SEC Form 10-K filed by Fresh Vine Wine Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                  TO                  

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-41147

FRESH VINE WINE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

P.O. Box 78984

Charlotte, NC 28271

(Address and Zip Code of principal executive offices)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (855) 766-9463

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒.

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates was $3,207,021 as of June 30, 2023 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), based on a total of 14,190,359 shares of common stock held by non-affiliates and a closing price of $0.226 as reported on the NYSE American on June 30, 2023. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors, and 10% beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such officers, directors or 10% beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.

As of March 8, 2024, Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. had 15,976,227 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

None.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

We make forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, you should consider the numerous risks and uncertainties described in this report under the caption “Risk Factors.”

While we believe we have identified material risks, these risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements in this report represent our views as of the date on which the statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, and we do not intend to do so.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about:

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes market data and forecasts with respect to the wine industry. We have obtained this market data and certain industry forecasts from various independent third-party sources, including industry publications, reports by market research firms, surveys, and other independent sources. Some data and information are based on management’s estimates and calculations, which are derived from our review and interpretation of internal company research and data, surveys, and independent sources. We believe the data regarding the industry in which we compete and our market position and market share within this industry generally indicate size, position, and market share within this industry; however, this data is inherently imprecise and is subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and risks due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates.

In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this report. Although we believe that information provides a reasonable basis for these statements, that information may be limited or incomplete. Our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.

Risk Factor Summary

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Any of the factors set forth under “Risk Factors” may limit our ability to successfully execute our business strategy. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this report, and, in particular, you should evaluate the specific factors set forth under “Risk Factors” in deciding whether to invest in our common stock. Among these important risks are the following:

Risks related to the proposed Merger transaction

Risks related to our company and our business

Risks related to regulation

Risks related to our common stock

General risks

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Overview

Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. (referred to in this report as “we,” “us,” “our” “Fresh Vine Wine,” “Fresh Vine” and the “Company”) is a premier producer of low carb, low calorie, premium wines in the United States. Founded in 2019, Fresh Vine Wine brings an innovative “better-for-you” solution to the wine market. Offering bold, crisp, and creamy wines that embody health, warmth, and a deeper connection to wellness and an active lifestyle, we offer a unique and innovative collection of today’s most popular varietals. We currently sell seven proprietary varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Sparkling Rosé, and a limited Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. All varietals have been produced and bottled in Napa, California.

Recent Developments – Anticipated Merger with Notes Live, Inc.

On January 25, 2024, we, FVW Merger Sub, Inc., a Colorado corporation and our wholly-owned subsidiary (“Merger Sub”), and Notes, Live, Inc., a Colorado corporation (“Notes Live”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Notes Live, with Notes Live continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and the surviving corporation of the merger (the “Merger”).

Notes Live is a Colorado-based live entertainment and hospitality company that currently operates entertainment campuses in both the Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan areas. Notes Live is also in the process of developing its crown-jewel, the Sunset Amphitheater collection, a set of luxury outdoor amphitheaters designed to set a new standard in entertainment. The flagship Sunset amphitheater location in Colorado Springs is in development and scheduled to open in August of 2024. Additional amphitheaters have also been announced by Notes Live in Oklahoma City and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and it has plans to expand into the North Texas market.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the closing of the Merger, (i) each then outstanding share of Notes Live common stock (collectively, “Notes Live common stock”) (which comprises all of Notes Live’s outstanding capital stock) will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Fresh Vine common stock calculated in accordance with the Merger Agreement (the “Exchange Ratio”), (ii) each then outstanding warrant to purchase Notes Live common stock will be exchanged (or otherwise amended) for a warrant exercisable (at an exercise price adjusted to reflect to the Exchange Ratio) to acquire that number of shares of Fresh Vine common stock equal to the number of warrant shares multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and (iii) any then outstanding Notes Live promissory note that is convertible into Notes Live common stock will be exchanged, or otherwise amended, such that it will be convertible from and after the Merger into shares of Fresh Vine common stock at a per share conversion price adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio. Each share of Fresh Vine common stock and each option and warrant to purchase Fresh Vine common stock that is outstanding at the effective time of the Merger will remain outstanding in accordance with its terms and such shares of Fresh Vine common stock, options and warrants will be unaffected by the Merger (subject adjustment based on the proposed Reverse Stock Split described below).

The Exchange Ratio will be calculated using a formula intended to allocate existing Fresh Vine stockholders and Notes Live shareholders a percentage of the combined company based on agreed upon relative valuations of Fresh Vine and Notes Live in which:

For such purposes, “Net Cash Surplus” means the amount by which the cash, cash equivalent assets or other liquid assets of Fresh Vine at the closing of the Merger transaction exceed the Net Cash Target, and the “Net Cash Target” means an aggregate of $3.5 million; provided that the Net Cash Target will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis for the gross proceeds of any equity investments in Notes Live made by Fresh Vine, its affiliates, or persons directly introduced to Notes Live by Fresh Vine or its affiliates from December 1, 2023 through the effective date of the Merger (but not giving effect to the previously disclosed $500,000 equity investment in Notes Live made by Fresh Vine upon entering into the letter of intent with Note Live for the subject transaction (the “Fresh Vine Equity Investment”)).

On a pro forma basis and without adjustment for gross proceeds from the Notes Live Financing or any Net Cash Surplus, pre-Merger Notes Live shareholders are expected to own approximately 95.1% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the combined company and pre-Merger Fresh Vine stockholders are expected to own approximately 4.9% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the combined company.

As contemplated by the Merger Agreement, Fresh Vine intends to effect a reverse stock split at or around the effect date of the Merger at a ratio that results in the Fresh Vine common stock satisfying the initial listing standards of the NYSE American stock exchange (the “NYSE American”) and the exchange ratio in the Merger being as near to one as reasonably practicable (i.e., so that each share of Notes Live capital stock will be exchanged in the Merger for approximately one share of Fresh Vine common stock) (the “Reverse Stock Split”).

At the effective time of the Merger, the board of directors of Fresh Vine is expected to consist of seven members, all of whom will be designated by Notes Live.

Each of Fresh Vine and Notes Live has agreed to customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants relating to (a) the conduct of their respective businesses during the period between the date of signing the Merger Agreement and the closing of the Merger, (b) non-solicitation of alternative acquisition proposals, (c) Fresh Vine filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and causing to become effective a registration statement on Form S-4 to register the shares of Fresh Vine common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger (the “Registration Statement”), (d) Notes Live obtaining shareholder approval for the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the transaction contemplated thereby, (e) Fresh Vine calling, giving notice of and holding the Fresh Vine Shareholder Meeting (as defined below), (f) Fresh Vine and Notes Live using reasonable best efforts to file or otherwise submit applications, notices, reports and other documents reasonably required to be filed or otherwise submitted to any governmental authority with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, (g) Fresh Vine using commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the existing listing of Fresh Vine common stock on the NYSE American and to obtain approval of the listing of the combined company’s common stock on the NYSE American, and (h) Fresh Vine and Notes Live using commercially reasonable efforts to coordinate with respect to compliance with NYSE American rules and regulations. In addition, the Merger Agreement requires that, on or prior to the closing of the Merger, Fresh Vine shall engage in a sale, license, transfer, disposition, divestiture or other monetization transaction, or winding down of Fresh Vine’s current wine production business (the “Fresh Vine Legacy Business”), or the sale, license, transfer, disposition, divestiture or other monetization transaction or other disposition of the assets comprising the Fresh Vine Legacy Business and in connection therewith causing any and all known obligations or liabilities associated with such assets and the conduct of the Fresh Vine Legacy Business operations to be satisfied (the “Fresh Vine Legacy Transaction”).

Consummation of the Merger is subject to certain closing conditions, including, among other things, (a) approval by Fresh Vine stockholders of the Fresh Vine Shareholder Matters (as defined below), (b) approval by Notes Live shareholders of, among other things, the adoption of the Merger Agreement, (c) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, (d) NYSE American’s approval of the listing of the shares of Fresh Vine common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger (under the ticker symbol “VENU”), and, if applicable, NYSE American’s approval of an initial listing application for the combined company, (e) if applicable, the completion of required filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the expiration or termination any waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger, (f) the absence of material adverse effects impacting Fresh Vine or Notes Live, (g) Fresh Vine having cash, cash equivalent assets or other liquid assets at the closing of the Merger in an amount that equals or exceeds the Net Cash Target, and having no liabilities on its balance sheet or unpaid or unsatisfied obligations that will require a cash expenditure by Fresh Vine after the effective time of the Merger, (h) the absence of dissenting Notes Live shareholders, and (i) the entry by Notes Live into lock-up and leak-out arrangements with its shareholders to its satisfaction. In addition, the closing of the Merger is conditioned upon Fresh Vine having completed the Fresh Vine Legacy Transaction, or discontinued the Fresh Vine Legacy Business, in a manner reasonably acceptable to Notes Live. Each party’s obligation to consummate the Merger is also subject to other specified customary conditions, including without limitation regarding the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party and the performance in all material respects by the other party of its obligations under the Merger Agreement required to be performed on or prior to the date of the closing of the Merger.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights of each of Fresh Vine and Notes Live. Upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, Fresh Vine may be required to pay Notes Live a termination fee of $1.0 million and/or reimburse Notes Live’s expenses up to a maximum of $500,000, and Notes Live may be required to pay Fresh Vine a termination fee of $1.0 million, reimburse Fresh Vine’s expenses up to a maximum of $500,000, and/or, at the election of Fresh Vine, redeem the Fresh Vine Equity Investment at the same price per share as the purchase price paid by Fresh Vine therefor.

In connection with the Merger, Fresh Vine expects to seek the approval of its stockholders for, among other things, (a) the issuance of the shares of Fresh Vine common stock issuable in connection with the Merger and the change of control of Fresh Vine resulting from the Merger pursuant to the rules of the NYSE American, (b) amendments to the Fresh Vine Articles of Incorporation to change the name of Fresh Vine to “Notes Live Holding Corp.” and, solely if doing so will not violate the rules and regulations of NYSE American, cause its authorized common stock to be divided into two or more separate classes or series, (c) an amendment to the Fresh Vine Articles of Incorporation to effect the Reverse Stock Split; (d) upon conversion or exchange of Fresh Vine Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the issuance of shares of Fresh Vine common stock in excess of the “Exchange Share Cap” and “Individual Holder Share Cap” limitations provided for in the Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, (e) the liquidation, spinning-out, distribution, or other disposition or discontinuance of the Fresh Vine Legacy Business, and (f) any other proposal to be agreed upon by Fresh Vine and Notes Live in furtherance of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement (collectively, the “Fresh Vine Shareholder Matters” and such meeting, the “Fresh Vine Shareholder Meeting”).

The transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are anticipated to close in June 2024, subject to approval by Fresh Vine’s stockholders, and the satisfaction or waiver of various additional closing conditions.

The preceding summary of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Merger Agreement, which was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 29, 2024 and which is incorporated herein by reference. The Merger Agreement is not intended to provide factual information about Fresh Vine or Notes Live or to modify or supplement any factual disclosures about Fresh Vine in this report of its other public filings with the SEC. The Merger Agreement includes representations, warranties and covenants of Fresh Vine, Notes Live and Merger Sub made solely for the purpose of the Merger Agreement and solely for the benefit of the parties thereto in connection with the negotiated terms of the Merger Agreement. Moreover, certain of those representations and warranties may not be accurate or complete as of any specified date, may be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from those generally applicable to SEC filings or may have been used for purposes of allocating risk among the parties to the Merger Agreement, rather than establishing matters of fact. Investors and stockholders are not third-party beneficiaries under the Merger Agreement. Accordingly, investors should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or conditions of Fresh Vine, Notes Live or any of their respective affiliates.

Important Additional Information

In connection with the proposed transaction, Fresh Vine will file materials with the SEC, including a registration statement on Form S-4 (Form S-4), which will include a document that serves as a proxy statement/prospectus of Fresh Vine and an information statement of Notes Live, and other documents regarding the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS, INCLUDING THE FORM S-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain the Form S-4, the proxy statement/prospectus and other materials filed by Fresh Vine with the SEC free of charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or from Fresh Vine at the SEC Filings section of https://ir.freshvinewine.com/invest/.

Our Existing Business

We are a premier producer of low carb, low calorie, premium wines in the United States. Founded in 2019, Fresh Vine Wine brings an innovative “better-for-you” solution to the wine market. Offering bold, crisp, and creamy wines that embody health, warmth, and a deeper connection to wellness and an active lifestyle, we offer a unique and innovative collection of today’s most popular varietals. We currently sell seven proprietary varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Sparkling Rosé, and a limited Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. All varietals have been produced and bottled in Napa, California.

Our wines are focused on the affordable luxury segment. Importantly, our wines stand out in the luxury wine market because they address the preferences of our target demographic of consumers with moderate to affluent income and with a desire to pursue a healthy and active lifestyles for a low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free product, while concurrently delivering the quality and taste profile of a premium wine brand. This allows us to position our wines in the “better for you” segment that seeks to appeal to consumers’ emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. While we believe our product offerings have mass appeal among all consumers of affordable luxury wines, we have positioned the Fresh Vine Wine brand as a complement to the healthy and active lifestyles of younger generation wine consumers.

Our core wine offerings are priced strategically to appeal to mass markets and sell at a list price between $15 and $25 per bottle - price points that support a premium product strategy, appeal to mass markets, and allow us to offer significant value across all consumer distribution channels. Given the Fresh Vine Wine brand’s “better-for-you” appeal and overall product quality, we believe that it presents today’s consumers with a unique value proposition within this price category.

As a testament to the quality of our varietals, in September 2022 we announced that The Tasting Panel Magazine and The Somm Journal, two highly regarded wine publications, had awarded Fresh Vine Wine’s California Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Vintage, a 92 Rating (out of 100). This is the second of our varietals to receive a 92 Rating during 2022, with our Limited Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon receiving a Rating of 92 from James Suckling, regarded as one of the world’s most influential wine critics, in July. Also, in July 2022, our 2020 California Pinot Noir and California 2021 Rosé varietals were awarded Bronze Medals by TEXSOM. In 2022, Fresh Vine Wine varietals were recognized by various industry authorities with a total of 16 separate awards.

Our wines are distributed across the United States and Puerto Rico through wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels. We are able to conduct wholesale distribution of our wines in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and we are licensed to sell through DTC channels in 43 states. As of December 31, 2023, we hold active relationships with wholesale distributors in 50 states. We are working with leading distributors, including Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS), Johnson Brothers, and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), to continue and expand our presence across the contiguous United States.

Our DTC channel enables us to sell wine directly to the consumer at full retail prices. Although these prices are consistent with our suggested retail prices (SRPs), we incur two mark-ups of approximately 30% each for our distributor and retail partners when selling wine through our wholesale distribution channel, therefore directly reducing our revenue and margins. Because the DTC channel provides significantly higher margins than sales generated through wholesale distributors, we intend to further invest in DTC capabilities to ensure it remains an integral part of our business. We also believe continued investment in DTC technologies and capabilities are critical to maintaining an intimate relationship with our customers, which is becoming increasingly digital. In addition, we also sell through alternative DTC sales platforms, such as ecommerce marketplaces, product aggregators and virtual distributors, all of which have experienced significant recent growth, as well as sales through home delivery services.

We do not own or operate any vineyards. Instead of cultivating our own grapes, we have used Fior di Sole, a third-party supplier, to source grapes. This allows us to leverage our supplier’s broad network of vendor relationships and purchasing power to negotiate favorable cost structures. Because our supplier procures product inputs on our behalf, including bulk juice, we do not currently engage directly with grape growers (“growers”) or bulk distributors of juice (“bulk distributors”). As a result, we have limited front-end supply chain visibility. This is a strategy by design that we believe provides us with access to diversified growers and large distributors, which reduces our reliance upon any single vendor and mitigates our exposure to droughts, wildfires, spoilage, contamination and other supply side risks common to the wine industry.

Our supplier procures grapes and/or juice for our existing varietals from California. This juice is then stored in Napa until time of production, at which point it is made available for blending and bottling processes at our Napa Valley production and bottling facility. This is significant in that both blending and bottling must occur within Napa to be considered produced and bottled in Napa — a distinctive product attribute that adds significant production value to our brand in the eyes of consumers. However, wine produced by the Company will only be labelled with a Napa Valley appellation of origin if it is produced from grapes grown in the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). The labels for the Company’s core wines identify California as the appellation of origin.

Our asset-light operating model allows us to utilize third-party assets, including land and production facilities. This approach helps us mitigate many of the risks associated with agribusiness, such as isolated droughts or fires. Because we source product inputs from multiple geographically dispersed vendors, we reduce reliance on any one vendor and benefit from broad availability/optionality of product inputs. This is particularly important as a California-based wine producer where droughts or fires can have an extremely detrimental impact to a company’s supply chain if not diversified.

Our Strengths

Differentiated Product Offerings — Premium, Napa Valley Wines within the “Better-For-You” Segment

We offer wines that are differentiated from those sold by other wine producers operating within the better-for-you segment of the affordable luxury category based on our premium quality, our association with an award-winning winemaker and our Napa Valley based state of the art production.

Capital-Efficient and Scalable Operational Structure

We have strategically structured our organization and operations to minimize our capital investment requirements while maintaining flexibility to rapidly scale our production capabilities to meet consumer demands. We do this by utilizing internal capabilities while leveraging a network of reputable third-party providers with industry experience and expertise that we use to perform various functions falling outside our internal core competencies.

Production and Bottling on an Alternating Proprietorship Basis

We contracted with Fior di Sole, an industry leading packaging innovation and wine production company based in Napa Valley, California, to serve as a “host winery” and to occupy a portion of its production and warehouse facility and utilize its production equipment on an alternating proprietorship basis. Under this arrangement, we used capacity at Fior di Sole’s production facility at times mutually convenient to us and Fior di Sole to produce and bottle our wines for an initial set-up fee and a recurring monthly fee. Fior di Sole was responsible for keeping its production equipment in good operating order. When the alternating Premises was operated by or used on behalf of our Company, it was operated pursuant to our federal basic permit and California winegrower’s license. Under our agreement with Fior di Sole, we were solely responsible for managing and conducting our own winemaking activities and we made all production decisions relating to our wines. However, we could have requested the use of Fior di Sole’s personnel to perform crush, fermentation, blending, cellar, warehousing, barrel topping and/or bottling services for additional fees. This arrangement had allowed us to commence our operations and build the Fresh Vine Wine brand without having to incur the considerable overhead costs involved with the purchase or full-time lease of a production facility. The term of the agreement commenced in July 2019, had an initial term of one year and automatically renews for additional one-year terms unless either party provides 90 days written notice to the other of its intent to terminate at the end of the then current term. Either party may terminate the agreement upon 30 days written notice if the other party is in violation of any law or regulation that renders it impossible to perform its obligations under the agreement for a period of greater than 30 days, makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or files for bankruptcy protection, or is in material breach of its obligations under the agreement and such failure to perform is not cured within 30 days of written notice from the other party.

Fior di Sole also provided us with capacity juice and blends, finishes, bottles, stops, labels and packages our wine, which reduced our internal overhead expenses and allowed us to benefit from that company’s increased purchasing power. Fior di Sole provided these services on a purchase order basis, which purchase orders were subject to the parties’ mutual agreement and governed by a Custom Winemaking and Bottling Agreement. This agreement outlined the schedule for placing orders, the responsibility and schedule for delivery of production materials, procedures for establishing the wine bottling date and delivery date. We were required to remit 20% of the amount due for wine produced, bottled and packaged pursuant to this agreement upon our submission of a purchase order. The payment advance was used by Fior Di Sole to reserve or procure materials on our behalf with additional vendors for bottles, boxes, corks, labels, juice, and other inputs. We, or our winemaker on our behalf, oversaw the production at the winery and approved all components and aspects of the production process. The balance of the amount due for wine produced, bottled and packaged (the remaining 80%) was due following our quality review and acceptance of the finished product. This agreement was terminated in December 2023.

