Cheltenham offers a range of wine and spirit events, from tastings in the Festival Village to exclusive sampling sessions. Visitors can explore craft gins, whisky collections, and seasonal wines paired with local cuisine.
Explore unique spirit tasting opportunities whilst at the Cheltenham Festival. Masterclasses start from £10, offering insights into premium spirits like Fenjiu Baijiu—China’s finest.
Enjoy complimentary 45-minute spirit talks with no pre-booking required. Discover craft gin, whisky collections, and limited-edition selections in locations such as The Orchard™ and Guinness Village.
These sessions appeal to both seasoned experts and casual drinkers, combining learning with enjoyment.
Where Can Visitors Find Wine And Spirits At The Festival?
You’ll find wine and spirits across the Cheltenham Festival, from bustling public bars to exclusive VIP lounges. Hospitality areas and retail outlets also offer a wide range of drinks, ensuring every visitor enjoys their preferred tipple.
Public Bars
Public bars at the Cheltenham Festival offer a lively atmosphere with plenty of drink options. The Cottage Rake Bar features 12 drink pumps, serving house wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks.
At the Terrace Bar, you’ll find premium wines and spirits alongside big screens for race viewing. Bookmakers are nearby for convenience. Complimentary bar services include house wines, beers, and spirits across many venues.
These bars provide easy access to refreshments while enjoying the races or socialising with friends.
Retail Outlets
Retail outlets at the Cheltenham Festival offer a variety of wines, beers, and spirits for purchase. Majestic Wine Cheltenham, located at Unit K2 in Gallagher Retail Park, provides an extensive selection.
The store operates from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays, with extended hours until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturdays, it opens at 9 am and closes at 7 pm. Sunday hours are from 10 am to 5 pm.
New subscribers can enjoy a £5 discount on still wine purchases over £50. Contact Majestic Wine Cheltenham at 01242 237593 or email ctm@majestic.co.uk for more details. Explore options like Nyetimber sparkling wine or Whispering Angel rosé while visiting these outlets during the festival season.
What Makes Cheltenham Festival’s Wine Selection Special?
The Cheltenham Festival’s wine selection stands out with its focus on highlighted regions like Marlborough and Aragon, offering distinctive flavours. Exclusive collaborations with wineries—such as Susana Balbo Dominio del Plata—and seasonal pairings enhance the enjoyment for every palate.
Featured Wine Regions
The Cheltenham Festival showcases wines from England, France, Italy, and South Africa. Local Cotswolds wines like Woodchester Valley Vineyard highlight regional excellence. Explore diverse grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Carignan—and styles such as sparkling wines and Provençal blends.
Masterclasses led by expert exhibitors deepen your understanding of winemaking traditions from Marlborough to Aragon. Seasonal selections pair perfectly with festival menus, offering a taste of global viticulture in one place.
Seasonal Wine Selections
The Cheltenham Wine Festival showcases seasonal wine selections, highlighting the best from regions like Marlborough and West Sussex. Expert exhibitors guide you through styles, grape varieties, and regional origins.
Wines are available for purchase during the event on 5 April 2025. Pair them with food options or enjoy them solo at tasting sessions hosted by the Rotary Club of Cheltenham North.
Discover exclusive partnerships and limited-edition bottles that celebrate the festival’s unique charm.
Which Premium Spirits Are Available At The Festival?
At the Cheltenham Festival, you’ll find signature cocktails, craft gins, whisky collections, and limited-edition spirits—perfect for enhancing your race day enjoyment. Explore more about these premium offerings….
Craft Gin Selection
The Cheltenham Festival offers an exceptional craft gin selection, featuring over 50 varieties from local and international distillers. On March 2, 2024, Gin To My Tonic Cheltenham will showcase complimentary tasting samples from craft producers.
Enjoy gins like Glenfarclas or Hampshire-based options while discovering the gin-making process through educational sessions. The festival’s bars serve signature cocktails created with premium spirits, ensuring a distinctive experience for gin lovers.
Whisky Collections
The Cheltenham Festival presents an impressive whisky collection, featuring exclusive editions like the Glenfarclas 15 Year Old Cheltenham Festival Edition. Priced at £73.95, this limited-release whisky showcases rich sherried flavours from its 15-year maturation.
Other remarkable options include Glenfarclas 105 and Glenfarclas 12 Year Old, suiting a variety of preferences. All packaging uses eco-friendly, 100% recyclable materials—ideal for those mindful of the environment.
Whether you enjoy bold or smooth profiles, the festival’s whisky selection guarantees a high-quality choice for every palate.
Limited Edition Offerings
The Cheltenham Festival features exclusive limited edition spirits, including premium choices like Fenjiu Baijiu. Masterclasses for spirit tastings start at £10, covering the cost of sampling rare editions.
