Perfect pair get grand uncorking

A NEW social phenomenon has landed at Hargreaves Mall.

Pinot and Picasso Bendigo officially opened last Friday night with a special VIP night and the first public session on Saturday.

The experience involves getting together with friends, family or workmates and painting while sharing a bottle of wine.

Bendigo studio owner Rebecca Auld said the response from the public was strong before they had even opened with sessions quickly booking out.

“More Saturday day sessions were released as a result of community feedback and the already released sessions being booked out so quickly,” she said.

“The Bendigo community has embraced the concept without ever stepping foot inside our studio, and we will always remember that.”

Paint and sip events are one of the newest crazes to sweep the nation and Bendigo is Pinot and Picasso Australia’s 50th studio to open.

Sessions run for three hours with a professional artist guiding the group with basic step-by-step instructions to create an artwork to take home.

Ms Auld said the events are focused on having fun, with guests invited to bring in their own alcohol, sing along to old school pop hits while “unleashing their inner-creative.”

“There is nothing like sitting with friends, enjoying your favourite beverage, mine being a good pinot, chardy or bubbles, all while painting, laughing and having the time of your life,” she said.

“And you get to take home your very own masterpiece; mine being Kooka from In the Old Gumtree, which will take centre stage soon in the Bendigo studio, reminding everyone where it all began.”