Melbourne's spring racing carnival is nearly here, and whether you're heading to Flemington, hosting a sweep at home or just keeping an eye on the big race from the office, it's one of the best weeks of the year for a good bottle.

The 2026 Cup Week line-up:

• Derby Day: Saturday 31 October
• Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday 3 November
• Oaks Day: Thursday 5 November
• Champions Stakes Day: Saturday 7 November

That's four very different occasions. Here's what we'd open for each.

Derby Day: start with bubbles

Derby Day kicks things off, so give it a proper welcome. If you're hosting, a glass of Champagne on arrival sets the mood better than anything.

Our pick is grower Champagne, made by the families who grow the grapes. These wines tend to have a real sense of place, and they're a lovely talking point when friends ask what's in the glass.

Laherte Frères 'Ultradition' Extra Brut NV, $115. A family grower from Chavot, south of Épernay, with a good share of Pinot Meunier in the blend. It's fresh and generous, with red apple, citrus and brioche and a dry finish. It's great as an aperitif, and the winery suggests fried chicken alongside, which we think is a winning race-day combination.

Cup Day: the one to make a fuss of

The race that stops a nation deserves something a little special, and with Cup Day a public holiday, there's time to enjoy it properly.

Philippe Gonet 'TER Blanc' Blanc de Blancs NV, $170. All Chardonnay, from three sites around Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger and Ludes, made in large oak foudres. Expect hazelnut, grapefruit, lime and white flowers with a saline, chalky finish. Pour it with crab, scallops or a simple roast chook.

Robert Moncuit 'Réserve Perpétuelle' Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut NV, $163. A family grower in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger since 1889. This wine draws on a perpetual reserve started in 2006 and has no added dosage, so it's for those who like their Champagne textural and creamy, but bone dry. It's lovely with crab, scallops or a wedge of aged Comté.

Backing a winner? If your horse comes in, the 2014 Taittinger 'Comtes de Champagne' Blanc de Blancs, $465 is how we'd celebrate. It's Taittinger's prestige cuvée, made from Grand Cru Chardonnay and aged around 10 years before release. It's youthful and bold, with a firm, crystalline texture.

Oaks Day: something pale and pretty

Oaks Day has always had a lighter, garden-party feel, and to us that means rosé. These two are serious, food-friendly rosés, a long way from the sweet pink stuff.

2024 Domaines Ott 'Clos Mireille' Rosé Cru Classé, $90. From a seaside estate in Provence, certified organic since 2022. It's pale and luminous, with yellow fruit, a juicy peach palate, real texture and a long, salty finish. It scored 93 points from Vinous. Grilled prawns would be perfect alongside.

2024 Domaine La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé, $67. An organic estate on the Provençal coast. Bandol's Mourvèdre gives this rosé more depth than most. It's pale and savoury, with red berries, citrus, herbs and a long, saline finish.

Champions Stakes Day: crisp whites for a relaxed finish

By the last Saturday of the carnival, most of us want something easy, fresh and not too fussy. Chablis and Aligoté are just the thing, especially with seafood on the table.

2025 Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis, $76. A family estate on Chablis' left bank. It's bright and crisp, with lemon, grapefruit zest and green apple and a clean, saline finish. Have it with oysters or grilled fish.

2025 Domaine Goisot Bourgogne Aligoté, $49. Farmed organically and biodynamically near Chablis. It's crisp and lively, with lemon, green apple and a chalky finish. Pour it with goat's cheese, or add a dash of cassis to make a kir.

Just a glass or two? The 2023 Domaine Dampt Chablis 'Côte de Léchet' Premier Cru 375ml, $57 is a half bottle of Premier Cru Chablis, with citrus, white flowers and a flinty, saline finish.

A few hosting tips

• Chill ahead. Give Champagne and rosé a few hours in the fridge, then keep them on ice in an ice bucket so they stay cold through a warm afternoon.
• Bubbles first, then food wines. Open sparkling on arrival and move to rosé or Chablis when lunch comes out.
• Plan on a bit extra. Race days run long, and an unopened bottle keeps for another day.

Ready for the week?

You'll find all of these and more in our Sparkling Wines and Rosé collections. If you're planning a bigger gathering or want a hand putting together a mixed case for the week, get in touch and we'll happily help you pick.

Good luck with the sweep. We hope your horse comes home first.