By Simone Dweck
A night of wine and painting is a stellar idea for night activity that isn’t at the forefront of most minds. Still, it’s a creative and artistic spin on your average date night, night out with friends, birthday celebration, or bachelorette party. What you’ll find below is the best spots for wine and painting in New Jersey running from party-like and lively to easygoing and relaxed.
The Canvas and Grapes Experience, Edison, NJ
Voted “Best in New Jersey” by The Nome News Tribune and www.nj.com and filled with entertainment, The Canvas and Grapes Experience is not your typical paint-and-sip. It is a place for socializing, dancing to upbeat music, a light show, and laid-back painting. Tickets for scheduled events start at $35 with the option of choosing from guided classes or freelance sessions. They even have karaoke available for private events.
Wine And Design, Multiple Locations
With a successful showing in Shark Tank and six locations later, Wine and Design is one of the country’s fastest-growing wine and paint places. Their locations include Princeton, Hillsborough, Milltown, Rahway, Hoboken, and Monroe. This space is great for children and families for private parties and bachelorette parties if liquor is involved. Guests are encouraged to bring drinks and snacks.
Pinot’s Palette, Multiple Locations
Pinot’s Palette offers professional art instruction while having a fun and relaxing feel. There are over 15 locations in New Jersey such as Brick, Cherry Hill, East Brunswick, Edgewater, Manalapan, Montclair, Morristown, Nutley, Princeton, Red Bank, Ridgewood, Somerville, South Plainfield, Summit, Wall Township, and Wayne. All art and drink supplies are included with the visit, including wine glasses, ice buckets, napkins, and corkscrews, and all you have to do is bring the drinks.
Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations, Asbury Park, NJ
Uncorked Wine Inspired Creations is located on the vibrant and happening Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. Sessions are guided by artists who help participants create masterpieces step by step, making them suitable for all levels, including absolute beginners. They also offer birthday parties and events for kids of all ages to learn to paint. Make sure to bring your own drinks and snacks. And lastly, check out their website which contains their calendar updated in real-time, to see how many seats are available so that you can jump into a class for $38 to $42 per guest!
Something fun about Paint Fun Studio is that they offer art lessons that cover various media and styles, including pencil sketching, pastels, watercolor, acrylic painting, and more, rather than strictly acrylic paint. As much as the studio’s milieu is supportive and casual, artists can expand on their skills and be guided to making a piece they’re proud of in a place that nurtures their creativity. They have art lessons and art camps, and for adults, there’s a private party option, but make sure to bring napkins, plates, cups, utensils, and anything else you may need. They provide all art and drink supplies, and guests get 21-ounce wine glasses will be provided to paint or their choice of a coffee mug or teacup, as well as an artist to provide step-by-step instructions.
ArteVino Studio, Multiple Locations
ArteVino Studio’s locations include Hoboken, Cranford, Millburn, Montclair, Metuchen, and Freehold. They strive to provide a welcoming environment for all ages and artistic backgrounds. Their studios feature minimalistic army-green walls, and you’ll find different paintings hung up on shelves as inspiration. Like the other studios, you bring the refreshments and they handle the art supplies.
Artist People, East Brunswick, NJ
This colorful and light studio aims to be a stress-relieving outlet, and a place to unwind, fostering self-expression and creativity. Individuality is encouraged at Artist People so that artists and nonartists can walk away with something they’re proud of. While it’s always safer to pre-register, walk-ins are welcome!
Artwork Sip Paint + Craft Studio, Little Falls, NJ
Artwork Sip Paint + Craft Studio specializes in paint and sip sessions where guests can bring beverages to enjoy while they create art. As with the other studios, all the necessary art materials are provided. It’s easy to book and there’s usually plenty of parking spots. The walls are decorated with paintings from previous classes, and the music playing throughout the class allows guests to settle in for the night. The studio also offers a variety of other art-related activities, including ceramic painting and candle making.
Painting with a Twist, Multiple Locations
With over 230 studios in 39 states, Painting with a Twist is the largest company in the paint-and-sip industry. It has been consistently ranked No. 1 in its category by Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. Their New Jersey Locations are in Towaco and Mt Laurel Township. They offer multiple events for guests such as in-studio painting sessions, private parties, and DIY experiences. There are even take-home paint kits for sale. Their primary audience is adults, with their focus on the experience of the night rather than the artwork.
The Paint Party Studio, Flemington, NJ
With classes for all ages, The Paint Party Studio offers a vibrant and engaging environment for creative expression. The studio also encourages private events and has a range of activities, including canvas painting, DIY wood projects, and themed workshops like “Paint Your Pet” and “Silk Scarf Painting.” Frequent community events and fundraisers are held, which aim to connect with local schools and sports teams. They also offer corporate team-building activities and holiday workshops. Make sure to bring snacks and drinks, and learn seemingly simple steps to make a complex-looking painting from talented instructors.
