FAQs
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF WINEFULNESS
HEY, MINDFUL WINE-LOVER
Here you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions about events, retreats, private bookings, online offerings, and everything in between. If you can’t find what you’re after, click HERE, we love a good question almost as much as a good glass of Sauvignon.
General Questions
What is Winefulness?
Winefulness is the mindful art of slowing down and savouring life through wine, connection, and presence. It blends wine appreciation with simple wellbeing practices to engage the senses and create moments of balance and joy. Find out more here.
How is a Winefulness experience different from a regular tasting or yoga class?
A Winefulness experience blends the best of both worlds. It’s a sensory journey that helps you engage with wine in a slower, more intentional way. Expect to move, breathe, taste, and connect in a relaxed, inclusive setting.
Do I need to know about wine or mindfulness to join?
Not at all. All SauvignOM experiences are beginner-friendly and designed for anyone with an open mind and a love for connection, curiosity, and good wine. You’ll learn as you go and leave with a new appreciation for both wine and wellbeing.
Where is SauvignOM based?
SauvignOM is based in Marlborough, New Zealand, and Styria, Austria. From these homes, we also collaborate with wineries, businesses, and wellness destinations across the globe.
Do you have a physical studio?
No. SauvignOM is designed to be mobile and flexible. We bring Winefulness to beautiful spaces rather than staying in one studio.
Who is behind SauvignOM?
SauvignOM was founded by Gucci Achatz, a certified health coach, yoga teacher, and breathwork facilitator with roots in Austria’s wine country and a home in Marlborough, New Zealand. What began as a personal passion has become a way to help people reconnect with themselves, others, and the beauty of the moment. Find out more about Gucci here.
Events & Retreats
General Questions
What can I expect from a SauvignOM event / retreat?
Each experience is a relaxed blend of mindfulness, wine appreciation, and connection. You might move, create, or breathe, always at an easy pace. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, laughter, and moments that help you slow down and savour life more deeply.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket includes a thoughtfully curated two-hour wineful experience that blends mindfulness and wine appreciation.
Each event features:
- 1–2 glasses of wine, enjoyed either as full pours or as part of a tasting flight (a guided mini selection of wines served in smaller tasting pours).
- Curated food pairings or nibbles matched to the event’s theme and wines.
- All materials and equipment, such as yoga mats, art supplies or tasting tools, so you can simply arrive and enjoy.
- Expert facilitation by your SauvignOM host and the partnering winery team.
- A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where you can unwind, connect and savour the moment.
If you’re joining a retreat, you’ll find the full inclusion list in the retreat details.
Are your sessions suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. All experiences are beginner-friendly and open to everyone. You don’t need yoga experience or wine knowledge, just curiosity and a willingness to be present.
How often do you host events and retreats?
We host seasonal events and retreats throughout the year in New Zealand, Austria, and occasionally in other wine regions. Join our newsletter to stay up to date on new releases and special collaborations.
Can I join on my own?
Please do! Many of our guests come solo and end up connecting with wonderful like-minded humans. SauvignOM is all about community and shared presence.
On the Day
Where do your events & retreats usually take place?
Our experiences are hosted at wineries, vineyards, hotels, and unique venues, mainly in Marlborough (New Zealand) and Styria (Austria), but also in wine regions around the world.
Are your events inside or outside?
Most gatherings are held outdoors in vineyards or beautiful winery spaces surrounded by nature. Some sessions, especially workshops and winter events, take place indoors in barrel halls or cosy venues.
What should I bring?
When you register, we’ll send event-specific details. Generally we recommend comfortable clothing that allows for gentle movement, plus a water bottle, sunscreen, and an open mind. Yoga mats or other materials are provided unless stated otherwise.
If you’re joining a retreat, you’ll receive a full packing list when you book.
What happens if it rains?
If the weather shifts, we will move the experience indoors or reschedule to a nearby date. You will be informed at least 2 hours in advance and given flexible options.
Do we drink wine during the movement (like yoga)?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the event. If wine is included, it’s always in a mindful, optional, and limited way.
Age & Access
Is there an age limit for your experiences?
Most experiences are 18+ due to alcohol service, but some family-friendly or non-alcoholic sessions may be offered from time to time.
How do you ensure safety around alcohol?
All wine is optional and served in mindful, limited amounts. The aim is appreciation, not excess.
What if I don't drink wine?
Wine is always optional. We can arrange non-alcoholic alternatives if requested in advance, so everyone can enjoy the full experience. The focus is presence, balance, and connection.
Are your sessions accessible for all levels?
Yes. Our events are inclusive and adaptable. Movements and mindfulness practices are gentle, and participation is always optional.
Can I join if I'm pregnant?
