Host a Derby Viewing Party

The first Saturday in May brings the most exciting two minutes in sports—it's Derby Day! This time-honored tradition brings together horse racing enthusiasts, fashionistas and those who are just there for the party. Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby showcases the best three-year-old thoroughbred horses competing in a thrilling race. However, the event is not just about the race; it is also a celebration of fashion, food, drinks, and culture.

This year, bring the pageantry of this iconic event into your home by hosting a Derby viewing party. With the right Beaulieu Vineyards wines, décor, food, and entertainment, your guests will feel like they've made it to the Derby. To make the experience even more authentic, serve our special chardonnay-based Mint Julep cocktail, featured below. Follow these tips to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Start with the Atmosphere

The race itself is of course central to the party, so set up a viewing station where everyone can gather around. If you have the space, take advantage of the nicer weather and set up a projector outside. We love the idea of creating floral centerpieces with gold vases and red roses to mimic the Derby winner’s rose blanket and traditional trophy. Garlands of fresh or fake roses are another way to elevate your space. For even more southern aesthetic, incorporate magnolia leaves and cotton branches into your centerpieces or simply arrange them around your entertaining area. For a sophisticated look, dress up your table with a white linen tablecloth and get out your best silverware.

Food and Wine

Traditional southern foods are a must and are even better when paired with Beaulieu Vineyard’s classic wines. Try a light and creamy Kentucky Benedectine spread with our Reserve Chardonnay for refreshing, yet creamy and full flavors. Another Derby favorite is a creamy pimento cheese dip which would be a great choice with our Maestro Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah. With its more wild and briary expression, our Tapestry Reserve Red Wine is the perfect companion to the rich, tomatoey flavors in a seafood gumbo. For a sweet treat, try bourbon balls paired with our Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Games and More

The race itself offers lots of heart-pounding fun but it is only two minutes long, so we recommend having a roster of other activities ready to go. Set up a horseshoe throwing contest in the backyard or have a hat decorating station for your craftier guests. Or, set up a station where guests can choose their winning horses. You could also bring some of the competition home with a prize for best hat or whoever chooses the winning horse. A bottle of our Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon would make an excellent prize!

Beaulieu Vineyard Wine Mint Julep

This Chardonnay mint julep is a refreshing alternative to the classic recipe and is perfect for those who prefer wine to bourbon.

Ingredients

• 2 oz white wine, we suggest our Maestro Ranch 8 Chardonnay
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• Optional: 1/2 oz bourbon (if you'd like to include a touch of the traditional spirit)

Directions

1. In a glass or a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup to release their flavor and aroma.
2. If you'd like to include bourbon, add it to the mixture.
3. Add the white wine to the mint and syrup mixture, and stir gently.
4. Fill a glass (preferably a julep cup or an Old Fashioned glass) with crushed ice.
5. Pour the wine, syrup, and mint mixture over the crushed ice and stir.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and enjoy!

Ranch No. 8 Chardonnay 

Our Maestro Collection Ranch 8 Chardonnay is a beautiful refreshing expression of Napa Valley Chardonnay showing vibrant aromas of honeydew melon, lemon zest, orange blossom and pleasing vanilla spice. The fresh, crisp palate which maintains its focus from start to finish, offers mouthwatering citrus fruit acidity, alongside hints of pineapple, butter cream and lemon meringue.