New Wine and Painting Party Business is a First for Raleigh

April 14, 2010 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, NC – “Uncorking Your Creativity” is the tagline for Raleigh’s newest business that promises patrons an “unforgettable evening filled with friends, fun, and fabulous art”.  The dream of longtime friends and business partners Emmy Preiss and Harriet Edwards Mills, Wine and Design has opened its studio doors at 231 Bickett Boulevard in Raleigh and is now accepting registrations.  

Wine and Design offers two-hour painting sessions.  At a cost of $35 per person, Wine and Design will provide the canvas, cover-up, paints, paintbrushes, and corkscrew.  First-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro’s browse the company’s website to find a painting they would like to replicate.  Paintings vary from koi to cubism and everything in between.  The session is led by a local artist that guides participants through a carefully orchestrated step-by-step process that promises a finished “masterpiece” at the end of the two-hour session.  The “painting/wine party” isn’t a new concept, but it is a first for Raleigh.

“We heard about this concept in January 2010, and it was love at first sight,” says Mills.  Mills says that her background is in sales and although she’s creative, she admits, “I can’t paint a lick…until Wine and Design came along.  Emmy’s the painter.”  

“Emmy [Preiss] and I knew we wanted to do something together and for us to be able to combine our two loves—wine and painting—is simply a dream come true,” continues Mills.  “The Raleigh area is such a dynamic and diverse place, we knew it would be the ideal location for our new business.”

Mills says that after she and Preiss did their research and spent many long days and nights preparing their business plan, it was time to seek financial backing.  Despite the economy, Mills and Preiss found a bank that believed in their concept and extended them the loan.  

Preiss says that when she and Mills were envisioning Wine and Design, they were approaching the concept as someone would look at palates or going to the gym.

“We really wanted to make Wine and Design an experience that makes people feel good and happy when they leave,” says Preiss.  “We want people to come in, leave their worries at the door, and just relax and have fun for two hours.  At the end of the evening, not only will people leave with some wonderful memories, but they’ll also take home a masterpiece that they created themselves.”

Wine and Design accepts general reservations, but also books private parties.  Bridal showers, baby showers, Bunco, and girls’ night out are just a few of their offerings, as well as a selection of events just for kids.  The company also hosts fundraisers, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause.

To find out more, you can visit Wine and Design at their upcoming Open House to be held on Thursday, April 29th from 6pm to 8pm or you can visit them on the web at www.wineanddesignnc.com  

Press Contact:
Louise Cottrell
FireBrand Marketing, Inc.
(919) 302-9010
louisec@firebrandmarketing.com