Wine & Paint at Wekiva Island — Guided Painting, Wine & Charcuterie in Longwood, FL

At Wekiva Island in Longwood, Florida, Wine & Paint - June is an easy excuse to spend two hours making something by hand and sharing a drink with new people. The event takes place at the Mike Barr Education Center, 1014 Miami Springs Drive Longwood, FL 32779, led by local artist Elisabeth Ferber. For about two hours you’ll follow guided instruction, sip two glasses of wine, and work on a canvas while sampling a personal charcuterie board—all painting supplies are supplied and the session is open to guests aged 21 and over. What sets this evening apart is its setting: Wekiva Island sits where floodplain forest meets the Wekiva River, a freshwater corridor fed by Central Florida springs and lined with cypress domes and live oaks. You won’t be tromping through wilderness during the class, but the river’s calm presence and the call of great blue herons and the occasional river otter outside the classroom give the night a low-key, restorative pulse. The Wekiva River system—including nearby Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs Run—was recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River, which gives the place a meaningful natural legacy. The format is intentionally simple and social. Elisabeth Ferber breaks down each step so painters of all levels can follow along; the small-group cap (around 20 people) keeps the pace relaxed and the instructor available for personal tips. The Mike Barr Education Center is wheelchair accessible, and check-in instructions point you to the classroom on arrival. Bookings are governed by a 24-hour cancellation policy, and the event often sells out on weekend dates and holidays, so reserve early. This is a good pick for a date night that feels a little different, a birthday outing with friends, or a solo night out where you’ll still leave with a finished piece and a story. Bring comfortable clothes you won’t mind a paint splash on and a phone for quick photos of your progress. While wine is part of the evening, hosts ask guests to drink responsibly and to respect the recreation area that surrounds Wekiva Island. If you want a follow-up outdoor stretch, plan a stroll on the riverfront boardwalk or a short drive to nearby Wekiwa Springs State Park for a sunrise paddle. Wine & Paint - June is less about wilderness skill and more about making in a place that reminds you why Central Florida’s springs and rivers matter—a local, low-effort creative night with a natural backdrop. Check in at the Mike Barr Education Center/Classroom at Wekiva Island upon arrival; arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. Slots are limited to twenty guests, and the minimum age is 21—bring ID for verification and plan to enjoy a relaxed, social creative evening.