Licensing, Tax and Regulatory Compliance

We have contracted with a third-party to manage our regulatory licensing and compliance activities. We maintain licenses that enable us to distribute our wine to all 50 states, and to sell direct-to-consumer from our e-commerce website in 48 states. We currently utilize software tools available to the industry and work with our license compliance service provider to navigate and manage the complex state-by-state tax and other regulations that apply to our operations in the beverage alcohol industry. This has enabled us to reduce the administrative burden of tax compliance, reporting and product registration.

We believe that leveraging our network of supply chain and compliance partners, consultants and service providers enables us to avoid potential costly and lengthy delays on nearly every aspect of our business, from grapes to packaging materials, and will accelerate our return on capital due to our limited need to procure expensive equipment, real estate, and other capital-intensive resources.

Sales and Marketing Strategy

Omni-Channel Marketing Approach

Today’s consumers interact with brands through many channels, from traditional media to social media and other digital channels, and through various in-person and online purchasing methods. In order to build the visibility of our brand and create a grassroots consumer following to support our DTC distribution channel, we have employed a strategic omnichannel marketing approach that we believe allows us to engage with our target consumers on their terms to expand and deepen their recognition of our brand. In addition to other mass market promotional activities, our marketing strategy also utilizes modern techniques, efficiency measures, and channels not commonly seen in the wine industry, including a combination of social media lifestyle and wine influencer activities, through which brand ambassadors or “influencers” may conduct promotional activities through the Company’s or their own social media channels including, but not limited to, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and Pinterest, among others.

As we expand our marketing presence and drive visibility through traditional and modern marketing methods, we expect to build awareness and name recognition for Fresh Vine Wine in consumers’ minds. Brand awareness will be built substantially through social media channels. Our brand, and to a large extent our direct-to-consumer sales outlet, has historically been dependent on the image and popularity of, and affinity towards, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough. Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough served as celebrity spokespersons and ambassadors of our company, and actively endorsed our wines on their sizable social media and other outlets pursuant to agreements that granted us licenses to use their pre-approved name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity, as well as certain content published on their social media and other channels, on and in conjunction with the sale and related pre-approved advertising and promotion of our wine. Such license agreements terminated on September 7, 2023 and, as a result, we will be required to refocus our marketing and brand promotion efforts. See “Item 1A Risk Factors - We have relied heavily on celebrities to endorse our wines and market our brand pursuant to license agreements which have been terminated.”

Professional Sports Sponsorships

We have previously entered into sponsorship agreements with professional sports organizations and venues spanning all four major United States professional sports leagues, which support our commitment and outreach to consumers focused on active and healthy lifestyles, including agreements with the following organizations and/or their affiliates:

These sponsorship arrangements generally provide us with advertising placements at the stadiums and arenas during sporting and concert events, as well as specified media and other advertising and promotional benefits, in exchange for our payment of annual sponsorship fees.

We completed our sponsorship agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023. We intend to reduce or cancel the remaining sponsorships and do not anticipate pursuing new professional sports sponsorships as part of our marketing and brand awareness initiatives going forward since our brand has reached national retail distribution.

Labelling and Innovative Packaging Initiatives

We believe wine labelling can have a big impact on consumers’ purchasing practices. We conduct market research to validate the consistency of our wine labels with our brand narrative. Packaging also continues to be a key driver of brand perception, and we are exploring “active lifestyle packaging” alternatives to traditional bottling that provides an opportunity for our customers to enjoy Fresh Vine Wines in non-traditional settings now and for future years, including bottles with screw-off caps, aluminum cans, and smaller size bottles and cans that can be taken on-the-go and are ideal for in-store point of purchase sales.

Engagement with Industry Experienced Third Party Vendors

In October 2022, we executed a strategy that is aimed at amplifying cash preservation initiatives while continuing to focus on accelerating sales growth. The plan resulted in the termination of ten employees on the Company’s internal sales team and the engagement by the Company of a third party sales and distribution management company positioned to more efficiently and effectively facilitate current and future product sales. In addition, the Company engaged a reputable third party vendor to manage marketing initiatives and drive growth primarily within the Company’s Direct-to-Consumer sales channel.

Related party services

 In October 2021, the Company entered into a service agreement with Appellation Brands, LLC, a related party in the wine industry due to common ownership, to provide representation and distribution services. As of June 15, 2022, the original agreement was terminated. Prior to termination, the Company provided access to new markets and retail and wholesale customers to the related party. In exchange for these services, the Company received a management fee of $50,000 per month plus a tiered fee ranging between $5.00 and $6.50 per case of the products sold. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recognized $297,224 in service revenue related to this agreement. In September 2022, the Company entered into a new distribution agreement with Appellation Brands, LLC to purchase approximately $195,000 of wine inventory and sell directly to our customers. Sales associated with the new agreement are recorded within wholesale revenue beginning September 1, 2022. Total sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 associated with the new agreement was approximately $16,000. After our sales of the Appellation Brands, LLC wine inventory was completed, our affiliation with Appellation Brands, LLC ceased altogether.

Our Strategy for Growth

We have been executing the following strategies to gain brand and product visibility and increase sales and market share: 

With over 500,000 licensed retail accounts (according to Neilson) in the United States, there remains ample opportunity to continue broadening distribution of our wines as well as increasing the volume of wine sold to existing accounts.

Competition

The wine industry and alcohol markets generally are intensely competitive. Our wines compete domestically and internationally with other premium or higher quality wines produced in Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America. Our wines compete on the basis of quality, price, brand recognition and distribution capability. The ultimate consumer has many choices of products from both domestic and international producers. Our wines may be considered to compete with all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

At any given time, there are more than 400,000 wine choices available to consumers, differing with one another based on vintage, variety or blend, location and other factors. Accordingly, we experience competition from nearly every segment of the wine industry. Additionally, some of our competitors have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources, offer a wider range of products, and have greater name recognition, which may give them greater negotiating leverage with distributors and allow them to offer their products in more locations and/or on better terms than us. Nevertheless, we believe that our brand offerings, scalable infrastructure and relationships with one of the largest domestic distributors will allow us to continue growing our business.

IT Systems

We rely on various IT systems, owned by us and third parties, to effectively manage our sales and marketing, accounting, financial, legal and compliance functions. Our website is hosted by a third party, and we rely on third-party vendors for regulatory compliance for order processing, shipments, and e-commerce functionality. We believe these systems are scalable to support our growth plans. We recognize the value of enhancing and extending the uses of information technology in our business.

Regulatory Matters

Regulatory framework

We, along with our contract growers, producers, manufacturers, distributors, retail accounts and ingredients and packaging suppliers, are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by federal, state and local government authorities with respect to registration, production processes, product attributes, packaging, labelling, storage and distribution of wine and other products we make.

We are also subject to state and local tax requirements in all states where our wine is sold. We monitor the requirements of relevant jurisdictions to maintain compliance with all tax liability and reporting matters. In California, we are subject to a number of governmental authorities, and are also subject to city and county building, land use, licensing and other codes and regulations.

Alcohol-related regulation

We are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by federal, state and local laws regulating the production, distribution and sale of consumable food items, and specifically alcoholic beverages, including by the TTB and the FDA. The TTB is primarily responsible for overseeing alcohol production records supporting tax obligations, issuing wine labelling guidelines, including grape source and bottle fill requirements, as well as reviewing and issuing certificates of label approval, which are required for the sale of wine through interstate commerce. We carefully monitor compliance with TTB rules and regulations, as well as the state law of each state in which we sell our wines. In California, where most of our wines are made, we are subject to alcohol-related licensing and regulations by many authorities, including the ABC. ABC agents and representatives investigate applications for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages, report on the moral character and fitness of alcohol license applicants and the suitability of premises where sales are to be conducted and enforce California alcoholic beverages laws. We are subject to municipal authorities with respect to aspects of our operations, including the terms of our use permits. These regulations may limit the production of wine and control the sale of wine, among other elements.

Employee and occupational safety regulation

We are subject to certain state and federal employee safety and employment practices regulations, including regulations issued pursuant to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”), and regulations governing prohibited workplace discriminatory practices and conditions, including those regulations relating to COVID-19 virus transmission mitigation practices. These regulations require us to comply with manufacturing safety standards, including protecting our employees from accidents, providing our employees with a safe and non-hostile work environment and being an equal opportunity employer. In California, we are also subject to employment and safety regulations issued by state and local authorities.

Environmental regulation

As a result of our wine production activities, we and certain third parties with which we work are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. Federal regulations govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater and stormwater discharges, and the treatment, handling and storage and disposal of materials and wastes. State environmental regulations and authorities intended to address and oversee environmental issues are largely state-level analogues to federal regulations and authorities intended to perform the similar purposes. In California, we are also subject to state-specific rules, such as those contained in the California Environmental Quality Act, California Air Resources Act, Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, California Water Code sections 13300-13999 and Title 23 of the California Administrative Code and various sections of the Health and Safety Code. We are subject to local environmental regulations that address a number of elements of our wine production process, including air quality, the handling of hazardous waste, recycling, water use and discharge, emissions and traffic impacts.

Labelling regulation

Many of our wines are identified by their appellation of origin, which are among the most highly regarded wine growing regions in the world. An appellation may be present on a wine label only if it meets the requirements of applicable state and federal regulations that seek to ensure the consistency and quality of wines from a specific territory. These appellations designate the specific geographic origin of most or all (depending on the appellation) of the wine’s grapes, and can be a political subdivision (e.g., a country, state or county) or a designated viticultural area. The rules for vineyard designation are similar. Although we expect that most of our labels will maintain the same appellation of origin from year to year, we may choose to change the appellation of one or more of our wines from time to time to take advantage of high-quality grapes in other areas or to change the profile of a wine.

Privacy and security regulation

We collect personal information from individuals. Accordingly, we are subject to several data privacy and security related regulations, including but not limited to: U.S. state privacy, security and breach notification laws; the GDPR; and other European privacy laws as well as privacy laws being adopted in other regions around the world. In addition, the FTC and many state attorneys general are interpreting existing federal and state consumer protection laws to impose evolving standards for the online collection, use, dissemination and security of information about individuals. Certain states have also adopted robust data privacy and security laws and regulations. For example, the CCPA, which took effect in 2020, imposes obligations and restrictions on businesses regarding their collection, use, and sharing of personal information and provides new and enhanced data privacy rights to California residents, such as affording them the right to access and delete their personal information and to opt out of certain sharing of personal information. In response to the data privacy laws and regulations discussed above and those in other countries in which we do business, we have implemented several technological safeguards, processes, contractual third-party provisions, and employee trainings to help ensure that we handle information about our employees and customers in a compliant manner. We maintain a global privacy policy and related procedures, and we train our workforce to understand and comply with applicable privacy laws.

Intellectual Property

We strive to protect the reputation of our wine brand. We establish, protect and defend our intellectual property in a number of ways, including through employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements, copyright laws, domestic and foreign trademark protections, intellectual property licenses and social media and information security policies for employees. We have been granted three (3) trademark registrations in the United States for FRESH VINE^®, FRESH VINE (Stylized)^®, and our FV Logo^®, and numerous trademark registrations in other countries for the FRESH VINE mark, and we have filed, and expect to continue to file, trademark applications seeking to protect any newly-developed wine brands. We have also been granted a copyright registration in the first version of our website located at www.freshvine.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this report. As a copyright exists in a work of art once it is fixed in tangible medium, we intend to continue to file copyright applications to protect newly-developed works of art that are important to our business.

We also rely on, and carefully protect, proprietary knowledge and expertise, including the sources of certain supplies, formulations, production processes, innovation regarding product development and other trade secrets necessary to maintain and enhance our competitive position.

Seasonality

There is a degree of seasonality in the growing cycles, procurement and transportation of grapes. The wine industry in general tends to experience seasonal fluctuations in revenue and net income, with lower sales and net income during the quarter spanning January through March and higher sales and net income during the quarter spanning from October through December due to the usual timing of seasonal holiday buying. As our operations expand, we expect that we will be impacted by the seasonality experienced in the wine industry generally.

Employees

As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately four full-time employees. All of our employees are employed in the United States. None of our employees are represented by a labor union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Legal Proceedings

 We may be subject to legal disputes and subject to claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Except as disclosed in “Item 3 - Legal Proceedings,” we are not a party or subject to any pending legal proceedings the resolution of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition.

Corporate History

We were initially organized on May 8, 2019 as a Texas limited liability company under the name “Fresh Grapes, LLC.” In connection with our initial public offering, on December 8, 2021, we converted from a Texas limited liability company into a Nevada corporation and changed our name from Fresh Grapes, LLC to Fresh Vine Wine, Inc., which we refer to herein as the “LLC Conversion.” In conjunction with the LLC Conversion, all of our outstanding units were converted into shares of our common stock based on the relative ownership interests of our pre-IPO equity holders. While operating as a limited liability company, our outstanding equity was referred to as “units.” In this report, for ease of comparison, we may refer to such units as our common stock for periods prior to the LLC Conversion, unless otherwise indicated in this report. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, we may refer to members’ equity in this report as stockholders’ equity. Further, while operating as a limited liability company, our governing body was referred to as our Board of Managers, with the members thereof being referred to as “Managers.” We may refer to such governing body throughout this report as our board of directors and such individuals as our directors.

Company Website Access and SEC Filings

We make available on the Investor Relations section of our website, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements, and Forms 3, 4 and 5, and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such documents with, or furnishing such documents to, the SEC. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

Our website is www.freshvinewine.com. We have included our website address in this report as an inactive textual reference only. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference in or otherwise a part of this report.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Our company and business involves a number of challenges and risks. In addition to the other information in this report, you should consider carefully the following risk factors in evaluating us and our business. The risks described below are not the only ones that we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, financial condition, operating results, or prospects. In assessing these risks, you should also refer to the other information contained in this report, including our financial statements and related notes.

Risks related to the proposed Merger transaction

The Exchange Ratio will not change or otherwise be adjusted based on the market price of our common stock as the exchange ratio depends on, among other things, the relative valuations ascribed to us and Noted Live upon entry into the Merger Agreement and not the market price of our common stock, so the merger consideration at the closing of the Merger may have a greater or lesser value than at the time the Merger Agreement was signed.

On January 25, 2024, we, Merger Sub (our wholly-owned subsidiary) and Notes Live entered into the Merger Agreement pursuant to which, among other things, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will merge with and into Notes Live, with Notes Live continuing as our wholly-owned subsidiary and the surviving corporation in the Merger. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the closing of the Merger, and among other things, each then outstanding share of Notes Live common stock will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of Fresh Vine common stock calculated in accordance with the Merger Agreement (the “Exchange Ratio”), (ii) each then outstanding warrant to purchase Notes Live common stock will be exchanged (or otherwise amended) for a warrant exercisable (at an exercise price adjusted to reflect to the Exchange Ratio) to acquire that number of shares of Fresh Vine common stock equal to the number of warrant shares multiplied by the Exchange Ratio, and (iii) any then outstanding Notes Live promissory note that is convertible into Notes Live common stock will be exchanged, or otherwise amended, such that it will be convertible from and after the Merger into shares of Fresh Vine common stock at a per share conversion price adjusted to reflect the Exchange Ratio.

The Merger Agreement has set the calculation of the Exchange Ratio based on the relative valuations ascribed to us and Noted Live upon entry into the Merger Agreement, which in turn will be adjusted to reflect the amount of gross proceeds received or to be received by Notes Live in its private offering of securities conducted by Notes Live as of the date of the Merger Agreement and the Net Cash Surplus, if any, of Fresh Vine on the closing date of the Merger (as well as the impact of the Reverse Stock Split). The Merger Agreement does not include a price-based termination right. Therefore, if before the completion of the Merger the market price of our common stock declines from the market price on the date of the Merger Agreement, then Notes Live’s shareholders could receive merger consideration with substantially lower value than the value of such merger consideration on the date of the Merger Agreement. Similarly, if before the completion of the Merger the market price of our common stock increases from the market price of our common stock on the date of the Merger Agreement, then Notes Live’s shareholders could receive Merger consideration with substantially greater value than the value of such merger consideration on the date of the Merger Agreement. Because the Exchange Ratio does not adjust as a direct result of changes in the market price of our common stock, changes in the market price of our common stock will change the value of the total Merger consideration payable to Notes Live’s shareholders.

Stock price changes may result from a variety of factors, including changes in our or Notes Live’s respective businesses, operations and prospects, market assessments of the likelihood that the Merger will be completed, the timing of the Merger, and general market, industry and economic conditions.

Our stockholders and Notes Live’s shareholders may not realize a benefit from the Merger commensurate with the ownership dilution they will experience in connection with the Merger.

If the combined company is unable to realize the full strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Merger, our stockholders and Notes Live’s shareholders will have experienced dilution of their ownership interests in their respective companies without receiving any commensurate benefit, or only receiving part of the commensurate benefit to the extent the combined company is able to realize only part of the strategic and financial benefits currently anticipated from the Merger.

Failure to complete the Merger may result in either us or Notes Live paying a termination fee to the other party and could significantly harm the market price of our common stock and negatively affect the future business and operations of each company.

If the Merger is not completed and the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we may be required to pay Notes Live a termination fee of $1.0 million and/or reimburse Notes Live’s expenses up to a maximum of $500,000, and Notes Live may be required to pay us a termination fee of $1.0 million, reimburse our expenses up to a maximum of $500,000 and/or, at the election of Fresh Vine, redeem the  $500,000 equity investment in Notes Live made by Fresh Vine upon entering into the letter of intent with Note Live for the Merger transaction  at the same price per share as the purchase price paid by Fresh Vine therefor. Even if a termination fee or reimbursement of expenses of the other party are not payable in connection with a termination of the Merger Agreement, each of us and Notes Live will have incurred significant fees and expenses, which must be paid whether or not the Merger is completed.

In addition, if the Merger Agreement is terminated and our board of directors determines to seek another business combination, there can be no assurance that we will be able to find a partner and close an alternative transaction on terms that are as favorable or more favorable than the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement.

The issuance of our common stock to Notes Live’s shareholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the resulting change in control from the Merger must be approved by our stockholders, and the Merger Agreement and transactions contemplated thereby must be approved by Notes Live’s shareholders. Failure to obtain these approvals would prevent the closing of the Merger.

Before the Merger can be completed, our stockholders must approve, among other things, the issuance of our common stock to Note Live’s shareholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the resulting change in control from the Merger, and Note Live’s shareholders must adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the Merger and the related transactions. Failure to obtain the required stockholder approvals may result in a material delay in, or the abandonment of, the Merger. Any delay in completing the Merger may materially adversely affect the timing and benefits that are expected to be achieved from the Merger.

Our stockholders will have a reduced ownership and voting interest in, and will exercise significantly less influence over the management of, the combined company following the closing of the Merger as compared to their current ownership and voting interest in our company.

If the proposed Merger is completed, our current stockholders will own a significantly smaller percentage of the combined company than their ownership in our company prior to the Merger. On a pro forma basis and without adjustment for gross proceeds from the Notes Live Financing or any Net Cash Surplus, pre-Merger Notes Live shareholders are expected to own approximately 95.1% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the combined company and pre-Merger Fresh Vine stockholders are expected to own approximately 4.9% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the combined company.

During the pendency of the Merger, we may not be able to enter into a business combination with another party on more favorable terms because of restrictions in the Merger Agreement, which could adversely affect our business prospects.

Covenants in the Merger Agreement impede our ability to make acquisitions during the pendency of the Merger, subject to specified exceptions. As a result, if the Merger is not completed, we may be at a disadvantage to our competitors during such period. In addition, while the Merger Agreement is in effect, we are generally prohibited from soliciting, initiating or knowingly encouraging, inducing or facilitating any inquiries, indications of interest, proposals or offers that constitute or may reasonably be expected to lead to certain transactions involving a third party, including a merger, sale of assets or other business combination, subject to specified exceptions. Any such transactions could be favorable to our stockholders, but we may be unable to pursue them.

