CHEERS! Let’s raise our raceday glasses to a new era of fine wines available at Musselburgh Racecourse

At Musselburgh Racecourse, it’s all about the five star finer details – and that also includes the wine on offer at all of its racedays. Indeed, a team of industry leading wine experts have sourced the very best seasonal wines to curate a tailormade menu of inspiring options available to racegoers to enjoy.

“We have become a nation of wine connoisseurs and have a real appreciation of different wines,” admits sommelier Frans Mortengren who oversees the wine, champagne and cocktail selection available at Musselburgh Racecourse. “It stands to reason, therefore, that when enjoying a day out at the races that there’s an array of beautiful, seasonal wines available whether that’s to pair with a meal or just to raise a toast to the day,”  

And delicious tasting wines need not cost a small fortune. Frans, who was invited to join the prestigious L’Academie du Champagne in 2017 in recognition of his expertise in wine and champagne, explains:  

“There’s a huge selection of complex, balanced and elegant wines that are inexpensive and, in the current climate, this is what we’re looking to provide our racegoers. You don’t need to spent a lot to enjoy a well-defined wine or champagne.”

Frans adds: “Importantly, each and every wine we’ve selected comes from carefully chosen suppliers renowned for their sustainability and environmental focus. We offer a range of outstanding wines from producers from around the world, and these wines aren’t available on the high street or from other suppliers. This ensures a unique wine experience.”

Got a raceday coming up? Well, here’s a sneaky preview of the Frans top three wineries and some of their wines to try, available at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Bodegas Manzanos, Rioja, Spain –

“We have been working Manzanos family for several years now, and their style and wines are an excellent match with our ethos and food. They are family, cultivating and producing in the 4th generation. They are using the most modern and sometimes controversial production methods, combining the centuries old tradition and the end result are some utterly amazing wines!

“They are one of the first producers to bottle single varieties in Rioja, and on our list you will find the Garnacha, alongside their modern Rioja Blanco. Both these wines are breath of fresh air from Rioja, with a strong emphasis on excellence in wine making. Their meticulous attention to detail in their 250ha of clay-limestone vineyards, coupled with the extreme climate in Rioja, offer the perfect condition for the production of these great wines!

“Borja Ripa and Victor Fernandez de Manzanos control the winemaking and influence the modern, fresh and vibrant Manzanos style at their state of the art vinification facilities. They own the oldest winery within the appellation, located in Haro and a contemporary winery in Azagra, both using gravity flow systems to avoid over-handling of the juice. Fermentation is carried out in a variety of fermentation vessels which adds complexity to their wines, temperature controlled to retain fruit purity and meticulously aged in a combination of French and American oak.”

Bodegas Sumarroca, Spain -

“Sumarroca is one the Spain’s most important and awarded agriculturists. Together with his wife Nuria, the enterprising couple set about establishing Sumarroca as the largest estate grown Cava producers in Spain. They practice sustainable and organic farming, harvesting at night and only using free-run juice. Combining their passion for the land and tenacity in cultivating vines, their Cavas have bags of personality and character. 

“Sumarroca is one of the only family owned, state fruit and organic growers in the cava region. Mediterranean ripeness with Champagne finesse.” On our list you will be able to try Bodegas Sumarroca, Cava Brut Reserva Rosado Organic, DO Cava, Spain, 2020 and also the Bodegas Sumarroca, Cava Reserva Brut Organic, DO Cava, Spain, 2019!

Mád Wine, Hungary

“This winery, based in a village of Mád, produces some utterly amazing sweet and dry wines on this volcanic soil. Mainly Furmint as the grape, which is only really found and grown in Hungary. In the history, wines from this region were named Wine of Kings or King of Wines, and it is no surprise. These exquisitely structured wines are excellent value for money. They are still not well known or appreciated in the world of modern wine. 

“The winery is a Co-Operative, emphasis on modern technology and local community. Most of the growers are local families with small plots. This springs incredible variety of character to their wines.”

On the list - Mád Late Harvest, Tokaj, Hungary, 2019. This is like no dessert wine you have ever tried! Extremely complex and lusciously fruity late harvest sweet white wine. There was no oak ageing carried out which preserved the concentration of fruit expression. The distinct Botrytis character is supported by a strong mineral background. The Furmint, Harslevelu and Sargamuskotaly varieties create perfect complexity. Great ageing potential. Serve it with foie gras, blue cheese or rich desserts.

To sample Musselburgh Racecourse’s new season fine wines, you can book hospitality tickets to one of our forthcoming racedays, fusing the finest food and drink in spectacular surroundings!