Golden hour garden party: A celebration of champagne in the Hamptons

By Kristen Oliveri

It was a magical August evening in the Hamptons, the kind of golden-hour gathering that marks the end of summer in the most elegant way. At A Room at the Beach in Bridgehampton, guests came together for the Golden Hour Garden Party, part of New York Champagne Week’s Hamptons programming.

The evening unfolded with caviar bumps, oysters from North Fork favorite Peeko Oysters, and an array of sparkling wines from Ferrari Trento, including their newly launched sparkling wine to commemorate their partnership with F1 and the always elegant Reserve Perlé, a personal favorite in their portfolio. Guests also enjoyed a sustainable shopping experience with Curatd, blending style with conscious living.

At the heart of the event was Blaine Ashley, affectionately known as “Champagne Blaine,” the founder behind New York Champagne Week. Since launching in 2013, Ashley has pioneered a champagne lifestyle platform that now celebrates its 12th year, delighting audiences with immersive and innovative programming.

What began as a way to connect champagne houses with food and beverage professionals has evolved into a nationwide movement with events spanning from New York to Los Angeles, Miami, and the Hamptons, cultivating a loyal community of champagne lovers.

The Golden Hour Garden Party was a perfect reminder that champagne is more than a drink. It is a lifestyle, a celebration, and a gathering point for community.I attended with my husband and two close friends, where we connected with East End tastemakers and yacht experts, and even reconnected with an industry colleague I’ve known for nearly 20 years, a full-circle moment that made the evening all the more special.