Experience Guide
June 12—14, 2026 | North Carolina Wine Country
You're About to Have Three Unforgettable Days
This retreat has been meticulously designed to celebrate you, nourish your body and spirit, and create unforgettable moments with women who share your commitment to wellness, connection, and intentional living. Every detail, from the moment we depart Charlotte to the drive home on Sunday afternoon, has been curated with intention.
Full Itinerary
Click any date below to see what you'll experience that day. Need help packing? Visit our packing checklist.
Meet & Depart Charlotte
Our weekend adventure begins with a private departure from central Charlotte. Settle in, meet your fellow attendees, and ease into the retreat mindset as we head to the foothills.
Hotel Check In
Arrive at your hotel and settle into your room. Take time to refresh and prepare for the evening ahead.
Welcome Dinner & Wine Tasting
Our weekend officially begins with an intimate welcome dinner paired with a wine tasting experience. Connect with the women around your table and ease into the retreat.
Return to Hotel
Head back to your room for the night. You've earned some rest.
For Friday evening, you'll need your elevated dinner outfit, polished shoes, and accessories. Visit the packing checklist to mark items off as you pack.
See Friday Packing ListPinot & Pilates
Start your day with intention. Join us for a private Pilates session led by an expert instructor with a calming, self-care-centered approach. Afterward, unwind with a Pinot-forward wine tasting and light refreshments.
Return to Hotel
Head back to refresh, change, and rest before the afternoon.
Afternoon Winery Tasting & Lunch
Explore a carefully selected vineyard and enjoy a tasting experience paired with lunch on the property.
Second Winery Tasting
For our final tasting of the day, we explore another carefully selected vineyard. Taste at your own pace and discover wines that speak to you.
Return to Hotel & Freshen Up
Head back to change into your Wine, Rosé, or Champagne-colored matching pajamas for tonight's celebration.
PJ Pizza Party & Comedy Show
Join us for an adult slumber party complete with pizza, snacks, desserts, and entertainment. Laugh, be yourself, and celebrate friendship.
Saturday Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Pinot & Pilates refreshments, Lunch (included), Afternoon tasting, Pizza party. Lunch is on us.
Saturday requires the most varied packing: Pilates gear including your mat, daytime vineyard outfits, and Wine/Rosé/Champagne-colored PJs for the evening. Beauty items and extras go here too. Use the checklist to organize everything by category.
See Saturday Packing ListMorning Stretch & Reflect
Begin your final day with a full-body stretch and mobility session followed by guided reflection. Share insights from the weekend and carry them forward into your life.
Final Tasting & Lunch
Join us for our final winery tasting and lunch as we reflect on the weekend together before heading home.
Departure for Charlotte
We depart for the drive home. You'll have space to sit quietly, journal, or continue conversations as you transition back to your regular life.
Packing Checklist
We've created a packing checklist organized by day and category. Check items off as you pack, and your progress will save automatically. Everything you need for Friday through Sunday is there, plus beauty, toiletries, and extras.
Community Expectations
- Be present Put your phone away during meals, tastings, and shared experiences. Be fully in the moment with the wine, food, and women around you.
- Respect the space We've created something intentional here. Honor that by being respectful of the vineyards, hotel, and other guests.
- Lead with kindness Everyone at your table deserves warmth, openness, and genuine interest. Listen as much as you share.
- Embrace vulnerability The best moments come from showing up as yourself. Share honestly, laugh freely, be transformed.
- Hold space for others What's shared at the table stays at the table. Confidentiality is sacred.
- Respect all choices Some will drink wine throughout. Some won't. Some will be social every moment. Some will need quiet time. All choices are honored.
Frequently Asked
Do I need to be a wine expert?
Absolutely not. This retreat is designed for women at all levels of wine knowledge. You're here to explore, taste, learn, and connect. The guides on this retreat are educators first.
What if I don't drink alcohol?
Wine is part of this experience, but it's not the only point. We've prepared thoughtful mocktail options throughout the retreat. You're welcome to taste wines, skip them entirely, or mix and match. The focus is on the experience and connection.
Is this retreat physically demanding?
The Pilates session is a gentle, mat-based class designed to be accessible to most fitness levels. If you have concerns about physical limitations, please reach out to us at howdy@apartyof8.com before the retreat.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We take all dietary needs seriously. If you have restrictions or allergies, please email howdy@apartyof8.com at least two weeks before the retreat so we can coordinate with the chefs and vineyards.
Will I have time alone?
Yes. The schedule includes built-in downtime between activities, quiet time in your room, and moments for personal reflection. This retreat honors both your desire for connection and your need for solitude.
What if I'm traveling alone?
Many guests on this retreat are attending solo. The experiences are designed to encourage connection, so you won't feel isolated. Your table mates and reflection circle will become your community for the weekend.
Can I take photos?
Absolutely. We encourage you to capture memories. However, please ask before photographing other guests, and be present first, photos second.
What if I need to cancel?
We do not offer refunds. Tickets are non-refundable once purchased. If you have extenuating circumstances, please reach out to howdy@apartyof8.com to discuss.
What should I do if I'm running late?
Please notify us immediately at howdy@apartyof8.com. We'll do our best to accommodate you, though some experiences may begin without you. Our Friday departure is at 3:00 PM sharp.
You belong here.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or figuring out what you like, whether you know everyone or no one, whether you're processing a major transition or simply ready for a beautiful weekend. You belong here. This retreat is designed for all of you.
Questions? Email howdy@apartyof8.com