Certain provisions of the Merger Agreement may discourage third parties from submitting alternative takeover proposals, including proposals that may be superior to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

The terms of the Merger Agreement prohibit us from soliciting alternative takeover proposals or cooperating with persons making unsolicited takeover proposals, except in limited circumstances when our board of directors determines in good faith that an unsolicited alternative takeover proposal is or is reasonably likely to result in a superior takeover proposal and that failure to cooperate with the proponent of the proposal is reasonably likely to be inconsistent with our board’s fiduciary duties. Any such transactions could be favorable to our stockholders. In addition, if we terminate the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, including terminating because of a decision of ours to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a superior offer, we would be required to pay a termination fee of $1.0 million to Notes Live and/or reimburse Notes Live’s expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. This termination fee described above may discourage third parties from submitting alternative takeover proposals to our stockholders, and may cause our board of directors to be less inclined to recommend an alternative takeover proposal.

Because the lack of a public market for Notes Live common stock makes it difficult to evaluate the value of Notes Live common stock, the Notes Live shareholders may receive shares of our common stock in the Merger that have a value that is less than, or greater than, the fair market value of Notes Live common stock.

The outstanding common stock of Notes Live is privately held and is not traded in any public market. The lack of a public market makes it extremely difficult to determine the fair market value of Notes Live. Because the percentage of our common stock to be issued to Notes Live’s shareholders was determined based on negotiations between the parties, it is possible that the value of our common stock to be received by Notes Live’s shareholders will be less than the fair market value of Notes Live, or that the value of our common stock to be received by Notes Live’s shareholders may be more than the aggregate fair market value for Notes Live.

If the conditions to the Merger are not satisfied or waived, the Merger will not occur.

Even if the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement are approved by our stockholders and Notes Live’s shareholders, several other specified conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement must be satisfied or waived to complete the Merger, including without limitation (i) the effectiveness of a registration statement on Form S-4 to register the shares of Fresh Vine common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger, (ii) NYSE American’s approval of the listing of the shares of Fresh Vine common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger, and, if applicable, NYSE American’s approval of an initial listing application for the combined company, (iii) if applicable, the completion of required filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the expiration or termination any waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger, (iv) the absence of material adverse effects impacting Fresh Vine or Notes Live, (v) Fresh Vine having cash, cash equivalent assets or other liquid assets at the closing of the Merger in an amount that equals or exceeds the Net Cash Target, and having no liabilities on its balance sheet or unpaid or unsatisfied obligations that will require a cash expenditure by Fresh Vine after the effective time of the Merger, (vi) the absence of dissenting Notes Live shareholders, and (vii) the entry by Notes Live into lock-up and leak-out arrangements with its shareholders to its satisfaction. We cannot assure you that all of the conditions will be satisfied or waived. If the conditions are not satisfied or waived, the Merger will not occur or will be delayed, and we may lose some or all of the intended benefits of the Merger.

If the Merger is not completed, our board of directors may decide to pursue a dissolution of our company. In a dissolution, there can be no assurances as to the amount or timing of available cash, if any, to distribute to our stockholders after paying our debts and other obligations and setting aside funds for reserves.

Although we have entered into the Merger Agreement with Notes Live, the closing of the Merger may be delayed or may not occur at all and there can be no assurance that the Merger will deliver the anticipated benefits we expect or enhance stockholder value. If the Merger is not completed and the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, we may be required to pay Notes Live a termination fee of $1.0 million and/or reimburse Notes Live’s expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. Even if a termination fee is not payable in connection with a termination of the Merger Agreement, we will have incurred significant fees and expenses, which must be paid whether or not the Merger is completed.

If, for any reason, the Merger does not close, our board of directors may elect to, among other things, attempt to complete another strategic transaction like the Merger, attempt to sell or otherwise dispose of the various assets of ours or continue to operate our business, and/or decide that it is in the best interests of the Fresh Vine stockholders to suspend or cease its operations, seek to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets, or initiate bankruptcy proceedings. Any of these alternatives would be costly and time-consuming and may require that we obtain additional funding. We expect that it would be difficult to secure financing in a timely manner, on favorable terms or at all. We can make no assurances that we would be able to obtain additional financing or find a partner and close an alternative transaction on terms that are as favorable or more favorable than the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement or that any such alternatives are possible or would be successful, if pursued. To the extent that we seek and are able to raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, our stockholders’ ownership interest will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect their rights as a common stockholder. Debt financing or preferred equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures, or declaring dividends. Even if we are able to pursue such alternatives, the failure to complete the Merger may result in negative publicity and/or a negative impression of us in the investment community, could significantly harm the market price of our common stock and may affect our relationship with employees and other partners in the business community.

If the Merger is not completed, our board of directors may decide that it is in the best interests of our stockholders to suspend or cease its operations, seek to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets, or initiate bankruptcy proceedings. In that event, the amount of cash available, if any, for distribution to our stockholders would depend heavily on the timing of such decision since the amount of cash available for distribution continues to decrease as we fund our operations and incur fees and expenses related to the Merger. In addition, if our board of directors were to approve and recommend, and our stockholders were to approve, a dissolution of our company, we would be required to pay our outstanding obligations, as well as to make reasonable provision for contingent and unknown obligations, prior to making any distributions to our stockholders. As a result of this requirement, a portion of our assets may need to be reserved pending the resolution of such obligations. In addition, we may be subject to litigation or other claims related to a dissolution of our company. If a dissolution were pursued, our board of directors, in consultation with our advisors, would need to evaluate these matters and make a determination about a reasonable amount to reserve. Accordingly, our stockholders could lose all or a significant portion of their investment in the event of a dissolution of our company.

We are substantially dependent on our remaining employees to facilitate the consummation of the Merger.

As of December 31, 2023, we had four full-time employees. Our ability to successfully complete the Merger depends in large part on our ability to retain our remaining personnel. Despite our efforts to retain these employees, one or more may terminate their employment with us on short notice. The loss of the services of certain employees could potentially harm our ability to consummate the Merger, to run our day-to-day business operations, as well as to fulfill our reporting obligations as a public company.

Our ability to complete the Fresh Vine Legacy Transaction is uncertain, and we cannot predict the terms and conditions of any such Fresh Vine Legacy Transaction, including the consideration that we may receive.

As a condition to the closing of the Merger, on or before the closing of the Merger, Fresh Vine shall have engaged in a sale, license, transfer, disposition, divestiture or other monetization transaction, or winding down of Fresh Vine’s current wine production business (the “Fresh Vine Legacy Business”), or the sale, license, transfer, disposition, divestiture or other monetization transaction or other disposition of the assets comprising the Fresh Vine Legacy Business and in connection therewith causing any and all known obligations or liabilities associated with such assets and the conduct of the Fresh Vine Legacy Business operations to be satisfied (the “Fresh Vine Legacy Transaction”).

Because completion of the Fresh Vine Legacy Transaction is a condition to the closing of the Merger, the success of the combined company will be dependent on the success of the Notes Live business operations following the merger.

Lawsuits may be filed in the future against us and the members of our board of directors arising out of the proposed Merger, which may delay or prevent the proposed Merger.

Putative stockholder complaints, including stockholder class action complaints, and other complaints may be filed against us and our board of directors in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. It is common for public reporting companies engaged in merger transactions to receive letters from purported stockholders demanding amendments to registration statements and/or proxy statements filed with the SEC to provide additional disclosures that such stockholders allege were improperly omitted, or complaints asserting claims for allegedly false and misleading statements in such filings. The outcome of demands or complaints that we may receive or any litigation is uncertain, and we may not be successful in defending against any such claims. Lawsuits that may be filed against us and/or our board of directors could delay or prevent the Merger, divert the attention of our management team and employees from our day-to-day business and otherwise adversely affect our business and financial condition.

Risks related to our company and our business.

We have a limited operating history and have generated limited revenue to date.

Our company was recently founded, and we have a limited operating history on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stage of development, particularly companies in new and evolving markets such as ours. The risks include, but are not limited to, an evolving business model and the management of growth and product development. To address these risks, we must, among other things, implement and successfully execute our business strategy and other business systems, respond to competitive developments, and attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in addressing the risks we may encounter, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

We have generated very limited revenues to date, including revenues of approximately $1.8 million and $2.9 million during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively. We have incurred net losses of $10.6 million and $15.2 million during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. We had an accumulated deficit of $26.5 million and $15.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We may never generate material revenues or achieve profitability.

We have not generated profits from operations to date. The success and longevity of our company will depend on our ability to generate profits from future operations or obtain sufficient capital through financing transactions to meet our business obligations.

The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on our financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 included an explanatory paragraph indicating that there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months from the financial statement issuance date. We incurred net losses of $10.6 million and $15.2 million during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our cash and restricted cash balance at December 31, 2023 was approximately $336,000. Our ability to continue as a going concern, including during the pendency of the Merger transaction, will be determined by our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to sustain our operations and/or raise additional capital in the form of debt or equity financing.

We need to hire additional executive officers and other personnel.

Our executive management is currently comprised of a Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Financial Officer, both of whom are serving in interim positions. If the Merger transaction is not completed, the future success of our existing wine production business will be dependent in part upon us locating and retaining qualified individuals who will serve as executive officers on a permanent basis and lead our Company and our business operations, and on us locating additional members to serve on our board of directors to help oversee and guide our company. We cannot predict with certainty when we will be able locate such individuals.

The success of our business depends heavily on the strength of our wine brand.

Obtaining, maintaining and expanding our reputation as a producer of premium wine among our customers and the premium wine market generally is critical to the success of our business and our growth strategy. The premium wine market is driven by a relatively small number of active and well-regarded wine critics within the industry who have outsized influence over the perceived quality and value of wines. If we are unable to maintain the actual or perceived quality of our wines, including as a result of contamination or tampering, environmental or other factors impacting the quality of our grapes or other raw materials, or if our wines otherwise do not meet the subjective expectations or tastes of one or more of a relatively small number of wine critics, the actual or perceived quality and value of one or more of our wines could be harmed, which could negatively impact not only the value of that wine, but also the value of the vintage, the particular brand or our broader portfolio. The winemaking process is a long and labor-intensive process that is built around yearly vintages, which means that once a vintage has been released we are not able to make further adjustments to satisfy wine critics or consumers. As a result, we are dependent on our winemakers and tasting panels to ensure that every wine we release meets our exacting quality standards.

With the advent of social media, word within the premium wine market spreads quickly, which can accentuate both the positive and the negative reviews of our wines and of wine vintages generally. Public perception of our brands could be negatively affected by adverse publicity or negative commentary on social media outlets, particularly negative commentary on social media outlets that goes “viral,” or our responses relating to, among other things:

If we do not produce wines that are well-regarded by the relatively small wine critic community, the wine market will quickly become aware and our reputation, wine brand, business and financial results of our operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if our wine receives negative publicity or consumer reaction, whether as a result of our wines or wines of other producers, our wines in the same vintage could be adversely affected. Unfavorable publicity, whether accurate or not, related to our industry, us, our winery brands, marketing, personnel, operations, business performance or prospects could also unfavorably affect our corporate reputation, company value, ability to attract high-quality talent or the performance of our business.

 Any contamination or other quality control issue could have an adverse effect on sales of the impacted wine or our broader portfolio of wines. If any of our wines become unsafe or unfit for consumption, cause injury or are otherwise improperly packaged or labelled, we may have to engage in a product recall and/or be subject to liability and incur additional costs. A widespread recall, multiple recalls, or a significant product liability judgment against us could cause our wines to be unavailable for a period of time, depressing demand and our brand equity. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, any resulting negative publicity could adversely affect our reputation with existing and potential customers and accounts, as well as our corporate and individual winery brands image in such a way that current and future sales could be diminished. In addition, should a competitor experience a recall or contamination event, we could face decreased consumer confidence by association as a producer of similar products.

Additionally, third parties may sell wines or inferior brands that imitate our wine brand or that are counterfeit versions of our labels, and customers could be duped into thinking that these imitation labels are our authentic wines. For example, there could be instances of potential counterfeiting. A negative consumer experience with such a wine could cause them to refrain from purchasing our brands in the future and damage our brand integrity. Any failure to maintain the actual or perceived quality of our wines could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence in our wines for any of these or other reasons could result in decreased demand for our wines and could have a material adverse effect on our business, operational results, and financial results, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation, competitive position and winery brand strength.

If our business grows, it will place increased demands on our management, operational and production capabilities that we may not be able to adequately address. If we are unable to meet these increased demands, our business will be harmed.

Unless we manage our growth effectively, we may make mistakes in operating our business, such as inaccurate forecasting. The anticipated growth of our operations will place significant demand on our management and operational resources. In order to manage growth effectively, we must implement and improve our operational systems, procedures and controls on a timely basis. Our key personnel have limited experience managing this type of business. If we cannot manage our business effectively, our business could suffer.

Our advertising and promotional investments may affect our financial results but not be effective.

Consumer awareness is of great importance to the success of businesses operating in the wine industry. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, significant advertising and promotional expenditures to enhance our wine brand and raise consumer awareness, which we believe is vital to the long-term success of our operations. These expenditures may adversely affect our results of operations in a particular quarter or even a full fiscal year and may not result in increased sales. Variations in the levels of advertising and promotional expenditures have in the past caused, and are expected in the future to continue to cause, variability in our quarterly results of operations. While we strive to invest only in effective advertising and promotional activities in both the digital and traditional segments, it is difficult to correlate such investments with sales results, and there is no guarantee that our expenditures will be effective in building brand strength or growing long term sales.

We have relied heavily on celebrities to endorse our wines and market our brand pursuant to license agreements which have been terminated.

Our brand, and to a large extent our direct-to-consumer sales outlet, has been heavily dependent on the positive image and public popularity of, and affinity towards, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough. Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough have served as celebrity spokespersons and ambassadors of our company, have actively endorsed our wines on their sizable social media and other outlets, and are considered by many to be the face of our brand. Under our license agreements with Ms. Dobrev and Jaybird Investments, LLC (an entity managed by Ms. Hough), each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough granted us a license to use her pre-approved name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity, as well as certain content published by her on her social media and other channels, on and in conjunction with the sale and related pre-approved advertising and promotion of our wine.

On August 8, 2023, the Company received written letters from each of Ms. Dobrev and Jaybird Investments, LLC, notifying the Company that it was in default of their respective license agreements based on failure to pay license fees and providing 30 day notice of termination of their respective license agreements. Effective September 7, 2023, each license agreement terminated. Upon such termination, the rights and licenses granted to us under such agreements were revoked and were required to cease the marketing and sale of products that feature their name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity after a 90 day run-off period. As a result, we will be required to refocus our marketing and brand promotion efforts, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We rely heavily on third-party suppliers and service providers, and they may not continue to produce products or provide services that are consistent with our standards or applicable regulatory requirements, which could harm our brand, cause consumer dissatisfaction, and require us to find alternative suppliers and service providers.

We have strategically structured our organization and operations with a view towards minimizing our capital investment requirements. We do this by leveraging a network of third-party providers with industry experience and expertise that we use to perform various functions on our behalf. Specifically, we contract with Fior di Sole, an industry leading packaging innovation and wine production company based in Napa Valley, California, to serve as a “host winery” and permit us to occupy a portion of its production and warehouse facility and its production equipment on an alternating proprietorship basis. Under this arrangement, we are able to use capacity at Fior di Sole’s production facility at times mutually convenient to us and Fior di Sole to produce and bottle our wines. Fior di Sole is responsible for keeping its production equipment in good operating order. Although we are solely responsible for managing and conducting our own winemaking activities, we may request use of the Fior di Sole’s personnel to perform crush, fermentation, blending, cellar, warehousing, barrel topping and/or bottling services for additional fees. Under a separate agreement, Fior di Sole provides us with bulk juice and blends, finishes, bottles, stops, labels, and packages our wine. Fior di Sole provides these services on a purchase order basis, which purchase orders are subject to the parties’ mutual agreement. This agreement was terminated in December 2023.

The Company relies heavily on the third parties to manage the sales and distribution of our wine and manage our DTC marketing initiatives. We also utilize third parties to help manage all of our regulatory licensing and compliance activities, and we utilize additional software tools available to the industry to navigate and manage the complex state-by-state regulations that apply to our operations in the beverage alcohol industry.

We engage many of our third-party suppliers and service providers on a purchase order basis or pursuant to agreements that are generally one year or less in duration. The ability and willingness of these third parties to supply and provide services to us may be affected by competing orders placed by other companies, the demands of those companies or other factors. If we experience significant increases in demand or need to replace a significant third party supplier or service provider, there can be no assurance that alternative third party vendors will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or that any such vendor will allocate sufficient capacity to us in order to meet our requirements. If we fail to replace a supplier or servicer provider in a timely manner or on commercially reasonable terms, we could incur product disruptions and our operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed. Switching or adding additional vendors, particularly our alternating proprietorship host winery, would also involve additional costs and require management time and focus.

Except for remedies that may be available to us under our agreements with our third-party vendors, we cannot control whether or not they devote sufficient time and resources to supporting our business operations. These third parties may also have relationships with other commercial entities, including our competitors, for whom they may also be providing services, which could affect their performance on our behalf. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or obligations or meet expected deadlines or need to be replaced for other reasons, it could adversely impact our ability to meet consumers’ demands for our products or comply with regulatory requirements and subject us to potential liability, any of which may harm the reputation of our company and our products.

Although we carefully manage our relationships with our network of third-party vendors, there can be no assurance that we will not encounter challenges or delays in the future or that these challenges or delays will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and prospects.

We face significant competition with an increasing number of products and market participants that could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Our industry is intensely competitive and highly fragmented. Our wines compete with many other domestic and foreign wines. Our wines compete with popularly priced generic wines and with other alcoholic and, to a lesser degree, non-alcoholic beverages, for drinker acceptance and loyalty, shelf space and prominence in retail stores, presence, and prominence on restaurant wine lists and for marketing focus by the Company’s distributors, many of which carry extensive portfolios of wines and other alcoholic beverages. This competition is driven by established companies as well as new entrants in our markets and categories. In the United States, wine sales are relatively concentrated among a limited number of large suppliers, including E&J Gallo, Constellation, Duckhorn, Trinchero, Jackson Family Wines, Ste. Michelle and The Wine Group, and these and our other competitors may have more robust financial, technical, marketing and distribution networks and public relations resources than we have. As a result of this intense competition, combined with our growth goals, we have experienced and may continue to face upward pressure on our selling, marketing and promotional efforts and expenses. There can be no assurance that in the future we will be able to successfully compete with our competitors or that we will not face greater competition from other wineries and beverage manufacturers.

If we are unable to successfully compete with existing or new market participants, or if we do not effectively respond to competitive pressures, we could experience reductions in market share and margins that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial results.

Consolidation of the distributors of our wines, as well as the consolidation of retailers, may increase competition in an already crowded space and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial results.

Other than sales made directly to our consumers, the majority of our wine sales are made through distributors for resale to retail outlets, restaurants and hotels across the United States. We expect sales to distributors to represent an increasingly substantial portion of our future net sales as we continue to grow our network of wholesale distributors. Consolidation among wine producers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers and retailers could create a more challenging competitive landscape for our wines. In addition, we believe that the increased growth and popularity of the retail e-commerce environment across the consumer product goods market, which accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting quarantines, “stay at home” orders, travel restrictions, retail store closures, social distancing requirements and other government action, has and is likely to continue to change the competitive landscape for our wines. Consolidation at any level could hinder the distribution and sale of our wines as a result of reduced attention and resources allocated to our winery brands both during and after transition periods, because our winery brands might represent a smaller portion of the new business portfolio. Furthermore, consolidation of distributors may lead to the erosion of margins as newly consolidated distributors take down prices or demand more margin from existing suppliers. Changes in distributors’ strategies, including a reduction in the number of brands they carry or the allocation of resources for our competitors’ brands or private label products, may adversely affect our growth, business, financial results and market share. Distributors of our wines offer products that compete directly with our wines for inventory and retail shelf space, promotional and marketing support and consumer purchases. Expansion into new product categories by other suppliers or innovation by new entrants into the market could increase competition in our product categories.

An increasingly large percentage of our net sales is concentrated within a small number of wholesale customers. The purchasing power of large retailers is significant, and they have the ability to command concessions. There can be no assurance that the distributors and retailers will purchase our wines or provide our wines with adequate levels of promotional and merchandising support. The failure to bring on major accounts or the need to make significant concessions to retain one or more such accounts could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.

