Palette-able Profits: How To Start A Paint And Sip Business

Looking to turn your love of wine and doodles into a side hustle and wondering how to start a paint and sip business? You’ve landed in the right place. Paint and sip classes are a clever mashup of casual art instruction and social fun, and in a world where making adult friends can feel awkward, they can be the perfect setting to practice how to make friends as an adult.

These classes give people a legitimate excuse to let loose and connect without it feeling awkward. And if you do it right, your studio could be the go-to spot for anyone craving a creative night out. But first, you have to start, and that’s where this guide comes in.

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• How Profitable Is A Paint And Sip Business?
• Guide On How To Start A Paint And Sip Business
• Pros And Cons Of Starting A Paint And Sip Business
• Do Some Research By Exploring The Best Paint And Sip Classes

How Profitable Is A Paint And Sip Business?

A paint and sip studio can be quite profitable, especially once you find your rhythm and start learning to manage your costs effectively. Most studios that are starting out charge between $40 and $50 per person, depending on the complexity of the painting design. If you’re providing pre-sketched or stenciled canvases, you can charge on the higher end since you’ll spend additional hours preparing before each class.

Your material costs can range from $10 to $15 per participant. That means if you charge $40 per person, you’re making roughly $25 to $30 in profit per attendee. For anyone exploring how to start a paint and sip business, understanding these numbers early is key to pricing and budgeting effectively.

Here’s how that adds up: if you host 15 guests at $40 each, you’ll bring in about $600 in revenue. After subtracting about $150 for supplies (at roughly $10 per person), your estimated profit is about $450 for just a few hours of work. With a larger 20-person class priced at $50 per ticket, the numbers look even better; you’d earn about $1,000 in total revenue, spend about $200 on materials and walk away with an approximate profit of $800 per session.

But of course, that also depends on whether you own the venue. If not, you'll have to pay an hourly or monthly flat rate to rent the space out. If you own the venue where you'll be holding your paint-and-sip classes, you'll need to factor in utilities like electricity. Either way, both can fluctuate drastically depending on where you're based and even which building you're in. 

Other hidden factors might include the time taken to manage your socials, the tools needed for project management, accounting and building a website, and time spent on admin tasks and legal matters. Remember that it's not always as easy as showing up and painting. There is a lot of preparation involved in a paint and sip class, but it does get easier the more you do it. 

For those considering how to start a paint and sip business, corporate or team-building events can be even more lucrative. It’s common to host groups of 20 or more employees and many companies already have budgets allocated for creative or wellness-based activities. Plus, you can adjust pricing slightly for larger groups, offering a small discount per person while still maintaining strong overall profits. If you are holding the paint and sip at the company's offices, you could also remove the venue expenses; all you'll need to pay for is gas if you own a car. Keeping these figures in mind is an essential step in planning a successful studio and learning how to start a paint and sip business with confidence.

Guide On How To Start A Paint And Sip Business

All About Location

Start by scouting for the perfect venue to host your paint and sip classes. What does "perfect" mean in this situation? Ideally, you'll need to choose a location with good visibility, steady foot traffic and easy access to public transportation (or ample parking). The space should feel bright and inviting, with enough room to comfortably host your guests.

Make sure it meets all building and safety requirements for group events as well, including adequate ventilation and good sound tolerance. If you’re working with a smaller budget, consider hosting your sessions in an outdoor courtyard, rooftop space, art studio or other open-plan areas. While a spacious venue is ideal, smaller, cozy settings can work perfectly for intimate classes.

Alcohol Considerations

Once you’ve found your spot, start prepping it for your sessions. You’ll need a counter or side table for snacks, bottles, plates and guests’ personal belongings. Even if your business follows a BYOB model, consider setting up a small, separate area for a bar or retail section if you plan to sell drinks directly.

It's an obvious statement, but remember that alcohol is involved, and where there's booze, there are legal implications. The laws may vary significantly depending on your local jurisdiction. Usually, if you’re not selling alcohol directly and participants bring their own alcohol (“BYOB”), you typically do not need a liquor license yourself.

However, there are a few important caveats:

• Venue rules: The venue (like the art studio) must allow alcohol on the premises. Some leases or building codes prohibit alcohol entirely.
• Local laws: Many cities or counties restrict BYOB to private events or certain types of venues. For example, in some states, only restaurants can allow BYOB.
• Insurance: You’ll likely need liability insurance that covers alcohol-related incidents, even if you’re not selling it.
• Age restrictions: You must still enforce the 21+ (or local drinking age) rule.

If you want to provide or include alcohol, for example, including wine as part of the ticket price (“$45 includes all materials and a glass of wine”), that is considered selling alcohol — and you’d need a liquor license or a partnership with a licensed vendor. There are a few ways to handle this legally:

• Partner with a licensed bar or restaurant. They sell and serve the alcohol, you provide the painting experience.
• Obtain a special event or temporary permit. Some states allow a one-day or short-term "event permit" to serve alcohol.
• Host in a BYOB venue. Participants bring their own drinks; you just provide the art materials and space.

If you use a venue like an art studio and it doesn't have a liquor license, and you’re not selling or providing alcohol, then guests can usually BYOB if local law allows it. In some cases, it might have to be a private event (e.g., ticketed in advance, no walk-ins) for BYOB to be legal.

