Melbourne, Australia – Renowned Champagne Maison, G.H. Mumm is pleased to announce trailblazing Australian sailor and national treasure, Jessica Watson OAM, as its official ambassador for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
In keeping with the Champagne Maison’s thrilling nature and support in the discovery of uncharted territories, the ‘Setting Sail’ Birdcage marquee will embody G.H. Mumm’s fearless approach to leading a life less ordinary, with guests immersed in extraordinary moments inspired by taking to the seas.
Watson is one of the foremost names in sailing 15 years on from her record-breaking feat that saw her conquer the unknown at just 16 years old as the youngest person to sail solo and unassisted around the world.
Embodying the spirit for exploration and pursuit of excellence, Watson will set sail with G.H. Mumm at this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival, leading the celebrations in the Champagne Maison’s landmark Birdcage marquee. The ambassadorship is a reflection on Watson’s synergies with G.H. Mumm’s pioneering heart and dedication to defying the ordinary.
G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge has been used to toast the commencement and completion of voyages for decades, including joining explorers in Antarctica in 1904 and more recently Mumm Stellar, the first champagne bottle engineered for space, spent 18 days on-orbit with Axiom Mission 4 (AX-4).
For Watson, the journey is not about the destination but savouring the moment before looking to the next challenge. This approach has seen her author books; have her story created into a Netflix film; be inducted into the Sailing Australia Hall of Fame; work with the UN World Food Programme; inspire through keynote speaking; and compete multiple times in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Each milestone is celebrated with champagne, a toast to life’s extraordinary journeys.
“From official naming ceremonies to celebrating the conclusion of adventures big and small; are just a few moments where champagne marks a moment in the world of sailing. And there is no bigger champagne moment in Melbourne than the Melbourne Cup Carnival and I am honoured and excited to be involved this year,” Watson said.
At the heart of the celebration is G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, a symbol of celebration since its debut in 1875. Available throughout the Birdcage marquee and Flemington Racecourse it’s been the heart of society and culture since its first release. More than 100,000 glasses of G.H. Mumm are likely to be enjoyed across the carnival period at Flemington Racecourse.
Guests in the ‘Setting Sail’ marquee will indulge in the luxury of sailing, a pursuit synonymous with Champagne celebrations, enjoying G.H. Mumm's outstanding cuvees, alongside indulgent culinary moments including an invite-only private dining room. G.H. Mumm’s marquee guest list will see them continue to collaborate with trailblazing explorers and friends of the house both past and present, that reflect the brand’s boundary breaking ethos.
As the official champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the past 16 years, G.H. Mumm is thrilled to be back trackside with the Victoria Racing Club, having recently announced a three-year extension to the partnership between the racing body and the Champagne Maison.
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About Maison Mumm
Maison Mumm is part of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët, the prestigious cognac and champagne business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in Spirits & Wines. With its distinguished heritage dating back to 1827, Mumm is one of the leading champagne Houses in France, and Australia is its number one export market. Mumm Grand Cordon, recognisable by its red sash —a symbol of excellence—embodies the spirit of the House; it stands out through the freshness and intensity of its style, which successive cellar masters have successfully maintained and handed down through the generations.