Elite Event – Painting and Wine Night @ Pinot’s Palette

This was the first Unilocal event that I’d had the pleasure of attending. These guys were on top of their game, it was a fun environment full of social individuals. Great food was provided by «stuffed pepper» for everyone to enjoy while they created their masterpieces. Step by step instructions made it easy to paint something great to take home and throw up at the house. The staff at pinots pallet was great as well, canvassing the room and offering friendly advice to those who wanted it. Very much looking forward to attending more events like this.

Another awesome Elite event! I have never done a paint night event but I went to art school, love to paint and especially love to drink wine so this was a no brainer for me!
Because I have never attended one of these events, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would I be drunk by the end? How serious would it be? Would I like my painting? All of these questions were soon answered once I entered Pinot’s Palette!
1. I wasn’t drunk by the end but I had pleasantly enjoyed my 2 glasses of wine.
2. It wasn’t too serious. There was an instructor but we could still do what we liked/​wanted. My boyfriend decided to add a shark and fireball into his painting.
3. I did like my painting a lot!
It was cool being at a place that was specifically set up for painting and drinking wine. It was very brightly lit and clearly organized (considering there is 30−30+ people in a room). I loved the detail they put into the space which included Jackson Pollock Style floors and cute additions of painting palettes to their bathroom signs.
The instructor was great at talking us through the steps of our painting and answering any questions that anyone would have. I enjoyed that she let us have free range and wasn’t upset if we got creative with our own canvas.
I would recommend Pinot’s Palette and would definitely go there with a group of friends. After this event, I think I will also purchase some gift certificates for my friends and family for Xmas. Even if they are not artists, I feel like they will enjoy themselves as much as I did!

Another awesome Elite event! I’ve only ever done Paint Nite — which is similar but takes place at various bars. It was cool being at a place that was specifically set up for painting and drinking. The first thing I noticed was the lighting, much better than painting at a bar!
I thought the instructor was great at taking us through the steps of our painting and answering questions. I’m not really much of an artist but I felt it was very easy to follow along. They had a lot of great paintings hanging on the wall and there was a few that caught my eye that I would love to come back and try to make.
The staff was all so friendly that it made the night even better!

Painting at Pinot’s Palette with the Unilocal Elites was a ton of fun! I have done painting and wine at other locations and actually had not enjoyed it much. But not this time around.
Pinot’s staff was incredibly friendly and attentive. The lead artist was great at giving step-​by-​step directions and the other staff artists were very diligent to answer any questions or get you anything you needed, like more paint or a quick «wash» when your +1 decided to paint all over your shirt sleeve.
This place is not a BYOB but they have a wide selection of drinks. Not just wine, there a few beers and sodas. In my book that could be better than going to another bar.
I will most definitely come back, with friends. The whole experience was a lot of fun and very relaxing.

I’ve always been a strong believer in the saying, «everything happens for a reason,» and this paint night was no different. It was rescheduled from last week and this past Tuesday morning I received a phone call with heartbreaking news so hanging out with fellow Unilocalers Tuesday evening at this paint night came at the perfect time.
While I’ve been to paint nights at Paint on Tap in Williamsville, Pinot’s Palette offers something different, in a good way. Upon walking in, a hand extended out and I was greeted in such a friendly manner. I was shown to my seat — so creatively labeled in chalk — and grabbed a couple slices of Stuffed Hot Pepper’s pizza… Yum! Oh and I cashed in my free drink ticket for a glass of moscato. Just what I needed.
After a bit of socializing, including saying meow to Fox’s cats, it was time to settle in and begin our paintings. Michelle did a fabulous job breaking down each step of the elaborate painting and I also appreciated the other painters floating around and sharing words of praise and encouragement. The enthusiasm and energy in the room was plentiful even amongst all of the focused painters. I loved the frames available for purchase, surely a very nice finishing touch.
At the end of the night, I loved looking around at everyone’s masterpieces and the other paintings Pinot’s Palette offers with their examples hanging on the walls. I hope there will be more Unilocal raffles in the future… Who doesn’t want a Unilocal umbrella or coffee mug?! Despite not winning the free class gift certificate, I know I’ll be back in the near future.
Thank you Pinot’s Palette for hosting us and providing an outlet for fun and creativity. Thank you to Stuffed Hot Pepper for some of the best pizza I’ve hand in a long time. Lastly, thank you to Alex for finding the best local businesses, working to collaborate with them, and offering the Unilocal community the opportunity to meet fun new people while enjoying these great local businesses, oh and for always having a smile on your face!

