Merlot’s Masterpiece

First event. Went to celebrate my Aunts birthday.
Space is small and tight. All materials are provided. 1 cup of wine is provided.
They do not have a phone number for contact. They have an email address for you to ask questions.
They don’t respond quickly.
Sent email on 12/​30/​2015
Went to event on ½/​2016
Today is ¼/​2 015 016 and I still haven’t received a response.
I would do it again.
They need to make the bathroom more appealing.
Instructor was cool.
Overall I had a great time and would do it again.

My friends and I came here on a Saturday afternoon with a Groupon deal. The studio is small and cozy, with about 24 seats. The walls are adorned with different paintings that you would paint on different themed nights.
Our night was Paris. Unfortunately, the Paris painting that we would try to emulate was rather odd-​looking. Fortunately, our instructor agreed and created a varied version of it that was much prettier. I enjoyed the free-​flowing, find-​your-​inner-​painter approach that he took. However, I wish we could have had a print-​out of the painting in front of us so that we could have seen the final piece as we were building up to it.
Also, the studio was SO loud. This is my third painting class, and by far the loudest. Instead of a relaxing afternoon, I felt a little stressed out from the noise. I don’t know what the studio could do to mitigate this problem? Perhaps fewer seats would do the trick, and it would also mitigate feeling a little cramped.
However, kudos to the studio for being very responsive to emails. I accidentally signed up for a wrong class while my friends were enrolled in a different one. I caught my mistake only a day before and the studio was very professional and responsive to changing the date.

My partner and I took the «Pet Painting» class there and I enjoyed it. The staff are friendly and helpful, giving you as much attention as you want without being obtrusive. You can also bring (w/​charge) or order wine which is a nice perk. A little tight because the space is small, but all the brushes and other materials you need are there.
Would have given a higher rating except for one issue: The responsiveness of the management is not good. I had signed up for a previous class for two, gave plenty of notice that I could not participate due to unexpected travel, and was told that I could just transfer those tickets to a different class. Many emails and phone calls later (no response on either count) this has still not been resolved.

I have been to Merlot’s twice now and each time I had a blast! The first time I went I used a groupon and got it at a discounted rate. The second time, I went using a 30% off for the month of August deal that they offered. It was definitely worth it. I’d say this is an activity that can be done alone or with a group of friends. And for a small fee, you can also bring your own bottles (can’t beat that). But I’d say not too much drinking so you can focus on creating a masterpiece. On my last visit, there was a group celebrating a birthday! What a great way to spend an evening — drinking some wine and relaxing. I’m by no means artistic but the instructors are so helpful and give you step by step instructions. I can’t wait to come back again for my next visit.

Merlot Masterpiece is hands down the best of all the paint and sips around. It is easy to make reservations especially if doing through Groupon. At the location the take their time walking you through the steps of the painting and they ensure everyone is having a great time. I’ve gone multiple times because of how much fun they are and relaxing the atmosphere is.

I tried this place out with a coworker and we had a blast! The person (Melody) who was giving us step by step instructions did an amazing job guiding us. My pairing came out pretty good for a first time painter. Melody also had a great personality which made the experience even more fun.

I have been here numerous times and it is a great place to hang out. 1 star off for the bad wine and sometimes you don’t always get the best instruction) i.e. Once the painting we were working from looked nothing like what was advertised and another time I felt like the instructor was either tired or felt because we were cutting close to the time limit that she didn’t have to give proper instruction on how to paint people silhouettes for a painting… maybe she didn’t know how? Unsure) I would go back but I would recommend speaking up when stuff like this happens or they will keep doing it.

It was super fun and the instructor gives you step by step on the entire art. Other art with wine I went didn’t give us much guide on how to use the brush or do the technique. There’s still differences in everyone’s art from the color we mix individually and technique even with step by step guide, so that’s nice. The only bad thing is that it’s 2 hrs not 3. I would have liked 3 hrs to add more dimensions and effects. Especially because it’s more expensive than other painting sessions. But I would still come to this rather than any other place. This place also has more beautiful art to do.

Merlot’s Masterpiece was an absolutely delightful experience.
I bought a Groupon with a friend and her mom. There were couples and friends there. The set up was the perfect size, with a long table for maybe 20 people. Just the right number to have a decent crowd but still get attention. There’s also a little room in the back to put your stuff, which is nice, so you don’t accidentally splatter paint on it.
I’m by no means a painter, and I honestly struggle with the paint by numbers. But the instructor, I believe his name was Mike, was fantastic. He demonstrated each step then let us attempt to do it. He’d walk around after each step of the painting and help folks. But most importantly, he stressed that it’s impossible to mess up, because everyone’s piece is going to look like a reflection of them.
You can buy wine here. They have one type of red and one of white. I think it was $ 5 a glass.
The place is in a great location to grab a drink or a bite to eat before or after painting. There’s also a fair amount of parking around U street.
All in all, this was definitely worth the price of a Groupon, maybe more. I’d return to Merlot’s Masterpiece.

I went here with two friends on a weekday night. We purchased a Groupon. The studio is an a smaller side and they try to use every inch of it, so you will sitting be way too close to other people (not a good idea when there is paint involved). You will be given some acrylic paint on a paper plate and another paper plate to mix colors, a canvas and 2 brushes. The instructor was not bad, but I felt like he should have provided more guidance and generally interacted with people more to see how they are doing — but, again, the place was overcrowded. I had fun, but, in comparison to a similar event at the (now closed) Livingsocial location at Chinatown it was not that great. Maybe I should have had more wine…

Enjoyed this experience; bought a Groupon with a friend and came on a weekend. Staff were very personable, laidback, engaging and welcoming upon arrival and through duration of class. All the necessary materials were provided. Included within the Groupon was a glasss of wine, unfortunately the complimentary bottles were a choice between Pinot Grigio and Merlot, with about 10 others to purchase by the glass. Sufficient time to complete with appropriate instructions, only wish there was a bit more space as felt cramped given small size of room. But would definitely recommend others to try as I researched several and this had the best reviews which I can attest to now.

