Having in depth knowledge about different kinds of wine can for sure fire you up in your social circle, but at the same time, you can convert your expertise on this topic into operating a wine store business. If you are not sure whether your business will be a success, and you are not willing to take many risks with your endeavours, then the best option for you is to apply for a wine store franchise, which are at the moment in an expansionary phase and are looking for individuals who can operate stores on their behalf in different corners of the country. The wine retail industry itself is worth around $26 billion, and is expanding by an average of 5% annually, and holds great potentials for you. Here are a few wine store companies that offer great franchising services to prospective entrepreneurs. The Grape has been operating in the market since it first opened its store in 2002 in Atlanta and has since then been providing its customers with a wine experience that has all the hallmarks of sophistication and glamour. The company is now operating franchised outlets, which usually consist of a wine bar and store, with customers sampling the different wines at the bar, before they make their purchases at the wine store present right next to the bar. The company serves around 150 different kinds of wines to its customers, with a large number of wines being sold and exclusively at The Grape’s wine stores. The company in order to diversify its market, also offers great food items at its bar. The company started to franchise its stores in 2004, and has mainly focussed on the South East region of the United States, and has plans for further expansion and opening up new stores. The company is currently now planning to launch itself in Texas, and plans to operate around 20 locations through franchising. The start up costs for franchising a store of the company ranges between $875,000 and $1,200,000. Another great wine store franchising company is the WineStyles, which has been operating in the market since 2000, and started franchising outlets in 2003. The company is based in Florida, and focuses on wine retail outlets. All the outlets are designed in such a way so as to give the look of an old wine cellar, and has categorized its wines into 8 different categories, which range from Crisp to Silky and Nectar. Customers can select the wine by tasting it in the store rather than depending on the origin and variety. You can select from 150 kinds from around the world, and the company has major expansionary plans, and also plans to open more than 100 outlets to be run through a franchising program. It also has plans to expand into Mexico. The start up costs for operating a franchise ranges between $150,000 and $235,000.