Glyndebourne, Royal Ascot and Wimbledon: Plenty of drinks brands are set to join the party.
Already sipped happily on Babylonstoren rosé at Chelsea Flower Show? Whether your passion is opera, horse racing or simply diving headlong into the British Summer Social Season, plenty of drinks brands are equally set to join the party.
May 19-August 27, 2023
Opera buffs flock to enjoy top class performances in the glorious Sussex countryside setting of Glyndebourne, but nowhere is the interval picnic taken more seriously too. Official sparkling wine sponsor Nyetimber, also from Sussex, will be serving up its suitably stylish, local fizz to heighten the pleasure of that Donizetti or Handel fix.
The producer’s wines will be served across all Glyndebourne restaurants and the venue’s Long Bar this summer, but there are also a few more bespoke options. Leave time for a pre-performance sharpener at The Nyetimber Bar or upgrade to a glass with your afternoon tea. You can even pre-book a bottle of Nyetimber to add panache to your picnic.
May 23-June 18, 2023
This world-famous polo tournament held at the prestigious Guard’s Polo Club in Windsor attracts star players from all over the globe, not to mention some similarly starry spectators. Expect to see many of them sipping the club’s official Champagne, Laurent-Perrier.
Hospitality packages include a Champagne Laurent-Perrier reception leading into a three-course lunch courtesy of Lush by Tom Kerridge, with afternoon tea for those needing a pick-me-up later on. Not ready for the day to end? Then charge your glass as the DJ warms up on the terrace to take the party into the evening.
June 2-3, 2023
There’s always a carnival atmosphere surrounding this historic highlight of the Flat racing calendar. Held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, this two-day event culminates with the speed and stamina test that is the Betfred Derby itself. Horses and jockeys may be on a strict diet, but Champagne house Moët & Chandon will be tempting punters to indulge themselves.
Soak up those racecourse views and drama from the comfort of the Moët & Chandon Fine Dining Experience in The Duchess’s Stand. Kick off with a Moët & Chandon Champagne reception, followed by a four-course lunch with Moët & Chandon pairings. Toast your winners – or console yourself in the wake of losses – at the all-inclusive bar, well stocked with Moët & Chandon, of course, then round off the day with afternoon tea. With all that hospitality you’ll have to remember to make time for watching the horses.
June 20-24, 2023
Bitten by the horse racing bug after Epsom? Don’t panic: there are only a few weeks to wait until Royal Ascot. Top-class thoroughbreds compete for attention with fashion forward fillies and yet another British display of extravagant picnicking, hopefully in the sunshine. Once again Moët & Chandon is an official partner alongside Peroni beer, but plenty of other drinks companies are jostling for position too: Slingsby Gin, Whispering Angel rosé and Fever Tree tonic water are all official suppliers.
Head to the Slingsby Gin Terrace to sample a Royal Ascot Blush, made with the brand’s Yorkshire Rhubarb Gin. Really treating yourself? Then book one of the decadent hospitality packages – Michelin-starred chefs Simon Rogan, Olli Dabbous and Raymond Blanc have all prepared menus. Whichever option you choose, it’s very likely to involve a welcoming glass of vintage Moët & Chandon.
June 27-July 2, 2023
Whether you prefer to admire the lycra-clad heroics on the river, or the dazzling array of striped blazers on the bank, Oxfordshire’s rowing hotspot of Henley-on-Thames is the place to be. It’s no surprise to see Moët & Chandon pop up again as official partner, but homegrown sparkling wine producer Digby Fine English will be making the most of its close connection to the Leander Club, one of the sport’s oldest, most prestigious names, which sits right at the heart of the regatta.
Finals day will see Digby welcome guests onto its Leander Pink pontoon, moored up right next to the Leander Club. Refreshed by plenty of the brand’s Leander Pink sparkling rosé, named after the club, there’s no finer spot to watch the action, enjoy a Q&A with one of the club’s top athletes, meet the Digby team and, inevitably, round off the action with a blow-out afternoon tea.
July 3-16, 2023
As the country extends its lunchbreak to watch the latest Centre Court battle, or skips work altogether to head for SW19, for two weeks of the year Britain becomes a nation of dedicated tennis fans. Fuelling the party are Wimbledon’s official drinks partners, Champagne Lanson, Pimm’s and Sipsmith Gin.
In addition to their strong presence across bars and restaurants at the All England Club, these producers have come up with plenty of options for viewers at home. The beautifully packaged Lanson Le Rosé Wimbledon 2023 Brut NV limited edition would make a perfect gift for tennis – or indeed Champagne – fans. When rain stops play, rustle up a Sipsmith Wimbledon Collins or crack open the brand’s special edition Strawberry Smash gin, made with fruit from the tournament’s own supplier and flavoured with just a hint of English mint.
July 29-August 4, 2023
Ever since 1826, elite sailors, boaties and socialites have flocked to the Isle of Wight for a racing spectacle that attracts around 5,000 competitors and 60,000 visitors. At the heart of the party is official rum sponsor, Mount Gay Rum.
Plans for 2023 are yet to be announced, but expect a revival of last year’s high spirits, when Mount Gay hosted its own bar in the Regatta Village and was at the heart of the Competitors’ Opening Party. Don’t be surprised if that Caribbean vibe spills out into the wider town of Cowes.
August 3-6, 2023
Forget grimy portaloos and long queues for a suspect hot dog; Wilderness at Cornbury Estate in Oxfordshire elevates the British festival experience with its distinctive brand of high-class hedonism. Think glamping, lakeside spa, disco yoga and feasting courtesy of top chefs, alongside all the usual top bands – and the Royal Opera House, of course. Official drink partners, including Grey Goose and Veuve Clicquot, will be getting very much in the spirit.
With its own 250th birthday to celebrate, Veuve Clicquot isn’t holding back. Visit the Veuve Cliquot Champagne Garden – be sure to channel this year’s theme of “joy and optimism” – for DJ sets against a stunning lakeside backdrop. Don’t forget to head over to the laidback Grey Goose Terrace either. It promises to be a perfect spot to recover from the night before with a Grey Goose Bloody Mary or gear up for the night to come with a Grey Goose Nitro Espresso Martini.
