As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning end-of-year social gatherings. Whether the goal is to have an event inside or outside of the office building, Charlotte venues offer wine tastings, cooking classes, and more. Here’s a list of places to host a nontraditional office party in Charlotte, with food and drink at the center.

BATL Axe Throwing, multiple locations 

Axes are thrown in arenas, which are similar to batting cages. Coaching is available and groups throw together in a private lane with individual axes. Food and drinks are available on-site and can be preordered. Guests can also bring their own food or have it delivered without paying a fee. Ten guests max per arena; call 704-461-3370 for more details. 

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, LoSo

Join a hands-on cooking class. At Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, guests choose from one of four experiences — a hands-on class, Chopped challenges, tapas tastings, and bake off challenges. Choose to create dishes from a seasonal menu in the hands-on class, work together as a team with mystery ingredients in the Chopped challenge, make three small plates in tapas tastings, and bake goods straight from the oven in the bake off challenge. Up to 30 guests. 

The Cocktailery, South End

The Cocktailery’s lounge space awaits cocktail class customers or retail customers looking over cocktail books. Photo by Brian Twitty

Guests will learn how to make three cocktails through an interactive experience. There are two options for private classes. Stirred is an experience designed for six people. Shaken is for 12 people. Equipment and ingredients are provided. Outside food is permitted. Virtual team building cocktail classes and large interactive options are available. For more information, email hello@thecocktailery.com. 

The Foodie School, Fort Mill 

Chefs guide groups through cooking lessons. Participants can choose from class offerings or have a menu curated. Classes include rooftop tapas, dinner and a movie, sushi workshop, night at the pizzeria, world cuisine, and more. Guests are allowed to bring wine and beer. For private events, minimum eight guests and max is 14. For demo classes, the max is 18.

The Foodie School guests enjoy the dishes they learned to make during class. Photo courtesy

Paddywax Candle Bar, South End 

Create custom candles with your team at candle making workshops where guests will be led by a facilitator. Guests can choose a desired scent and vessel prior to starting the pouring process. At-home kits are also available if you’re seeking a virtual option. Guests can bring their own bottles of wine. Up to 28 guests; private events are available upon request. 

Petit Philippe, Myers Park

The fine wine tasting room offers four experiences, which allows visitors to customize events for groups. The reception is for social gatherings and wine is poured by the glass. Guiding tastings can be served standing or seated and wine is poured in unison. Workshops are structured grouped tastings. Private events are closed to the public. Call 704-332-9910 or email mark@petitphilippe.com for more information. 

Piedmont Social House, Ayrsley 

Spend an afternoon or evening playing games, eating, and drinking at one destination. There’s a full menu for dining, an indoor and outdoor bar, yard games, pool, and bowling. Guests can host in one of six event spaces. 

Stroke, Plaza Midwood 

Guests can customize the Stroke experience by reserving one of four spaces and creating food and cocktail menus ideal for the group. Play nine holes of golf in the quirky urban golf area whilst enjoying a cocktail, then head over to the lounge area — which is reminiscent of a speakeasy — to eat and socialize. Learn more online. 

Sweet Spot Studio, Echo Hills

Take a class at the studio or at a local brewery with craft(y) bake and brews or choose a recreational class where guests learn hands-on baking and decorating skills. Class options include making French macarons, cake pops, and more. Up to 15 guests at the studio and 50+ guests offsite (subject to change depending on the capacity of the hosting brewery). 

Twigs & Figs, Ballantyne 

Allow an instructor to lead your team through building a terrarium or creating moss art. Some class options are jellyfish terrarium, hanging air plant terrarium, and dish garden. Guests are also allowed to pick any project of their choice. A selection of hard ciders, craft beer, wine, kombuchas, and more are also offered. Up to 20 participants. 

U.S. National Whitewater Center, Moores Chapel 

Choose from one of many outdoor adventures. While some are seasonal, activities include zip lines, climbing, jumps, ice skating, and more. The center also offers a low challenge course, a low and high challenge course, and an adventure race for teams. Catering is available and is priced at a per person rate. Visitors can sit for a full-service meal at River’s Edge. The Market offers grab-and-go food items. Pump House Biergarten offers beer and a made-to-order menu. Learn more online. 

Wine and Design, Dilworth

Create a custom painting while sipping on your favorite glass of wine or cocktail. Guests can customize the experience for groups by hosting at the Wine & Design studio or your own work site. Build an experience by choosing a desired class length, pricing, and team building exercises for small groups or entire companies. Book online.