Great time. I think this was one of the best Unilocal Elite events I’ve been to: the activity was great, good environment, it was an evening (2.5 hours!), and it gave an organic way for people to chat with one another.
Painting was great and the people at Pinot were wonderfully supportive. Very full of positive reinforcement — which makes the whole atmosphere feel like you’re in kindergarten — but in a good way. I have no painting talent, nor am I looking to become a painter, so it was nice to just be free to do stuff. I would have liked some more technique, however — the painting is oriented towards drinking, but I think it would be interesting if each class had a big technique lesson to it.
Let’s talk pizza — that pizza was fantastic. I’m not a fan of Buffalo pizza at all (gasp, I know). So I rarely eat it here. But Stuffed Red Pepper (I think that’s the place) is great. I liked the toppings and the amount of dough/​cheese/​sauce. Things tasted good. I’ll be checking to see if they deliver to Buffalo — because, if so, I’m going to be eating pizza again.
Props to Michelle (if I remember right) for keeping the class in order. Some of those Unilocalers started getting rowdy (haha). You can tell she’s a teacher and a good one at that.
Anyway, I won the free painting night — so I’ll be back for sure. Some great looking designs coming up, so I look forward to making another ‘present’ for someone unsuspecting…

Well I was skeptical of this sort of thing. But was it ever fun! Our group had a fabulous time from beginning to end. Upon arrival, we were greeted and welcomed and directed to hang coats over there on the hooks, and then proceed to this area of cubbies to stash handbags and such, and then grab an apron off those hooks over there. It was a snap in what could have been mayhem. The friendly staff wore blue aprons, easy to spot among the sea of maroon colored painter aprons. The bar was tended cheerily and big, stemless glasses were handed out, good thinking, who needs stemware to tip over while painting!
There were table-​top easels set up with pre-​squirted paint blobs on the paper-​plate-​palettes and a red-​solo-​cup of water with three brushes near each place setting. When the time to sit and paint was announced, the instructor wore a headset microphone for a hands-​free presentation. She was obviously a school teacher as she had the command, the voice, the confidence of someone used to keeping order in a public school room, although she was totally a peer with us adults, working the crowd in a fun, encouraging way. In fact, the whole event entailed staff quietly and unnoticeably walking around, fetching more paint, water, a glass of wine as needed, and offering good advice here and there, and encouraging comments were not spared. The plain white canvas before us could have been intimidating, but once we got going, we were all artists, if only for one night.
That brings me to another point: you do not have to be an artist to do this. Repeat that, it is true. You cannot screw this up. You will not look foolish. You cannot do this wrong. You will soon lose yourself in the music, the atmosphere, the instruction and the act of creating and painting like you are in grade school again. I assure you, you will love it.
The instructor assured us all that each painting, while following her lead, would end up unique to each painter, and that was so true. She announced clearly every move she was making and assured us also that it’s just a guide. We started with the «big» brush and she walked us through each step as we followed along. It was nice that after her announcing the step, she would resume the music, so the air was festive and just right for either concentrating on your painting or goofing around with the person next to you, or both. She left plenty of time between the steps, so you didn’t feel rushed. She moved on at a good pace. I’d say everyone had a really good time, there must have been 40 or more people at our event! They even had frames for purchase for your work of art, if you so desired.
The place was spotless. The floor was covered in paint drips, intentionally so! It was the décor, just perfect. The restroom was unisex and spotless, very large and accommodating. I can’t say anything that I would say needed improvement, really.
I have heard of girls’ night out events at Pinot’s Palette, but psst, guys? find out when they are and try to be there on that night if you’re allowed. It seems like it would be a great and safe place to meet fun people!
Here’s another idea for a meetup or church function, host a single’s night, what a fun way to meet and get to know somebody. You can still have that beer or glass of wine, without the barfly stereotype, and create and have fun and chit chat.
This is a non-​passive, wholesome and wonderful way to have fun. Forget taking out-​of-​towners to the movies, ditch the mani-​pedi shower idea, come here, to Pinot’s Palette for a memory-​making event sure to please all.

