VRC and De Bortoli launch premium new partnership

For the next three years, De Bortoli Wines will take a prominent position on the dining tables and bars across Flemington Racecourse as it offers racegoers a taste of premium wines from some of Australia’s finest vineyards.

Whatever the occasion or the season, racegoers and non-race day guests will now be able to enjoy a great range of choices from across the De Bortoli stables. The offerings include their popular King Valley Prosecco and Rosé Rosé, premium 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. Premium sparkling wines such as Sparkling Pinot Noir and ESTE will also be featured alongside the internationally acclaimed 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,” Ms 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 Chief Executive Officer 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,” Mr 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.”

Director and Yarra Valley Estate Manager Leanne De Bortoli said the partnership was a natural fit.

“There’s a wonderful sense of community and occasion that surrounds the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Leanne 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.”

About De Bortoli Wines

De Bortoli Wines, founded in 1928 by Vittorio De Bortoli and established in Bilbul, New South Wales, remains a family-owned business to this day.

The company is currently led by the third generation of the De Bortoli family, with the fourth generation beginning to take on roles within the business, continuing its proud legacy. De Bortoli is widely recognised as a leader in sustainable winemaking practices, with initiatives such as water recycling, solar energy use, and vineyard biodiversity management.

As part of its growth, De Bortoli has expanded operations into the Yarra Valley, where it produces premium cool-climate wines. The De Bortoli family’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the company’s enduring success and reputation in the Australian and international wine industries.

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