The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) has partnered with De Bortoli Wines, appointing the family-owned winery as the official wine partner of the VRC and the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the next three years.

The collaboration will see De Bortoli Wines featured prominently at Flemington Racecourse, offering a selection of premium wines including King Valley Prosecco, Rosé Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Melba range, and cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Yarra Valley.

As part of the agreement, De Bortoli Wines will also become a presenting partner for the young member category, targeting individuals aged 18 to 25 years, and a support partner for the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. To mark the launch of this partnership, a special event will be held at De Bortoli's Bilbul Estate in Griffith, New South Wales.

The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival is set to commence with Victoria Derby Day on November 1, followed by Lexus Melbourne Cup Day on November 4, Crown Oaks Day on November 6, and TAB Champions Day on November 8. The VRC, established in 1864, is the world's largest member-based racing club, boasting over 34,000 members and hosting the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a significant sporting and cultural event in Australia.

VRC Chief Executive Officer, Kylie Rogers, said: "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.

"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."

Chief Executive Officer of De Bortoli Wines, Darren De Bortoli, said: "We are incredibly proud to join forces with the Victoria Racing Club in this partnership... 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."

Director and Yarra Valley Estate Manager, Leanne De Bortoli, said: "There's a wonderful sense of community and occasion that surrounds the Melbourne Cup Carnival... 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."

Founded in 1928, De Bortoli Wines is renowned for its sustainable winemaking practices and has expanded its operations into the Yarra Valley. This partnership with the VRC is set to enhance the Melbourne Cup Carnival experience, bringing a taste of regional Australia to one of the country's most celebrated events.