Wine and Design Celebrates One Year in Business with New Coastal Location and Three Franchises

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, NC – Wine and Design, Raleigh’s popular wine and painting venue, is celebrating its first year in business with a new location in Wilmington and three franchise locations.  The painting party concept has proven so successful, that franchise studios in Cary and Jamestown have opened—with a third location in Wilson coming soon.

Wine and Design is the dream of longtime friends and business partners Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills.  The studio opened its doors in April 2010 as the area’s first and only wine and painting party company.  At a cost starting at $35 per person, Wine and Design provides 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.  Sessions are led by local artists that guide participants through a carefully-orchestrated, step-by-step process that promises a finished “masterpiece” at the end of the two-hour session.  

Looking back at how far and fast the company has come, the first word that comes to Preiss’ mind is “wow”.  “When Harriet and I first heard about this concept back in January of last year, we couldn’t even begin to imagine how wildly popular this concept would be,” says Preiss.  “We knew we had a great idea, we had an affordable price point, and a good market, but we couldn’t predict just how successful we were going to be.  To be able to open up another location, as well as three franchises in just one year was beyond our expectations”

Mills says that she and Preiss spent many long days and nights preparing their business plan.  Despite the lackluster economy, the partners found a bank that believed in their concept and extended them the loan.  

“We really wanted to make Wine and Design an experience that makes people feel good and happy when they leave,” says Mills.  “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 also hosts fundraisers with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause.  Over the last year, the studio has raised money for the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, National MS Society, Susan G. Komen, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, InterAct’s Rock for Kids, StepUP Ministry, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the Society for the Prevention and Cruelty to Animals, Triangle Spokes Group, and Sound Pet Rescue.

Preiss says that one of the most rewarding things about Wine and Design is having the opportunity to raise money for so many worthwhile causes and organizations.  “We’re proud of our community outreach and will continue to do what we can in order to support those causes near and dear to us,” says Preiss.  “Both Harriet and I are drawn to organizations that support children and women, and we look forward to seeking out partnerships that allow us to use our company to make a positive difference in our community.”

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.  To find out more, visit www.wineanddesignnc.com  

About Wine and Design
Wine and Design provides “memories and a masterpiece” in just two hours.  Painting sessions are led by a local artist who provides step-by-step instructions to first-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro’s that result in an individualized work of art.  Wine and Design accepts general reservations, but also books private parties.  The company also hosts fundraisers, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to the cause.  For more information, call (919) 374-0667 or visit their website at www.wineanddesignnc.com.

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