Region's First Waters Edge Winery Bistro Opens in Chesterfield

TL;DR: Waters Edge Winery Midlothian, the region's first location of a California-based franchise, opened mid-August at 2201 Chartermark Drive in Chesterfield's Midlothian area.

The story

Waters Edge Winery Midlothian opened its doors in mid-August at 2201 Chartermark Drive off Charter Colony Parkway in Chesterfield's Midlothian area, marking the region's first location of the franchise concept. Husband-and-wife duo Paul and Rebecca Williams are the local franchisees.

The venue operates in an "urban winery" format where grapes and juice are imported and processed on-site using dedicated winemaking equipment, allowing guests to observe the production process. The Williams family spent over a year outfitting the facility with winemaking equipment, a bar, event space, patio area, and kitchen.

Currently operating daily except Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the location is in soft launch mode with a limited menu while wine production ramps up. The kitchen began with wine tasting using existing bottled inventory and a small food selection that includes appetizers, charcuterie, flatbreads, sandwiches, and desserts. The business plans to expand its food offerings as it gains momentum. Wine varietals available include Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay, and lesser-known selections, all made in-house.

The Midlothian location operates with approximately 30 employees, including roughly 12 full-time staff. It is one of 14 Waters Edge locations open or in development across the U.S.

Waters Edge Wineries was founded in 2004 in California as a pioneering concept for an urban winery that combines winemaking with dining, eliminating the need for traditional vineyards. The franchise began expanding to other locations in 2012.

Key players

• Paul Williams: Franchisee and owner
• Rebecca Williams: Franchisee and owner
• Waters Edge Wineries: Franchise parent company

Key dates

• 2026-08-17: Waters Edge Winery Midlothian opened

Why it matters: The opening brings a new entertainment and dining venue to Chesterfield, offering a unique experience combining food service with observable winemaking, which could attract both local diners and regional visitors.

Places

• Chartermark Drive
• Charter Colony Parkway
• Midlothian

Related links

• Waters Edge Winery Midlothian website
• Waters Edge Wineries main site

Read the original at Richmond BizSense →

Sources

• Region's first Waters Edge winery bistro franchise opens with a 'soft launch' in Chesterfield - Richmond BizSense
• Winery bistro franchise Waters Edge to open at Midlothian's Centerpointe Commons - Richmond BizSense
• Waters Edge Wineries about page
• Waters Edge Winery Midlothian official website
• Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce directory listing