The adage says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. We say there’s plenty of exciting new skills to learn in Greenville, and plenty of fun to be had, too. Here’s a round up of what we’ve discovered.
/// Wine Education
The Community Tap
(864) 631-2525, thecommunitytap.com
Don’t know a Syrah from a Sancerre? Ed Buffington, co-owner of The Community
Tap, is a go-to guru for all things grape. This certified sommelier breaks down intimidating, stuffy wine pretensions into an informal and fun social evening. You’ll taste six wines, eat small bites, and learn about a wine, a region, or a producer. Held two to three times a month, classes run an hour and a half.
/// Candle Making
Magnolia Scents by Design
(864) 520-2511, magnoliascents.com
Create your own custom-colored and custom-scented candle in this class held in their own micro-factory on the premises. You’ll learn all about waxes, wicks, and fragrances in 45 minutes while you make a gorgeous, 10-ounce soy candle to take home after it’s cooled. Join a scheduled class or book for private events like a bachelorette party, birthday, or girls’ night out.
/// Various Creative Classes
Skillpop
skillpop.com/classes/greenville
Skillpop is “revolutionizing in-person education.” These pop-up classes are held throughout the city and taught by local experts. Engaging and accessible, the slant is on learning in a social environment. With constantly changing courses, choose from creative endeavors like hand lettering, embroidered calligraphy, brush lettering, watercolor house portraits, or how to bump up your Instagram skills.
/// Baking and Cooking
Upcountry Provisions Bakery and Bistro
(864) 834-8433, upcountryprovisions.com
Up in Travelers Rest, Upcountry Provisions holds classes indoors and out in The Grove. Choose from Sandwich 101, Soups and Breads, Paella, Croissants, Outdoor Cooking Over an Open Fire, or Artisan Pizza (using their brick oven)—even Kid’s Cooking and Gardening. Classes are taught by a variety of instructors and industry experts throughout the spring season, both day and evening.
/// Pottery Making
Hollowed Earth
(864) 757-2097, hollowedearthpottery.com
How about a family “clay” date? Hollowed Earth is the place you, your significant other, and the kids can get messy. Grab the wheel and learn about basic pottery-throwing skills, or level up with more advanced techniques like glazing. Make a teapot, a bud vase, bowls, mugs, and more with Mark Batory, who has been teaching for more than a decade. Hollowed Earth offers individual classes, birthday parties, children’s classes, and studio memberships.
/// Handmade French Chocolates and Macarons
Le Petit Croissant
(864) 520-1555, lepetitcroissantgreenville.com
Get the full story of the cacao bean and how it magically turns into gourmet chocolate. Enjoy samples along the way to becoming a candy-making maven in about two hours with 21 European truffles to take home. Temper and mold chocolate from scratch with French chef Vincent Caradonna, who’s been at it for more than 20 years. Or try your hand at baking traditional French macarons, and leave with 32 light-as-air, crunchy goodies. Private parties are available. Bring your own wine to pair.
/// Floral Arranging
Urban Petals
(864) 569-6112, urbanpetalsllc.com
Fresh flowers cheer up any environment. Learn the basics of how to work with everyday flowers, including design, composition, and arranging for a variety of vases and containers. After this hour-and-a-half workshop with owner Anna Stouffer, you’ll take home your own blooming arrangement.
/// Light Bites & Entertaining Tips
Oil & Vinegar on Main
(864) 241-6689, oilvinegar.com/en-us/shops/greenville
This culinary gift shop not only provides tastings of flavorful oils and vinegars, but actually goes further by showcasing recipes at monthly in-store events. Johnson & Wales alum chef/owner Veera Gaul provides DIY ideas for cocktails, appetizers pastas, and deserts, plus you’ll learn clever entertaining tips and sample the offerings. Discounts on products are offered at the end of the evening. Private parties are available.
