New York Champagne Week and The FIZZ is Female present SIP & SEA Wine Retreat, an inaugural wine lifestyle retreat co-curated with hotel partner The Shoals Slips & Suites and hosted by New York Champagne Week founder Blaine Ashley (aka Champagne Blaine) from June 5 to 7.
The three-day North Fork edition pairs sparkling wine education and female powerhouse-led programming with coastal culinary moments — featuring oysters, caviar, vineyard access, and seaside hospitality. The retreat highlights Long Island terroir and merroir through tasting, education, and seaside culinary programming.
The experience begins with a luxury SUV transfer from New York City, accompanied by welcome roadies, Champagne EPC, coffee, and light breakfast bites. Upon arrival at Macari Vineyards, guests enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the cellar and bottling line. This is followed by the “In Between the Vines” curated lunch among the vines, featuring regionally sourced dishes. Guests then indulge in a private tasting suite dessert of Strawberry Shortcake from The Treatery before checking in at The Shoals Slips & Suites, where they receive a welcome glass of RGNY sparkling wine.
The accommodations include king rooms with a kitchenette, living space, bathroom, and outdoor terrace. The day continues with Fireside Caviar 101, led by Altima Caviar co-owner Alayna Steinman, and a casual dockside dinner offering oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, BBQ skewers, and seasonal fare. Throughout the day, retreat photography by Alena Kostromina captures the memories.
On the second day, guests enjoy a leisurely morning at Shoals before attending a Sparkling Wine versus Champagne masterclass at Sparkling Pointe at 11 AM, featuring side-by-side tastings from Brut Nature to Blanc de Noirs and Rosé, accompanied by cheese, charcuterie, and canapés. Guests return to The Shoals for an interactive dockside oyster shucking experience, followed by an evening four-course wine-pairing dinner at Alpina Restaurant on Main Street. The experience concludes with a nightcap accompanied by live music at Greenhill Tavern.