The Churchill Downs Racetrack and Woodford Reserve have struck up a partnership with Williams Sonoma to deliver a collection of products developed to help consumers celebrate Kentucky Derby thoroughbred horse race.
The partnership kicks off with the launch of a curated line of Williams Sonoma merchandise and an exclusive co-branded line of Williams Sonoma and Woodford Reserve cocktail mixes along with recipes and entertaining tips that can enliven at-home celebrations. The 148th Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, will take place Saturday, May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
The partners intend to give consumers a chance to embrace the authentic charm of the derby with elegant serving pieces, bar accessories and signature derby-style cocktail mixes developed to elevate at-home celebrations and viewing parties.
Williams Sonoma has set an authentic Kentucky Derby At-Home menu crafted by brand ambassador and celebrity chef Kelsey Barnard Clark. The menu features easy-to-make recipes paired with selections from Jackson Family Wines. The menu pays homage to the culinary traditions of the Kentucky Derby, including okra hot fries to smoked Wings with BBQ sauce and pecan pie in bite-size selections. Culinary connoisseurs can serve up classic cocktails including the iconic Mint Julep thanks to Woodford Reserve and Williams Sonoma’s selection of co-branded cocktail mixes.
Williams Sonoma has teamed up with Clark to host two Derby-themed events, one in-store at the banner’s Columbus Circle location in New York City and one online. The in-store event will take place on April 14 at 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at https://southerngritnycevent.squadup.com. The virtual event will take place live on April 19 at 5pm PT/7pm CT/8pm ET. Tickets can be purchased online at https://southerngritvirtualevent.squadup.com. Tickets for both events are $15, and all proceeds benefiting the No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in the United States. Consumers can purchase a copy of Kelsey’s new book, Southern Grit, online at www.williams-sonoma.com/southerngrit.
As part of the partnership, Williams Sonoma is holding a nationwide sweepstakes to send a winner on a trip for two to the 149th Kentucky Derby in 2023. Consumers can enter for a chance to win the bucket-list weekend getaway, complete with airfare, hotel accommodations and two tickets to the Kentucky Derby, as well as a private, VIP experience at Woodford Reserve Distillery. Official rules and details are available at www.williams-sonoma.com/kentuckyderbytrip.
“At Churchill Downs, we’re passionate about finding new ways to bring the Kentucky Derby experience to fans across the country,” said Casey Ramage, vice president, marketing and partnerships at Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re thrilled to partner with Williams Sonoma to help us in this mission of extending the Kentucky Derby tradition beyond our racetrack gates.”
