By Jessaca Giglio
The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
Sometimes, a few deep breaths is all you need to relax.
Other times, you need yoga and wine.
Now there’s a spot where you can have both.
Zin Yoga Studio and Wine Lounge, which offers yoga classes, wine and a place to unwind, opened Nov. 3 in Garner.
“Yogis would sit and talk as a community when they were done,” said owner Kara Crooks, who wants to replicate that with a space to “have a glass of wine while you’re feeling great (after doing yoga).”
Yoga classes include Vinyasa flow, which has fluid transition from pose to pose; fundamental yoga for beginners and those who want to brush up on their skills; renew, which is gentle and slow and focuses on stretches; and core strength and balance.
Zin also has classes for seniors that focus on posture and balance and yoga by candlelight on Friday nights. Crooks said Zin will also eventually add TRX yoga and ballet bars.
Yoga clients won’t be served alcohol before or during yoga — only after, and Zin’s doors will be closed during classes to keep the place peaceful.
“A downward dog won’t be as pleasant with wine in your belly,” Crooks said.
The wine lounge will be open Thursday through Saturday evenings, and will offer “boutique” wines that come from family-owned, smaller vineyards, along with organic wines. Crooks said she also wants to eventually serve craft beer.
Glasses of wine range from about $5 to $9.
Zin will have wine tastings, which are open to everyone, the first Thursday of every month, and will change monthly and tie in to the season. December will probably focus on sparkling wines and Christmas, Crooks said.
The 1,700-square-foot open space has room for about 20 in the lounge area, along with an outdoor patio where dogs are welcome.
Zin also offers space for events such as girls night out and bridal and birthday parties.
Yoga classes are about an hour or more, and cost $10 for seniors and $15 to drop in. Ten classes are $130 and annual memberships with unlimited classes are temporarily $79 per month.
Crooks said she has created a warm place where people can kick off their shoes and just be themselves.
“I want people to realize they can come in and enjoy themselves and have a relaxing, fun time,” she said.
Zin Yoga Studio and Wine Lounge is at 1411 Aversboro Road, Suite 309, near Aversboro Restaurant at Aversboro Square.