Yes, with a few adaptations. Many of our practices are gentle and grounding, and we can offer non-alcoholic tastings. Please let us know in advance so we can tailor the experience for comfort and safety.
Can I bring children?
Sorry, no. These experiences are strictly adults-only. However, some venues may have kid-friendly areas where children (and partner) can hang out, as long as they don’t disturb the event.
Bookings & Policies
Do I need to sign up in advance?
Yes. Tickets are pre-purchased online. While we may have some tickets available at the door, if we are not sold out, we cannot guarantee this.
How do I book an event or retreat?
Bookings can be made directly through our website. Once your spot is confirmed, you will receive an email with all the details you need.
What if an event is sold out?
Email us to join the waitlist. Spaces often open up.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens but tickets are non-refundable. If you cancel 24+ hours before the event, you may receive a credit for future use. Cancellations within 24 hours cannot be credited.
Retreats and private bookings have separate cancellation policies.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. If you can’t make it, simply let us know the name of the person taking your place so we can update our guest list.
What happens if an event is cancelled or postponed?
If we need to cancel due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you will be notified and given the choice of a credit, transfer, or a full refund.
Private & Corporate Bookings
How far in advance should I book a private event?
We recommend reaching out at least four to six weeks in advance so we can secure your preferred date and location. Larger groups, retreats, or corporate bookings may need a little more lead time, especially during peak seasons.
How many people can join on a private or corporate event?
Our sessions are flexible and can be tailored for small groups or larger gatherings. Most experiences work best with 6 to 60 participants, depending on the space and format. Larger groups can be split into smaller circles for an optimal experience.
Can you host an event at my own home, venue, or office?
Yes, we’d love that! We can bring Winefulness anywhere (also outside of Marlborough and Styria). Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Reach out here with your location and vision, and together we will find the setting that best suits your event and atmosphere.
Can the experience be customised to our theme or goals?
Absolutely. Each private or corporate event is designed around your objectives. Whether you want to focus on relaxation, connection, or creativity, we tailor the format, activities, and timing to suit your group.
What types of private events do you offer?
Do you offer corporate retreats?
Yes, from half a day to several days. Our retreats combine mindful workshops, tastings, and wellness sessions in beautiful wine country settings. These are ideal for leadership groups, incentive trips, or off-site team experiences.
Can we add a SauvignOM session to our conference or retreat?
Absolutely. We can integrate seamlessly into your programme as a morning energiser, mid-day mindful reset, or evening wind-down. Just tell us your schedule.
Do you offer non-wine or alcohol-free experiences?
Yes, we have several wellness-based options focused on mindfulness, sensory awareness, and connection without wine. Perfect for diverse teams or dry events.
What is included in a private or corporate package?
Each package includes facilitation, all materials, and mindful planning to create a seamless experience. Food and wine can be arranged directly with your chosen winery or venue partner. You’ll receive a full proposal once we know your preferences.
Can we co-host an event or collaborate on something unique?
We love collaborations. Whether you are a winery, brand, or business, we can design something distinctive that reflects both our values and yours. Get in touch here and we will explore ideas together.
Online Shop
General Questions
When will you launch?
Our online shop will launch soon. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when our products are available.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes, we will soon! SauvignOM gift vouchers make beautiful presents for birthdays, holidays or corporate rewards.
Bundles & Virtual Retreats
What are online Winefulness bundles?
Online bundles are a collection of video sessions that bring Winefulness to your home. They include guided mindfulness practices, sensory wine explorations, and creative exercises designed to help you slow down and reconnect wherever you are. Our SauvignOM@hOMe Retreat is a multi-day programme with guided sessions, workbooks, and mindful wine appreciation.
How do I access my online content after purchase?
After purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with a private link and login details. You can watch the sessions on any device at your own pace.
How long do I have access to my online content?
You will have unlimited access unless stated otherwise. Once you purchase a bundle, it is yours to revisit whenever you like.
Do I need any special equipment?
Just a yoga mat (or towel) and a quiet space to move. For the wineful elements, you may choose your favourite wine or tea, and something to write or draw with for reflection activities.
Can I gift a virtual retreat or bundle?
Yes. You can purchase a digital gift voucher for someone else, and they will receive their access details by email.
Merchandise
What kind of products will be available?
Our collection will include Winefulness-inspired items designed to enrich your wineful journey.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we plan to offer international shipping to most destinations. Shipping details and rates will be confirmed at launch.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Within New Zealand, most orders arrive in 3–5 business days. International shipping varies depending on destination.
Can I send a gift directly to someone else?
Yes, just enter their address at checkout and add a gift message in the notes. We’ll take care of the rest (no receipts in the box, promise).
Can I return or exchange something?
Of course, if your item arrives damaged or isn’t what you expected, please contact us within 14 days of delivery. Check our return policy once shop gets launched.
