What’s On
Upcoming events at The Runholder
Visit us at The Runholder for not-to-be-missed events and weekly specials. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay tuned on upcoming events and the latest news.
02/08 Sunday Roast
07/08 Martinborough Vineyard Truffle Dinner
14/08 Classical by Candlelight Dinner
21/08 Te Kairanga Winemakers Dinner
28/08 Lighthouse Gin Distillery Tour & Cocktail Masterclass
14/11 Toast Martinborough at The Runholder
Sunday Roast
First Sunday of every month
A relaxed, long-lunch affair - on the first Sunday of every month throughout winter (May-Oct), we’ll be swapping our usual menu for a shared three-course roast with all the trimmings.
Expect plenty of food, great company, and the perfect excuse to settle in with a glass of Pinot and while away the afternoon.
Sunday 2nd August - Slow-roasted Speckle Park beef sirloin
Sunday 6th September (Father’s Day) - Aromatic spiced rolled lamb leg
Sunday 4th October - Free-range crisp porchetta roast
$60 per person for three-course Sunday Roast.
Vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options available.
Martinborough Vineyard Truffle Dinner
Friday 7th August, 6pm
Join us at The Runholder on Friday 7 August from 6pm for an indulgent Martinborough Vineyard Truffle Dinner, part of the Pour & Explore Martinborough series this winter.
This meticulously curated four-course menu by The Runholder chefs is elevated with Martinborough Truffles throughout, bringing richness, depth, and seasonal luxury to every plate, complemented with perfectly paired Martinborough Vineyard wines.
Hosted by Martinborough Vineyard winemaker Tom Turner alongside Al and Nicola Richardson of Martinborough Truffles, the evening offers a rare insight into two of the region’s most celebrated crafts, with the truffle hunting dogs even making a special appearance.
$140 per person (payable on the evening) includes a four-course truffle-inspired menu paired with Martinborough Vineyard wines.
Classical by Candlelight Dinner
Friday 14th August, 6pm
Candlelight is the only way to experience centuries-old music properly, and The Night Watch, Wellington's premier early music ensemble, know this. So for one night only, in collaboration with National Candles, in a concert steeped in candlelight, this is your chance to go back in time. Keep your phones pocketed and let the modern world recede for a few hours.
Bringing together Australasia's top specialists in early music, The Night Watch perform on period instruments: harpsichord, viola da gamba, and others from a tradition that predates the modern orchestra entirely. The evening features countertenor Austin Haynes and soprano Carleen Ebbs, two of New Zealand's top vocalists. Heard live in a candlelit room, you'll experience this music beyond anything a recording could do. The candles themselves are courtesy of National Candles, one of New Zealand's oldest candle makers, handcrafting their wares for over half a century.
Enjoy a three-course family-style menu built for sharing and unhurried conversation. The food is warm and generous: rich winter flavours.
$120 per person includes concert, a welcome drink on arrival and three course dinner. Additional drinks are available to purchase on the night.
This event is part of Visa Wellington on a Plate. Buy tickets via www.visawoap.com
Te Kairanga Winemakers Dinner
Friday 21st August, 6pm
Join us at The Runholder on Friday 21 August for an exclusive Te Kairanga Winemakers Dinner, part of the Pour & Explore Martinborough series this winter.
Te Kairanga winemakers John Kavanagh and Martin Bell have carefully curated an exceptional wine selection to accompany a four-course menu, including the yet-to-be released 2025 vintages of Te Kairanga John Martin and Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noirs, alongside rare library wines. Thoughtfully designed in collaboration with The Runholder chefs, the menu showcases fresh local fish, prime cuts, and decadent sweets, each course crafted to complement and celebrate the character of the wines.
Te Kairanga holds a significant place in Martinborough’s winemaking history, with vines planted on land once owned by the town’s founder, John Martin. Each wine match will be presented by the winemakers themselves, sharing with guests their passion and the stories behind each bottle, for a deeper look into what makes their craft so special.
$120 per person includes a four-course dinner with four matched Te Kairanga wines.
Lighthouse Gin Distillery Tour & Cocktail Masterclass
Friday 28th August, 5.30pm
Join Lighthouse Gin Head Distiller Rachel Hall at The Runholder on Friday 28th August from 5.30pm for an immersive Gin Distillery Tour & Cocktail Masterclass, part of this winter’s Pour & Explore Martinborough series.
As New Zealand’s first female Head Distiller, Rachel Hall has been handcrafting Lighthouse Gin since 2014, earning a reputation for creating remarkably clean, smooth, citrusy gin true to its London Dry style.
Begin the evening with a guided tasting in The Runholder tasting room, discovering Lighthouse Gin Original, Navy Strength and Barrel Aged Gin, before stepping behind the scenes for an exclusive distillery tour with Rachel herself. Then settle in with generous antipasti platters as Rachel leads a hands-on cocktail masterclass, teaching you how to shake, stir, and create three signature gin cocktails.
Guests will also take home a cocktail-making kit and a 200ml bottle of Lighthouse Gin Original to continue the experience at home.
$95 per person includes a guided gin tasting, distillery tour, platters, cocktail masterclass, and to take home - a cocktail-making kit and 200ml bottle of Lighthouse Gin Original.
Toast Martinborough
at The Runholder
Saturday 14 November 2026, 12-6pm
SOLD OUT
Experience the new era of Toast, iconic and much-loved festival among the vines, now hosted exclusively at The Runholder, bringing together some of our favourite wineries, makers, performers and culinary talent for one unforgettable day.
Perch on the hillside by the vines or settle in beneath the trees as you sip your way through fine wines, small-batch gin and local beer, and indulge in a sophisticated food offering designed to elevate the tasting experience.
We’re honoured to welcome on stage Sir Dave Dobbyn performing his legendary singalongs and timeless Kiwi anthems, supported by The BeatGirls, Sweet Mix Kids and DJ Takas bringing the energy with their dancefloor hits.
Marking the start of summer, this is the perfect occasion to gather your friends, whether a weekend escape to wine country, a special celebration, or simply an afternoon of nostalgia and great music, Toast Martinborough is where it all comes together.
General Admission $123 + iTICKET fees
VIP Experience $549 + iTICKET fees