BOUTIQUE VINEYARD WEDDINGS
Nestled into its own sun-drenched nook of Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, Calais Estate is one of the most picturesque estates in the region. The charming sandstone building, rustic barrel room, stunning landscaped grounds and sweeping verandahs provide an idyllic setting for your wedding.
Calais Estate has everything you need to create a unique and memorable wedding day. Surround yourself with the sheer beauty of the Hunter Valley landscape, the history of a beautiful sandstone building and wrought iron verandah as well as the award-winning wines of Calais Estate. Our grounds provide multiple picturesque options for ceremonies of varying sizes and we have 3 reception venues on the Estate as well. We can customise our menus and layouts to your individual needs as well as offer bridal registries or cellar tea ideas.
CEREMONY
The beautiful gardens and vineyard at Calais Estate provide plenty of options when choosing the ideal setting for your wedding ceremony. A vintage table and chairs for the signing of the marriage certificate will be provided as well as some seating for guests. There are no restrictions on your choice of Priest or Celebrant, however, Calais is also happy to recommend local Celebrants if needed.
RECEPTION
At Calais Estate we have three reception venues to choose from:
The Courtyard
Ideal for small intimate weddings as well as pre and post wedding functions. The Courtyard has a beautiful brick undercover area adorned with fairy lights and a corrugated roof with iron lattice edging as well as an open air space with striking white umbrellas and vintage fortified barrels. There are sweeping views across the Cabernet vineyard and the front of the Estate.
The Verandah
Ideal for weddings of up to sixty people seated. The wide verandah offers stunning west views across the vineyards towards the Broken Back Range, a stunning sunset view and also looks north across the dam and island to the Barrington Tops.
The Barrel Room
A truely unique and rustic wedding venue – what better way to celebrate than amongst the barrels in Calais’ working barrel room. The outside terrace provides the perfect setting for pre dinner drinks overlooking the Calais island. Then the barn doors slide back to welcome your guests into the impressive Barrel Room which can accommodate anywhere from sixty people up to two hundred seated. There is also ample room for a band and dance floor. Tables can be arranged to accommodate your needs.
FOOD & WINE
The perfect day needs delicious food and wine to enhance the celebration. Calais Estate boutique weddings are catered by our renowned Restaurant Kawul and accompanied by Estate made wines.
We boast one of the largest collections of quality boutique wines in the region, with something for all palates and budgets.
Restaurant Kawul craft native inspired cuisine focused on local flavours to produce beautiful dishes. Located onsite, Kawul can cater to all dietary requirements and requests, whether you prefer the classics or a more unique menu – they also have a particular talent for vegan dishes.
We have a range of popular wedding packages or we can custom build a menu to suit your special day. We will conduct a private tasting to assist you with your choice of wedding food and wines.
THE RECOVERY
Calais also offers you the chance to continue the party with a relaxed recovery function in a private area on the Estate. This can be designed to suit your needs and budget and is a great way to round out the occasion with your friends and family. Brunch menus, BBQs, grazing tables, the food options are many. We can also arrange drinks packages or your guests can purchase wine directly from Cellar Door.
CUSTOM WEDDING FAVOURS
Design your own custom wedding favours. We can custom label mini bottles of tawny fortified wine or our our partner Come What May has a range of locally made produce (anything from soaps through to jams) that can also be custom labelled.
BRIDAL REGISTRY
Calais also offers you the chance to fill your cellar with your favourite wines. Whilst at the Calais Cellar Door, enjoy a tasting and select the wines you would like in your cellar. We will then provide you with a registry site for your guests, who can contact the winery or go online and organise a wedding gift of your chosen wines – A gift that only gets better with age and will remind you of your special day for years to come!