A life of contrasting experiences
Calvert Vineyard’s Story
Small things grow
Often times, big can feel overwhelming and serve as a demotivating factor to action. But broken down, 'considered action', at a smaller scale and multiplied by many can create positive change. This is the importance and motivation for individual purpose and action. Sometimes dealing with the smaller things can often make the most difference.
As a thinker and a planner - preparing for the future - Owen Calvert has seen the benefits of this firsthand. He took his agricultural background and headed overseas for three decades working with vulnerable communities with the objective of improving the livelihoods of subsistence farmers in developing countries and countries in crisis.
Owen is a mindful grower - thinking of his immediate actions and how they will impact future generations. When Owen was in a position to make a decision on the land-use of his Felton Road block of land (Calvert), he wanted to create a careful balance of sustainable production and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
It was an easy decision for Owen to put the work in and become one of the earliest vineyards in New Zealand to make the transition to organic.
Whilst Calvert Vineyard is home to vines that provide for some of New Zealand's most successful wine brands (through leasing arrangements), the first vintage and launch of Calvert Pinot Noir, created by Owen and winemaker Sarah, is Owen's celebration of 'borne of small things done beautifully'.
Secured land (1989)
Working overseas, but with a love for his birth place Cromwell NZ, Owen Calvert secured a Felton Road block of land with careful consideration of its unique potential.
Planted Pinot Noir House Block (1999)
Bannockburn was recognized as a prime site for Pinot Noir production and Owen made the decision to plant the first vines on the property.
Transition to Organic (2003)
It was an easy decision to transition to organic management. By 2006, the vineyard was Biogro certified. The benefits of this early action are reflected in the Calvert wine today and will remain for generations to come.
Sold grapes to 3 renowned vineyards (2006 - 2013)
From 2006, single vineyard wines were produced from the Calvert vineyard by Felton Road, Craggy Range and Pyramid Valley This was a pioneering move in the grape industry and is now recognised quite widely as an example of innovation and collaboration.
Lease to Cloudy Bay (2014)
Cloudy Bay vineyards are spread between two emblematic wine regions, full of climatic and geological diversities - namely, Marlborough and Central Otago. Calvert leased their vines in 2013 to Cloudy Bay - one of New Zealand's most established wine brands.
First Calvert Vineyard Vintage (2018)
Since 2018, Calvert winemaker, Sarah, has made a small quantity of high quality Pinot Noir from the Calvert vineyard. Experience our first vintage.
Enjoy Calvert Pinot Noir
A Wine With Great Personality, Borne Of Small Things Done Beautifully.
Read about Calvert Pinot Noir 2020
Calvert Pinot Noir 2020
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