Kylie Rogers and Leanne De Bortoli. Photo: Jay Town

Australian winemaker De Bortoli Wines has announced a new partnership with Victoria Racing Club (VRC) which will see the family-owned producer become the official wine partner of the VRC and Melbourne Cup Carnival.

For the next three years, De Bortoli Wines will take a prominent position on the dining tables and bars across Flemington Racecourse.

Director and Yarra Valley Estate manager Leanne De Bortoli described the partnership as a natural fit.

“There’s a wonderful sense of community and occasion that surrounds the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” she said. “We value the shared moments that wine helps create, and we’re thrilled to be contributing to an event that brings people together and celebrates the best of Australian culture and tradition.”

De Bortoli Wines chief executive officer Darren De Bortoli added that the partnership was a new and exciting expansion.

“We are incredibly proud to join forces with the Victoria Racing Club in this partnership,” said Darren. “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.”

Whatever the occasion or the season, racegoers and non-race day guests will now be able to enjoy a range of choices from across the De Bortoli stables. The offerings include their King Valley Prosecco and Rosé Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Melba range, as well as Yarra Valley cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Lusatia Park, Riorret and Estate Vineyard range. Sparkling wines such as Sparkling Pinot Noir and ESTE will also be featured alongside the botrytis semillon, Noble One.

De Bortoli Wines will also become a presenting partner of the growing young member category (18 – 25 years), 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, on Friday 20 June as De Bortoli Wines celebrates the launch of the partnership with a free event at its Bilbul Estate.

VRC chief executive officer Kylie Rogers welcomed the De Bortoli family to the VRC stables.

“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,” Rogers said.

“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.”

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.

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