The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and Australian winemaker De Bortoli Wines has announced a three-year partnership that will see the family-owned wine producer become the official partner of the VRC and Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Under the deal, De Bortoli Wines will take a prominent position on dining tables and bars across Flemington Racecourse giving racegoers and non-race day guests access to offerings such as the King Valley prosecco and rosé, as well as Yarra Valley cool climate pinot noir and chardonnay from the Lusatia Park, Riorret and Estate Vineyard range. Premium sparkling wines such as sparkling pinot noir and ESTE will also be featured alongside the internationally acclaimed botrytis semillon, Noble One.
“The De Bortoli family believe in good wine, good food and good friends, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them for the next three years,” VRC CEO Kylie Rogers said.
“De Bortoli Wines is proudly Australian, and while it always respects its proud origins, it isn’t afraid to explore ways to evolve and ensure it keeps delivering a premium product, values which align with the VRC and our focus for Australia’s original major event, the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“De Bortoli Wines has a strong focus on understanding what Australians love to drink and enjoy, so we’re thrilled to partner with a brand of this incredible stature and bring a taste of regional Australia to Flemington.”
De Bortoli Wines will also become a presenting partner of the growing young member category of 18 – 25-year-olds, and extend its reach beyond the gates of Flemington Racecourse as a support partner of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. This year the tour will make a special stop in Griffith, New South Wales.
De Bortoli Wines CEO Darren De Bortoli said this was a new and exciting expansion.
“We are incredibly proud to join forces with the Victoria Racing Club in this partnership,” De Bortoli said.
“The Melbourne Cup Carnival is an iconic event steeped in heritage, tradition and celebration, uniting Australians from all walks of life. As a family business with deep roots in Australian winemaking, it’s an honour to be part of something so culturally significant.”
In a further boost for racegoers, the VRC has also partnered with specialist sports and hospitality provider Sports Travel & Hospitality (STH) Group to launch Melbourne Cup Carnival Travel and Experiences, a bespoke travel platform that aims to be a one-stop-shop for both domestic and international visitors.
The multi-year partnership will allow guests to bundle their Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets with premium hospitality, accommodation, dining and curated experiences across both Flemington Racecourse and the wider Melbourne offering.
“The partnership will allow us to grow attendance and engagement in the Melbourne Cup Carnival by making it easier for guests to book travel, accommodation and tickets in one location,” VRC COO Fran Vavallo said.
“Cup Week is a significant tourism driver for Victoria, attracting more than 68,000 visitors, and having a dedicated travel partner will make it easier than ever before for people to book their trip to Flemington.”
The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins with Victoria Derby Day on Saturday 1 November, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on Tuesday 4 November, Crown Oaks Day on Thursday 6 November and TAB Champions Day on Saturday 8 November.