The best paint and sip classes in Melbourne

We have Melinda Janiszewski to thank for bringing the paint and sip concept to Australia with her Champainting business. After taking a class in her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, back in 2009, she found it was "art therapy without being art therapy". And this was the reason she wanted to open a studio in Melbourne, when she moved here and realised there was a gaping hole in the market.

Champainting promises a classy, quality experience – some artists have been with the studio for more than seven years. They're dedicated to helping take care of the little things, like topping up your water and paints as you need, so you can focus on your painting experience (if you ask nicely, they'll even give you some expert artistic tips).

Since its inception ten years ago, the business has launched a range of experiences, including VIP sessions at Melbourne Zoo and Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, where you can paint the animals, tour the venues and enjoy refreshments. There are also sessions where you can paint your pet or best mate, and it's a wonderful idea for hens parties, team-building events and birthdays.

Champainting has two studios in South Melbourne. All events are BYO drinks and nibbles, with serving ware provided.

Located on Smith Street in Collingwood, Cork and Chroma just celebrated its fifth birthday in Melbourne. At these sessions, you can look forward to painting everything from disco balls to artwork based on your star sign. The team encourages guests to infuse their own personal expression into each piece, but also offer step-by-step guidance for those who want it. All drinks and nibbles are BYO, and glassware can be supplied for your beverages. An at-home kit is available for those who can't make it into the studio, and Cork and Chroma even sell art supplies if you're keen to keep the paint party going.

Situated right on trendy Toorak Road with an accessible tram stop on its doorstep, this brightly lit South Yarra studio is certainly enticing from the outside. It's all in the name here – you essentially get to enjoy some wine and (hopefully!) paint like Picasso. In addition to hosting general paint and sip classes, it makes for an ideal venue to hold birthday parties, hens parties and team-building events.

Pinot and Picasso is the largest paint and sip franchise in the Southern Hemisphere (there are 14 studios in Melbourne alone), and no prior experience or artistic talent is required to take part. Mood-boosting tunes are played (which makes for a chilled and relaxing atmosphere), while instructors demonstrate how to paint the chosen image – it's a setting that really does make you feel at ease. You can BYO snacks or gourmet grazing boxes can be pre-ordered. 

Seeking a new way to catch up with friends or family that's fun, yet still involves a touch of opulence? Head to Frida's in Camberwell for a paint and sip session, where the motto is: "It's not supposed to be fine art, it's fun art".

You’re sure to be impressed by the red carpet entry – a sign of the luxurious service you will receive – before you take a seat and get the creative juices flowing. The process is broken down step-by-step, with professional artists at the ready to help with anything you may need.

Frida’s Camberwell studio is decorated with chandeliers, luxe lounges and portraits of Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican painter and inspiration behind the studio name. There are a wide variety of paint and sip options available, including family classes, a special High Bubbles workshop, date nights, gender reveals and the famous Paint Your Mate and Paint Your Pets sessions.  

There’s a good chance you will leave Artbar feeling like a true artist. The Moorabbin-based warehouse-turned-studio is the work of Eddie Balic, who is a muralist, builder and entertainer. He is the one who will be leading you through the painting process, and curating the motivating playlist in the background. Artbar even has its own bar where you can hang out with your friends, take photos and order refreshments.

As well as holding events within the space (including birthdays, hens parties and team-building sessions), Artbar can come to your home or office, or provide you with an on-demand kit that is equipped with everything you need to host your very own paint and sip party.

Rae Easton, the founder of Bayside Paint and Sip in Beaumaris, believes that everyone has a creative side that can often get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. She also believes that sitting in a relaxed space can help people discover and express themselves in artistic ways. Have a crack at painting everything from a pink sunset to a toucan trio, just remember to have fun and tap into your creative side. BYO drinks and snacks.

Studio Inqu offers a range of community art classes, including paint and sip sessions and drawing courses. The paint and sip sessions run on the first Saturday of every month from 12.30-3.30pm. During the class you'll master basic skills like how to paint with acrylics, and learn all about famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Gustav Klimt. Studio Inqu provides all the materials, so just bring yourself, some friends, a bottle of wine and get excited to create your own special work of art. 

This creative hub – a 100-year-old former steel factory in the leafy suburb of Mont Albert – encompasses a workshop space, studio, art gallery, function venue and café. Here you can try your hand at painting everything from a Hokusai-inspired wave to Monet's water lilies, and you'll learn all about brushwork, textures and colour mixing. Your teacher will provide easy-to-understand instructions, and prepare to be surprised at the masterpiece you create. Food and drinks are BYO.

