The perfect marriage of wine and art
After being struck by a terrible tragedy last year, you could say I was in a pretty deep funk for quite some time.
I lost my spouse of 13 years and subsequently lost all interest in most of the things I enjoyed, including wine.
Oh sure I still drank it and studied it for the purposes of my reviews. But my approach became somewhat mechanical — wine's pure and simple pleasures evaded me.
I also lost my appreciation for food and many other activities that once were so meaningful. Not many of these joys were the same without my partner to share them. It was as if I were sleepwalking.
The first time I felt something spark within me was about six months later, when I was invited to a “painting party” to celebrate a friend’s iconic birthday.
This wasn't the kind of gathering where you bribe your buddies with pizza and beer to help you freshen up a room.
This was a sophisticated, artsy affair where you sip wine while you create a potential masterpiece.
It was held at Wine & Art Piano Bar in Kelowna, where on weekend evenings you can “freestyle” paint or take part in one of the several instructed class offered during the week — all with servings of wine on the side.
The birthday painting party was held during one of the classes, the theme of which was abstract butterfly painting.
I went without a lot of expectations. But the moment I started slapping the glossy acrylic paint onto the pristine surface of my canvas, something within me awoke.
That tiny stirring of life didn’t last long beyond the doors of Wine & Art Piano Bar, but a seed had been planted.
Months later, I found myself in another class at Wine & Art Bar and walked away truly and completely hooked. The dining room in my home that saw no use in the past year, has been turned into a makeshift art studio. Most nights you'll find me in there experimenting with acrylic and watercolour paints, and sometimes inks, usually accompanied by a glass of wine.
My favourite place to shop now is the local art store. And I've forsaken Netflix in favour of YouTube tutorials on painting techniques.
I'm not very good at it. Most the of the stuff I create is more suitable for the trash bin than to display on a wall. But I'm loving it just the same.
The combination of wine and art is really a no brainer. People who have an admiration for wine, above and beyond its alcoholic properties, tend to have a creative side to them — or at least they appreciate it.
Bringing the two together as a social activity is trending at the moment. Wine & Art Bar and Pinot and Picasso are two locally-based establishments that offer regular classes in Kelowna in settings that include wine and food components.
Typically for a set price you get instruction, all painting supplies, including a canvas, one or two glasses of wine and a selection of appetizers.
Pinot and Picasso also offers “dine and paint” nights that include a three-course meal and live entertainment.
There's also the international Paint Nite franchise that dubs itself as a “global community” of creative thinkers.
A search by location shows a lot of cool painting class options at local hospitality venues, including at Summerhill Winery in Kelowna, Zero Mile Wine Bar in Penticton and Kaleden Community Hall, among others.
There are also private companies that will bring the painting party to you at a venue of your choice, including your home.
My best friend, who is a talented artist, and I do our own wine and painting parties.
We used to just gather around a bottle of wine and chat the night away, but now having this creative outlet has enriched the time we spend together as well as our friendship.
You should try it.
WINE NOTES
Ruby Blues Viognier 2016 The first wine I've had the opportunity to try from this vintage and it's a winner. Full of bright tropical fruit, nectarine, orange and white blossom aromas. The palate is juicy and fresh with signature Viognier fruit flavours, a hint of creaminess and a zesty finish. Price: $25 Score: 90 Winery Location: Naramata Bench Upper Bench Cabernet Franc 2014 Aromas of black cherry, plums, cedar, mint, cocoa, vanilla and Upper Bench Cabernet Franc 2014 black pepper. Good dark fruit concentration on the palate, savoury spice, chocolate and a fresh, long finish. Pair with Upper Bench King Cole blue cheese available on site. Price: $30.50 Score: 89 Winery Location: Penticton Julianna Hayes’ Grape Expectations runs weekly in The Okanagan Saturday. Reach her at bcvineliving@gmail.com.