Fine wine, horse racing and the deep sea have come together as Australian winemaker Penfolds returns to the Birdcage at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Penfolds has given a glimpse of the magic ahead of the celebrations kicking off with Penfolds Victoria Derby Day on 4 November. Inspired by its global brand thematic, ‘Venture Beyond,’ the Penfolds marquee experience will have an underwater wonderland theme.

Guests will enter via the ‘Mother of Pearl Cave’, before making their way into ‘The Coral Reef’ and sipping sea-inspired cocktails at the ‘On The Rocks Bar’, including the Seaside Spritz and the Ocean Drop Martini.

Each will pair with freshly shucked oysters, Avruga Caviar Bumps and grilled scallops with curried shallot butter.

For an intimate food and wine paring, guests can book into ‘The Tasting Cave’, where Scott Huggins, Executive Chef of Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant and Penfolds Ambassadors Zöe Warrington and Sam O’Connell will be serving a taste of Penfolds Grange 2019 with a perfectly curated bite of slow cooked beef rib, potato foam and pickles.

The journey will continue as guests make their way into ‘The Seabed’, the marquee’s activity hub with a stream of entertainment throughout each raceday, including a DJ, performances from Mike Snell, plus surprise performances from
notable Australian musicians.

‘The Sandbar’ will serve an array of wines from The Penfolds Collection including Bin 311 Chardonnay and Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz, while the outdoor Boardwalk will be the perfect spot to enjoy the trackside action with sweeping views of the Pre-Parade Ring.

In a nod to the traditional beachside treat, Penfolds has collaborated with Piccolina Gelateria, bringing to life a gelato experience that encapsulates the essence of Penfolds Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling. Taking cues from the punchy, citrus fruit notes within the riesling, the dessert offers unexpected colours and textures, reminiscent of a coral filled ocean floor. Pineapple and honeysuckle sorbet is teamed with Bin 51 Eden Valley Riesling jelly, yuzu and mandarin meringue, rosella sherbet, grapefruit infusion and a coral tuile.

Guests attending the Penfolds Marquee in the Birdcage throughout The Carnival will include ‘Friends of Penfolds’ Lance and Jesinta Franklin, Erin Holland, Nikki Phillips, Rey Vakili and more.

Elsewhere in Flemington’s General Admission area, The Park, Penfolds will activate a ‘Rosé and Croquet’ experience for racegoers to enjoy throughout The Carnival.

Other drinks brands heading to the Birdcage alongside Penfolds include Asahi’s Schweppes, Lion’s Furphy and TAB, Diageo’s Don Julio 1942 with a secret tequila bar.

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