; Greensboro, N.C.; and Northern Virginia for future development.  

"We're embarking on an aggressive growth strategy to capitalize on the rising consumer interest in fine wines, craft beer and specialty food pairings," said Bryan McGinness, CEO of WineStyles Tasting Station. "WineStyles' dedicated system of franchisees has established a loyal customer following at our existing stores and we see great potential to continue to bring our unique shopping experience to more cities across the U.S."

The company's expansion plans are part of the brand revitalization strategy under the new franchisor ownership team, in which existing WineStyles franchisees Bryan and Andrea McGinness purchased the company and spearheaded the shift from its traditional retail outlets to the WineStyles Tasting Station concept. Last fall, the brand unveiled its new store design at the opening of its flagship location in Coralville, Iowa.

With an expanded product and service offering, WineStyles Tasting Station offers a unique retail experience and warm ambiance that is reminiscent of an old-world wine cellar. Wines are categorized by style and taste, rather than by varietal or region, which helps to simplify the shopping experience. The selection includes a rotation of unique labels and hard-to-find wines from both small and large vineyards from around the world. Each bottle is accompanied by a description listing the wine's characteristics, flavors and suggested food pairings.

Additionally, most WineStyles Tasting Stations feature craft beers on tap and a full wine bar, as well as small plates of artisanal cheese pairings, handmade chocolate truffles and other gourmet items. Furthermore, its stores offer a variety of gifts and wine accessories including customizable gift baskets, monthly wine, beer, and cheese clubs, and a frequent buyer program. WineStyles Tasting Station's stores also feature weekly wine and beer tastings, private event opportunities, as well as education classes.

To fuel WineStyles Tasting Station's growth across the country, the company is seeking passionate entrepreneurs with retail experience. WineStyles Tasting Stations will be developed through single-unit and area developer agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total cost of investment for one store to be approximately $229,000 - $380,500. The initial franchise fee is $25,000. For more information on franchising and conversion opportunities, visit www.winefranchise.com or call 866-WINECLUB.

About WineStyles Tasting Station:

WineStyles Tasting Station demystifies wine and craft beers by categorizing bottles by style and taste, rather than by varietal or region. Each store features regional craft beers and hundreds of rotating wines from around the world with most priced $15 – $30 per bottle. WineStyles Tasting Station customers can also Taste, Learn and Enjoy^® the best in wine, craft beer, artisanal cheeses, fine chocolates and other gourmet items. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, WineStyles Tasting Station currently operates more than 20 locations across the country. WineStyles Tasting Station encourages all customers to drink wine and beer responsibly. For more information, visit www.winestyles.com.

Media Contact:
Elayne Sommers
Fish Consulting
202.588.8138
[email protected]

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SOURCE WineStyles Tasting Station