A reduction in consumer demand for wine, which may result from a variety of factors, including demographic shifts and decreases in discretionary spending, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

We rely on consumers’ demand for our wine. Consumer preferences may shift due to a variety of factors, including changes in demographic or social trends, changes in discretionary income, public health policies and perceptions and changes in leisure, dining and beverage consumption patterns. Our success will require us to anticipate and respond effectively to shifts in consumer behavior and drinking tastes. If consumer preferences were to move away from our wine brand, our results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.

A limited or general decline in consumer demand could occur in the future due to a variety of factors, including:

Demand for premium wine brands, like ours, may be particularly susceptible to changing economic conditions and consumer tastes, preferences and spending habits, which may reduce our sales of these products and adversely affect our profitability. An unanticipated decline or change in consumer demand or preference could also materially impact our ability to forecast for future production requirements, which could, in turn, impair our ability to effectively adapt to changing consumer preferences. Any reduction in the demand for our wines would materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Due to the three-tier alcohol beverage distribution system in the United States, we are heavily reliant on our distributors that resell alcoholic beverages in all states in which we do business. A significant reduction in distributor demand for our wines would materially and adversely affect our sales and profitability.

Due to regulatory requirements in the United States, we sell a significant portion of our wines to wholesalers for resale to retail accounts. A change in the relationship with any of our significant distributors could harm our business and reduce our sales. The laws and regulations of several states prohibit changes of distributors, except under certain limited circumstances, making it difficult to terminate or otherwise cease working with a distributor for poor performance without reasonable justification, as defined by applicable statutes. Any difficulty or inability to replace distributors, poor performance of our major distributors or our inability to collect accounts receivable from our major distributors could harm our business. In addition, an expansion of the laws and regulations limiting the sale of our wine would materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results. There can be no assurance that the distributors and accounts to which we sell our wines will continue to purchase our wines or provide our wines with adequate levels of promotional support, which could increase competitive pressure to increase sales and marketing spending and could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Our marketing strategy involves continued expansion into the direct-to-consumer channel, which may present risks and challenges for which we are not adequately prepared and which could negatively affect our sales in these channels and our profitability.

A portion of our operating strategy is to expand our sales of wine through this direct-to-consumer channel. However, the direct-to-consumer marketplace is highly competitive and in recent years has seen the entrance of new competitors and products targeting similar customer groups as our business. To be competitive and forge new connections with customers, we are continuing investment in the expansion of our direct-to-consumer channel. Such expansion may require significant investment in e-commerce platforms, marketing, fulfilment, information technology (“IT”) infrastructure and other known and unknown costs. The success of our direct-to-consumer sales channel depends on our ability to maintain the efficient and uninterrupted operation of online order-processing and fulfilment and delivery operations. As such, we are heavily dependent on the performance of our shipping and technology partners. Any system interruptions or delays could prevent potential customers from purchasing our wines directly.

Our ability to ship wines directly to our customers is the result of court rulings, including the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Granholm v. Heald, which allow, in certain circumstances, shipments to customers of wines from out-of-state wineries. Any changes to the judicial, legal, or regulatory framework that reduce our ability to sell wines in most states using our direct-to-consumer sales channel could have a materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial results.

We may be unable to adequately adapt to shifts in consumer preferences for points of purchase, such as an increase in at-home delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and our competitors may react more rapidly or with improved customer experiences. A failure to react quickly to these and other changes in consumer preferences, or to create infrastructure to support new or expanding sales channels may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

A failure to adequately prepare for adverse events that could cause disruption to elements of our business, including the availability of bulk grapes, and the blending, inventory aging or distribution of our wines could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Disruptions to our operations caused by adverse weather, natural disasters, public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, or unforeseen circumstances may cause delays to or interruptions in our operations. Concerns regarding the availability of water for production is particular to companies that produce and bottle wines in California. A consequence of any of these or supply or supply chain disruptions, including the temporary inability to produce our wines due to the closure of our production sites, could prevent us from meeting consumer demand in the near term or long term for our aged wines. For example, as result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our industry has experienced temporary supply chain disruptions for certain processed materials, cardboard packaging, and glass, as well as increased strain on logistics networks and shipping partners. The occurrence of any such disruptions during a peak time of demand for such processed materials could increase the magnitude of the effect on our distribution network and sales. Failure to adequately prepare for and address any such disruptions could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

A catastrophic event causing physical damage, disruption or failure at our production facility could adversely affect our business. Although our wines currently available for sale do not require substantial aging, we expect that certain of our wines, including the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, require aging for some period of time. As a result, we expect to maintain inventory of aged and maturing wines in warehouses. The loss of a substantial amount of aged inventory through fire, accident, earthquake, other natural or man-made disaster, contamination or otherwise could significantly reduce the supply of the affected wine or wines, including our aged wines, which are typically the highest priced and limited production wines.

Any disruptions that cause forced closure or evacuation could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial results. Additionally, should multiple closings occur, we may lose guest confidence resulting in a reduction in direct sales, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results. If we expand our future operations to include tasting rooms, such closings would also negatively impact visitation.

Inclement weather, drought, pests, plant diseases and other factors could reduce the amount or quality of the grapes available to produce our wines, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

A shortage in the supply of quality grapes may result from the occurrence of any number of factors that determine the quality and quantity of grape supply, including adverse weather conditions (including heatwaves, frosts, drought and excessive rainfall), and various diseases, pests, fungi and viruses. We cannot anticipate changes in weather patterns and conditions, and we cannot predict their impact on our operations if they were to occur. Any shortage could cause an increase in the price of some or all of the grape varietals required for our wine production or a reduction in the amount of wine we are able to produce, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Factors that reduce the quantity of grapes the growers with which we contract grow may also reduce their quality. Deterioration in the quality of our wines could harm our winery brand strength, and a decrease in our production could reduce our sales and increase our expenses, both of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

If we are unable to obtain adequate supplies of premium juice from third-party juice suppliers, the quantity or quality of our annual production of wine could be adversely affected, causing a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The production of our wines and the ability to fulfill the demand for our wines is restricted by the availability of premium grapes and juice from third-party growers. If we are unable to source grapes and juice of the requisite quality, varietal and geography, among other factors, our ability to produce wines to the standards, quantity and quality demanded by our customers could be impaired.

Factors including climate change, agricultural risks, competition for quality, water availability, land use, wildfires, floods, disease, and pests could impact the quality and quantity of grapes and bulk juice available to our company. Furthermore, these potential disruptions in production may drive up demand for grapes and bulk juice creating higher input costs or the inability to purchase these materials. Following the 2020 wildfires in Northern California, the price of bulk juice increased substantially in a very short period of time, leading to some wine producers reducing lot sizes of certain wines. As a result, our financial results could be materially and adversely affected both in the year of the harvest and future periods.

If we are unable to identify and obtain adequate supplies of quality agricultural, raw and processed materials, including corks, glass bottles, barrels, winemaking additives and agents, water and other supplies, or if there is an increase in the cost of the commodities or products, our profitability, production and distribution capabilities could be negatively impacted, which would materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We use grapes and other raw materials to produce and package our wine, including corks, barrels, winemaking additives, and water, as well as large amounts of packaging materials, including metal, cork, glass and cardboard. We purchase raw materials and packaging materials under contracts of varying maturities from domestic and international suppliers.

Glass bottle costs are one of our largest packaging components of cost of goods sold. In North America, glass bottles have only a small number of producers. The inability of any of our glass bottle suppliers to satisfy our requirements could materially and adversely affect our business. In addition, costs and programs related to mandatory recycling and recyclable materials deposits could be adopted in states of manufacture, imposing additional and unknown costs to manufacture products utilizing glass bottles. The amount of water available for use is important to the supply of our grapes and winemaking, other agricultural raw materials, and our ability to operate our business. If climate patterns change and droughts become more severe, there may be a scarcity of water or poor water quality, which may affect our production costs, consistency of yields or impose capacity constraints. We depend on sufficient amounts of quality water for operation of our wineries, as well as to conduct our other operations. The suppliers of the grapes and other agricultural raw materials we purchase also depend upon sufficient supplies of quality water for their vineyards and fields. Prolonged or severe drought conditions in the western United States or restrictions imposed on irrigation options by governmental authorities could have an adverse effect on our operations in the region. If water available to our operations or the operations of our suppliers becomes scarcer, restrictions are placed on our usage of water or the quality of that water deteriorates, we may incur increased production costs or face manufacturing constraints which could negatively affect our production. Even if quality water is widely available to us, water purification and waste treatment infrastructure limitations could increase our costs or constrain operation of our production facilities. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

Our production and shipping activities also use energy in their operations, including electricity, propane and natural gas. Energy costs could rise in the future, which would result in higher transportation, freight and other operating costs, such as ageing and bottling expenses. Our freight cost and the timely delivery of our wines could be adversely affected by a number of factors that could reduce the profitability of our operations, including driver shortages, higher fuel costs, weather conditions, traffic congestion, increased government regulation, and other matters. In addition, increased labor costs or insufficient labor supply could increase our production costs.

Our supply and the price of raw materials, packaging materials and energy and the cost of energy, freight and labor used in our productions and distribution activities could be affected by a number of factors beyond our control, including market demand, global geopolitical events (especially their impact on energy prices), economic factors affecting growth decisions, exchange rate fluctuations and inflation. To the extent any of these factors, including supply of goods and energy, affect the prices of ingredients or packaging, or we do not effectively or completely hedge changes in commodity price risks, or are unable to recoup costs through increases in the price of our finished wines, our business, results of operations and financial results could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition to litigation that may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business, we have been engaged in litigation with our former Chief Operating Officer.

As disclosed under Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, the Company has been a defendant in a lawsuit styled Timothy Michaels v. Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. filed May 27, 2022 in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Hennepin County, Minnesota. The lawsuit relates to a complaint filed by Mr. Michaels resulting from the Company including a restricted “lock-up” legend on shares of the Company’s common stock issued to Mr. Michaels pursuant to a settlement agreement that the Company entered into with Mr. Michaels following termination of his employment and for not removing or directing the Company’s transfer agent to remove such legend. A jury trial commenced on January 23, 2024. During trial, on January 24, 2024, the Company filed a motion for judgement in favor of the Company as a matter of law, which was denied by the Court. On January 25, 2024, the jury in the lawsuit rendered a verdict against the Company awarding damages to Mr. Michaels in the amount of $585,976.25. The damages awarded to Mr. Michaels by the trial court are not covered by the Company’s insurance policies.

The Company is assessing the options available to it, including the possibility of appealing the verdict. Although the Company believes it has legal grounds to appeal the verdict, continued litigation and related actions may be expensive, the outcome of any litigation (including any appeal) is difficult to predict, and the existence of litigation may impact the ability of management to focus on other business matters. Furthermore, the Company will be required to post an appeals bond in order to stay execution of the money judgment pending any appeal. Given the Company’s current financial position, the cost of such an appeals bond is uncertain and may be higher than the typical cost of such a bond or require the Company to provide cash or other collateral. In addition, adverse judgments may result in an increase in future insurance premiums, and any judgments for which the Company is not fully insured may result in a significant financial loss and may materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial results..

The impact of U.S. and worldwide economic trends and financial market conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to risks associated with adverse economic conditions in the United States and globally, including economic slowdown, inflation, and the disruption, volatility and tightening of credit and capital markets. Unfavorable global or regional economic conditions could materially and adversely impact our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. In general, positive conditions in the broader economy promote customer spending on wine, while economic weakness, which generally results in a reduction of customer spending, may have a more pronounced negative effect on spending on wine. Unemployment, tax increases, governmental spending cuts or a return of high levels of inflation could affect consumer spending patterns and purchases of our wines and other alcoholic beverage products. Reduced consumer discretionary spending and reduced consumer confidence could negatively affect the trend towards consuming premium wines and could result in a reduction of wine and beverage alcohol consumption in the United States generally. In particular, extended periods of high unemployment, lower consumer discretionary spending and low consumer confidence could result in lower sales of premium wine brands, including our wine, in favor of wine brands which have a lower average sales price and generally have lower gross profit margins and lower overall sales, which could negatively impact our business and results of operations. These conditions could also create or worsen credit issues, cash flow issues, access to credit facilities and other financial hardships for us and our suppliers, distributors, accounts and consumers. An inability of our suppliers, distributors and retailers to access liquidity could impact our ability to produce and distribute our wines.

If we are unable to secure and protect our intellectual property in domestic and foreign markets, including trademarks for our wine brands and wines, the value of our wine brands and intellectual property could decline, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial results.

Our future success depends on our ability to protect our current and future wine brands and wines and to enforce and defend our trademarks and other intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions, to secure and protect our intellectual property rights. We have been granted three (3) trademark registrations in the United States for FRESH VINE®, FRESH VINE (Stylized)®, and our FV Logo®, and numerous trademark registrations in other countries for the FRESH VINE mark, and we have filed, and may continue to file, trademark applications seeking to protect newly-developed wine brands. We have also been granted a copyright registration in the first version of our website located at www.freshvine.com. While a copyright exists in a work of art once it is fixed in tangible medium, we intend to continue to file copyright applications to protect newly-developed works of art that are important to our business.

We cannot be sure that any trademark office or copyright office will issue trademark registrations under any of our trademark applications, or copyright registrations under any of our copyright applications. Third parties may oppose the registration of our trademark applications, contest our trademark rights or copyrights, and petition to cancel our registered trademarks. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in defending our trademarks or copyrights in actions brought by third parties. There is also a risk that we could fail to timely maintain or renew our trademark registrations or otherwise protect our trademark rights or copyrights, which could result in the loss of those trademark rights (including in connection with failure to maintain consistent use of these trademarks). If we fail to maintain our trademarks or a third party successfully challenges our trademarks or copyrights, we could be forced to rebrand our wineries, wines, and other products, which could result in a loss of winery brand recognition and could require us to devote additional resources to the development and marketing of new wine brands.

Notwithstanding any trademark registrations or copyright registrations held by us, a third party could bring a lawsuit or other claim alleging that we have infringed that third party’s trademark rights or copyrights. Any such claims, with or without merit, could require significant resources to defend, could damage the reputation of our wine brands, could result in the payment of compensation (whether as a damages award or settlement) to such third parties, and could require us to stop using our wine brands or otherwise agree to an undertaking to limit that use. In addition, our actions to monitor and enforce trademark rights or copyrights against third parties may not prevent counterfeit products or products bearing confusingly similar trademarks from entering the marketplace, which could divert sales from us, tarnish our reputation or reduce the demand for our products or the prices at which we sell those products. Any enforcement litigation brought by us, whether or not successful, could require significant costs and resources, and divert the attention of management, which could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial results. Third parties may also acquire and register domain names that are confusingly similar to or otherwise damaging to the reputation of our trademarks, and we may not be able to prevent or cancel any such domain name registrations.

In addition to registered intellectual property rights such as trademark registrations and copyright registrations, we rely on non-registered proprietary information, such as trade secrets, confidential information, and know-how, including in connection with the crafting of our low calorie, low-carb, premium tasting wines. In order to protect our proprietary information, we rely in part on agreements with our employees, independent contractors and other third parties that place restrictions on the use and disclosure of this intellectual property. These agreements may be breached, or this intellectual property, including trade secrets, may otherwise be disclosed or become known to our competitors, which could cause us to lose any competitive advantage resulting from this intellectual property. To the extent that our employees, independent contractors or other third parties with whom we do business use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. The loss of trade secret protection could make it easier for third parties to compete with our products. In addition, any changes in, or unexpected interpretations of, intellectual property laws may compromise our ability to enforce our trade secret and intellectual property rights. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our proprietary rights, and failure to obtain or maintain protection of our trade secrets or other proprietary information could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and competitive position.

We may not be fully insured against catastrophic perils, including catastrophic loss or inaccessibility of wineries, production facilities and/or distribution systems resulting from fire, wildfire, flood, wind events, earthquake and other perils, which may cause us to experience a material financial loss.

Although we currently store the bulk of our wine inventory at our third-party warehouse in California, which is prone to seismic activity, wildfires and floods, among other perils. If any of these facilities were to experience a catastrophic loss in the future, it could disrupt our operations, delay production, shipments and our recognition of revenue, and result in potentially significant expenses to repair or replace the facility. If such a disruption were to occur, we could breach agreements, our reputation could be harmed and our business and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. Although we carry insurance to cover property and inventory damage and business interruption, these coverages are subject to deductibles and self-insurance obligations, as well as caps on coverage that could be below the value of losses we could incur in certain catastrophic perils. Furthermore, claims for recovery against our insurance policies can be time-consuming, and may result in significant delays between when we incur damages and when we receive payment under our insurance policies. If one or more significant catastrophic events occurred damaging our own or third-party assets and/or services, we could suffer a major financial loss and our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Furthermore, increased incidence or severity of natural disasters has adversely impacted our ability to obtain adequate property damage, inventory, and business interruption insurance at financially viable rates, if at all. For example, we have observed certain insurers ceasing to offer certain inventory protection policies, and we have supplemented our insurance coverage recently by purchasing policies at higher premiums. If these trends continue and our insurance coverage is adversely affected, and to the extent we elect to increase our self-insurance obligations, we may be at greater risk that similar future events will cause significant financial losses and materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

From time to time, we may become subject to litigation specifically directed at the alcoholic beverage industry, as well as litigation arising in the ordinary course of business.

Companies operating in the alcoholic beverage industry may, from time to time, be exposed to class action or other private or governmental litigation and claims relating to product liability, alcohol marketing, advertising or distribution practices, alcohol abuse problems or other health consequences arising from the excessive consumption of or other misuse of alcohol, including underage drinking. Various groups have, from time to time, publicly expressed concern over problems related to harmful use of alcohol, including drinking, and driving, underage drinking and health consequences from the misuse of alcohol. These campaigns could result in an increased risk of litigation against the Company and our industry. Lawsuits have been brought against beverage alcohol companies alleging problems related to alcohol abuse, negative health consequences from drinking, problems from alleged marketing or sales practices and underage drinking. While these lawsuits have been largely unsuccessful in the past, others may succeed in the future.

From time to time, we may also be party to other litigation in the ordinary course of our operations, including in connection with commercial disputes, enforcement or other regulatory actions by tax, customs, competition, environmental, anti-corruption and other relevant regulatory authorities, or, securities-related class action lawsuits, particularly following any significant decline in the price of our securities. Any such litigation or other actions may be expensive to defend and result in damages, penalties, or fines as well as reputational damage to our company and our winery brands and may impact the ability of management to focus on other business matters. Furthermore, any adverse judgments may result in an increase in future insurance premiums, and any judgments for which we are not fully insured may result in a significant financial loss and may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

A failure of one or more of our key IT systems, networks, processes, associated sites or service providers could have a material adverse impact on business operations, and if the failure is prolonged, our financial condition.

We rely on IT systems, networks, and services, including internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities and tools, hardware (including laptops and mobile devices), software and technical applications and platforms, some of which are managed, hosted, provided, and used by third parties or their vendors, to assist us in the management of our business. The various uses of these IT systems, networks and services include, but are not limited to: hosting our internal network and communication systems; supply and demand planning; production; shipping wines to customers; hosting our winery websites and marketing products to consumers; collecting and storing customer, consumer, employee, stockholder, and other data; processing transactions; summarizing and reporting results of operations; hosting, processing and sharing confidential and proprietary research, business plans and financial information; complying with regulatory, legal or tax requirements; providing data security; and handling other processes necessary to manage our business.

Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated cybercrimes and cyberattacks, including computer viruses and other malicious codes, ransomware, unauthorized access attempts, denial of service attacks, phishing, social engineering, hacking and other types of attacks pose a potential risk to the security of our IT systems, networks and services, as well as the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our data, and we have in the past, and may in the future, experience cyberattacks and other unauthorized access attempts to our IT systems. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access are constantly changing and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we or our vendors may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement sufficient preventative or remedial measures. If we are unable to efficiently and effectively maintain and upgrade our system safeguards, we may incur unexpected costs and certain of our systems may become more vulnerable to unauthorized access. In the event of a ransomware or other cyber-attack, the integrity and safety of our data could be at risk, or we may incur unforeseen costs impacting our financial position. If the IT systems, networks or service providers we rely upon fail to function properly, or if we suffer a loss or disclosure of business or other sensitive information due to any number of causes ranging from catastrophic events, power outages, security breaches, unauthorized use or usage errors by employees, vendors or other third parties and other security issues, we may be subject to legal claims and proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy and security of personal information (also known as personal data), litigation, governmental investigations and proceedings and regulatory penalties, and we may suffer interruptions in our ability to manage our operations and reputational, competitive or business harm, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results. In addition, such events could result in unauthorized disclosure of material confidential information, and we may suffer financial and reputational damage because of lost or misappropriated confidential information belonging to us or to our employees, stockholders, customers, suppliers, consumers or others. In any of these events, we could also be required to spend significant financial and other resources to remedy the damage caused by a security breach or technological failure and the reputational damage resulting therefrom, to pay for investigations, forensic analyses, legal advice, public relations advice or other services, or to repair or replace networks and IT systems. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a greater number of our employees are working remotely and accessing our IT systems and networks remotely, which may further increase our vulnerability to cybercrimes and cyberattacks and increase the stress on our technology infrastructure and systems.

Our failure to adequately maintain and protect personal information of our customers or our employees in compliance with evolving legal requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We collect, use, store, disclose or transfer (collectively, “process”) personal information, including from employees and customers, in connection with the operation of our business. A wide variety of local and international laws as well as regulations and industry guidelines apply to the privacy and collecting, storing, use, processing, disclosure, and protection of personal information and may be inconsistent among countries or conflict with other rules. Data protection and privacy laws and regulations are changing, subject to differing interpretations and being tested in courts and may result in increasing regulatory and public scrutiny and escalating levels of enforcement and sanctions.

A variety of data protection legislation apply in the United States at both the federal and state level, including new laws that may impact our operations. For example, the State of California has enacted the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”), which generally requires companies that collect, use, share and otherwise process “personal information” (which is broadly defined) of California residents to make disclosures about their data collection, use, and sharing practices, allows consumers to opt-out of certain data sharing with third parties or the sale of personal information, allows consumers to exercise certain rights with respect to any personal information collected and provides a new cause of action for data breaches. In addition, a new privacy law, the California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”), which significantly modifies the CCPA, was recently approved by ballot initiative during the November 3, 2021 general election. On January 1, 2023 the CCPA became effective and added additional privacy protection. This may require us to incur additional expenditures to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission, and many state attorneys general are interpreting federal and state consumer protection laws to impose standards for the online collection, use, dissemination, and security of data. The burdens imposed by the CCPA and other similar laws that have been or may be enacted at the federal and state level may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and to incur additional expenditures in order to comply.

Foreign laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, information security and consumer protection often are more restrictive than those in the United States. The European Union, for example, traditionally has imposed stricter obligations under its laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection and consumer protection than the United States. In May 2018 the European Union’s new regulation governing data practices and privacy called the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, became effective and substantially replaced the data protection laws of the individual European Union member states. The law requires companies to meet more stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data of individuals in the EU than were required under predecessor EU requirements. In the United Kingdom, a Data Protection Bill that substantially implements the GDPR also became law in May 2018. The GDPR and other similar regulations require companies to give specific types of notice and in some cases seek consent from consumers and other data subjects before collecting or using their data for certain purposes, including some marketing activities. Outside of the European Union, many countries have laws, regulations, or other requirements relating to privacy, data protection, information security, and consumer protection, and new countries are adopting such legislation or other obligations with increasing frequency. Many of these laws may require consent from consumers for the use of data for various purposes, including marketing, which may reduce our ability to market our products. There is no harmonized approach to these laws and regulations globally. Consequently, we would increase our risk of non-compliance with applicable foreign data protection laws by expanding internationally. We may need to change and limit the way we use personal information in operating our business and may have difficulty maintaining a single operating model that is compliant. In addition, various federal, state and foreign legislative and regulatory bodies, or self-regulatory organizations, may expand current laws or regulations, enact new laws or regulations or issue revised rules or guidance regarding privacy, data protection, information security and consumer protection.

Compliance with these and any other applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations is a rigorous and time-intensive process, and we may be required to put in place additional mechanisms ensuring compliance with the new privacy and data protection laws and regulations. Our actual or alleged failure to comply with any applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations, industry standards or contractual obligations, or to protect such information and data that we process, could result in litigation, regulatory investigations, and enforcement actions against us, including fines, orders, public censure, claims for damages by employees, customers and other affected individuals, public statements against us by consumer advocacy groups, damage to our reputation and competitive position and loss of goodwill (both in relation to existing customers and prospective customers) any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Additionally, if third parties that we work with, such as vendors or developers, violate applicable laws or our policies, such violations may also place personal information at risk and have an adverse effect on our business. Even the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, may harm our reputation, subject us to regulatory scrutiny and investigations, and inhibit adoption of our wines by existing and potential customers.

Risks related to regulation.

As a producer of alcoholic beverages, we are regularly the subject of regulatory reviews, proceedings and audits by governmental entities, any of which could result in an adverse ruling or conclusion, and which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future prospects.

We are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by federal, state, and local laws regulating the production, distribution and sale of consumable food items, and specifically alcoholic beverages, including by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (the “TTB”) and the Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”). These and other regulatory agencies impose a number of product safety, labelling and other requirements on our operations and sales. In California, where all of our wines are made, we are subject to alcohol-related licensing and regulations by many authorities, including the Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (the “ABC”), which investigates applications for licenses to sell alcoholic beverages, reports on the moral character and fitness of alcohol license applicants and the suitability of premises where sales are to be conducted. We are also subject to regulatory compliance requirements in all states in which we sell our wines. Any governmental litigation, fines, or restrictions on our operations resulting from the enforcement of these existing regulations or any new legislation or regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial results. Any government intervention challenging the production, marketing, promotion, distribution or sale of beverage alcohol or specific brands could affect our ability to sell our wines. Because litigation and other legal proceedings can be costly to defend, even actions that are ultimately decided in our favor could have a negative impact on our business, results of operations or financial results. Adverse developments in major lawsuits concerning these or other matters could result in management distraction and have a material adverse effect on our business. Changes to the interpretation or approach to enforcement of regulations may require changes to our business practices or the business practices of our suppliers, distributors, or customers. The penalties associated with any violations or infractions may vary in severity, and could result in a significant impediment to our business operations, and could cause us to have to suspend sales of our wines in a jurisdiction for a period of time.

New and changing environmental requirements, and new market pressures related to climate change, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results.

There has been significant public discussion related to concerns that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have an adverse impact on global temperatures, weather patterns and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. Federal regulations govern, among other things, air emissions, wastewater and stormwater discharges, and the treatment, handling and storage and disposal of materials and wastes. State environmental regulations and authorities intended to address and oversee environmental issues are largely state-level analogues to federal regulations and authorities intended to perform the similar purposes. We are subject to local environmental regulations that address a number of elements of our wine production process, including air quality, the handing of hazardous waste, recycling, water use and discharge, emissions and traffic impacts. Compliance with these and other environmental regulation requires significant resources. Continued regulatory and market trends towards sustainability may require or incentivize us to make changes to our current business operations. We may experience future increases in the costs associated with environmental regulatory compliance, including fees, licenses and the cost of capital improvements to meet environmental regulatory requirements. Although we don’t cultivate our own grapes, increased costs associated with environmental regulatory compliance may impact grape growers, which may increase out costs to purchase bulk juice.

Changes in foreign and domestic laws and government regulations to which we are currently subject, including changes to the method or approach of enforcement of these government rules and regulations, may increase our costs or limit our ability to sell our wines into certain markets, which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Government laws and regulations may result in increased production and sales costs, including an increase on the applicable tax in various state, federal and foreign jurisdictions in which we do business. The amount of wine that we can sell directly to consumers outside of California is regulated, and in certain states we are not allowed to sell wines directly to consumers at all. Changes in these laws and regulations that tighten current rules could have an adverse impact on sales or increase costs to produce, market, package or sell wine. Changes in regulation that require significant additional source data for registration and sale, in the labelling or warning requirements, or limitations on the permissibility of any component, condition or ingredient, in the places in which our wines can be legally sold could inhibit sales of affected products in those markets.

The wine industry is subject to extensive regulation by a number of foreign and domestic agencies, state liquor authorities and local authorities. These regulations and laws dictate such matters as licensing requirements, land use, production methods, trade and pricing practices, permitted distribution channels, permitted and required labelling, advertising, sequestration of classes of wine and relations with wholesalers and retailers. Any expansion of our existing facilities may be limited by present and future zoning ordinances, use permit terms, environmental restrictions and other legal requirements. In addition, new or updated regulations, requirements or licenses, particularly changes that impact our ability to sell DTC and/or retain accounts in California, or new or increased excise taxes, income taxes, property and sales taxes or international tariffs, could affect our financial condition or results of operations. From time to time, states consider proposals to increase state alcohol excise taxes. New or revised regulations or increased licensing fees, requirements or taxes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Risks related to our common stock

Our failure to maintain continued compliance with the listing requirements of the NYSE American exchange could result in the delisting of our common stock.

Our common stock has been listed on the NYSE American exchange since our December 2021 initial public offering. The rules of NYSE American provide that the NYSE American may, in its discretion, suspend dealings in, or may remove any security from, listing. As a matter of policy, NYSE American will consider the delisting of a security when the financial condition and/or operating results of a company appear to be unsatisfactory, the extent of public distribution or the aggregate market value of the security has become so reduced as to make further dealings on the NYSE American inadvisable, the company has sold or otherwise disposed of its principal operating assets, or has ceased to be an operating company, the company has failed to comply with its listing agreements with the NYSE American, or any other event shall occur or any condition shall exist which makes further dealings on the NYSE American unwarranted. For example, the NYSE American considers suspending trading in, or removing the listing of, securities of an issuer that has stockholders’ equity of less than (i) $2 million if such issuer has sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in two of its three most recent fiscal years, (ii) $4 million if such issuer has sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in three of its four most recent fiscal years, or (iii) $6 million if such issuer has sustained losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. The NYSE American will also consider suspending trading in, or removing the listing of, securities of an issuer that has sustained losses which are so substantial in relation to its overall operations or its existing financial resources, or its financial condition has become so impaired that it appears questionable as to whether such issuer will be able to continue operations and/or meet its obligations as they mature.

On September 8, 2023, we received a written notice (the “Notice”) from NYSE American stating that we were not in compliance with the $4 million stockholders’ equity requirement of Section 1003(a)(ii) of the NYSE American Company Guide (the “Company Guide”). We reported stockholders’ equity of $2.4 million as of June 30, 2023, the end of our second fiscal quarter of 2023, and have had losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022. As required by the NYSE American, we submitted a plan to the NYSE American on October 9, 2023 addressing actions we have taken or and how we intend to regain compliance with the continued listing standards by March 8, 2025.

On November 21, 2023, we received notification (the “Acceptance Letter”) from NYSE American that the Company’s plan to regain compliance with NYSE American’s listing standards was accepted. The Acceptance Letter also stated that the Company is not in compliance with Section 1003(a)(i) of the Company Guide, which requires an issuer to have stockholders’ equity of $2.0 million or more if it has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in two out of its three most recent fiscal years. The Company reported stockholders’ equity of $1.1 million as of September 30, 2023, the end of its third fiscal quarter of 2023, and has had losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in each of its fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

NYSE American has granted the Company a plan period through March 8, 2025 to regain compliance with Sections 1003(a)(i) and (ii) of the Company Guide. If the Company is not in compliance with all continued listing standards by that date or if the Company does not make progress consistent with the plan during the plan period, the Company will be subject to delisting proceedings. The Company will be subject to periodic NYSE American reviews, including quarterly monitoring for compliance with the plan. We cannot make any assurance regarding whether we will be able to make progress consistent with the plan or ultimately regain compliance with the NYSE American listing standards. Our common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE American while we attempt to regain compliance with the listing standard noted, subject to our compliance with other continued listing requirements. Our common stock will continue to trade under the symbol “VINE,” but will be included in the list of NYSE American noncompliant issuers, and the below compliance (“.BC”) indicator will be disseminated with our ticker symbol. The website posting and .BC indicator would be removed when we have regained compliance with all applicable continued listing standards.

If NYSE American delists our common stock from trading on the exchange and we are not able to list our securities on another national securities exchange, we expect shares of our common shares would qualify to be quoted on an over-the-counter market. If this were to occur, we could experience a number of adverse consequences, including:

In addition, the National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996 generally preempts the states from regulating the sale of “covered securities.” Our common shares qualify as “covered securities” because they are listed on NYSE American. If our common shares were no longer listed on NYSE American, our securities would not be “covered securities” and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.

If our common stock becomes subject to the penny stock rules, it would become more difficult to trade our shares.

The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. If we do not retain our listing on NYSE American and if the price of our common stock is less than $5.00, our common stock may be deemed a penny stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that before effecting any transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our common stock, and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling their shares.

We will incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses associated with our public company reporting requirements and corporate governance requirements.

As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company, including costs associated with our public company reporting requirements and corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules implemented by the SEC and the NYSE American.

As an example of reporting requirements, we are evaluating our internal control systems in order to allow management to report on our internal control over financing reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As a company with limited capital and human resources, we anticipate that more of management’s time and attention will be diverted from our business to ensure compliance with these regulatory requirements than would be the case with a company that has established controls and procedures. This diversion of management’s time and attention may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are eligible to be treated as an emerging growth company, and we cannot be certain that the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will not make our shares less attractive to investors.

We are an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including, among others, (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, (3) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved and (4) the requirement to present only two years of audited financial statements and only two years of related “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations” in this report. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the end of the second fiscal quarter in any fiscal year before that time or if we have total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, in which case we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the fiscal year end, or if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before that time we would cease to be an emerging growth company immediately. We cannot predict if investors will find our shares of common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our share price may be more volatile.

Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies and intend to continue such election until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of other public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

As a result of being a public company, we are obligated to develop and maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting and any failure to maintain the adequacy of these internal controls may negatively impact investor confidence in our company and, as a result, the value of our common stock.

We are required pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our first annual report required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) following the date we are no longer an emerging growth company. Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit our ability to accurately report our financial condition or results of operations. If we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm determines we have a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could decline, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the NYSE American, the SEC or other regulatory authorities and our access to the capital markets could be restricted.

In this report, our management concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting were not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to the existence of a material weakness related to internal controls over financial reporting. See Item 9A - Controls and Procedures. Although we intend to engage in activities aimed at remediating these material weaknesses, our remediation activities may not be successful, and our management may continue to conclude that our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting are not effective in future periods.

Provisions of our corporate governance documents could make an acquisition of our Company more difficult and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management, even if beneficial to our stockholders.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws and the Nevada Revised Statutes contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so might be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

Because our board of directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions could in turn affect any attempt to replace current members of our management team. As a result, you may lose your ability to sell your stock for a price in excess of the prevailing market price due to these protective measures, and efforts by stockholders to change the direction or management of the Company may be unsuccessful.

Your percentage ownership in us may be diluted by future issuances of capital stock, which could reduce your influence over matters on which stockholders vote.

Pursuant to our articles of incorporation and bylaws, our board of directors has the authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued shares of common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options, or shares of our authorized but unissued preferred stock. Issuances of common stock or voting preferred stock would reduce your influence over matters on which our stockholders vote and, in the case of issuances of preferred stock, would likely result in your interest in us being subject to the prior rights of holders of that preferred stock.

An active, liquid trading market for our common stock may not develop, which may limit your ability to sell your shares.

Prior to our December 2021 initial public offering, there was no public market for our common stock. Although we list shares of our common stock on the NYSE American under the symbol “VINE,” an active trading market for our shares may not develop or be sustained going forward. A public trading market having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends upon the existence of willing buyers and sellers at any given time, such existence being dependent upon the individual decisions of buyers and sellers over which neither we nor any market maker has control. The failure of an active and liquid trading market to develop and continue would likely have a material adverse effect on the value of our common stock. The market price of our common stock may decline, and you may not be able to sell your shares of our common stock at or above the price you paid for them, or at all. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling shares and may impair our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using our shares as consideration.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could cause the market price of our common stock to drop significantly, even if our business is performing well.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our common stock.

As a public company, we are subject to additional laws, regulations and stock exchange listing standards, which will result in additional costs to us and may strain our resources and divert our management’s attention.

Prior to our December 2021 initial public offering, we operated on a private basis. As a public reporting company, we are now subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the listing requirements of the NYSE American and other applicable securities laws and regulations. Compliance with these laws and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly. We also expect that being a public company and being subject to new rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. However, the incremental costs that we incur as a result of becoming a public company could exceed our estimate. These factors may therefore strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors.

Since we have no current plans to pay regular cash dividends on our common stock, you may not receive any return on investment unless you sell your common stock for a price greater than that which you paid for it.

We do not anticipate paying any regular cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is, and may be, limited by covenants of existing and any future outstanding indebtedness we incur. Therefore, any return on investment in our common stock is solely dependent upon the appreciation of the price of our common stock on the open market, which may not occur.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our shares or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our share price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our shares will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. Securities and industry analysts do not currently, and may never, publish research on our Company. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our Company, the trading price of our shares would likely be negatively impacted. In the event securities or industry analysts-initiated coverage, and one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our share price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock, or if our results of operations do not meet their expectations, our share price could decline.

General risks

Our operating results and share price may be volatile, and the market price of our common stock may drop below the price you pay.

Our operating results are likely to fluctuate in the future as a publicly traded company, which may occur during the pendency of the Merger transaction or following completion of the Merger. In addition, securities markets worldwide have experienced, and are likely to continue to experience, significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could subject the market price of our shares to wide price fluctuations regardless of our operating performance. You may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price that you paid or pay for them or at all. Our operating results and the trading price of our shares may fluctuate in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause our operating results and the market price and demand for our shares to fluctuate substantially. While we believe that operating results for any particular year or quarter are not necessarily a meaningful indication of future results, fluctuations in our yearly or quarterly operating results could limit or prevent investors from readily selling their shares and may otherwise negatively affect the market price and liquidity of our shares. In addition, in the past, when the market price of a stock has been volatile, holders of that stock have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against the company that issued the stock. If any of our stockholders brought a lawsuit against us, we could incur substantial costs defending the lawsuit. Such a lawsuit could also divert the time and attention of our management from our business, which could significantly harm our profitability and reputation.

We may require additional debt and equity capital to pursue our business objectives and respond to business opportunities, challenges, or unforeseen circumstances. If such capital is not available to us, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

We may require additional capital to pursue our business objectives and respond to business opportunities, challenges, or unforeseen circumstances, including to increase our marketing expenditures to improve our wine brand awareness, build and maintain our product inventory, develop new wines, enhance our operating infrastructure and acquire complementary businesses. Accordingly, we may need to engage in equity or debt financings to secure additional funds. However, additional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. Moreover, any debt financing that we secure in the future could involve restrictive covenants, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities. Volatility in the credit markets may also have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain debt financing. If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences, and privileges superior to those of holders of our common stock. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, we may be forced to obtain financing on undesirable terms or our ability to continue to pursue our business objectives and to respond to business opportunities, challenges or unforeseen circumstances could be significantly limited, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY.

The Company has not adopted any formal cybersecurity risk management program or formal processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats. The full board of directors has oversight responsibility for the Company’s overall risk management, including cybersecurity risk, and has not delegated oversight authority for cybersecurity risks to any committee. In fiscal year 2023, we did not identify any cybersecurity threats that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

Through October 31, 2022, our principal executive offices located at 505 Highway 169 North, Suite 255, Plymouth, Minnesota 55441 were leased by Rabbit Hole Equity, L.L.C., a Texas limited liability company that serves as a family office that manages a portfolio of business investments held by our former Executive Chairman and his affiliates (“Rabbit Hole Equity”). Pursuant to an unwritten month-to-month arrangement, a portion of Rabbit Hole Equity’s lease payments were allocated to the Company. Effective November 1, 2022, we terminated this lease arrangement and currently maintain a virtual administrative office environment. The address, for mailing purposes, of our principle executive offices is P.O. Box 78984, Charlotte, NC 28271.