Once again, we’ve had a fantastic Unilocal Elite Event, this time it was paint night at Pinot’s Palette. When we arrived there was a spread of pizzas (and salad and fried dough) from Stuffed Hot Pepper for our snacking pleasure.
If you’ve never done a paint night before I call it «paint by numbers for adults» and it’s a load of fun! Everything you need is included. You just have to show up ready to join in. The instructor shows you step by step what to do and everyone comes out with a masterpiece whether you’ve painted before or you’ve never touched a paint brush in your life. If you’re feeling nervous, a glass of wine or a beer from the bar might loosen you up a bit. We all got one drink ticket when we arrived!
It was also nice that there were «helpers» walking around to tell us how great we were doing or to answer any questions we may have had about what to do.
The raffle is also an added bit of Elite Event fun! I won a wine sippy-​cup.
It seemed like everyone in attendance had a great time. I know I did!
Thank you!

So painting is something I have always wanted to learn to do. Like… always.
I am creative. Always have been. But growing up I was taught that I did not have any artistic ability.
In 4^th grade I took band. My mother got me a used clarinet and set me to it. I did alright for a while. In fact I really enjoyed it. I would practice at home for hours on end in front of the TV, figuring out and playing along with the music. Until one day I wanted to get better. I had been practicing Chariots of Fire after hearing it on the TV and almost had it down but for a couple of notes. So when I went to school I asked my band teacher, Mr. Rhor (no, I’ll never forget him) if he could help me with it. He agreed and had me stay after school to go through it. He asked me for the music and I began playing. When I was through he said it sounded pretty good but needed the music. I didn’t understand and after confusingly going back and forth he recognized that I learned it by ear. He also told me that to improve I’d need to read the sheet music. That’s when I explained that I didn’t know how. I’d been in his class for months and played along just fine, in fact, well enough that he had no idea that I couldn’t read music. Apparently though, that was unacceptable. He scheduled me for tutoring and after a few unsuccessful sessions, he kicked me out of band. Since I couldn’t do it «right», I was forced to stop.
Art classes through my childhood were much the same. For years I was chastised by art teachers because my drawings and paintings never looked like they were «supposed to». So I quit taking art as soon as it was an option.
Despite my frustrating experiences, I always wanted to paint but didn’t know how and longed to «learn». I’ve bought all kinds of paints and brushes and canvases over the years just to give them away or toss them in the garbage because I could not figure out what to do.
I realize this is a bizarrely personal story to be sharing in a review but I felt it was important to do so in order to really convey how incredibly impactful this event was for me.
Aside from the yummy food, divine wine, and my hilarious neighbor this event was so amazing on a personal level because it moved me past a block that I’ve had for over 25 years to do something that I’ve always wanted to do and just didn’t know how… and frankly was afraid of failing at.
I can’t remember our instructor’s name but she did an amazing job of breaking the inconceivable task of painting an Autumn Waterfall down into totally clear and manageable chunks. I recall her saying she’s an art teacher … I think in West Seneca… and seriously, if your kid gets to be in one of her classes, they are really very fortunate.
The guys floating around helping out were awesome too. And if you were one of the people that paid me a compliment on my painting, know that you each touched my heart.
Alex, this was incredible. I have no words left but to say, thank you.

