Uncork’d Art was founded in 2011 by the husband and wife duo, Alabaje and Yavette Francis with the intent to provide a creative way for people to connect and spend a day or night out with friends and family. The company started off as a “paint and sip” art studio that offered step-by-step art instruction and wine in a fun atmosphere. Customers were provided with all art supplies needed to create and take home their very own masterpiece. Uncork’d Art, offered in restaurants and art galleries, soon gained popularity and established a strong presence in the Tri State area (Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia). The company was voted best of D.C three years in a row by Washington City Paper, and went from servicing 1,000 patrons in year (an average of 83 patrons per month) to 3,500 patrons in a year (an average of 391 patrons per month). This was accomplished all with little marketing efforts, minimal upfront capital, no established storefront, and no walking traffic.

Alabaje and Yavette wants to expand the successful paint and sip model into an art-themed restaurant where we offer paint, wine and a tapas bar. In doing so, they would also expand the company to a restaurant storefront in Adams Morgan and eventually other areas in the DC Area.

At its core, the Uncork’d Art experience is a social destination in which humans connect through eating, drinking and painting. With our expanded vision, Uncork’d will be a more versatile environment in which patrons can enjoy a quick bite and drink from our tapas and wine selection, hang out, or let their creativity run wild while painting in our paint pit. During the week, patrons may also choose to partake in our popular Just For Fun paint and sip public and private classes that have become popular in the DC area. Uncork’d Art is welcoming, colorful, energizing and fun with an artsy décor. Art and Socializing is everywhere!