Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge: Where Wellness, Wine, and Live Music Flow Together in Downtown Garner

A Watering Hole for Body, Mind, and Spirit

Namaste, y'all! Welcome to one of the Triangle's most unique gathering spaces, where you can flow through a yoga sequence, sip hand-selected wines, and catch live music—all under one roof. Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge isn't just a business; it's a philosophy brought to life by founder Kara O'Briant, who opened Garner's first yoga studio in November 2014 with a clear vision: to create a watering hole where ALL can come, regardless of differences, to receive the nourishment they need.

The Story Behind the Name

The clever name "Zin" is no typo. It's a thoughtful blend that captures the studio's dual essence. Instead of the traditional "zen," Kara drew inspiration from zinfandel wine, creatively spelling it "zin." The result perfectly sums up what you'll experience when you visit: a beautiful fusion of yoga and wine, all in one welcoming space.

Meet Kara O'Briant: The Heart Behind Zin

Originally from Bahama, just north of Durham, Kara O'Briant is a North Carolina native who has been teaching yoga to the Triangle since 2008 and working in the fitness industry since 2006. She created Zin Yoga & Wine Lounge by bringing together her two favorite things—yoga and wine—into a space that instantly makes new guests feel like they're hanging out at their best friend's house.

Kara's teaching style is known for passionate alignment instruction, hands-on assists that support healing in the body, unapologetic encouragement of self-care, and fun music accompanied by sporadic bursts of contagious laughter. She's an E-RYT 500 certified instructor and YACEP who also offers Reiki and leads the studio's yoga teacher training programs.

What matters most to Kara is creating a space where genuinely and truly ALL are welcome—where folks of all shapes, colors, sizes, backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs can come together to care for and connect more deeply with self and community.

Two Buildings, Two Passions, One Community

Located in downtown Garner, Zin occupies a renovated storage building that Kara transformed into two separate structures connected by a covered breezeway. The yoga studio and wine lounge operate independently under one roof, and while there's no drinking at the top of the mat, you're more than welcome to stay for a glass after class!

This unique layout allows for beautiful flexibility: some people come only for yoga, some only for the wine lounge, and some do both. The breezeway connecting the two buildings becomes a magical outdoor gathering space, especially during warmer months when the garage doors open up for live music, creating what reviewers call "a total summer vibe."

Open Mic Nights: Your 15 Minutes of Stardom

One of Zin's most beloved events is Open Mic Night, typically held twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Fridays from 6:30-8:30pm. Hosted by bartender and singer-songwriter Kate Bopp (also known as "Magic Woman"), these evenings showcase a variety of local talent at all skill levels.

Veterans and spectators are welcome, but newbies are especially encouraged! This is an inclusive space that welcomes all kinds of performers: musicians, singers, poets, stand-up comedians, spoken word artists, dancers, mimes, and performance artists. Walk-in performers are welcome, and you can also secure a reserve spot by emailing vibe@zinyogawine.com.

Kate Bopp herself is a Raleigh-based singer-songwriter with a unique voice and songwriting style. She believes that everyone has an inner light that shines, and her band Ghost Rattle regularly performs at Zin and other spots around North Carolina. Under her warm hosting, the open mic has become a supportive platform where performers can shine in the heart of downtown Garner.

Recent open mics have been held outside under the covered breezeway, taking advantage of the beautiful setup filled with tables, live plants, and a huge outdoor fan to keep things cool. The open air flowing through while folks perform creates an unforgettable atmosphere—perfect for chilled wine and beer!

Live Music That Fills the Soul

Beyond open mics, Zin regularly hosts live music performances, typically on Saturday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm. Past performers have included:

• The Red Clefs - Local Garner musicians Courtney Slocum and Bill Crook, featuring Courtney's beautiful voice and jazzy piano complemented by Bill's driving electric guitar rhythms
• Brodie Cormack - Lead singer of The Brodie Cormack Band, playing classic country, southern rock, and more
• Kyle Mullins - Toe-tapping live tunes perfect for special events
• Various local acoustic artists and bands

The combination of live music, garage doors opening to the breezeway, and the intimate setting creates a concert experience unlike any other in the area. Grab a glass of wine or beer, settle into a comfortable seat, and let the music wash over you.

Theatrical Experiences & Special Events

Zin has also become a creative venue for unique theatrical performances. The space has hosted interactive murder mystery dinner theaters like "Engaged to Death," featuring a hilarious cast of Triangle actors, musicians, singers, and improvisers. Throughout the 90-minute show, patrons follow the action throughout Zin as the story unfolds, complete with live jazz music, light hors d'oeuvres, and a glass of house wine. Guests are invited to dress in 1920s attire and come with their dancing shoes on—it's an immersive experience that brings the venue to life in unexpected ways.