So, what can you do about all these legalities? Here are some steps you can take:

• Check local regulations: Contact your city or county’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) office or licensing board.
• Confirm the studio’s policy: Make sure the art studio’s landlord or lease allows alcohol on-site.
• Get event insurance: Look into host liquor liability coverage (often inexpensive per event).
• Consider a waiver: Have guests sign a simple waiver acknowledging responsible consumption.

Gather Materials And Supplies

Since guests don’t bring their own materials, you’ll need to supply everything required for the experience, including canvases, brushes, paints, easels, aprons, wine glasses and cleaning tools. High-quality materials go a long way in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for attendees, but they can be pricey. Purchasing in bulk may cut your spending.

Get Your Guide

Classes are usually led by professional artists or skilled art students who guide participants through the process step by step, from brush techniques and color mixing to layering and finishing touches. You can hire an instructor or if you’re confident in your own artistic skills, teach the sessions yourself. Hiring an art student can also be a cost-effective way to bring talent into your business.

Create An Image And Brand Identity

Next, you’ll need a brand identity in the form of a logo and a website. You can hire a freelancer or a branding agency for this, or use online design and website builders to save on costs while maintaining creative control. As your paint and sip business starts to gain traction, focus on building your audience. But before you begin advertising, establish your pricing strategy based on the types of events you’ll host and your upfront expenses (such as supplies, furniture and staff wages).

Be sure to leverage social media to promote your classes. You can share photos of guests painting, laughing and holding their finished canvases. As your following grows, you can invest in paid ad campaigns to further boost engagement and reach new customers. And always remember to monitor comments on social media and reviews on sites like Yelp. Have a backup plan in case something goes wrong, such as an instructor not showing up at the venue. And reply to reviews openly and honestly. 

Pros And Cons Of Starting A Paint And Sip Business

On the face of it, starting a paint and sip studio business sounds like the perfect gig. But behind the laughter and clinking glasses lies the real work of running a business. Before learning how to start a paint and sip business, it helps to understand both the rewards and the challenges. Here’s an honest look at what to expect when opening a paint and sip studio.

1. Pro: Rewarding Work

Watching someone loosen up, have fun, and actually enjoy painting (with a little liquid courage) is incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’re doing something that genuinely brings people joy.

2. Pro: Meaningful Business Connections

In a business that’s all about connection and networking often happens naturally. With each class or event, you never know who will walk through your doors: a local artist, a business owner or even a corporate team looking for their next group activity.

3. Pro: Built-in Physical Activity

Running a paint and sip studio means you’re always on the move. Between setting up easels, fetching supplies, pouring drinks and keeping things lively, you’ll definitely close your activity rings.

4. Pro: You’re the Boss

No more clocking in for someone else’s dream. When you own your studio, you make the calls and being your own boss can be empowering.

5. Pro: Community Connection

By hosting events or pop-ups at markets and community fairs, you’ll not only gain loyal customers but also contribute to your area’s creative scene.

6. Con: A Crowded Canvas

Paint and sip studios have become increasingly popular, so standing out from the crowd takes creativity. You’ll need to find a niche to give your business its signature flair. You could maybe do themed nights, unique art styles or even collaborate with local wineries.

7. Con: Supplier Struggles

From brushes and canvases to wine glasses and aprons, finding reliable, affordable suppliers can take some trial and error. It’s worth the effort, though, as a good supplier relationship can save you money and time in the long run.

8. Con: Motivating Your Team

If you’re hiring instructors or support staff, keeping them motivated can be tricky. The key is to create a fun, supportive atmosphere that balances creativity with professionalism.

9. Con: High Employee Turnover

Like many hospitality-based businesses, paint and sip studios can face frequent staff changes. One of the best ways to retain your best people is by offering competitive pay, flexible hours and a workplace that feels inviting and inclusive.

10. Con: Taxes and Overhead

As a self-employed business owner, you’ll owe self-employment tax and your overhead costs can add up quickly. That’s why careful budgeting and financial planning are essential to keep your studio sustainable and profitable.

Do Some Research By Exploring The Best Paint And Sip Classes

If you’re not entirely sure what running a paint and sip studio entails, one of the best ways to learn is to attend a class for yourself. Not only will you get a first-hand experience of the process, but you’ll also have the chance to chat with seasoned instructors in your city, find your own art style and see what works well in a live setting.

Check out some of the top options for paint and sip classes in Chicago, where you can experience the city’s vibrant creative scene and gather inspiration for hosting your own events. In paint and sip classes in Sacramento, you’ll have the opportunity to see how local studios run their sessions, from setup to teaching techniques. Meanwhile, paint and sip classes in New Jersey allow you to explore a variety of class styles and pick up tips from experienced instructors. Over in paint and sip classes in Phoenix, you can learn how instructors balance social fun with art guidance, giving you fresh ideas for your own studio. Attending classes in your area is a practical and enjoyable way to prepare for launching your business while observing industry best practices in action.

Whether you’re looking to meet people in a new city or share your love of art, a paint and sip studio is an exciting way to embark on a new adventure. And if you’ve been dreaming about turning your love of creativity into something more, now’s the time to dive in and learn how to start a paint and sip business.

Once you get started, remember to share your painting expertise liberally and remind participants that no two paintings will look the same, so it’s okay to add their own twist on the design. Most importantly, have fun with it and encourage others to enjoy the process as much as the final masterpiece.

Not ready to take the plunge into starting your own Paint and Sip empire? Chat to the pros at one of our highly-rated experiences on Classpop!