Weddings
Vineyard ceremonies under the ranges, long-table receptions, a quiet morning-after coffee in the cottage. As intimate as twenty, as full as you like.
20–120+ guests · whole-property hire
Bannockburn · Central Otago
Events in the vineyard
A working family Pinot vineyard under the ranges — open, by arrangement, for the gatherings that matter.
The setting
A venue with a difference
Calvert sits on Felton Road in Bannockburn — schist underfoot, the ranges to the west, vine rows running for the horizon.
It's a working family vineyard producing some of Central Otago's most highly-regarded Pinot Noir, and a place that's brought people together since Owen Calvert first planted here.
The land is the venue. There are no fixed structures designed for events, no rented chairs in storage, no off-the-shelf packages. What we offer is a sheltered acreage with mature plantings — many gifted by friends and family from around the world — dramatic Central Otago views, and the rhythm of a small vineyard.
That openness is the point. Our role is to host you and your people on the land. Yours is to bring the celebration you want — your caterer, your celebrant, your style. We'll connect you with local vendors who know the property well, and help with whatever you need from us.
The morning after, wake up in The East Wing cottage, walk out into the vines, and start the next chapter with a quiet coffee.
What you can host
Shapes the days take
Six event shapes a day at Calvert tends to take. If yours is something else — a wellness retreat, an off-grid escape, an idea we haven't met yet — ask anyway.
Wellness retreats
Yoga mornings, sound sessions, slow-movement days, group reset weekends. The land is quiet, the air is clean, and the cottage sleeps five.
4–20 people · day or multi-day
Long-table lunches & private dining
Your chef, our setting. A single long table among the vines or in the Central Park. Calvert wines flow.
12–40 guests · half-day
Milestone celebrations
Fortieth, sixtieth, golden anniversary, family reunion — gatherings that deserve a setting beyond a function room. Open ground, no caps.
30–80 typical · scalable
Photo & film shoots
Vineyard rows, schist outcrops, the ranges, a stone-and-timber cottage interior. Day rates available — we stay out of the way.
Half- or full-day
Trade & wine events
Distributor dinners, masterclasses, vintner gatherings, supplier visits. Calvert wines at trade pricing; tasting flights on request.
8–60 guests · half-day
The land
Three spaces on the property
Each has its own feel. Owen will walk you through them on a site visit.
Among the Vines
A row of working Pinot vines as your aisle, the ranges as your backdrop. The signature Bannockburn ceremony.
80 standing · 60 seated
Capacities are guides only — Calvert has no permanent furniture, so layouts are limited only by the marquee and setup you bring.
How we work No packages.
No packages.
Just the place.
We're not an events company. We're a working vineyard that opens up the land for the events that matter. Here's what that looks like in practice.
What we provide
- Exclusive use of the grounds and gardens
- Vineyard tour with Owen for your group
- The East Wing cottage (overnight rates apply)
- Off-street parking for 30+ vehicles
- Wifi across the property and cottage
- Calvert wines at trade pricing
- Introductions to local vendors who know the property
What you bring
- Your caterer (or food trucks, BBQ — your call)
- Marquee, tables, chairs, linen if needed
- AV, projectors and sound system
- Decor, flowers, signage
- Celebrant or MC if applicable
- Coordinator to run the day (recommended for 40+)
How we charge
- Day hire sent in your quote — bespoke per event
- Multi-day with cottage quoted on enquiry
- Photo & film shoots have separate day rates
- Weddings include a complimentary cottage night for the couple
- Site visits are complimentary — we encourage them
Practical questions
Frequently asked
-
Every event is bespoke — once we know the rough shape (event type, count, dates, overnight or not), Owen sends a tailored quote within 48 hours. Day-hire pricing is available on request. Weddings include a complimentary night in The East Wing cottage for the couple; other events have separate overnight rates.
-
Yes — bring whichever caterer you like. Most local Central Otago caterers already know the property, and we're happy to introduce you to those we've worked with.
-
We'd love for you to — our Pinot Noir is grown on the same land you'll be celebrating on, and we offer it at trade pricing for events. You're welcome to bring additional wines; a small corkage fee applies for bottles outside the Calvert range.
-
Central Otago is dry, but most events that depend on outdoor space bring a marquee anyway — it doubles as wet-weather cover. The East Wing has indoor space for smaller groups (up to six seated). We talk through wet-weather options at the site visit.
-
No — Calvert is bring-your-own. We have wifi across the property and the cottage. Most groups bring a portable TV/projector; we're happy to recommend AV-hire partners in Cromwell who can deliver and set up.
-
Off-street parking on the property — comfortably 30+ vehicles. There's no public transport in Bannockburn. For larger events we recommend organising a shuttle from Cromwell (5 min away) so guests can enjoy the wine.
-
Amplified music winds down at 11pm — Bannockburn is rural, and we have neighbours close enough to hear. Acoustic later is fine; daytime events have no restrictions.
-
Yes — dogs are welcome. Owen's only ask is that they're on a lead near the vines and never left unattended on the lawn.
-
A 50% deposit confirms your date; the balance is due 14 days before your event. Site visits are complimentary and we encourage them.
Get in touch
Start the conversation
A few things to get us started — Owen replies within 48 hours, usually same day during the week.
- 1 About your event
- 2 How to reach you
Explore the land
