G.H. Mumm is full steam ahead for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, revealing the final experience and elements of its 2026 Birdcage Marquee, The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express.
In a first for the pioneering champagne house, The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express channels the romance of vintage rail travel to serve as a reminder that life’s most extraordinary moments are just as much about the journey as the destination. Its name acknowledges the Maison’s 1827 founding year and marks the penultimate stop as G.H. Mumm approaches its 200-year anniversary in 2027.
Occupying the coveted two-storey front-row position in The Birdcage at Flemington Racecourse, The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express invites guests to step into a world where timeless elegance, exceptional hospitality and the romance of travel converge in an experience inspired by the G.H. Mumm’s enduring pioneering spirit.
With tickets checked and luggage stowed, the list of trailblazing guests will enjoy outstanding G.H. Mumm cuvées after entering through a grand train station façade with arrival moments hinting at what awaits inside.
The atmosphere will be enlivened by DJ Rich Penny, as guests are immersed in the luxury and excitement of rail travel. A statement-worthy photo moment will offer guests a first-class experience, staged to look as though they are boarding through the door of a vintage train.
The interiors feature deep burgundy and crimson tones, a nod to the House’s iconic red sash, with plush velvets, distinctive walnut timbers and warm ambient lighting, referencing vintage train carriages. Every detail is designed to honour the experiences, connections and moments that make the journey unforgettable.
Across the two levels of festivities in the main marquee, indulgent canapés with a nod to French heritage will be served alongside G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, including smoked salmon and chervil mouselline vol-au-vents; spiced pork croquettes with preserved cherries; warm chive crumpets with tuna crudo, crème fraîche and citrus salt; brioche buns filled with poached prawns and dill and chive crème fraîche; comté and burnt butter bechamel toasties.
At the ground level, a Voiture-Bar will delight guests as it puts an opulent twist on the traditional refreshments car offering. A selection of canapés will be created in front of guests eyes, such as oysters topped with G.H. Mumm champagne foam and chicken nuggets receiving the luxury treatment with caviar placed atop.
Invitees will also sip on G.H. Mumm cocktails, including a Champagne Punch with G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge, strawberry syrup and freshly squeezed lemon, alongside a twist on an Old Cuban with G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge joining Havana Club Especial rum, mint, lime and bitters.
Pernod Ricard Pacific Marketing Director Kristy Rutherford said G.H. Mumm was thrilled to bring the best in Champagne and hospitality to the Birdcage.
“Each year G.H. Mumm champions excellence in hospitality and creativity at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The coming together of an iconic event on the Australian calendar coupled with outstanding Champagne, means G.H. Mumm can embrace innovation and create an unparallelled celebratory moment annually. The G.H. Mumm 1827 Express embodies the belief that life’s greatest adventures are found in the pursuit of life’s extraordinary moments, where the journey is just as important as the destination.”
Joining G.H. Mumm for this thrilling journey is Mumm’s Melbourne Cup Carnival ambassador and AFL star Isaac Quaynor who will attend on Derby Day, following his celebratory opening of the marquee at the media-only preview on 29 October. A modern trailblazer whose pursuit of excellence on and off the field reflects the Maison’s pioneering spirit.
Further enhancing the spirit of the Birdcage marquee is renowned Melbourne restaurant Maison Bâtard. G.H. Mumm has created an invite-only Private Lounge Carriage for Maison Bâtard Executive Chef Adam Sanderson to delight guests with a refined amuse-bouche alongside the finest reserve and vintage cuvées from the Champagne house. The Private Lounge Carriage is a sumptuous space designed with bar style seating that is an intimate celebration of French luxury and craftsmanship.
As the official Champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival for the past 17 years, G.H. Mumm is thrilled to be back trackside. More than 100,000 glasses of G.H. Mumm are likely to be enjoyed across the Carnival period, as guests come together to celebrate one of Australia’s most iconic moments on the sporting and social calendar.
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About Pernod Ricard Australia
Pernod Ricard Australia is one of the country’s leading alcohol companies with a prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands including Absolut vodka, Malfy Gin, Chivas Regal, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell cognac, Malibu liquor, Olmeca Altos Tequila, and G.H.Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes.
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