The Wine Tipsters' Derby Selections

Nyetimber is always a firm favourite on race day. My top pick for The Derby Festival is Nyetimber Cuvée Rosé Multi-Vintage, West Sussex and Hampshire, England. An elegant sparkling rosé from England’s leading producer, the Cuvée Rosé is made with the same grapes as their Classic Cuvée - Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Beautifully vibrant aromas of cherry and crisp red berries are rounded out with a hint

of spice.

Glasses of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée MV and Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs 2014 will be served at the Prince’s Lawn Bar & Terrace, alongside special bottles of 1086 by Nyetimber Prestige Cuvée 2010 and 1086 by Nyetimber Prestige Cuvée Rosé 2010. Nyetimber will also be poured in The Blossom Gardens in The Grandstand Village.

WHITE WINE

Leading the field on taste as well as price, Quinta da Lixa QL Vinho Verde, Vinho Verde, Portugal is a blend of grapes from northern Portugal. Refreshing and easy drinking, this Vinho Verde is classically medium bodied, with a hint of spritz on the palate. Green apple and grapefruit notes sit alongside white flowers and touch of tropical fruit.

ROSÉ WINE

Enduringly popular, and for good reason, Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel Côtes de Provence rosé, Côtes de Provence, France is always on the money. A bone dry, pale pink rosé, full of red fruit aromas, this is made by Château d’Esclans who set out to make the best rosé wines in the world. Available to buy in both bottle and magnum.

RED WINE

De Martino Estate Merlot, Maipo Valley, Chile is a fruity merlot bursting with blueberries and raspberries, alongside a plummy, spicy note. Soft rounded tannins and a lingering finish make this a winner. Named Chilean Winery of the year in 2011, and with the first carbon neutral winery in Chile, De Martino is now run by the third and fourth generations of the family. The focus is on high quality, sustainably farmed, organic wines. 

CANNED WINE

Canned wines are a great alternative to glass bottles, as they are widely recycled and have a reduced carbon footprint. Yes You Can canned wines are available at bars across the course at Epsom. Choose from a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from Chile, a dry Grenache rosé from the South of France, and a classic Malbec from Argentina.

CIDER

At the Rekorderlig Cider Bar in the Grandstand Village, a saxophonist and DJ will be keeping the tunes spinning while you enjoy drinks. Made by a fourth-generation family brewery, all Rekorderlig cider is still produced in the small town of Vimmerby in Sweden, using natural spring water blended with wild and exotic fruits. Rekorderlig embodies the innovative and forward-thinking spirit of Sweden and is committed to sustainability for both people and the planet. My top pick is the tropical Rekorderlig Passionfruit, and the ever-popular Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime will be available on tap as well as in bottle.

For something more traditional, Aspall Draught is a crisp medium dry cider from Suffolk with a delicate aroma of freshly pressed apples. Thirst quenching with a floral and fruity apple taste and long finish.

ALCOHOL-FREE

Staropramen have poured decades of brewing expertise into creating Staropramen 0.0%, a zero-alcohol beer which has all the flavour and refreshment of a great lager. Subtly fruity, with a hint of bitterness and some malty bread crust notes. Other great alcohol-free options include Wild Idol Sparkling Rosé, Rheinhessen, Germany, a handcrafted alcohol-free vegan wine made from Müller-Thurgau & Merlot and Eins Zwei Zero Riesling, from well-regarded Riesling producer Leitz. The popular Guinness Zero will also be on offer.

FOOD

The hospitality experience at The Derby Festival includes Chez Roux @ Blue Riband, with world famous chef Michel Roux Jr returning once again to Epsom, whilst for champagne fans there is the Moët & Chandon Fine Dining Experience, with a champagne paired menu. On course there is a wide range of food and drink experiences to enjoy, with Rhys Owen, Head Chef at Epsom Downs Racecourse since 2018, overseeing more than 100 chefs at the festival.

Hillview Kitchen will be serving fish, vegetarian, and charcuterie platters with an excellent view of the finishing line. Stanley’s Pop-Up Bar on the Meze Terrace will be offering a fabulous range of cocktails.

In Oaks Hall in the Duchess’s Stand, head to the very popular Loaded Fries, which received rave reviews last year, or try Epsom Racecourse’s Cheese on Toast with delicious Sussex Charmer cheese and a whole range of toppings.

The Tattenham Food Court offers a huge array of food choices which you can enjoy on The Grandstand for a great view of the Tattenham Straight and famous Tattenham Corner.