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VIP guests of Champagne Mumm will enjoy a flute from the 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge which will be flown in especially for the event. Picture / Supplied.

France’s number one international Champagne House, Champagne Mumm, is set to boost celebrations at this year’s Auckland Cup Week with the launch of the new Mumm Racing Village – the place to be during Auckland Cup Week.

Champagne Mumm is the Official Champagne of prestigious horse racing events worldwide including the Kentucky Derby, America’s greatest horse race and the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival in Australia – the race that stops the nation – since 2011, and has become synonymous with moments of celebration.

As the Official Champagne of the Auckland Racing Club, Champagne Mumm forms an essential part of every racing celebration off the track – the perfect fit for next month’s Auckland Cup Week, with BMW Derby Day on Saturday March 5 and Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day on Saturday March 12.

Set on the elevated Champagne Lawn with amazing racecourse views, the all new Mumm Racing Village will bring to life conviviality, energy and above all, the art of celebration.

The atmosphere and flair of the Melbourne Cup Carnival will be brought to Auckland, delivering a truly memorable experience and the Mumm Racing Village will be the number one destination for the social set over the two days.

The Mumm Racing Village will kick off on BMW Derby Day, Saturday March 5, the glamour day of Auckland Cup Week with the running of New Zealand’s richest Group 1 Race. Guests will enjoy a flute of Mumm Cordon Rouge on arrival with live performances from New Zealand’s leading session band, The Levites, accompanied by R&B and soul singer Erakah.

Celebrations will continue at the post races after party where local DJs and confetti cannons will amplify the high energy atmosphere. Following the tradition of Derby Days across the world, black and white attire is the call of the day so make sure your style fits in. Those with an eye for fashion can hit the catwalk with a final chance to qualify for Viva Prix de Fashion with the BMW Fashions in the Field.

The following Saturday, March 12, celebration is at top of the agenda at the Mumm Racing Village with arguably the most prestigious day of racing in the New Zealand racing calendar. The Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup Day is the pinnacle of Auckland Cup Week and Champagne Mumm will deliver the best in show.

A glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge will be served on arrival with Mumm Rosé hour and a Champagne Mumm cocktail to follow. Exquisite food from SkyCity will be served throughout the day as guests socialise against a backdrop of thundering hooves and amazing racecourse views.

Adding to the excitement, VIP guests of Champagne Mumm will enjoy a flute from the 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge which will be flown in especially for the event. With bottles reaching one metre high and corks that pop up to 30 metres, these impressive bottles require three people to pour them and will take celebrations to another level on race day.

VIP guests will also experience the art of sabrage, a 200-year-old French tradition which sees a sabre used to break the neck of the bottle clean away from the base, leaving it ready to pour. Sabrage was a popular part of the traditional serving of Champagne back in the days of Napoleon and is the ultimate celebration gesture.

Off the track we see New Zealand’s best dressed racegoers take to the catwalk for Viva Prix de Fashion, New Zealand’s Fashions in the Field final, where the winner takes home prizes to the value of $30,000.

A special feature of the Mumm Village on Auckland Cup Day will be a live performance from DJ Duo Sweet Mix Kids, featuring a saxophonist and vocalist, keeping guests entertained throughout the afternoon and ensuring the celebrations continue right through to the after party.

THE HOUSE OF CHAMPAGNE MUMM
The House of Champagne Mumm was established in 1827 in Reims, France. Champagne Mumm Cordon Rouge, recognisable by its famous red ribbon – a symbol of excellence – is the perfect embodiment of the spirit of the House: it stands out through the freshness and intensity of its style, which successive generations of cellar masters have successfully maintained and handed down. Champagne Mumm Cordon Rouge epitomises founder Georges Hermann de Mumm's maxim of "Only the best".

CHAMPAGNE TIPS

Temperature
Don't forget the basics of Champagne temperature – although Champagne should be chilled, colder is not always better. Aim to serve Mumm Cordon Rouge at around 8°C for optimal enjoyment (good to have an ice bucket on hand to keep chilled while you're enjoying it with friends).

Serving
How to fill the Champagne flute? The classic beginner's mistake is hoping to fill the flute in one go. To avoid spillage, it is better to opt to serve in two phases. The trick is to pour an initial amount of wine, slowly tilting the glass – the flow along the wall will promote the formation of bubbles. Keeping your guest entertained to avoid them becoming impatient, take a pause to allow the foam to subside, then pour a second time to fill half (or two thirds) of the glass. The flavours will thus be concentrated and the bubbles able to express themselves freely. Enjoy.

MUMM RACING VILLAGE, AUCKLAND CUP WEEK

BMW Derby Day, Saturday March 5, tickets $75

Barfood & Thompson Auckland Cup Day, Saturday March 12, tickets $175

Share your Champagne Mumm celebrations #MummCelebration #MummRacing #EllerslieRaces

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