Paint, potting soil and wine: Adirondack Winery Sip & Plant event attracts out-of-area visitors

Andrea and Tiana Lowe thought nothing of making the three-hour drive from Sidney, New York to treat their mother, Karen Lowe, to an evening of sipping wine and planting succulents. “We’re Gold Members here,” says Andrea, referring to the Adirondack Winery’s GOLD Club program. Bringing mom to Lake George for the Winery’s Sip & Plant event seemed a perfect Mother’s Day gift.

Sip & Plant, part of the Winery’s Uncork & Craft series, was held Friday evening, May 12, at the Adirondack Winery Tasting Room on Canada Street. Guests were treated to a wine tasting while Winery Event Coordinator Jennalee led a class in painting terracotta flower pots. Once guests completed their artwork, they filled their creations with potting soil and succulent plants.

The Lowes weren’t the only the only participants from out of the area. Future bride Kaitlyn Rosenbeck was whisked from her Connecticut home to the Lake George area for a four-day long bachelorette party. The Sip & Plant event was one of several activities her bridal party had planned for her. The craft beverage industry is booming in New York State and across the country. Wine tastings have become a popular bachelorette party activity.

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Uncork & Craft is an Adirondack Winery series that combines a craft project with a wine tasting. Past projects include arm knitting infinity scarves, making wine glass candles and painting wine totes.  Guests choose between a dry or sweet wine flight and are offered a light food spread. Friday’s event included a Peach Bellini wine slushie.

Most participants are women, but the tasting room staff says men have attended, “Not always by choice,” notes Jennalee. Tasting Room Manager Ava Dally notes that people sign up for Uncork & Craft for a variety of reasons. Some like the wine, some like the craft and, in the case of the Drink Pink! Wine Glass Painting Parties, a benefit for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, some come to support the cause.

Tickets sell quickly for the Uncork & Craft events. The final Uncork & Craft of the season, scheduled for June 1, is already sold out. The Winery will resume the series next fall.