Our production facility, which we occupied on an alternating proprietorship basis, was located in Napa, California. The initial term of the Alternating Proprietorship Agreement with our “host winery” expired in July 2022, but was renewed and was ultimately terminated in December 2023.

We utilize two warehouse facilities in American Canyon, California. We pay storage fees per pallet and entry and exit processing fees.

We expect that the current properties will be adequate for our current office and production needs.

During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, we incurred approximately $0 and $94,436 in facilities rental expense. 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We may be subject to legal disputes and subject to claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. Except as set forth below, we are not a party or subject to any pending legal proceedings the resolution of which is expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows or financial condition. 

Timothy Michaels Lawsuit

The Company was a defendant in a lawsuit styled Timothy Michaels v. Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. filed May 27, 2022 in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Hennepin County, Minnesota. The lawsuit related to a complaint filed by Mr. Michaels resulting from the Company including a restricted “lock-up” legend on shares of the Company’s common stock issued to Mr. Michaels pursuant to a settlement agreement that the Company entered into with Mr. Michaels following termination of his employment and for not removing or directing the Company’s transfer agent to remove such legend. A jury trial commenced on January 23, 2024. During trial, on January 24, 2024, the Company filed a motion for judgement in favor of the Company as a matter of law, which was denied by the Court. On January 25, 2024, the jury in the lawsuit rendered a verdict against the Company awarding damages to Mr. Michaels in the amount of $585,976.25. On February 22, 2024, the Company filed a renewed motion for post-verdict judgment in favor of the Company as a matter of law. On February 26, 2024, the Judge in the lawsuit denied the renewed motion for post-verdict judgment. The Company is assessing the options available to it, including the possibility of appealing the verdict. Although the Company believes it has legal grounds to appeal the verdict, continued litigation and related actions may be expensive, the outcome of any litigation (including any appeal) is difficult to predict, and the existence of litigation may impact the ability of management to focus on other business matters. Furthermore, the Company will be required to post an appeals bond in order to stay execution of the money judgment pending any appeal. Given the Company’s current financial position, the cost of such an appeals bond is uncertain and may be higher than the typical cost of such a bond or require the Company to provide cash or other collateral.

Website-related Plaintiff’s Lawsuit

 On January 26, 2024, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that the Company has failed to design, construct, maintain and operate its Internet website to be fully accessible to and independently usable by blind or visually-impaired persons, thereby denying blind and visually-impaired persons with equal access to the Company’s goods and services in violation of the Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the New York Human Rights Law, the New York Civil Rights Law. On February 16, 2024, the Company filed an Answer to the complaint denying the plaintiff’s allegations and asserting affirmative defenses thereto.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Market Information

Our common stock began trading on the NYSE American under the symbol “VINE” on December 14, 2021. Prior to that date, there was no public trading market for our common stock.

Stockholders

As of March 8, 2024, there were 43 stockholders of record of our common stock, one of which was Cede & Co., a nominee for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. Shares of common stock that are held by financial institutions as nominees for beneficial owners are deposited into participant accounts at DTC and are considered to be held of record by Cede & Co. as one stockholder.

Dividends

We have never declared or paid any dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Instead, we currently plan to retain any earnings to finance the growth of our business. Any future determination relating to dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations and capital requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The information required by Item 5 is incorporated herein by reference to Item 12 below.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

The Company has not conducted sales of unregistered securities during the period covering this report except as previously disclosed in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or in its Current Reports on Form 8-K.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company did not purchase shares of its common stock conducted sales of unregistered securities during the fourth quarter of 2023.

ITEM 6. [RESERVED].

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes to those statements as included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed in Part I “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Under this “Fresh Vine Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations,” “we,” “us,” “our” “Fresh Vine Wine,” “Fresh Vine” and the “Company” refer to Fresh Vine.

Overview

Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. is a producer of low carb, low calorie, premium wines in the United States. Founded in 2019, Fresh Vine brings an innovative “better-for-you” solution to the wine market. We currently sell seven varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Sparkling Rosé, and a limited Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. All varietals are produced and bottled in Napa, California.

Fresh Vine’s wines are distributed across the United States and Puerto Rico through wholesale, retail, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels. Fresh Vine is able to conduct wholesale distribution of our wines in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and it is licensed to sell through DTC channels in 43 states. As of December 31, 2023, Fresh Vine holds active relationships with wholesale distributors in 50 states. Fresh Vine is working with leading distributors, including Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS), Johnson Brothers, and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), to expand our presence across the contiguous United States.

Fresh Vine’s core wine offerings are priced strategically to appeal to mass markets and sell at a list price between $15 and $25 per bottle. Given the Fresh Vine Wine brand’s “better-for-you” appeal, and overall product quality, Fresh Vine believes that it presents today’s consumers with a unique value proposition within this price category. Additionally, Fresh Vine Wine is one of very few products available at this price point that includes a named winemaker, Jamey Whetstone.

Fresh Vine’s marketing activities focus primarily on consumers in the 21-to-34-year-old demographic with moderate to affluent income and on those with a desire to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle.

Fresh Vine’s asset-light operating model allows it to utilize third-party assets, including land and production facilities. This approach helps us mitigate many of the risks associated with agribusiness, such as isolated droughts or fires. Because Fresh Vine sources product inputs from multiple geographically dispersed vendors, it reduces reliance on any one vendor and benefit from broad availability/optionality of product inputs. This is particularly important as a California-based wine producer where droughts or fires can have an extremely detrimental impact to a company’s supply chain if not diversified.

Key Financial Metrics

We use net revenue, gross profit (loss) and net income (loss) to evaluate the performance of Fresh Vine. These metrics are useful in helping us to identify trends in our business, prepare financial forecasts and make capital allocation decisions, and assess the comparable health of our business relative to our direct competitors. 

Components of Results of Operations and Trends That May Impact Our Results of Operations

Net revenue

Our net revenue consists primarily of wine sales to distributors and retailers, which together comprise our wholesale channel, and directly to individual consumers through our DTC channel. Net revenues generally represent wine sales and shipping, when applicable, and to a lesser extent branded merchandise and wine club memberships. For wine and merchandise sales, revenues are recognized at time of shipment. For Wine Club memberships, revenues are recognized quarterly at the time of fulfilment.

We refer to the volume of wine we sell in terms of cases. Each case contains 12 standard bottles, in which each bottle has a volume of 750 milliliters. Cases are sold through Wholesale/Retail or DTC channels.

 The following factors and trends in our business have driven our net revenue results and are expected to be key drivers of our net revenue for the foreseeable future:

 Brand recognition: As we expand our marketing presence and drive visibility through traditional and modern marketing methods, we expect to build awareness and name recognition for Fresh Vine Wine in consumers’ minds. Brand awareness will be built substantially through social media channels. Our brand, and to a large extent our direct-to-consumer sales outlet, has historically been dependent on the image and popularity of, and affinity towards, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough. Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough served as celebrity spokespersons and ambassadors of our company, and actively endorsed our wines on their sizable social media and other outlets pursuant to agreements that granted us licenses to use their pre-approved name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity, as well as certain content published on their social media and other channels, on and in conjunction with the sale and related pre-approved advertising and promotion of our wine. Such license agreements terminated on September 7, 2023 and, as a result, we will be required to refocus our marketing and brand promotion efforts. See “Item 1A Risk Factors - We have relied heavily on celebrities to endorse our wines and market our brand pursuant to license agreements which have been terminated.”

Portfolio evolution: As a relatively new, high-growth brand, we expect and seek to learn from our consumers. We intend to continuously evolve and refine our products to meet our consumers’ specific needs and wants, adapting our offering to maximize value for our consumers and stakeholders.

Distribution expansion and acceleration: Purchasing by distributors and loyal accounts that continue to feature our wines are key drivers of net revenue.

 Seasonality: In line with industry norms, we anticipate our net revenue peaking during the quarter spanning from October through December due to increased consumer demand around the major holidays. This is particularly true in our DTC revenue channel, where marketing programs will often be aligned with the holiday season and product promotions will be prevalent.

Revenue Channels

Our sales and distribution platform is built upon a highly developed network of distributor accounts. Within this network, we have signed agreements in place with several of the nation’s largest distributors including Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and RNDC, among others. While we are actively working with these distributors in certain markets, they operate across the United States, and we intend to grow our geographic/market presence through these relationships. The development of these relationships and impacts to our related product mix will impact on our financial results as our channel mix shifts.

Wholesale channel sales made on credit terms generally require payment within 30 days of delivery; however our credit terms with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits requires payment within 60 days of delivery. During periods in which our net revenue channel mix reflects a greater concentration of wholesale sales, we typically experience an increase in accounts receivable for the period to reflect the change in sales mix; payment collections in the subsequent period generally reduce our accounts receivable balance and have a positive impact on cash flows.

 While we seek to increase revenue across all channels, we expect the majority of our future revenue to be driven through the wholesale channel. We intend to maintain and expand relationships with existing distributors and form relationships with new distributors as we work to grow the Company. With multiple varietals within the Fresh Vine Wine portfolio, we consider ourselves to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for better-for-you wines. We continue to innovate with new products at competitive price points and strive to enhance the experience as we increase revenue with new and existing consumers.

In the DTC channel, our comprehensive approach to consumer engagement in both online and traditional forums is supported by an integrated e-commerce platform. Our marketing efforts target consumers who have an interest in healthy and active lifestyles. We attempt to motivate consumers toward a simple and easy purchasing decision using a combination of defined marketing programs and a modernized technology stack.

Increasing customer engagement is a key driver of our business and results of operations. We continue to invest in our DTC channel and in performance marketing to drive customer engagement. In addition to developing new product offerings and cross-selling wines in our product portfolio, we focus on increasing customer conversion and retention. As we continue to invest in our DTC channel, we expect to increase customer engagement and subsequently deliver greater satisfaction. We also distribute our wines via other wine e-commerce sites such as Wine.com and Vivino.com and plan to continue to add affiliate retail websites.

Net Revenue Percentage by Channel

We calculate net revenue percentage by channel as net revenue made through our wholesale channel to distributors, through our wholesale channel directly to retail accounts, and through our DTC channel, respectively, as a percentage of our total net revenue. We monitor net revenue percentage across revenue channels to understand the effectiveness of our distribution model and to ensure we are employing resources effectively as we engage customers.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues is comprised of all direct product costs such as juice, bottles, caps, corks, labels, and capsules. Additionally, we also categorize boxes and quality assurance testing within our cost of revenues. Fresh Vine expects that cost of revenues will increase as net revenue increases. As the volume of the product inputs increases, Fresh Vine intends to work to renegotiate vendor contracts with key suppliers to reduce overall product input costs as a percentage of net revenue. Based on a proposed sale of inventory at a price below the Company’s cost, the Company completed an evaluation of the net realizable value of our inventory during the year ended December 31, 2023. As a result of this evaluation, the Company recorded a $1.7 million inventory write down to reflect it at its net realizable value at June 30, 2023 and an additional approximately $100,000 was written down by December 31, 2023. This is recorded in cost of revenue in the financial statements. The inventory reserve balance at December 31, 2023 is approximately $112,000.

Additionally, the Company includes shipping fees in all DTC revenues. These fees are paid by end consumers at time of order and subsequently itemized within the cost of each individual sale.

As a commodity product, the cost of wine fluctuates due to annual harvest yields and the availability of juice. This macroeconomic consideration is not unique to Fresh Vine Wine, although we are conscious of its potential impact to our product cost structure.

Gross Profit (Loss)

Gross profit (loss) is equal to our net revenue less cost of revenues.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general, and administrative expenses consist of selling expenses, marketing expenses, and general and administrative expenses. Selling expenses consist primarily of direct selling expenses in our wholesale and DTC channels, including payroll and related costs, product samples, processing fees, and other outside service fees or consulting fees. Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising costs to promote brand awareness, contract fees incurred as a result of significant sports marketing agreements, customer retention costs, payroll, and related costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of payroll and related costs.

Equity-Based Compensation

Equity-based compensation consists of the accounting expense resulting from our issuance of equity or equity-based grants issued in exchange for employee or non-employee services. We measure equity-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. We recognize any forfeitures as they occur.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Fiscal Years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

Net Revenue, Cost of Revenues and Gross Profit

We had net revenue in fiscal 2023 of $1,826,190. Net revenue in fiscal 2022 was $2,860,001. The decrease in net revenue was attributable to decreasing sales and marketing spending, the termination of related party sales agreements and increased billbacks. We generated net revenue of $1,328,382 during fiscal 2023 from our wholesale distribution channel and $497,808 of net revenue from our direct-to-consumer sales channel. This revenue distribution represents 73% and 27%, respectively, of our net revenue during the period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

For the year ended December 31, 2023, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 45%, compared to the period ended December 31, 2022. Selling, general and administrative expense decreases were largely driven by certain one-time charges associated with the leadership transition in 2022, as well as decreases in general and administrative expenses due to lower staffing headcount and related salaries and less consulting, legal and financial expenses as operational activity decreased from 2022 to 2023. The year-over-year decrease in marketing expenses primarily resulted from decreased advertising, social media marketing, tastings, and other promotion materials and events as selling and marketing expenses are directly related to sale trends.

Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities was ($4,809,009) and ($13,528,251) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Cash used in operating activities decreased in the period ended December 31, 2023 primarily because of one-time selling, general and administrative expenses in 2022 driven by charges associated with the leadership transition, as well as decreases in general and administrative expenses due to lower staffing headcount and related salaries and less consulting, legal and financial expenses as operational activity decreased from 2022 to 2023. The decrease is also due to the fact that no inventory purchases were made in 2023 to maintain our inventory levels to meet demand and reductions in costs for staffing and marketing activities.

Net cash used in investing activities was $500,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Cash used in investing activities in the 2023 period was from the investment made to Notes Live, Inc, see Note 5.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was $3,565,014 and $(455,355) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The difference is due to the Rights Offering of $2,615,014 and the issuance of preferred stock for a net of $950,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary cash needs are for working capital purposes, such as producing or purchasing inventory and funding operating expenses. We have funded our operations through equity and debt financings, as described under the caption “Financing Transactions” below.

We have incurred losses and negative cash flows from operations since our inception in May 2019, including net losses of approximately ($10.6) million and ($15.2) million during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $26.5 million and a total stockholders’ deficit of approximately $830,000. We expect to incur losses in future periods as we continue to operate our business and incur expenses associated with being a public company.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $336,340 in cash and restricted cash, accounts receivable of $172,101, inventory of $337,873, and prepaid expenses of $42,943. On December 31, 2023, current assets amounted to approximately $889,000 and current liabilities were $2.1 million resulting in a working capital deficit (with working capital defined as current assets minus current liabilities) of approximately $1.3 million.

Since the commencement of its operations, the Company’s operating and other expenses have significantly exceeded its revenues. The Company put in place cash preservation initiatives in the second half of 2022, including a strategic restructuring plan aimed at cash resources while continuing to focus on accelerating sales growth. That plan resulted in the termination of members of the Company’s internal sales team, the engagement of a third party vendor positioned to more efficiently and effectively facilitate sales, and the engagement of a third party vendor to manage marketing initiatives and drive growth within the Direct-to-Consumer sales channel.

During the second quarter of 2023, the Company undertook a review of the Company’s operations and strategic plans, and took measures aimed at improving the Company’s operational efficiency, curtailing operating expenses and further preserving cash resources. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company continued to work to reduce its operating expenses, including reducing its warehousing costs, while continuing to provide customers the opportunity to experience its wine and supporting its current retail customers and those purchasing via the Company’s wine club or from its website.

Commencing in June 2023, the Company has worked aggressively to identify prospective new sources of capital, while working with advisors to assess and improve its liquidity position, including from the sale of existing inventory. Early in the third quarter, the Company entered into purchase orders for the sale of up to 45,000 cases of the Company’s wine to Grocery Outlet, a discount retailer, with sales occurring through the last part of 2023. The Company had sales related to this agreement totaling approximately $829,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

On August 2, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with two accredited investors (the “Purchasers”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell in a private placement shares of a newly created series of preferred stock designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Stock”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers collectively purchased 10,000 shares of Series A Stock at a per share purchase price equal to $100.00, for total gross proceeds of $1.0 million. See “Financing Transactions” below for a description of the Company’s offering of Series A Stock.

In August 2023, Fresh Vine announced that it had initiated an exploration of strategic opportunities by way of merger, acquisition, or any accretive strategic transaction to enhance stockholder value, which is a focus of the Company’s plan to increase its stockholders’ equity and regain compliance with the NYSE American’s continued listing standards. On January 25, 2024, Fresh Vine entered into the Merger Agreement. See Part I, “Item 1 Business - Recent Developments – Anticipated Merger with Notes Live, Inc.” included elsewhere in this report.

As disclosed under Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, the Company has been a defendant in a lawsuit styled Timothy Michaels v. Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. filed May 27, 2022 in the Fourth Judicial District Court, Hennepin County, Minnesota.  On January 25, 2024, the jury in the lawsuit rendered a verdict against the Company awarding damages to Mr. Michaels in the amount of $585,976.25. The damages awarded to Mr. Michaels by the trial court are not covered by the Company’s insurance policies. The Company is assessing the options available to it, including the possibility of appealing the verdict. Although the Company believes it has legal grounds to appeal the verdict, continued litigation and related actions may be expensive, the outcome of any litigation (including any appeal) is difficult to predict and the existence of continued litigation may impact the ability of management to focus on other business matters. Furthermore, the Company will be required to post an appeals bond in order to stay execution of the money judgment pending any appeal. Given the Company’s current financial position, the cost of such an appeals bond is uncertain and may be higher than the typical cost of such a bond or require the Company to provide cash or other collateral.

At the current reduced pace of incurring expenses and without receipt of additional financing, the Company projects that the existing cash balance will be sufficient to fund current operations into the first quarter of 2024. The Company requires additional debt or equity financing to satisfy its existing obligations, sustain existing operations, pay expenses associated with its pending business combination transaction and to satisfy financial related conditions to the closing of such transaction. See “Current Strategy - The Merger” below. Additional financing may not be available on favorable terms or at all. If additional financing is available, it may be highly dilutive to existing stockholders and may otherwise include burdensome or onerous terms. The Company’s inability to raise additional working capital in a timely manner will negatively impact the ability to fund operations, generate revenues, maintain or grow the business and otherwise execute the Company’s business plan, including its pursuit of its pending business combination transaction, leading to the reduction or suspension of operations and ultimately potentially ceasing operations altogether and initiating bankruptcy proceedings. Should this occur, the value of any investment in the Company’s securities would be adversely affected.

These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

Our ability to continue as a going concern in the future will be determined by our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to sustain our operations, raise additional capital in the form of debt or equity financing and/or complete a successful combination transaction with a suitable target company. Our forecast of cash resources is forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties, and the actual amount of our expenses could vary materially as a result of a number of factors. We have based our estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and our revenue could prove to be less and our expenses higher than we currently anticipate. Management does not know whether additional financing will be on terms favorable or acceptable to us when needed, if at all. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to fund our operations and adequate additional funds are not available when required, management may need to curtail its sales and marketing efforts, which would adversely affect our business prospects, or we may be unable to continue operations.

Current Strategy

The Merger

In August 2023, Fresh Vine announced that it had initiated an exploration of strategic opportunities by way of merger, acquisition, or any accretive strategic transaction to enhance stockholder value, which is a focus of the Company’s plan to increase its stockholders’ equity and regain compliance with the NYSE American’s continued listing standards. On January 25, 2024, Fresh Vine entered into the Merger Agreement. See Part I, “Item 1 Business - Recent Developments – Anticipated Merger with Notes Live, Inc.” included elsewhere in this report.