Weekly Wine Events: Sip, Learn, Connect

The wine lounge side of Zin operates Tuesday through Sunday with regular events that educate and delight:

• Free Thursday Wine Tastings - Every Thursday evening, come for a complimentary tasting of the week's special wine selections. After tasting, purchase by the glass or bottle. There's always a food truck on premises (check their social media for the weekly lineup)!
• Wine Seminars - Special educational tastings led by wine experts and distributors, like the Italian wine seminar with Manuel Magnani from Sunrise Wines, featuring wines from small boutique wineries
• Sake Tastings - Venture into the world of sake with guided tastings featuring multiple varieties and paired snacks
• Oysters, Beer & Bubbles Events - Fresh oysters shucked by the Mera Brothers, craft beers, sparkling bubbles, and live music
• Wine Dinners - Multi-course dinners with expertly paired wines (wine club members only)
• Twisted Cork Wine Club - Monthly membership that includes exclusive tastings, special access to wine dinners, and more

The wine selection is carefully curated—mostly organic or sustainable boutique wines hand-selected with love, careful consideration, and pride. There's always something new and exciting to try, and the knowledgeable staff (including Kara and Jennifer) will help you find the perfect wine for your palate.

Yoga Classes for Every Body

Zin offers seven days a week of non-heated, instructor-led yoga classes that are truly for everybody—from beginners to advanced practitioners. The studio's philosophy rejects pushing, muscling, and fighting to get into poses. Instead, instructors encourage students to explore their own edge mindfully as they grow their practice, strengthen their body, expand their heart, and free their mind.

Class offerings include:

• Gentle Yoga - Wednesdays at 10:30am with Kara
• Flow Yoga (Level 2) - Tuesdays at 7pm with Kara
• FriYay Yoga - Fridays at 10:00am with Kara
• Open Flow - Various times throughout the week
• Yoga for Strength - Mid-week strength-focused practices
• Yoga en Español - Spanish-language classes for all levels
• Karma Yoga - Weekly donation-based class where proceeds go to local charities

The studio also offers:

• One-on-one private instruction
• Yoga teacher training programs (200-hour and 500-hour certifications)
• Workshops and team-building events
• TRX classes
• Luxury retreats

Instructors like Kara, Elizabeth, Ashleigh, Cristen, Amanda, and Jennifer bring knowledge, passion, and personalized attention to every class. Many students praise the instructors for being especially mindful of individual needs—whether you're dealing with POTS, balance issues, or just beginning your yoga journey.

The Vibe: Your Best Friend's House

The atmosphere at Zin is what keeps people coming back. It's been described as a "hidden gem," a "watering hole," and a place that feels like visiting a friend's house. The aesthetically pleasing interior features charming décor, ample seating both indoors and outdoors, and a creative touch that extends tranquility throughout the space.

The vibe is simultaneously chill and vibrant—cozy enough for a quiet afternoon with a good book and a glass of wine, yet energetic enough for Saturday night live music with friends. It's dog-friendly, family-friendly, and welcomes solo visitors just as warmly as groups.

When the weather's nice, the garage doors open up, the breezeway comes alive, and you'll understand why locals call it the perfect spot to hang with friends. The outdoor seating features live plants, comfortable tables, and even heaters for cooler evenings.

Food Trucks & Sweet Treats

While Zin doesn't have a full kitchen, they partner with rotating food trucks—check their social media for the weekly schedule. Past favorites include Pakaa Local, an amazing Indian food truck that's earned rave reviews from patrons. The studio also offers homemade desserts, including a chocolate pie that reviewers say is absolutely delicious and perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

More Than Yoga and Wine

Zin has evolved into a true community hub that hosts a wide variety of events beyond yoga and wine:

• Book clubs
• Women's circles
• Art and drawing workshops
• Flower arrangement design classes
• Writing groups
• Private parties and celebrations
• Corporate team-building events

The studio's commitment to community shines through in everything they do, from free wine tastings to the monthly events that bring neighbors together.

Accessibility & Location

Located at 104 Rand Mill Road in the heart of downtown Garner, Zin is just a block from the Garner Recreation Center. For those who have difficulty with stairs from the street, there's a gravel parking lot nearby, and the venue can also be accessed from the Garner Recreation Center parking lot next door.

Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday-Wednesday: 2:00pm-8:00pm
• Thursday: 2:00pm-10:00pm
• Friday-Saturday: 12:00pm-10:00pm
• Sunday: 12:00pm-5:00pm

Join the Tribe

Whether you're a musician looking for an open mic stage, a yogi seeking a supportive practice space, a wine enthusiast wanting to expand your palate, or simply someone looking for a welcoming community space, Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge invites you to join their tribe.

As they say: "Join us as we skip, stumble, laugh, love, breathe and sip our way along."

For the latest schedule of yoga classes, open mic nights, live music, wine tastings, and special events, follow them on Instagram @zinyogawine or Facebook @zinyogawine. You can also visit their website at zinyogawine.com or call (919) 661-9030.