Yay for Wine and Paint! What could go wrong? ammirite?
I bought a groupon for this place and originally tried to go with my friends but I wasn’t able to go. So it was «solo, make new acquaintances» time. I went on a Sunday so parking on U street was simple. I walked in the studio and it was cute. The bonus was having a glass a wine included in my groupon without me knowing.
We went through the class. The instructions were easy. If you had any trouble, the instructor would help you out. She also walked around during the class to give tips and assistance.
Overall, I had fun and I will be back! I would even host an event there too.

More like 2.5 as in average… neither great nor terrible, not good or bad. The facility is clean and well lit and decorated decently enough but parking was a beesh on her period. The instructor I think her name may have been Brittany could have been more upbeat, energetic, friendly, and helpful rather than seeming like she’d rather be somewhere else watching the Ravens’ playoff game on that Saturday night. Her assistant Eton was pleasant enough but seemed overwhelmed tending to our birthday party of 15. He also kept wandering off to the back tending to his phone or something instead of consistently helping us all. I would summarize my visit as overpriced, overrated, and underwhelming as an overall experience description.

I had a great experience here! We painted something that was really complicated for a person with my level of artistic ability — the Washington Monument, surrounded by cherry blossoms. The instructor wasn’t the most clear person ever, but she was still pretty helpful, and I learned new techniques that added depth to the surrounding trees, whimsy to the cherry blossoms, and shading to the Monument. Some of my friends have also come here, and all of our finished products can be found on our walls, which I think is the ultimate testimonial for Merlot’s Masterpiece’s quality.

Hosted an awesome private team building event here with a group of about 15 people. The class was a ton of fun and just the laid back, unique experience we were looking for. Merlot’s provided more than enough drinks for our group and allowed us to bring along our own snacks with no issues. The instructor, Melody, was delightful. She quickly became a part of our group, making fun jokes as she provided the instructions. The other gentleman who was there — who’s name is escaping me now — played the best music ever. It was an odd mix — from Fergie to Rihanna — but added just the upbeat soundtrack we needed to have an even more awesome time. The studio was also really cute and just the right size. The location was perfect for us to walk a few blocks down for a late dinner on U Street afterward.
Wonderful experience here! Do not hesitate to consider them for a private class.

Fun, fun, fun. Paint, drink, paint, drink. What is not fun about that?
FYI, they have groupons quite regularly. Use them and this is definitely affordable.
Warning, if the painting you choose has raindrops or specks, you will most likely be splattering paint. Imagine an entire room of drunk painters splattering paint. Not good. Wear appropriate clothing or ask ahead if your painting choice will be messy.

I bought a Groupon since I’ve been wanting to try one of these studios for awhile now and invited a friend for a noon class.
We were about 10 minutes late but the class hadn’t started so I assume they give a grace period which is nice. The studio is very small and it was full for our class, with about 20 women.
I don’t remember our instructor’s name but I believe she mentioned she’s an art student. Our class was to paint a peacock. She was very patient and detailed and it was easy to follow her instructions, even if my execution was nothing like hers! She did laps around the group constantly to answer questions and give helpful hints. She also didn’t seem fazed when a couple of the students got loud and unruly after a bottle of wine.
I wish the space was a bit bigger because there’s not a lot of elbow room while you’re painting but it’s bearable. Also, there’s a cubby where you can leave you’re stuff but it’s not very secure. You can keep your purse with you if you want.
My friend and I had a great time and I recommend MM if you’re looking to unleash your inner artiste!

I bought a groupon for a painting class and spent $ 20 to upgrade to the Pet Portrait class. I sent in a photo and when I arrived the picture was traced onto a canvas. I was happy to see that the background wasn’t traced as well, allowing me to create one of my own (much easier than in the original picture).
Melody, the instructor, was very helpful with picking out the colors and showing me which parts to shade. I could not have painted the portrait that I did without her help! She was very honest with what I needed to change and didn’t just tell me that it was looking great.
There was public parking a block away, which was great because parking near U is difficult. I didn’t partake in wine due to a hangover, but saw that some people brought in their own wine and snacks.
Overall a great experience! I absolutely plan on going back! :)

I absolutely loved this class and this place. I bought a groupon and went with a friend to today to paint Wine Sisters. The teacher, Melody gets 5 stars by herself. She was great, knowledgeable, patient and creative. She allowed us to express ourselves creatively and cheer us along through the process.
When we first arrived at the studio, check in was easy. Melody and Lindsey greeted us and directed us where to store our things. We grabbed our smocks and then selected a seat in front of an easel. Everything was set up and ready to go as soon as everyone filed in. We had a full house and the other students were so much fun.
The instructor walked us through each step and walked around with her example to help us out. After she showed us the basic version, she then shared a really creative variation to the painting. That got everyone’s juices going and we managed to make each painting unique from the others.
I can’t wait to go to another class!

I love the concept of Merlot Masterpieces. My girlfriends and I decided to have a Girls Night Out in DC and Sip & Sketch was our activity. We scored a great deal on Groupon for $ 29 a person. I enjoy the arts and had a great time. Rob was our instructor, we had a great playlist and a great group that kept the class lively. The thing that shocked me was the nude model… wait, what? I could’ve used a warning.
I agree with other Unilocalers. The description of the class says you receive two glasses of wine… we only received one. Good thing I do not drink, so my friends were at least able to get a drink and a ½.
Would definitely consider going again.