Thank you for your interest in becoming a Winery Owner through our Preferred Stock Offering (NASDAQ: WVVIP). Please use this page as a helpful resource. If you have any questions, please call the winery at 503-588-9463 or email stock.offering@wvv.com. By law, we are only authorized to answer questions that are covered in this FAQ and are specific to the Prospectus.
Q: Where can I find the prospectus?
A: The prospectus is posted online under our Ownership Invitation tab at www.wvv.com or at www.wvv.com/ownership. It can also be emailed or mailed in hard copy, just give us a call.
Q: How do I purchase Preferred Stock (WVVIP)?
A: To make an investment, please review the prospectus, then submit the Application & Subscription Agreement to Willamette Valley Vineyards.
View PDF of Application
Purchase Stock Online
You may submit the application and subscription agreement in one of three ways:
1. Complete the electronic DocuSign agreement by clicking on the "Purchase Stock Online" button above. (Recommended)
2. Print the PDF application, fill it out and email the completed paperwork to stock.offering@wvv.com.
3. Or, mail it to:
Willamette Valley Vineyards
8800 Enchanted Way SE
Turner, OR 97392.
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 Owner Benefit Credit, which is their dividend amount plus a 15% value increase. Owner Benefit Credits can be used to purchase wine and other items from the winery and are typically issued in the fall of the year prior. For all subscriptions accepted during 2025, dividends for those shares will begin accruing on January 1, 2026. 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 Owner Benefit 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: Can I purchase stock with another person?
A: Yes. There are a few options to choose from on the subscription agreement form. If you have any questions, we recommend consulting with your financial advisor to discuss your options.
Some of the more customary types of Ownership are listed below:
Q: If I have previously purchased, how would I ensure that my Ownership accounts are connected?
A: To combine your accounts, please ensure that you use the same information, including your address and Social Security number. This also includes the process of registering your shares. For example, if you originally registered your shares as Person One & Person Two JT TEN, listing your shares as an individual, trust, etc., would now result in two accounts through our transfer agency, EQ. However, you will only have one account with us in our system unless you request otherwise.
Q: Can more than one person per household purchase the maximum?
A: Yes, the maximum is set per person and not per household.
Q: Is there a minimum and maximum purchase?
A: Yes, the minimum amount for this offering is 150 shares and the maximum is 5,000 shares.
Q: When will I receive my stock certificate?
A: Certificates will be issued in January 2026. If you have not received yours by March 2026, 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, 2025, for all subscriptions accepted during 2025. Dividends for those shares will begin accruing January 1, 2026.
Note: It is recommended that you keep your stock certificate with other valuable papers in a safe deposit box or other secure location.
Q: How does an Owner Benefit Credit work?
A: Owners are offered an Owner Benefit Credit (previously known as a Wine Credit) in place of the check dividend they accrue each year. We add a 15% value to your dividend when you select the Owner Benefit Credit. Additionally, you may apply your 25% Owner discount to wine purchases, resulting in significant savings. Owner Benefit 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 attending a Pairings Dinner or a Winery Suite stay.
Q: What can the Owner Benefit Credits be used to purchase?
A: Think of it like a digital credit that stays on your account until you’re ready to use it. It's great for purchasing wine, food pairings, merchandise, room rentals, winery suites and admission to events, among other things. You can also use it for buying anything on our website.
Q: How long will it take to process my subscription agreement?
A: Processing can take up to three or four weeks to complete. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at stock.offering@wvv.com or call us at 503-588-9463. Please check your emails for communications from our Ownership Services team throughout the process.
Q: Can I purchase shares as a gift for someone else?
A: Yes! To purchase shares for someone else, you will need to fill in your information under the payment section (page 1), including the name on the card and the billing zip code. For the investor(s) portion listed on page 2, please list the name of the person you are gifting the shares to. Please keep in mind that if this is intended to be a surprise, we do reach out to the person listed and we cannot guarantee no contact after their account is set up.
Q: Can I change my application after I’ve submitted it?
A: Yes, but only prior to your shares being registered. Please contact us via email at stock.offering@wvv.com or phone at 503-588-9463 for assistance with this change.
Q: How will I know if my application is accepted?
A: We will notify all new Owners via email once they are accepted. Please note these emails will come from stock.offering@wvv.com, so if you haven’t seen an email, be sure to check your spam folder. If you haven't received anything, call us at 503-588-9463.
Q: I am already a shareholder and I want to purchase more. Why hasn’t my subscription gone through yet?
A: Our goal is to give as many opportunities as possible for new wine enthusiasts to join our Owner community. This is why we’ve chosen 5,000 as a maximum number of shares per person. Our Ownership Services team can make exceptions, so a decision on your subscription may be delayed.
Q: When will the Dividend be paid?
A: If you select an Owner Benefit Credit with 15% more value, you’ll have early access to the Owner Benefit Credits in the fall of each year. The Board of Directors approves the annual payment of the dividend. Dividends are issued at the end of the year and mailed to stockholders on or after January 1 of every year.
Q: When can I start using my 25% Owner discount?
A: You will have access to your Owner discount as soon as your subscription agreement is accepted, generally within one to two business days of being billed.
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 agent?
A: A transfer agent is a financial services company that manages and tracks 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 commonly 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.
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 an Owner Benefit Credit, you would receive a 1099 (not including the additional 15% added value). 1099s are sent in early January by our transfer agency, EQ. You can view your 1099 on your online EQ account, or a hard copy will be mailed to you if you haven’t elected 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 contact Ownership Services at 503-588-9463 or stock.offering@wvv.com. 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 an Owner Benefit 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 with your name(s), phone number and/or email you would like displayed on your cards. Owner Cards typically take up to seven weeks to ship, as we order them from a third-party company.
As a note, we offer one initial complimentary set of Owner Cards. These cards help you spread the Oregon wine story and make connections. Owners receive discounts and benefits at Willamette Valley Vineyards, but please do not expect or ask 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?
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.
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