From Hidden Foundations to a New Community Underground
CavernUs began as a vision inspired by Chilean wine caverns and Calgary’s own historic roots. Our story is about turning a sandstone cellar into a welcoming sanctuary for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Our Beginning
From Santiago Inspiration to Calgary’s Old Alberta Hotel
The CavernUs story started with two friends, John King and Len Gostick, whose travels in Santiago, Chile, revealed the magic of underground wine caverns. They noticed how the cool air, muted light, and sense of seclusion fostered real connection among strangers. When they returned to Calgary, they discovered a hidden gem: the long-forgotten basement of the Old Alberta Hotel, a space once used by hotel workers in the late 1800s. During the renovation, the original sandstone walls emerged, anchoring the club’s identity in both history and physical substance. Our founders saw this as more than a backdrop—it was a foundation for a new kind of hospitality, one that prioritized quiet luxury, privacy, and a sense of belonging over showiness. That vision remains at the heart of CavernUs, where every pour and conversation is shaped by the space’s storied past.
Philosophy
From ‘We’ to ‘Us’: Building Community in Calgary’s Cellar
At CavernUs, our story is not just about a place, but about people coming together. Our brand philosophy, ‘We to Us’, guides every decision we make. We believe that true luxury lies in shared experiences and genuine relationships—where collectors, professionals, and newcomers gather around a table, moving from strangers to friends. The club serves as a safe, climate-controlled vault for cherished collections, but more importantly, it acts as a catalyst for community. Our weekly tastings, winemaker dinners, and private events are carefully designed to break down barriers, encourage learning, and foster camaraderie. By rejecting the stuffy norms of traditional clubs, CavernUs has become a cellar where everyone’s story matters—from the Serious Collector safeguarding rare vintages, to the Aspiring Enthusiast finding their first community. Our journey is ongoing, and every member contributes a new chapter.
Our Partners
We have the privilege of working alongside winemakers and business partners who share our commitment to quality and story. We've cultivated relationships with partners who share bottles that tell incredible stories. We'd love to introduce you to some of them.
FAQS
Questions About the CavernUs Story and Philosophy?
How did CavernUs get its name?
Our name reflects both our physical space, a true cavern beneath Calgary’s historic Old Alberta Hotel, and our belief in building community. It represents our journey from ‘We’ to ‘Us’: turning individual stories into a shared experience.
What makes CavernUs different from other Calgary wine clubs?
CavernUs stands out for its subterranean heritage setting, original sandstone foundations, and its focus on quiet, unpretentious luxury. Our story is rooted in community, privacy, and genuine connection, rather than exclusivity alone.
Why was the Old Alberta Hotel chosen as CavernUs’s location?
The historic Old Alberta Hotel provided not just a central location on Stephen Avenue, but a unique underground space with 19th-century sandstone walls, perfect for climate-controlled storage and a distinct sense of atmosphere.
How does the ‘We to Us’ philosophy shape the CavernUs experience?
Our philosophy means we are dedicated to turning individual interests into a sense of belonging. Whether you are a serious collector or just starting out, our story is about fostering community, learning, and long-lasting relationships.
What inspired the founders to create CavernUs?
The founders were inspired by the community spirit and tranquility of the wine caverns in Santiago, Chile. They wanted to bring that same sense of sanctuary and connection to Calgary, rooted in local history.
