Wine and Design Announces Opening of Seventh Studio Franchise Location in Charlotte

Sept. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- CHARLOTTE, NC – Building on its current success and popularity, Wine and Design is proud to announce the opening of its seventh franchise location in Charlotte.  Co-owned by Heather Barbour and Sarah Grant, the studio will operate from 10:00am to 10:00pm seven days a week at 1419 East Boulevard, Suite J in Charlotte.  The studio’s Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday, October 8th from 6:00-8:30pm.  

With a population over 730,000, Charlotte is the largest metropolitan area in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States.  Nicknamed the “Queen City”, the area is rich in its cultural offerings.  Visitors can choose from opera, art, ballet, theatre, architecture, and more.  Because of the city’s embrace for the arts, Barbour knew that Charlotte would be an ideal location for a Wine and Design studio.  

“Both Sarah and I went to a few classes at the Raleigh location, planned some parties there, and loved the concept,” says Barbour.  “We both have always wanted to open our own business and when we found out Wine and Design was starting to offer franchises, we knew it would be a perfect fit for us. We both are creative and love interacting with people. Sarah has a background in art and my background is in marketing and events so we thought this would make for a well-balanced partnership.  We’re very excited to be offering Charlotte another creative outlet and can’t wait to introduce the wine and painting party concept to the community.”

Wine and Design first opened its doors in Raleigh in April 2010 as the dream of longtime friends and business partners Emmy Preiss and Harriet Mills.  The wine/painting party concept was a first in the Triangle and has proven so popular, that—in addition to Charlotte—Preiss and Mills have franchises operating in Wilmington, Wilson, Jamestown, Cary, Wake Forest, and Asheville.  Like the other studios, Wine and Design Charlotte will offer two-hour painting classes starting at $35 per person.  

Wine and Design provides the canvas, aprons, paints, paintbrushes, cups, and corkscrew and attendees provide a beverage of his or her choosing.  First-time painters, aspiring artists, or self-proclaimed pro’s browse the studio’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 “memories and a masterpiece” in two hours.    

“Our goal for Wine and Design Charlotte is to provide an unforgettable evening filled with friends, fun, and fabulous art,” says Grant.  “We want people to experience the joy and fun of art on various levels, so in addition to canvas painting, we’ll be working with local artists to offer pottery and jewelry making in the future.”

Wine and Design Charlotte is also planning to  offer children’s classes and summer day camps, as well as hosting bridal showers, engagement parties, birthday parties, and corporate team building events.  The studio will be providing several paintings with a regional influence including well-known park views and the Charlotte skyline.  Barbour and Grant said they will also offer “off-site” services should a client want a painting party at a specific location.  To view available paintings and to register online, visit www.wineanddesignnc.com/charlotte/calendar.  For additional information, call (704) 951-5916.

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