Another fantastic event, BRAVO!
A few weeks back a few of my friends did the same thing but at a different place and it looked so interesting I was super excited when this event came up i had to RSVP.
Pinot’s Palette has such a great set up and walking it we were nicely greated by some of it staff and i thought it was great they had coat hooks and cubbies. I’m not sure if it was Alex or the staff but it was so cute seeing our names in chalk under our canvases.
The team there was great, so friendly, informative and friendly. They primary presenter did a great job slowly but steadily walking taking us through turning our blank canvas into a piece of art. The assistants did a great job by walking around and giving us tips and tricks for us to follow as well as provide new ideas for us to try or let us know we were doing great on our own.
I think one of the best features of this event is seeing everyone’s individuality come out as no two paintings are alike.
Pinot’s Palette has a good assortment of beers and wines, and the pizza from Roasted Red Pepper was ok, not my style really but everyone else seemed to like it and everyone seemed to LOVE the event!

This event was awesome! Paint Nights seem to be having their moment in Buffalo, this is the third I’ve attended recently. The other ones I’ve been to have been at restaurants, Pinot’s Palette is very cool in that it is set up for the express purpose of painting, with the beer and wine bar in the back a fun plus. The staff were super friendly and welcoming and came around offering encouragement over the less-​than-​perfect works of art we were creating.
The instructor was great and I liked the use of a microphone so we could hear everything she said. She demonstrated a variety of techniques in a way that was easy to follow and my grandma (who came as my plus one) and I both had a lot of fun. Food was provided by the Hot Stuffed Pepper and the pizza was great, very flavorful and had that old-​school sicilian taste. I didn’t actually realize they served anything besides, well, hot stuffed peppers.
I’m really glad that I was introduced to this place. it’s just down the road from my grandma’s house and we will definitely be going back.

I had the pleasure of chatting with some of the staff from Pinot’s Palette (and working on a collaborative painting) at the Niagara Apple Fest this past fall… so when I saw that we’d be doing a Unilocal event there I was super excited! This was so much fun!
I have been to one other wine ‘n paint spot, so I was excited to see what was different about Pinot’s Palette.
First, I loved that we were able to do our own painting… the other place I went to had a pre-​drawn design that you filled in. It might be because the design we did was a little more advanced than last night’s, but regardless… it was fun to be able to make it your own!
Pinot’s Palette is one of, if not The largest wine ‘n paint spots in Buffalo… which makes it great for large group events. I loved the buzz in the air as people were arriving and finding their spots. A large crowd is always so much more exciting.
This is going to sound weird, but I liked their speaker system… it was easy to hear the instructor and there was no echoing… this is not the case for the other place I visited. I loved that the instructor had helpers who went around and helped us out, too… several times I noticed the people around me pulling them over and asking for help or advice, and their responses were always so encouraging. Half the battle is for people to get out of their shell (hence the wine! lol) and the instructors definitely helped to boost people’s confidence!
The food was an added bonus to an already awesome evening. Although I must say I was hoping for more stuffed hot pepper items from Stuffed Hot Pepper, I can’t complain about one single thing that I ate. Turns out I really like fried pizza dough with powdered sugar on it. hahahah
I can’t wait to book a couple’s night event coming up soon… some of their couple’s paintings are so cute!
Thanks for another awesome event, Unilocal!:)

This was my first Unilocal elite event and was everything I imagined and more. My friend and I have both been to other painting and wine nights like this – but this was by far the best. The staff was so helpful and friendly and really assisted us with questions we had. It was an energetic atmosphere and we met a lot of nice people, which can be hard when not everyone knows each other.
The food from The Stuffed Hot Pepper was also very good. I look forward to trying them out at a different time.
I’m hoping we were both on our best behavior and will have the opportunity to attend more Unilocal Elite Events — thanks for the invite Alex!
I’ll be suggesting heading to Pinot’s Palette to all my friends.

