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Best Paint And Sip In The Bay Area

Monet's "Bridge" (credit: Randy Yagi)

The paint-and-sip industry has grown rapidly in recent years with lively events found all over the Bay Area from the California Wine Country down to Morgan Hill and Santa Cruz. For a fee that averages $45, class participants are furnished with art supplies and professional instruction from a local artist, with an option to purchase food and wine. Events such as birthday parties, ladies' night out and corporate team building teach how to paint colorful works of art, with many classes inspired by famous artists like Van Gogh and Monet. If you are interested in getting in on the fun, here is a look at five of the best paint-and-sip businesses in the Bay Area.

ArtSocial
Lower Pacific Heights
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 317-1273
www.artsocial.com

ArtSocial offers several events at multiple locations throughout the Bay Area each month, including Berkeley, Palo Alto, Santa Cruz and at The Republic in San Francisco. Each class with themes such as "Monet's Bridge" and "Van Gogh's Starry Night" lasts three hours and is led by local professional artists such as Niel Caldwell, Kathryn Yost and Michael Rodman. Class sizes range between 20 and 70 participants and all painting supplies are furnished. Food and alcohol is not included and at some venues; guests may bring their own wine but they will be charged a corkage fee. Registration is $45 and the following month's calendar is released on the 20th day of the current month.

Van Gogh's "Bedroom in Arles" (Credit, Randy Yagi)

Canvas and Cabernet
1421 Locust St.
Walnut Creek, CA 94526
(925) 287-1614
www.canvascabernet.com

Voted Best DIY Workshop in the East Bay, Canvas and Cabernet is a locally owned business hosting several acrylic painting courses each month. Customers can choose from multiple art themes, such as "Cherry Blossom Exploration," "Painted Ladies" and "Starry Night." Class registration is generally $45 and includes all art supplies, aprons and three hours of instruction. Participants can purchase a variety of wines at $8 a glass, craft beer for $9 for a 22-ounce bottle or bring their own wine with a corkage fee of $20. The studio also hosts a quarterly Family Days class where parents can bring their children from ages seven years old and older. Canvas and Cabernet also offers gift cards and offsite corporate team building events.

Create Mix and Mingle
1888 S. Northfolk St.
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 434-2781
www.createmixandmingle.com

San Mateo's new premier paint studio is a great spot for birthday parties, team building events, date nights, kids' camp and other special events. Multiple evening classes are offered each month with titles like "White Poppy," "Vibrant Trees" and "Bridge on the Bay." The $45 registration fee includes all art supplies, an apron, two to three hours of classroom instruction and something not always offered at other businesses – a glass of wine, along with beer, champagne and prepackaged snacks for an additional fee. The Paint and Sip studio also offers Sunday morning paint and sip classes at $45 that include a mimosa, with an option to purchase other drinks. The studio also hosts advanced classes and a "Kids and Family Studio" for $35 with children under eight required to be accompanied by an adult.

Paint Nite
Bean and Bottle, The Lodge at Sonoma
1325 Broadway
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 935-6600
www.paintnite.com

Paint Nite holds multiple events all across the San Francisco Bay Area, including the fabulous Sonoma Wine Country. Past classes led by local artist Ashley Hart have been held at the Lodge at Sonoma and Sally Tomatoes in Rohnert Park. Classes at the Bean and Bottle typically last two hours and feature illy coffee and fine Napa and Sonoma wines. These can be accompanied with items from the wine/coffee bar's menu, including hot pressed panini, artisan cheese and charcuterie. All advertised classes are $45, include all art supplies and tend to sell out in advance.

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.


 

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