Pinot's Palette studio opens in MetroWest

METROWEST — The “paint-and-sip” industry has been rapidly gaining popularity around the nation, and a studio recently opened in MetroWest where artists of any experience level can relax with a glass of wine and a paintbrush in hand. 

Pinot’s Palette has 137 studios nationwide, but Scott and Soozie Wisely opened the first West Orange-area location this July at 2603 S. Hiawassee Road.

At Pinot’s Palette, painters sign up for a two- or three-hour class based on the painting they would like to paint. They are given a blank canvas and all the supplies they need, and an instructor at the front of the room guides them through the painting, one step at a time. No prior painting experience is necessary.

“There’s so much creativity and so much fun that comes out of sitting down with a brush and creating strokes,” Scott Wisely said. 

Paintings vary from animals, to landscapes, to bottles of wine and more. There are many new paintings every month at Pinot’s Palette, but some of the most popular designs repeat on a monthly basis. 

But Pinot’s Palette offers something unique that isn’t seen at all public art studios: an in-house bar stocked with a unique selection of wines not commonly seen in Central Florida.

“Typically, it’s the girls’ night out,” Scott Wisely said. “They want to get away from the kids and the house and all that stuff. So I really wanted to find the wines that would appeal to a large audience.”

Craft beers, hard ciders and soft drinks are also available.

Pinot’s Palette is well-lit so everyone can see their paintings as they work. Instructors have microphones, and there is a high-quality sound system, so all of the painters can hear them clearly. And there are storage cubbies for purses, so that no paint is spilled on anything valuable.

After the class, painters have the option of purchasing a custom frame.

“I can frame a painting in 6.8 seconds flat — no kidding,” Scott Wisely said. “You come in, and you started with a blank canvas, and you walk out with a framed piece. And you go home, and you can put it right on the wall.”

Typical classes are intended for ages 16 and up, but family days are also frequent at Pinot’s Palette, so younger artists can create a masterpiece intended for their age level. Private events are also available, such as birthday parties and bachelorette parties. 

Soozie Wisely has a background in art and went to art school for a while.

“I’ve always loved to paint and draw since I was a little girl,” she said. “It’s in your blood — because my dad did it, too.”

She often encourages Scott to relax by making small paintings, even though he is not as experienced. Scott said Soozie brings out the artist in him. 

Last fall, Soozie and Scott Wisely got the idea to open a paint-and-sip studio in MetroWest. They had considered opening their own independent business, but owning a Pinot’s Palette franchise turned out to be a better option.

“We came across Pinot’s Palette and met the most fantastic people ever,” Scott Wisely said. “The owners and the staff are just really top-notch.”

The Wiselys signed their lease in February and started construction in June. July 10 was the official grand opening. 

“I get a little choked up when I think about it, because it’s like all the stress and all of the excitement and everything you go through, and now … this is our studio. It’s here,” Scott Wisely said.

The Wiselys volunteer as cat caretakers at the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, so the grand opening was a class from which all proceeds were donated to the Pet Alliance. 

Soon after, they started noticing a stray black cat outside behind the studio. They couldn’t resist offering him a treat here and there, and they gave him a name: Pinot.

“We always say the cats just find us,” Soozie Wisely said.

To view a calendar of upcoming classes at Pinot’s Palette in MetroWest, visit pinotspalette.com/orlandowest/classes.

Contact Catherine Sinclair at [email protected].

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Pinot’s Palette staff suggest arriving 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled class to get settled in.

• Classes are fully refundable up to 48 hours before the class. Within the 48-hour window, painters cannot be refunded but can reschedule a future class for no extra charge.

• You do not need to take any art supplies to the class. You may take your own snacks and appetizers, but outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed. 

• Classes typically cost $35 or $45, but it depends on the length of the class. Specialty classes are also available that range in price to meet any budget. 

• Check pinotspalette.com/orlandowest and facebook.com/pinotspaletteorlando for information about giveaways, specials and other news.