G.H. Mumm is dropping anchor at the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival with a ‘Setting Sail’ themed Birdcage marquee. 

In a never-before-seen layout for G.H. Mumm, the marquee will include a second level outdoor viewing deck, complete with racecourse telescope and binoculars.

The striking red exterior and curved corner window of ‘Setting Sail’ will set the tone for G.H. Mumm guests and those enjoying the Birdcage enclosure. Luxury sailing references include large porthole windows, elongated sails and a European yacht club inspired display at the entrance.

Guests will be greeted by spaces designed to channel the spirit of sailing, with G.H. Mumm’s iconic red sash featured predominately throughout, complemented by nautical-themed accents and decor including rattan finishes and furnishings, red and white lifebuoys, branded oars and helms. 

Downstairs, a large, naturally lit atrium space will offer prime viewing of each race on the big screen, before transforming into a dance floor as Champagne flows and celebrations begin, with entertainment provided by Melbourne based DJ Dijok, as well as Rich Penny returning from his recent tour with FISHER.

Upstairs is the Private Yacht dining space presented in partnership with the renowned Sydney restaurant Olympus Dining. Restaurateur and owner Jonathan Barthelmess has designed two dishes epitomising the Mediterranean and has selected two cuvées from G.H. Mumm’s prestigious RSRV range to match. 

 In the main marquee, the culinary offering will include French and Australian inspired canapés including oysters with a green olive and dry martini vinaigrette; tartlets of Shark Bay scallop with crème fraîche and lemon myrtle pearls; and a coral tuille cracker topped with kombu cured tuna, lime and chilli kewpie.

As the celebrations sail on, snacks will include a classic cheese royale, petite Brie toasties with caviar, and cacio e pepe fries.

To conclude the day, the marquee will serve two signature cocktails: a ‘Sail on Sour’ with Mumm Cordon Rouge, Italicus Rosolio Aperitivo and mandarin juice; and a High Tide Paloma with Mumm Cordon Rouge Rosé, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Del Maguey Mezcal, grapefruit juice and rosemary syrup. 

“G.H. Mumm’s ’Setting Sail’ Birdcage marquee is a natural progression from ‘Now Boarding’ in 2024, as the Maison explores luxury in symbiosis with an adventurous spirit. We want our guests to feel that sense of excitement that a great sailing journey brings,” said Pernod Ricard ANZ Marketing Director Kristy Rutherford. 

G.H Mumm has been the official Champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival for 16 years, with more than 100,000 glasses expected to be enjoyed across the carnival period at Flemington Racecourse.