Draw and Drink run its classes out of Radium Bar in Hawthorn, a quirky establishment fit for a paint and sip sesh. The classes are led by professional artists so you’re sure to pick up some handy techniques and tips. And it's not just painting on offer, but also drawing, charcoal and watercolour workshops. This is also the only paint and sip business that includes a frame for you to take home with your completed work of art. Draw and Drink sessions are held every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm, and the cost of your ticket includes nibbles and a welcome drink – but you're welcome to order food and bring it in. While you’re there, feel free to stick around afterward to mingle, chat and enjoy $12 happy hour cocktails.

With locations in both Docklands and Mill Park, Brush by the Vines’ mission is to ensure you have a great experience – and the team is dedicated to making sure that the only finger you’ll lift is one to pick up your wine glass or paint brush, or both. Led by a professional artist, you will be given the outline of a painting with easy step-by-step instructions on how to complete it. You’re welcome to add your own personal flair by getting creative with colours, brushstrokes and other techniques.

Both studios are licensed venues with bars where you can buy food and drinks, including freshly shaken cocktails. All guests receive a complimentary drink upon arrival, otherwise it's BYO for food only.

You can feel confident that you will be learning from some very talented artists here, as Paint for Fun is a creative space that not only offers paint and sip classes, but also watercolour and clay sculpturing workshops. Our advice? Try the signature Paint in the Dark session for something different, where you can use fluoro colours under a UV light to really make your canvas pop. It's even safe to give your face a glow-up, as the paints are non-toxic on your skin.

Other popular classes include Painting Partners and Paint Your Dog, with instructors on hand to make sure you accurately capture all subject's unique features. You can BYO food and alcohol, or order a grazing box from hospitality partner Vesci.

Offering a boutique artistic experience, UpVibes Paint and Sip Studio in Elsternwick is run by an illustrator and former art curator. The studio space is adorned with Insta-worthy murals that make for a fun backdrop to take photos with your friends or family. Once you're ready to go simply relax, sing along to the music and nibble while you paint. The owners have created their own beautiful paintings (featuring Australiana themes or Picasso-inspired images), so you're sure to feel inspired. It's BYO drinks and snacks here, with serving ware provided.

The classes in this Ringwood studio are run by mother and daughter artist duo Lani and Zara, who will assist you in creating your masterpiece. Their pieces are inspired by nature, family life and culture, and Zara's work has even been exhibited at Melbourne Museum and various galleries across Australia.  Fear not if you are a beginner, as you'll be taught techniques like how to paint in layers and how to illustrate different plants and flowers. It's BYO food, drinks and serving ware here, but there are plenty of local eateries nearby if you need to stock up beforehand.

Whiteroom Studio is located in Highett, and the teachers at this establishment are dedicated to helping you achieve amazing results. You could be painting anything from a vase of poppies or a bunch of waratahs to a blushing cactus or 'woody' bird. BYO drinks, nibbles and your creative flair, and prepare to have a boogie in between brushstrokes.

For further inspo, get out and explore the rest of the area. It's home to an incredible array of creative gems, including vintage stores, a costume designer, art galleries and a ceramicist.

With studios in Northcote and Ascot Vale, Paint With Me will provide you with access to a small group of artists who will help you create a masterpiece that's sure to impress your loved ones. Think of it as your chance to recreate Van Gogh's famous Café Terrace at Night or attempt a cherry blossom landscape. It’s BYO food and drinks here, but both studios are located close to shops, cafés and restaurants if you need to fuel up. 

This ain't your average paint and sip class. Paint Juicy is for people who are not only into art but also entertainment and a dash of party pizazz. With locations scattered across the city (like the Espy in St Kilda and the Smith in Prahran), each venue gets kitted out with psychedelic neon lights, mirror balls, smoke machines and a retro playlist (that's turned up really loud – you're even encouraged to get up for a boogie). There's the possibility a drag queen or male model could show up, and it's not unusual for the event to include elements of comedy and karaoke.

Have a fun night out painting at Social Artist in Werribee, where you could be attempting anything from Australian natives, Mt Fuji blossoms or your star sign. No experience is necessary, and you'll be guided by a local artist. Most classes run on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-10pm, or Sunday arvos from 1-3pm. BYO drinks and nibbles, or pre-order a platter.

Located in the heart of Kew, Ladder Art Space doubles as a gallery with a simple philosophy: that art is important to your quality of life. Enjoy a fun day (or night!) out with your loved ones, where you will be guided by a local artist to create a work that you'll be proud to hang in your home. Prepare to paint anything from a Frida Kahlo portrait to a Van Gogh-inspired floral arrangement.

For something a bit different, you can take part in a Portrait Painting session, where you email a photo of a loved one and it gets pre-sketched, ready for you to paint upon arrival. The studio also hosts private parties, family workshops and girls' night out events. You are welcome to BYO snacks and drinks, with serving ware provided.