Ah another Elite Unilocal event complete, but never forgotten!
Though I questioned whether or not I’d make it to this event — I prevailed the great storm called, «Knife» and headed to Pinot’s Palette for a hopeful «GREAT» time. I mean after being slashed by Knife — we all deserved a fun filled night with color, food and friendships!
The long ride — Silver Creek to East Amherst — felt like it would never end, but the time I spend at Pinot’s flew by, even though I had a headache the entire time — my mind was focused on painting. Of course I had my fears — sitting next to an artist named, Alex and my inability to ever be creative — I was setting myself up for either a great time or another one of those crappy painting that look more like my grandson did the work than I.
This time was different. After eating and LOVING the food from «Stuffed Pepper» — hold it right there! The food was really super good. How does one say pizza was so great — well — for me — it was super and just the right amount of oil on REAL pepperoni (amazing)? Then Stuffed Pepper didn’t stop there and also has some amazing fried dough — ok I didn’t go for health food, but I couldn’t help myself with 2nds and 3rds — ok 4ths too on that stuff. And for health nuts — Stuffed Pepper though of them as well and had a really great salad with some excellent dressing too!
Let’s get on to Pinot’s Palette — what an amazing place. Incredible owners and staff all around. By the time I left I almost felt like part of the family — the way they organize these events and the way they teach amazed me. Never before had any art teacher ever helped me work through my inabilities with painting like these folks were able to do! I really thought that there was NO way I could come close to creating anything worthy of a frame!
Step by step we were all led through the process of painting — what I called — a complex picture of a beautiful landscape — in the fall — WITH a waterfall — come on. Anyone who knows me would think mine would turn out more like a house with a dead tree or something not good at all.
Each step my masterpiece took on more meaning and more beauty. I was amazed! I also kept looking t Alex’s artwork and was sure mine was better. But then — Alex decided to add a freaking airplane to his and with a little help from the experts — well — ok — I give him credit for pulling it off! Mine however, is a work of my own art and I’m darn proud of it.
Though I didn’t drink any beer, wine or mixed drinks — we had bottled water and soda for us non-​drinkers too — hey — maybe that’s why mine ended up looking similar to that of the original!
Overall — I have to give this event, Stuffed Pepper and Pinot’s Palette the highest of ratings I can give! I look forward to a return — even though it’s a long hike for me — I’m planning on putting together a family and friends outing — and I fully expect my artwork to become a collectors dream!
Yes — I purchased a frame for mine … Thanks again … loved this event!

Top notch paint night! I don’t even know where to start…
When I first walked in, the energy was great. I love when a Unilocal event just charges you with excitement. This was it! Dan, one of the staff welcomed me, told me where of be sitting, and seemed super excited to get started. What a great personality! Made me excited too! The staff in general was awesome! Super cool, super nice, super helpful! Major points on energy and great people right up front!
Hung up my coat on the hooks up front, stored my purse in a little cubby, grabbed an apron to get ready to paint!
The studio was awesome too! Room up front for a food buffet, bar in the back serving alcohol and pop. Nice and clean and new too. The tables where we painted seemed a bit tight at first, but we had a big group. Yet somehow our little stations provided just enough room. The chairs didn’t have backs but were somehow comfortable. Forced me to improve my posture. Now that’s ergonomical!
I really enjoyed the pizza from the Stuffed Hot Pepper. It was like warm by the time we got into it, but it tasted good. I loved the caramelized onions on a couple of the pizzas. And that one with blue cheese on it too?! YUM!!! Talk about flavor explosions! If you ever end up ordering from here, try the BBQ wings. They are awesome! We were treated to a free drink. I had a glass of Moscato and it was tasty! Had a bit of a fizz, was nice and sweet. Mmm! But then it made me schvitz. Ooof.
We got situated to paint after a bit. Our instructor was great. Very clear on her directions, gave everyone plenty of time, and funny too! The staff circulated around to help/​assist. The guys were awesome! Dan, as I mentioned before was super funny and helpful. «The Dude» as Erin called him (had glasses and a hat on, didn’t catch his name), was funny and helpful as well. I loved the encouragement! The music was GREAT too! It really kept me going. LOVED it!
This night was awesome and just plain old fun! I loved everything about it! My painting came out beautifully too! I am certainly going to pursue scheduling another night to paint here again. This is less than 2 miles from home for me. I’m so glad I know about it now!
And by the way, I went to another paint night in Cheektowaga last year, and I’ve gotta say everything about this paint night at Pinot’s Palette was 10,000 times better!!! Come here to paint, you won’t regret it!