Although Fresh Vine has entered into the Merger Agreement and intends to consummate the Merger, there is no assurance that it will be able to successfully consummate the Merger on a timely basis, or at all. Among other conditions to the closing of the Merger, Fresh Vine is required to have cash, cash equivalent assets or other liquid assets at the closing of the Merger in an amount that equals or exceeds the “Net Cash Target,” and having no liabilities on its balance sheet or unpaid or unsatisfied obligations that will require a cash expenditure by Fresh Vine after the effective time of the Merger. See “Item 1 – Business - Recent Developments – Anticipated Merger with Notes Live, Inc.” If, for any reason, the Merger does not close, the Fresh Vine board of directors may elect to, among other things, attempt to complete another strategic transaction like the Merger, attempt to sell or otherwise dispose of the various assets of Fresh Vine, continue to operate the business of Fresh Vine or dissolve and liquidate its assets.

If the Merger is not completed, the Fresh Vine board of directors may decide that it is in the best interests of the Fresh Vine stockholders to suspend or cease its operations, seek to dissolve the Company and liquidate its assets, or initiate bankruptcy proceedings. In that event, the amount of cash available for distribution to the Fresh Vine stockholders would depend heavily on the timing of such decision and, ultimately, such liquidation, since the amount of cash available for distribution continues to decrease as Fresh Vine funds its operations and incurs fees and expenses related to the Merger. In addition, if the Fresh Vine board of directors were to approve and recommend, and the Fresh Vine stockholders were to approve, a dissolution of Fresh Vine, it would be required under Nevada corporate law to pay its outstanding obligations, as well as to make reasonable provision for contingent and unknown obligations, prior to making any distributions in liquidation to the Fresh Vine stockholders. As a result of this requirement, a portion or all of Fresh Vine’s assets may need to be reserved pending the resolution of such obligations. In addition, Fresh Vine may be subject to litigation or other claims related to a liquidation and dissolution of the company. If a liquidation and dissolution were pursued, the Fresh Vine board of directors, in consultation with its advisors, would need to evaluate these matters and make a determination about a reasonable amount to reserve. Accordingly, the Fresh Vine stockholders could lose all or a significant portion of their investment in the event of a liquidation and dissolution of Fresh Vine.

Financing Transactions

We have funded our operations through a combination of debt and equity financings.

Since the Company’s inception in May 2019 and prior to its December 2021 initial public offering, Damian Novak, co-founder, and affiliates of Mr. Novak incurred expenses on our behalf or advanced funds to us from time to time as needed to satisfy our working capital requirements and expenses. The reimbursable expenses and advances were reflected as related party payables on our balance sheet and were not evidenced promissory notes or other written documentation. On December 17, 2021, we used a portion of the proceeds from our initial public offering to repay $2.0 million, representing the outstanding amount of these related party payables, net of related party receivables that Mr. Novak and his affiliates owed to us at that time.

In September 2021, the Company entered into an agreement with an unrelated party to pledge certain eligible accounts receivable for a cash advance at a percentage of the outstanding amount, with the remaining balance due upon collection from the customer. The agreement had an initial term of one year which automatically renews for successive one year terms unless the Company provides a notice of termination at least 60 days prior to the termination date. The receivables are pledged with full recourse, which means we bear the risk of non-payment. The amounts advanced to the Company were classified as a secured loan on our balance sheet and any fees computed on the outstanding amounts are treated as interest expense on our statement of operations. The Company terminated this arrangement effective October 1, 2022.

During the first quarter of 2023, the Company distributed, at no charge to holders of the Company’s common stock, non-transferable subscription rights to purchase up to an aggregate of 6,366,129 Units. Each Unit consisted of one share of our common stock and a Warrant to purchase one share of our common stock. The Warrants were exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and have an exercise price of $1.25 per share. For each share of common stock held by a stockholder of the Company on February 22, 2023, the record date of the Rights Offering, such stockholder received 0.5 subscription rights. Each whole subscription right allowed the holder thereof to subscribe to purchase one Unit, which we refer to as the basic subscription right, at a subscription price of $1.00 per Unit. In addition, any holder of subscription rights exercising his, her or its basic subscription right in full was eligible to subscribe to purchase additional Units that remained unsubscribed in the Rights Offering at the same subscription price per Unit that applied to the basic subscription right, subject to proration among participants exercising their over-subscription privilege, which we refer to as the over-subscription privilege. The subscription rights period expired on March 9, 2023, and resulted in stockholders subscribing for 3,143,969 Units. Upon the closing of the Rights Offering, which occurred on March 14, 2023, we issued 3,143,969 shares of common stock and 3,143,969 Warrants and received aggregate gross cash proceeds of approximately $3.14 million. After deducting dealer-manager fees and other fees and expenses related to the Rights Offering, we received net proceeds of approximately $2.7 million. If exercised, additional gross proceeds of up to approximately $3.93 million may be received through the exercise of Warrants issued in the Rights Offering. The Rights Offering was made pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-269082), which was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2023, and the prospectus dated February 22, 2023.

On August 2, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with two accredited investors (the “Purchasers”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell in a private placement (the “Series A Offering”) shares of a newly created series of preferred stock designated as Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Stock”). The rights and preferences of the Series A Stock were described in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2023. Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers collectively agreed to purchase up to 10,000 shares of Series A Stock at a per share purchase price equal to $100.00, for total gross proceeds of up to $1.0 million. The Purchasers purchased 4,000 shares of Series A Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $400,000 at an initial closing (the “Initial Closing”) that occurred on August 4, 2023, purchased an additional 4,000 shares of Series A Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $400,000 at a second closing (the “Second Closing”) that occurred on September 7, 2023, and purchased an additional 2,000 shares of Series A Stock for an aggregate purchase price of $200,000 at a third closing (the “Third Closing”) that occurred on December 1, 2023. The Company previously engaged The Oak Ridge Financial Services Group, Inc. (“Oak Ridge”) to serve as a financial adviser to the Company in connection with the capital raising activities. The Company paid Oak Ridge a $10,000 cash advisory fee upon commencement of the engagement and, in connection with the Series A Offering, the Company has agreed to pay the Oak Ridge a cash fee equal to 5.0% of the gross proceeds received by the Company in the Series A Offering, in addition to reimbursing Oak Ridge for its out-of-pocket expenses.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

While all significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to our audited financial statements, we believe that the following accounting policies and estimates are critical to our business operations and understanding of our financial results.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consists of amounts owed to us for sales of our products on credit and are reported at net realizable value. Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial conditions. We estimate allowances for future returns and doubtful accounts based upon historical experience and its evaluation of the current status of receivables. Accounts considered uncollectible are written off against the allowance. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 we had $0 in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Allowance for Inventory Reserve

Inventories primarily include bottled wine which is carried at the lower of cost (calculated using the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) method) or net realizable value. We reduce the carrying value of inventories that are obsolete or for which market conditions indicate cost will not be recovered to estimated net realizable value. Our estimate of net realizable value is based on analysis and assumptions including, but not limited to, historical experience, future demand and market requirements. Reductions to the carrying value of inventories are recorded in cost of revenues. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022 there was $111,710 and $0 inventory reserve related to estimated net realizable value, respectively.

Equity-Based Compensation

We measure equity-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. We recognize any forfeitures as they occur.

We measure equity-based compensation when the service date precedes the grant date based on the fair value of the award as an accrual of equity-based compensation and adjusts the cost to fair value at each reporting date prior to the grant date. In the period in which the grant occurs, the cumulative compensation cost is adjusted to the fair value at the date of the grant.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet activities as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

Accounting Standards and Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to our audited financial statement for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

Emerging Growth Company Status

Pursuant to the JOBS Act, a company constituting an “emerging growth company” is, among other things, entitled to rely upon certain reduced reporting requirements and is eligible to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. We are an emerging growth company and have elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date we (i) are no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opt out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. Our financial statements may, therefore, not be comparable to those of other public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not required.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Our financial statements and supplementary data are included beginning on pages F-1 of this report.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), defines the term “disclosure controls and procedures” as those controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of December 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting as described below.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the securities laws, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officer and effected by our Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the acquisitions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2023 based on the criteria in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013. Based upon this evaluation, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2023 due to the following material weaknesses.

Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting; Remediation Activities

Management had previously determined that there were material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting resulting from (i) a lack of segregation of incompatible duties based on the limited number of employees responsible for the Company’s accounting and reporting functions and (ii) the lack of properly designed controls to prepare complete and accurate financial statements and footnotes in accordance with US GAAP in a timely manner. In an effort to remediate the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described above, we intend to take the actions to implement the processes described below.

Lack of segregation of duties. To ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, management is designing processes to keep authorization, recordkeeping, custody of assets, and reconciliation duties separate, and intends to reevaluate its overall staffing levels within the accounting, finance and information technology departments and may hire additional staff to enable segregation of duties.

Inability to prepare complete and accurate financial statements and footnotes. To ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, management intends to hire experienced staff to remedy this material weakness.

Once the above actions and processes have been in operation for a sufficient period of time for our management to conclude that the material weaknesses have been fully remediated and our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, we will consider these material weaknesses fully addressed.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of Wipfli, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, regarding internal control over financial reporting. Our management report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which exempts nonaccelerated filers from the independent registered public accounting firm attestation requirement.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

Not Applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Executive Officers and Directors

Below is a list of the names, ages, positions and a brief account of the business experience of the individuals who served as our executive officers and directors as of March 8, 2024.

Michael Pruitt joined the Company’s Board of Directors on December 13, 2021, which was the effective date of the registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering. Mr. Pruitt founded Avenel Financial Group, a boutique financial services firm concentrating on emerging technology company investments in 1999. In 2001, he formed Avenel Ventures, a technology investment and private venture capital firm. In February 2005, Mr. Pruitt formed Chanticleer Holdings, Inc., then a public holding company (now known as Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc.), and he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer until April 1, 2020, at which time the restaurant operations of Chanticleer Holdings were spun out into a new public entity, Amergent Hospitality Group, Inc., where Mr. Pruitt continues to serve as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Pruitt has been a member of the Board of Directors of IMAC Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq- IMAC) since October 2020 and currently serves on its Compensation Committee and as Chair of its Audit Committee. Mr. Pruitt also served as a director on the board of Hooters of America, LLC from 2011 to 2019. Mr. Pruitt received a B.A. degree from Costal Carolina University. He currently sits on the Board of Visitors of the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, the Coastal Education Foundation Board, and the Athletic Committee of the Board.

Keith Johnson is an accomplished senior executive and corporate officer with experience in business and technology management, accounting systems, financial controls, business development and management intelligence. Most recently, Mr. Johnson served as Chief Financial Officer of Watertech Equipment & Sales until 2020. Previously, Mr. Johnson served as the Manager of Business Development for Hudson Technologies from November 2012 through September 2013. From August 2010 through November 2012, Mr. Johnson was President of Efficiency Technologies, Inc., the wholly owned operating subsidiary of Efftec International, Inc. He was the President and Chief Executive Officer of YRT² (Your Residential Technology Team) in Charlotte, North Carolina since 2004. Mr. Johnson has a BS in Accounting from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Mr. Johnson serves on the board of directors of Amergent Hospitality Group Inc. and as chairman of its audit committee and a member of its compensation committee. Mr. Johnson previously served on the board of directors of Chanticleer from April 2007 through March 31, 2020 and also served as the chairman of its audit committee and a member of its compensation committee.

Rick Nechio is a co-founder of the Company who served as Chief Marketing Officer from its inception through July 2021, has served as its President since August 2021 and served as interim Chief Executive Officer from June 2022 until April 25, 2023. Mr. Nechio currently serves as President and Head of Sales. Mr. Nechio also served as a director of the Company until February 20, 2023. Mr. Nechio was also a Founding Partner of Appellation Brands LLC and served as a Founding Partner of Nechio & Novak, LLC, and has served as Chairman of Nechio Network, a brand accelerator formed in 2016. Prior the Company’s inception, Mr. Nechio served as Vice President Business Development for FitVine Wine from February 2017 to February 2019, and held various positions at Anheuser-Busch InBev, including North American Zone Director Transit from January 2015 to January 2017, Director Retail Development, Trade Relations and Trade Communications from October 2011 to December 2014, and Director, National Retail Sales from May 2010 to October 2011. Mr. From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Nechio piloted an Anheuser-Busch USA High End chain selling program for the Stella Artois brand. Mr. Nechio was also part of the team that developed the Michelob Ultra disruptive brand strategy. Mr. Nechio holds a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree from University Veiga de Almeida and has completed an Executive Education Program, Driving Profitability Growth offered by Harvard Business School.

Eric Doan joined the Company’s board of directors on December 13, 2021, which was the effective date of the registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering. Mr. Doan serves as Chief Financial Officer of Orchard Software Corporation, a position he has held since April 2020. Before joining Orchard Software, Mr. Doan previously held Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer positions in private equity-backed companies, most recently as Chief Financial Officer of Edmentum Inc. from July 2018 through March 2020, Chief Financial Officer of myON by Renaissance from May 2017 to July 2018, and Chief Operating Officer of Jump Technologies, Inc. from September 2016 to May 2017. Mr. Doan holds bachelor’s degrees in Zoology and Classical Humanities and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Miami University.

Brad Yacullo joined the Company’s Board of Directors on December 13, 2021, which was the effective date of the registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering. Mr. Yacullo co-founded Agra Energy in March 2017 and serves as its Chief Operating Officer. Agra Energy is a company that converts dairy manure into a renewable sulfur free synthetic fuel. Mr. Yacullo joined ACE Outdoor, a boutique outdoor media company, in 2007 and served as a partner until the company was sold in September 2021.. Previously, Mr. Yacullo served as Sales Executive at Cisco Systems from January 1995 until January 2003. Mr. Yacullo began his career in January 1991 at Platinum Technology, where he sold enterprise level software to many industries. Mr. Yacullo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a major in information systems, from Drake University.

David Yacullo joined the Company’s Board of Directors on December 13, 2021, which was the effective date of the registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering. Mr. Yacullo currently serves as Owner/Chairman of Outdoor Solutions, LLC since 2018. Prior to that, Mr. Yacullo served as Chief Revenue Officer of Van Wagner Outdoor, a position he held from 2019 through 2022, until the company was sold to Outfront Media. From 2016 until 2018, Mr. Yacullo served as Chief Revenue Officer of Holt Media Companies, Inc. Prior to that, Mr. Yacullo founded Outdoor Media Group (OMG) in 2001 and served as its Chief Executive Officer from 2003 until 2016. Mr. Yacullo began his career working for Outdoor Services Inc. (OSI) from 1989 through 2001, where he served in various positions, including as its President.

Family Relationships

Messrs. Brad and David Yacullo, two of our directors, are brothers. There are no other family relationships between any of the other directors or executive officers.

Board Composition and Director Independence

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors. Our bylaws provide that our board of directors shall consist of one or more members and that the number of directors may be fixed from time to time by a majority vote of the directors then in office. Our board of directors is currently comprised of the four individuals identified above.

When considering whether directors have the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills to enable the Board of Directors to satisfy its oversight responsibilities effectively in light of our business and structure, our Board of Directors focuses primarily on the information discussed in each of the directors’ individual biographies set forth above.

Our Board of Directors periodically reviews relationships that directors have with our Company to determine whether our directors are “independent directors” as such term is defined in Section 803 of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Eric Doan, Brad Yacullo and David Yacullo is an independent director. In making this determination, the Board of Directors considered the relationships that such individuals have with our Company and other facts and circumstances that the Board of Directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including ownership interests in us. Under Section 803A of the NYSE American Company Guide, employment by a director as an executive officer on an interim basis does not disqualify that director from being considered independent following such employment, provided the interim employment does not last longer than one year; however a director is not considered independent while serving as an interim officer. As a result, the Board of Directors has determined that Michael Pruitt is not independent while serving as interim Chief Executive Officer.

Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight

Damian Novak, one of our founders, served as Executive Chair of our Board of Directors from our December 2021 initial public offering until February 20, 2023. Effective February 20, 2023, our Board of Directors appointed Michael Pruitt to serve as Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors. At the time, we believed that having a chair separate from the Chief Executive Officer created an environment that is more conducive to objective evaluation and oversight of management’s performance, increasing management accountability and improving the ability of the Board to monitor whether management’s actions are in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders. On July 19, 2023, the Board of Directors appointed Michael Pruitt to serve as our interim Chief Executive Officer following the termination of employment of our prior Chief Executive Officer. Given the current streamlined composition of the Company’s executive management and the Board of Directors, we believe that having Mr. Pruitt serve in such capacities provides for efficiency in pursuing the Company’s objectives, while being subject to oversight by the full Board of Directors, which monitors whether management’s actions are in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.

Board Committees

 Our Board of Directors has a standing audit committee, compensation committee nominating and corporate governance committee. Each committee operates under its own written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, which are available on our website at ir.freshvinewine.com/info/.

Audit Committee

 The audit committee is responsible for overseeing financial reporting and related internal controls, risk, and ethics and compliance, including but not limited to review of filings and earnings releases, selection and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm, oversight of internal audit, interactions with management and the board, and communications with external stakeholders. During 2023, our audit committee was composed of Eric Doan and Michael D. Pruitt, with Mr. Doan serving as Chair of the committee. Upon his appointment as interim Chief Executive Officer in July 2023, Mr. Pruitt ceased serving on the audit committee and was replaced by David Yacullo. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Doan and David Yacullo meet the definition of “independent director” under the rules of the NYSE American and under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and that each is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.

Compensation Committee

The compensation committee is responsible for establishing the compensation philosophy and ensuring that elements of our compensation program encourage high levels of performance among the executive officers and positions the Company for growth. The compensation committee ensures our compensation program is fair, competitive, and closely aligns the interests of our executive officers with the Company’s short and long-term business objectives. The compensation committee is responsible for determining the compensation of our officers and directors, or recommending that such compensation be approved by the full board of directors. Our Chief Executive Officer may not be present during voting or deliberations regarding the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation. The compensation committee also administers the Company’s equity incentive plans and approves all equity grants made thereunder. Our compensation committee is composed of one director, Eric Doan, who is an “independent director” under the rules of the NYSE American. 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the year ended December 31, 2023, Mr. Doan served as the sole member of the compensation committee. Mr. Doan has never been an executive officer or employee of ours or had a relationship requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. None of our officers currently serves, or has served during the last completed year, on the compensation committee or the board of directors of any other entity that has one or more officers serving as a member of our board of directors or our compensation committee.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for selecting directors to be nominated for election to our Board of Directors or recommending such nominees for selection by the full board. The nominating and corporate governance committee is also responsible for board effectiveness and governance, with duties that include board succession planning, director recruiting, shaping the Company’s governance policies and practices, and director education and self-evaluations. Our nominating and corporate governance committee is composed of one director, Eric Doan.

Board Oversight of Risk Management

While the full board of directors has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, its committees oversee risk in certain specified areas. In particular, our audit committee oversees management of enterprise risks as well as financial risks. Our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements and the incentives created by the compensation awards it administers. Our nominating and corporate governance committee oversees risks associated with corporate governance, business conduct and ethics, and is responsible for overseeing the review and approval of related party transactions. Pursuant to the board of directors’ instruction, management reports on applicable risks to the relevant committee or the full board of directors, as appropriate, with additional review or reporting on risks conducted as needed or as requested by the board of directors and its committees.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of conduct that applies to all of our officers, employees and directors, and a separate code of ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers. Our code of conduct and code of ethics are available on our Internet website at ir.freshvinewine.com/info/.

Diversity

The Nominating Committee and Governance of the Board of Directors considers and makes recommendations to the Board on all matters pertaining to the effectiveness of the Board, such as the size and composition of the Board, including the recognition of diversity characteristics and equal opportunity (which is the policy of treating directors and others without discrimination, especially on the basis of their sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or identification, veteran status, race or age).