Free spirit talks provide insights into these unique offerings without pre-booking. Guided tastings are designed to deepen your appreciation of premium spirits, such as craft gins and whiskies.
These sessions showcase seasonal selections and collaborations with leading producers, ensuring a memorable experience for wine experts and spirit lovers.
How Does The Festival Cater To Different Drink Preferences?
The Cheltenham Festival ensures every guest finds their perfect drink, offering non-alcoholic options like Guinness Zero and a range of local brews. From budget-friendly house wines to premium spirits, there’s something for everyone—even those with special dietary needs.
Non-Alcoholic Options
The Cheltenham Festival caters to all drink preferences, including non-alcoholic options. Guinness 0.0, introduced in March 2023, offers a refreshing alternative for those avoiding alcohol.
This choice reflects the growing trend towards healthier lifestyles and ensures a safer, more inclusive atmosphere at the festival.
You’ll find a variety of non-alcoholic drinks across the venue—from soft drinks to alcohol-free beers and spirits. These options are available in public bars, VIP lounges, and hospitality areas.
Whether you prefer coffee or mocktails like Guinness Zero, there’s something for everyone without diminishing flavour or enjoyment.
Price Range Options
Cheltenham offers drinks for every budget. Masterclass tickets cost £7 to £10, giving you access to expert-led wine and spirit tastings. Early arrivals enjoy free tasting sessions—arrive early to make the most of these opportunities.
Public bars serve house wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks at standard prices. VIP lounges and hospitality areas feature premium options like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot champagne.
Retail outlets showcase exclusive bottles from Marlborough and Awatere Valley wineries, with prices ranging from affordable to high-end limited editions. Non-alcoholic choices are also available for those who prefer them.
Special Dietary Requirements
Cheltenham caters to diverse dietary needs. Gluten-free options are widely available across food and drink outlets, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. Many hospitality areas, public bars, and VIP lounges offer specialised menus with clear allergen labelling.
Local producers often provide sustainable choices, including vegan and vegetarian-friendly wines and spirits. Non-alcoholic alternatives complement the premium selections, catering to varied preferences.
The Festival Village features gluten-free beers and wines from regions like Marlborough and Cariñena. Pair these with seasonal dishes for a complete experience.
What Are The Best Drinking Spots During Race Days?
For the best views and lively atmosphere, head to trackside locations—perfect for sipping champagne while watching the races. If you prefer comfort, indoor venues like The Wine Library or private boxes offer premium drinks with a cosy setting.
Indoor Venues
Indoor venues at the Cheltenham Festival offer comfort and style. The Panoramic Restaurant provides stunning views of the racecourse, paired with exquisite dining and quality wines.
For a vibrant atmosphere, visit MooMoo Clubrooms—its three floors feature various music genres, ideal for relaxing after race day. The Big Buck’s Champagne Bar serves exclusive sparkling wines in a refined setting.
If you prefer craft drinks, check out The Brewery Quarter’s well-loved spots like The Alchemist and BrewDog. These indoor spaces appeal to all preferences, ensuring an unforgettable time whatever the weather.
Premium Viewing Areas
Premium viewing areas at the Cheltenham Festival offer an unparalleled occasion. Trackside locations provide clear views of the jump-racing action, while indoor locations like The Urban Fox—a stylish cocktail bar—host live music on Gold Cup Day.
VIP lounges include a complimentary bar with house wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks. For weather-protected spots, visit hospitality areas or The Brewery Quarter for boozy brunches and live entertainment.
These spaces mix comfort with prime race-day excitement.
Weather-Protected Areas
Cheltenham Racecourse offers several weather-protected areas to ensure your comfort during the festival. Indoor venues like the Centaur and The Princess Royal Stand provide shelter from rain or wind while still offering great views of the races.
Trackside locations with covered seating let you stay close to the action without worrying about sudden weather changes. These areas are ideal for enjoying fine wines, spirits, or afternoon tea in any condition.
Conclusion
The Cheltenham Festival offers a rich blend of fine wines, premium spirits, and unique tasting opportunities. You can explore wine regions like Marlborough or enjoy craft gins in VIP lounges.
Masterclasses start at £8 for wine and £10 for spirits—perfect for expanding your knowledge. Local producers and seasonal selections ensure something suits every taste. Make your festival days even better with these carefully selected drinks and memorable moments.
James Dooley is a highly regarded digital entrepreneur with a huge digital real estate portfolio. He has extensive knowledge and experience in SEO and digital marketing. He enjoys contributing to sports betting blogs, entrepreneurship topics and advancements in search engine optimisation as an author.
