Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Preferred Stock (NASDAQ: WVVIP) and Common Stock (NASDAQ: WVVI)?
A: Preferred Stock Owners receive an annual dividend of $.22 cents per share paid at the end of the year. They may, in lieu of a dividend check, select an early access Wine Credit, which is their dividend amount plus a 15% value increase. Wine credit can be used to purchase wine and other things from the winery, and is usually issued in the fall of the year prior. For all subscriptions accepted during 2022, dividends for those shares will begin accruing January 1, 2023. Preferred Stock Owners also receive a 25% discount on wine purchases. They do not vote a proxy annually as Common Stock owners do. Preferred Stock was first sold in 2015.
Common Owners have voting rights, but do not receive an annual Dividend or Wine Credit. Common shares were first offered from 1989 to 1993; many of our Common Owners are Founding Owners who helped Founder Jim Bernau in the early days of the winery. They helped with not only their investments, but also by working in the tasting room, vineyard and winery. Others have purchased more recently on the NASDAQ through online brokerages or using their personal stockbroker.

Q: When should I receive my stock certificate (2023 offering)?
A: Certificates will be issued in January 2024, if you have not received it by February 2024 please contact the winery at stock.offering@wvv.com or 503-588-9463. Shares of Series A Redeemable Preferred Stock will be issued on, or just prior to December 31, 2023 for all subscriptions accepted during 2023 and dividends for those shares will begin accruing January 1, 2024.
Note: It is recommended that you keep your stock certificate with other valuable papers in a safety deposit box or other secure location. 

Q: How does a Wine Credit work?
A: Owners are offered a Wine Credit as a replacement to their check dividend they accrue each year. We add a 15% value to your dividend when you select a Wine Credit, plus you may use your Owner discount of 25% on wine purchases, so that is a lot of savings! Wine Credits never expire and will continue to roll over year after year. This can be a great option for people who want to save up for something like our Pairings Dinners, or suite stays. Please keep in mind, wine credits are an exclusive option for those who hold physical certificates. If you have shares that are in book entry and want wine credit, you can contact us at stock.offering@wvv.com and we can provide the steps to make the change. 

Q: What can the Wine Credit be used to purchase?
A: Think of it like a digital gift card that stays on your account until you’re ready to use it. It is great for purchasing wine, food pairings, merchandise, room rentals, winery suites, admission to events, etc. You can also use it for buying anything on our website.

Q: When will the Dividend be paid?
A: If you select a Wine Credit with 15% more value, you’ll have early access to the Wine Credit in the fall of each year. The Board of Directors approves the payment of the Dividend annually. Dividends are issued at the end of the year and mailed to stockholders after the 1st of every year.  

Q: Who is our transfer agent?
A: Equiniti Shareowner Services (EQ).
www.shareowneronline.com
1-800-401-1957
Email via a “contact us” page found here.

Q: What is a transfer agency?
A: A transfer agent is a financial services company that manages and keeps track of registered shareholders for companies that issue stock. As a transfer agent, EQ handles the recordkeeping, reporting and communications for hundreds of U.S. corporations and their millions of shareholders around the world. For more information please visit their “What Is A Transfer Agent?” article.

Q: How do I set up an online account with EQ after receiving my certificate?
A: To set up an online account with EQ, please visit their website: www.shareowneronline.com. Please keep in mind that you will need your EQ account number, and to use the email and address associated with your Ownership unless otherwise updated. Reach out to us if you have any questions!

Q: What if I have additional questions for EQ?
A: We would recommend checking their FAQ’s for generally asked questions. For any other inquiries please feel free to reach out to Ownership Services at stock.offering@wvv.com or by calling (503) 588-9463, and they can help guide you or answer any questions you may have.  

Q: Will I receive a 1099? If so, when? (WVVIP only)
A: Yes, you will receive a 1099 if you own WVVIP stock. Even if you elect your dividend in the form of wine credit, you would receive a 1099 (not including the additional 15% added value). 1099’s are sent in early January by our transfer agency, EQ. You can view your 1099 on your online EQ account or you will be mailed a hardcopy if you haven’t elected for online access.  

Q: What if I lose my 1099 or don’t receive it?
A: If you do not receive it by the end of January, please reach out to Ownership Services at (503) 588-9463 or stock.offering@wvv.com and we can assist. You can also access your 1099 digitally via your online account with EQ. Their website is www.shareowneronline.com.  

Q: Can I switch from choosing a Wine Credit to receiving a Dividend check at a future time? (WVVIP only)
A: Yes, but please keep in mind the deadline for dividend selection is around the end of November.  

Q: How do I order my Owner Cards?
A: To order your Owner Cards, please email Ownership Services at stock.offering@wvv.com. We would need to know the name(s), phone number and/or email you would like displayed on your cards in order to get these submitted for you! Please keep in mind that they do take roughly five to seven weeks to ship as we order from a third party company.
As a note, we offer one initial complimentary set of Owner Cards. These cards help spread the Oregon wine story and make connections. As Owners, we do offer discounts and benefits here at Willamette Valley Vineyards, but we do not expect other wineries to extend discounts or benefits.

Q: I really wanted to attend an event, but it sold out. What can I do?
A: Please contact us at Ownership Services by emailing stock.offering@wvv.com or calling (503) 588-9463. When an event sells out, we can add you to a priority waitlist for the event in question or for a future, similar event. You can also reach out to your Winery Ambassador when you're interested in a specific event and they can help you make plans. By reaching out to us, you help us gauge Owner interest in our events.

Q: I'm not sure if I have a Winery Ambassador assigned to me. How do I find out who my Ambassador is and how do I get an Ambassador assigned to me?
A: If you have not heard from an Ambassador, please let us know. As an Owner, one of your benefits is the personalized care of an Ambassador. You can contact us at stock.offering@wvv.com or (503) 588-9463.

Q: How do I make reservations through Tock as an Owner? 
A: When making a reservation via our reservation system, Tock, please make sure to use the email address associated with your Ownership. If you use a different email address it will not link to your Ownership account and your benefits and discounts will not work. If you have any issues, please contact us at info@wvv.com or 503-588-9463.