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file electronically reports of ownership and changes in ownership of such securities with the SEC. Based on review of the copies of Forms 3 and 4 (and amendments thereto, if any) filed electronically with the SEC during the year ended December 31, 2023 and Forms 5 (and amendments thereto, if any) filed electronically with the SEC with respect to such year, or written representations that no Forms 5 were required, we believe that the following is the list of our officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners who have failed to file on a timely basis all Section 16(a) filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023: Eric Doan filed a Form 4 on April 5, 2023 which was due on April 4, 2023; CSS LLC/IL filed a Form 4 on April 21, 2023 which was due on April 20, 2023; Dheri Hitesh filed a Form 4 on May 31, 2023 which was due on May 29, 2023; CSS LLC/IL filed a Form 4 on September 1, 2023 which was due on August 31, 2023.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

This section provides an overview of the compensation of (i) each individual who served as Fresh Vine’s principal executive officer during 2023, (ii) Fresh Vine’s two most highly compensated other executive officers who were serving as executive officers at the end of 2023 and who received total compensation of more than $100,000 during such year, and (iii) up to two additional individuals that would have qualified under clause (ii) above but for the fact that they were not serving as executive officers at the end of 2023. These individuals are referred to as Fresh Vine’s “named executive officers.” Fresh Vine’s named executive officers are:

Mr. Pruitt currently serves as of Interim Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since July19, 2023. Mr. Nechio served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from June 13, 2022 until April 25, 2023, and continues to work for Fresh Vine as President and Head of Sales. Mr. Cockroft served as Fresh Vine’s Chief Executive Officer from April 25, 2023 until July 14, 2023.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers in respect of their service to us during fiscal years 2023 and 2022.

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

Michael Pruitt has served as a director of Fresh Vine since it December 2021 initial public offering. On July 19, 2023, Mr. Pruitt was appointed to serve as Fresh Vine’s Interim Chief Financial Officer, a position he holds without any written agreement and without compensation.

Rick Nechio has served as President of Fresh Vine since August 2021 and served as interim Chief Executive Officer from June 13, 2022 until April 25, 2023. Mr. Nechio currently serves as President and Head of Sales. Mr. Nechio was employed by us during 2023 and 2022 pursuant to an unwritten employment arrangement pursuant to which he received a base salary, which is subject to adjustment, from time to time, at the discretion of Fresh Vine’s board of directors. Upon our initial public offering in December of 2021, Mr. Nechio began receiving an annual base salary of $300,000. Effective October 15, 2022, Mr. Nechio’s annual base salary was reduced to $150,000. Mr. Nechio did not receive bonus payments for 2023 or 2022.

Effective April 25, 2023, Roger Cockroft was appointed to serve as Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Vine, a position he held until the termination of his employment on July 14, 2023. Mr. Cockroft’s employment was governed by an employment agreement, the terms of which are described below.

Employment Agreements

Roger Cockroft Employment Agreement

In connection with the Chief Executive Officer appointment, Fresh Vine entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Cockroft dated April 25, 2023. Under the employment agreement, which was for an indefinite term, Mr. Cockroft was entitled to receive annual base salary of $450,000 and was eligible to receive an annual cash bonus commencing in 2024 (the “Bonus”), the target amount of which will be equal to 50% of his base salary. The amount of the actual Bonus payable for each year was to be determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors (or a compensation committee thereof) based on the satisfaction of performance objectives to be determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors (or a compensation committee thereof). Achievement of performance objectives for each year was to be determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors (or compensation committee thereof) upon the filing of Fresh Vine’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the applicable performance year (the “Vesting Date”); and the Bonus, if earned, was to be paid in a lump sum promptly following such determination, provided that Mr. Cockcroft remained employed by Fresh Vine on such date. The Bonus was payable in a combination of cash and shares of common stock issued out of Fresh Vine’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) valued at the closing price of Fresh Vine’s common stock on the Vesting Date. Unless agreed otherwise, the cash portion of the Bonus was to be the minimum amount of income withholding taxes resulting from payment of the entire Bonus. To the extent that there were not sufficient available shares reserved for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan (or successor plans) to support Bonus payments otherwise payable in stock, Fresh Vine was to pay such Bonus payments in cash. Mr. Cockroft was also eligible to receive additional discretionary bonuses based upon his performance on behalf of Fresh Vine and/or Fresh Vine’s performance in such amounts, in such manner and at such times as may be determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors or a committee thereof, and was eligible to participate in the standard benefits which Fresh Vine generally provides to its full-time employees under its applicable plans and policies.

During the first 12 months of his employment term, 50% of Mr. Cockroft’s salary, or $225,000, was to be paid in cash installments in accordance with regular payroll practices. In lieu of cash salary in the amount of the remaining $225,000, Fresh Vine granted Mr. Cockroft an inducement award of 463,917 shares of restricted stock (the “Restricted Stock”) upon the commencement of his employment. The Restricted Stock award was subject to transfer and forfeiture restrictions that were scheduled to lapse in four installments as nearly equal in amount as possible on the three, six, nine and twelve month anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued employment.

Also upon commencement of his employment, Mr. Cockroft was granted (i) a 1,000,000 share stock option award (the “Stock Option”), and (ii) a restricted stock unit award (“RSUs”). The Stock Option had an exercise price equal to $1.00 per share and, subject to continued employment, was scheduled to vest with respect to 250,000 shares on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and, thereafter, was scheduled to vest in 36 monthly installments as nearly equal in amount as possible (approximately 20,883 shares) commencing on the 13th month anniversary of the grant date and continuing on each one month anniversary thereafter. The RSUs had a target payout amount equal to $154,726, which represents 50% of Mr. Cockroft’s salary (i.e., $225,000), but prorated for the partial 2023 year during which he was employed. The amount of the RSU award actually payable was to be determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors (or a compensation committee thereof) in its discretion based on Mr. Cockroft’s satisfaction of 2023 performance objectives that were to be determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors (or a compensation committee thereof). The RSUs were to be settled in shares of Fresh Vine common stock valued at the most recent closing price of such common stock on the payment date.

The grants of the Restricted Stock award, the Stock Option and the RSUs were made separately from Fresh Vine’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”) as inducements material to Mr. Cockroft entering into employment with Fresh Vine in accordance with Section 711(a) of the NYSE American LLC Company Guide, and each was approved by Fresh Vine’s independent compensation committee. Although granted separately from the Equity Incentive Plan, the Restricted Stock grant, the Stock Option and the Restricted Stock Units were subject to the terms contained in the Equity Incentive Plan, except as otherwise provided for in the agreements governing such awards (the “Restricted Stock Agreement,” Stock Option Agreement,” and “RSU Agreement,” respectively).

Under his employment agreement, if Mr. Cockroft’s employment were terminated by Fresh Vine for any reason other than Cause (as defined in the employment agreement), or Mr. Cockroft resigned as an employee for Good Reason (as defined in the employment agreement), so long as he signed and did not revoke a release agreement, he was entitled to receive severance in the form of continued base salary over a period of six months. In addition, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the employment agreement), the vesting of all outstanding unvested equity-based incentive awards would accelerate. The employment agreement included a provision allowing Fresh Vine to reduce the payment to which Mr. Cockroft would be entitled upon a Change-in-Control transaction to the extent needed for him to avoid paying an excise tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 280G, unless he would be better off, on an after-tax basis, receiving the full amount of such payments and paying the excise taxes due.

Mr. Cockroft’s employment agreement contained customary confidentiality and intellectual property covenants and a non-solicitation restriction that provided, among other things, that Mr. Cockroft will not solicit our employees, consultants, customers, suppliers or other business relations for a period of one year after termination of employment.

Mr. Cockroft’s employment with Fresh Vine terminated on July 14, 2023.

Fresh Vine Wine, Inc. 2021 Equity Incentive Plan

Fresh Vine has adopted a 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”). The 2021 Plan authorizes the granting of stock-based awards to purchase up to 1,800,000 shares of Fresh Vine common stock. Under the 2021 Plan, the Fresh Vine board of directors or a committee of one or more non-employee directors designated by Fresh Vine’s board of directors administers the 2021 Plan and will have the power to make awards, to determine when and to whom awards will be granted, the form of each award, the amount of each award, and any other terms or conditions of each award consistent with the terms of the 2021 Plan. Awards may be made to Fresh Vine’s employees, directors and consultants. The types of awards that may be granted under the 2021 Plan include incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted and unrestricted stock, restricted and unrestricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance units and other stock-based awards. Each award agreement will specify the number and type of award, together with any other terms and conditions as determined by the Fresh Vine board of directors or committee in their sole discretion.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

The following table sets forth certain information regarding outstanding equity awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2023:

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Prior to our December 2021 initial public offering, Fresh Vine’s directors did not receive compensation for serving as members of the board of directors. Effective March 2, 2022, Fresh Vine granted 10,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under its 2021 Equity Incentive Plan to each of Fresh Vine’s seven directors serving at such time as compensation for their services as directors of Fresh Vine during 2022. Each RSU represented the right to receive one share of Fresh Vine common stock upon vesting, with vesting occurring on June 18, 2022. The Fresh Vine board of directors (or a compensation committee thereof) periodically reevaluates the form and amount of director compensation and make adjustments that it deems to be appropriate. Fresh Vine also reimburses its directors for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of the directors’ services upon submission of invoices and receipts for such expenses.

Fresh Vine adopted a new director compensation program commencing in 2023. Under this program, Fresh Vine pays quarterly cash compensation of $5,000 to each non-employee member of the Fresh Vine board of directors, which is paid in quarterly installments in arrears on the last day of each calendar quarter (or, if not a business day, then the next business day), prorated for partial quarterly periods as appropriate (the “Director Fees”). In addition, on April 1, 2023 (or as soon as was administratively possible thereafter), each non-employee member of Fresh Vine’s board of directors received a grant of 20,000 shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock vested with respect to 5,000 shares on the grant date, and will vests with respect to 5,000 shares on each of July 1, 2023, October 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, subject to the directors’ continuing to serve as a director through the applicable vesting date.

Director Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned for service on our board of directors by our non-employee directors during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

We maintain Fresh Vine Wine, Inc.’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2021 Plan”), which, as of December 31, 2023 is approved to grant up to an aggregate of 1,800,000 shares of our common stock. The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to increase stockholder value and to advance the interests of the Company by furnishing a variety of economic incentives designed to attract, retain and motivate employees, certain key consultants and directors of the Company. Incentives may consist of opportunities to purchase or receive shares of our common stock or other incentive awards. At December 31, 2023, 69,892 shares were reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding options, and 1,730,108 shares remained available for issuance pursuant to future grants. The 2021 Plan was approved by Fresh Vine Wine, Inc.’s stockholders.

Effective November 30, 2021, we entered into stock option agreements (the “Founders’ Option Agreements”) with four of our co-founders, Damian Novak, Rick Nechio, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough. In connection with these agreements, we established a founders’ option pool comprised of 1,500,004 shares of our common stock (the “Founders’ Option Pool”). Under the agreements, each co-founder was granted a ten-year option to purchase 25% of the shares comprising the Founders’ Option Pool. The options will be exercisable, subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, at a price per share equal to $10.00, which was the initial public offering price of our common stock in our initial public offering. Effective February 20, 2023, Damian Novak resigned as Executive Chairman of the Company and removed himself from his management duties with the Company. Upon his resignation as a director of the Company, the 375,001 share option granted to Mr. Novak pursuant to his Founder Option Agreement, none of which was vested, terminated. Upon the termination of their respective license agreements with the Company, the 375,001 share option granted to each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough pursuant to her Founder Option Agreement, none of which was vested, terminated.

The following table sets forth certain information as of December 31, 2023 with respect to the 2021 Plan and the Founders’ Option Agreements.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 8, 2024 for (a) each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock, (b) each member of our board of directors, (c) each of our “named executive officers,” as identified in the summary compensation table included in Item 11 – Executive Compensation under the caption “Summary Compensation Table,” and (d) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. The information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. In general, under these rules a beneficial owner of a security includes any person who, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if that person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of such security within 60 days. To our knowledge, except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all common stock beneficially owned by that person.

The percentage of beneficial ownership shown in the table is based on 15,976,227 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 8, 2024.

Except as otherwise noted below, the address for each person or entity listed in the table is c/o Fresh Vine Wine, Inc., P.O. Box 78984, Charlotte, NC 28271.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Related Party Transactions Policy

We have adopted a policy with respect to the review, approval and ratification of related party transactions. Under the policy, our audit committee is responsible for reviewing and approving related party transactions. In the course of its review and approval of related party transactions, our audit committee will consider the relevant facts and circumstances to decide whether to approve such transactions.

Transactions with Related Persons

In addition to the compensation arrangements discussed in Item 11 (“Executive Compensation”), the following is a description of each transaction since January 1, 2023 and each currently proposed transaction in which:

License Agreements with Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough

In March 2021, we entered into five-year license agreements with each of Nina Dobrev and Jaybird Investments, LLC, an entity managed by Julianne Hough, which were amended in November 2021 in connection with our initial public offering (as so amended, the “License Agreements”), pursuant to which Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough, respectively, each agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to help grow and promote our business and varietals of wine and granted us a license to use her pre-approved name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity, as well as certain content published by her on her social media or other channels, on and in conjunction with the sale and related pre-approved advertising and promotion of our varietals of wine and marketing materials. Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough agreed not to grant any similar license or render services of any sort on behalf of or in connection with any party in the wine category anywhere in the world during the term of her agreement, other than with respect to Company; however, the agreements did not prevent Ms. Dobrev or Ms. Hough from (i) appearing in the news, entertainment or information portion of any program or event, regardless of those programs or event’s sponsorship or tie-ins; or (ii) becoming a passive investor in any other company provided that if the company is in the category of wine, such investment must be financial only and Ms. Dobrev or Ms. Hough, as applicable, may not provide services or grant any rights in or to her name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity in connection with such investment.

Upon entering into the License Agreements, we issued to each of Ms. Dobrev and Hough (or their designees) 156,500 units representing membership interests in Fresh Grapes, LLC, which represented 969,272 shares each on a post-LLC Conversion basis. In addition, each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough were entitled to an annual license fee equal to $300,000 per year commencing upon the completion of our initial public offering, and to reimburse of reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with the promotion of the Company’s varietals of wine.

The License Agreements, as amended, provided that each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough have the right to terminate her agreement if, as of the end of calendar year 2023, we have not achieved at least $5.0 million in EBITDA in either fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2023. In connection with entering into the November 2021 amendments, Nechio & Novak, LLC then a Company stockholder) assigned and transferred to each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough (or their designees) 20,702 additional units representing membership interests in Fresh Grapes, LLC, which represented 128,217 shares each on a post-LLC Conversion basis. Pursuant to the amendments, we agreed to indemnify and reimburse the licensees for any United States federal and state income taxes that may become be due and payable by them solely as a result of the assignment and transfer of the additional units, and to gross-up such payments for income taxes resulting from the indemnification payments.

The License Agreements, as amended, provided that each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough have the right to terminate her agreement if, as of the end of calendar year 2023, we have not achieved at least $5.0 million in EBITDA in either fiscal 2022 or fiscal 2023. In addition, Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough had the right to terminate their respective License Agreements prior to the scheduled expiration date upon a material breach by Fresh Vine that is not cured within 30 days after receiving notice of such breach. On August 8, 2023, Fresh Vine received written letters from each of Ms. Dobrev and Jaybird Investments, LLC, notifying Fresh Vine that they were terminating the License Agreements prior to the scheduled expiration dates, effective September 7, 2023 (the “Termination Date”). Pursuant to the License Agreements, upon termination of thereof, the rights and licenses granted under thereunder were revoked, and Fresh Vine was required to cease the marketing and sale of products that feature the licensor’s name, likeness, image, and other indicia of identity, provided that Fresh Vine could continue to use approved marketing materials and sell off the remaining product inventory for a sell-off period of up to 90 days.

Founders’ Option Agreements

Effective November 30, 2021, we entered into stock option agreements with four of our co-founders, Damian Novak, Rick Nechio, Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough. In connection with these agreements, we have established a founders’ option pool comprised of 1,500,004 shares of our common stock, which will represent 15% of our outstanding common stock immediately prior to our initial public offering (the “Founders’ Option Pool”). Under the agreements, each co-founder was granted a ten-year option to purchase 25% of the shares comprising the Founders’ Option Pool.

The options are exercisable, subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions, at a price per share equal to $10.00 (our initial public offering price). The options will vest, if at all, during the three year period that commenced on December 17, 2021 (the closing date of our initial public offering) and ending on the third anniversary thereof (the “Performance Period”), with 20% of the option shares vesting upon the average of the closing sale prices of our common stock over a period of ten consecutive trading days being equal to or greater than the applicable price set forth in the following schedule (each a “Trigger Price”):

All portions of the options that have not vested prior to the expiration of the Performance Period and all of co-founders’ rights to and under such non-vested portions of the options will terminate upon such expiration. In addition, if, prior to any vesting date, a co-founder ceases to provide services to the Company either as a member of our Board of Directors a Company employee (with respect to Messrs. Novak and Nechio) or a Company ambassador and licensor under such co-founder’s license agreement with the Company (with respect to Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough), that portion of such co-founder’s option scheduled to vest on such vesting date, and all portions of such option scheduled to vest in the future, will not vest and all of such co-founder’s rights to and under such non-vested portions will terminate. Upon his resignation as a director of the Company, the 375,001 share option granted to Mr. Novak pursuant to his Founder Option Agreement, none of which was vested, terminated. Upon the termination of their respective license agreements with the Company, the 375,001 share option granted to each of Ms. Dobrev and Ms. Hough pursuant to her Founder Option Agreement, none of which was vested, terminated.

Director and Officer Indemnification Agreements

We have entered into indemnification agreements (the “Indemnification Agreements”) with each of our current and former officers and directors. The Indemnification Agreements clarify and supplement indemnification provisions already contained in the Company’s bylaws (the “Bylaws”) and generally provide that the Company shall indemnify the indemnitees to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, subject to certain exceptions, against expenses, judgments, fines and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with their service as a director or officer and also provide for rights to advancement of expenses and contribution.

Founder Anderson Consulting-related Forfeitures

In conjunction with entering into a Settlement Agreement with Janelle Anderson in February 2023, Rick Nechio and Damian Novak, two of the Company’s founders, entered into Agreements to Forfeit Shares of Common Stock (the “Forfeiture Agreements”) pursuant to which each agreed to forfeit and transfer back to the Company without consideration 250,000 shares of common stock of the Company held by them (a total of 500,000 shares), to enable the Company to issue such number of shares of the Company’s common stock to Ms. Anderson without subjecting the Company’s other stockholders to dilution therefrom.

Consulting Agreement with Whetstone Consulting

Effective February 20, 2023, the Company’s board of directors elected Michelle Hawkins Whetstone as a director of the Company. Ms. Whetstone is the spouse of Jamey Whetstone, the Company’s winemaker. On June 12, 2019, we entered into a consulting agreement with Whetstone Consulting, through which our winemaker, Jamey Whetstone, does business, which agreement was subsequently amended on May 15, 2020, as amended and restated on March 16, 2021 and further amended and restated on April 13, 2022 (the “Whetstone Consulting Agreement”). The Whetstone Consulting Agreement was terminated in May 2023 upon the commencement of Mr. Whetstone’s employment with the Company. Ms. Whetstone resigned as a director of the Company on July 17, 2023.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The following table represents aggregate fees billed to us for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, by Wipfli LLP, independent registered public accountants, our principal accountants.

Audit committee pre-approval policy and procedures

Pursuant to the audit committee charter, the audit committee reviews and approves, the scope and plans for the audits and the audit engagement fees and terms and approves in advance, all audit and non-audit and tax services to be performed by the independent auditor that are not otherwise prohibited by law or regulations and any associated fees. Following the adoption of the pre-approval policy, the audit committee has pre-approved all services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

The following exhibits and financial statements are filed as part of, or are incorporated by reference into, this report:

(1) Financial Statements

The following financial statements are filed with this Annual Report and can be found beginning at page F-1 of this report:

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

Separate financial schedules have been omitted because such information is inapplicable or is included in the financial statements or notes described above.

(3) Exhibits

See “Exhibit Index” following the signature page of this Form 10-K for a description of the documents that are filed as Exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY.

Not applicable.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: March 8, 2024

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Michael Pruitt and Keith Johnson, and each of them, as his or her true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstituting, for such individual in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or the individual’s substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

EXHIBIT INDEX

FRESH VINE WINE, INC.

FORM 10-K

The audited financial statements for the periods ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are included on the following pages:

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm