Category: Airline Wine

British Airways Makes History: Prestige Cuvée English Sparkling Wine Takes Flight

British Airways announced last week that it will be the first airline to serve prestige cuvée English sparkling wines in First Class as part of its award-winning wine list this year.

BA is working with pioneering English sparkling wine houses including Nyetimber, Gusbourne and Sugrue South Downs, to offer a range of new sparkling options across its First Class and Business Class/Club World, available on a rotational basis.

The airlines has also carefully selected a rotation of prestige cuvée Champagnes for customers travelling in First and Business Class to enjoy at 35,000 ft featuring the return of well-loved Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle.

“We are proud to lead the way in championing provenance and British originality, as we continue to work with the very best wine producers across England and beyond for our customers to enjoy both on the ground and in the air,” said Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer, British Airways. “We have selected the highest quality of wines with our customers’ expectations in mind and more than a thousand of our incredible colleagues have undergone specialist training to deliver our award-winning wines through world-class service, every time they fly with us.”

The airline’s latest English sparkling wine and Champagne additions to its First and Business Class/Club World, include:

English Sparkling Wine

New additions in First Class

1086 by Nyetimber Rosé 2014 April – June
Gusbourne Fifty One Degrees North 2016 July – September
1086 by Nyetimber October – December
Sugrue South Downs Blend January – March 2026

New additions in Business Class/Club World

Digby Fine English’s Brut NV April – June
Gusbourne 2019 Vintage Rosé July – September
Hattingley Valley’s Blanc de Noirs 2019 October – December
Roebuck Reserve Brut 2020 January – March 2026
Digby Leander Pink Brut NV April – June 2026

Champagne

New additions in First Class

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle NV April – June
Lanson NOBLE 2008 and NOBLE Blanc de Blancs 2005/2008 July – September
Bollinger Grande Année and PN AYC18 October – December
Rare Champagne and Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires January – March 2026

Air New Zealand Debutes Premium Wine Label “Thirteen Forty Five”

Air New Zealand has recently introduced an exclusive new wine label, “Thirteen Forty Five,” available exclusively to its passengers.

Thirteen Forty Five was named in tribute to a significant milestone in the airline’s history – the inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, which covered 1345 miles. Operated by Air New Zealand’s predecessor, TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited), this flight ushered in a new era of air travel, connecting New Zealand to the world.

The label launches with two signature varietals, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir, crafted in collaboration with renowned New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria, part of Indevin Group. These wines are now available in Air New Zealand lounges throughout New Zealand and in Premium Economy cabins on international flights.

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Kylie McGillivray-Brown says the unique blends have been carefully crafted to provide an exclusive experience for customers, whether they’re enjoying a glass in the air or while relaxing in a lounge.

About the Wines

The sauvignon blanc blends grapes from select vineyards in Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, offering aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass, and subtle herbal notes. The pinot noir, sourced from vineyards on the eastern side of the Wairau valley, showcases flavours of cherry and plum with hints of dried herbs and violets.

Winemaker Tom Dixon of Villa Maria says: “We couldn’t have asked for better vintages to produce the debut release of these wines. The conditions during the growing seasons were very favourable for producing high quality wines that reflect their respective varieties and showcase the essence of sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from Marlborough.”

Wine on the Move: Liz Palmer Reviews the VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases

As 2025 unfolds, I am thrilled to announce that I will explore the world of wine with the VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases.

I have had the opportunity to use both suitcases on long and short-haul flights around Europe in 2024 to test their functionality and durability, and here are some of my findings.

Firstly, I chose two sizes: the Piccolo 5-Bottle Wine Suitcase due to its convenient size as a carry-on, and the Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase for long-haul flights. The VinGardeValise® Wine Suitcases are available in multiple colours, and I was fortunate to find one that perfectly matched our car, adding an extra touch of sophistication to our wine travels.

These wine suitcases are functional; they ensure that each bottle is transported safely and in style. The Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases feature sturdy exteriors and padded interiors to prevent breakage. Dedicated compartments for each bottle make packing and unpacking effortless, and there is no concern about bottles clinking together or breaking during travel.

In addition to their practicality, these suitcases add a touch of elegance to my travel gear.  I find the availability of multiple colours allows you to find a suitcase that matches your style or even your car. I found that using the Piccolo 5-Bottle Wine Suitcase for shorter trips and the Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcase for longer journeys provided the perfect balance of convenience and capacity.

Moreover, these wine suitcases are designed with portability in mind. They feature easy-to-carry handles and smooth-rolling wheels, making transportation a breeze. The compact design ensures they fit easily in car trunks, overhead compartments, or checked luggage spaces.

Overall, the VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle and Grande 12-Bottle Wine Suitcases offered an excellent combination of functionality, durability, and style and I’m looking forward to using them again for my 2025 wine travels!

VinGardeValise® is also the #1 Luxury wine travel suitcase collection with national acclaim in over 100 leading publications such as – Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, CNN.com, Food & Wine, Wall Street Journal, Oprah Daily, and USA Today.

VinGardeValise® Specs:

VinGardeValise® Piccolo 5-Bottle Specs:
Dimensions:  9.5”D x 16”W x 22.8”
Weight:  9.5 lbs. [unpacked]
Colors:  This Wine Suitcase comes in 3 colors (black, burgundy, and silver)

VinGardeValise® Grande 12-Bottle Specs:
Dimensions:  27.00″ x 17.75″ x 13.75″
Weight:  13.50 lbs [unpacked]
Colors: This Wine Suitcase comes in 3 colors (black, burgundy, and silver)

Website Link:  https://vingardevalise.com/

Stay tuned for more updates, photos, and stories from my 2025 wine travels!

Delta’s Revamped Wine Selection Elevates the In-Flight Experience

As the holiday season approaches, Delta Air Lines has announced an enhanced, carefully curated wine program, along with seasonal meals and gourmet snacks crafted in collaboration with award-winning chefs.

Enhanced Wine Program

Delta’s wine selection is now expanding to feature a range of varietals and flavors from across the globe, developed in partnership with Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. The airline’s commitment to diversity and sustainability in sourcing means each wine reflects the unique identity and craftsmanship of its region, appealing to both casual sippers and wine connoisseurs.

A sampling of this year’s wine program includes:

  • Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec (Argentina): A rich, dark-berry Malbec from a woman-led winery, pairing seamlessly with beef dishes.
  • Barbanera in Bianco (Italy): A unique white Sangiovese with fruit and citrus notes, ideal for seafood and cheeses.
  • Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc (South Africa): An aromatic Chenin Blanc that complements spicy and full-flavored dishes.
  • Hahn Chardonnay (California): An elegant, balanced, vegan-friendly Chardonnay with tropical and oak notes.
  • Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuissé (France): A lively and aromatic wine, pairing well with buttery seafood and creamy pastas.

Each wine undergoes a meticulous selection process, highlighting the diverse communities within the wine industry. Delta’s Sky Sommelier program, aimed at training flight attendants, further enhances in-flight service by educating staff on varietals, regional attributes, and food pairings, enriching guests’ travel experience.

“Exceptional in-flight meals create memorable travel experiences, whether 35,000 feet above ground or in new destinations,” notes Kristen Manion Taylor, Delta’s SVP of Inflight Service. “Our dedication to quality, diversity, and sustainability ensures each selection aligns with our guests’ expectations of a high-standard culinary journey.”

Wine Travel Made Easy: Lazenne Wine Suitcase Review

Protecting Your Wines on the Go

As a professional wine journalist and frequent flier, I’ve had my fair share of experiences hauling wine bottles across the globe – nothing has compared to the ease and confidence I’ve found with the Lazenne 12-bottle Wine Suitcase.

Lazenne has long been celebrated for its commitment to quality and durability, and I can now personally attest to their well-earned reputation. This suitcase was designed with both form and function in mind and has now become an indispensable part of my travel luggage, ensuring that each bottle arrives in perfect condition.

Unique Features and Benefits I Love

High-Density Foam Inserts: These inserts are a game-changer, keeping my bottles immobile and well-protected.

Temperature Resistance: The suitcase’s insulating properties give me peace of mind that my wine stays at a stable temperature, regardless of the travel conditions.

Versatility: Whether I’m carrying Champagne, Bordeaux, or unique varietals from around the world, the Lazenne accommodates all shapes and sizes, and you can use only half the suitcase for wine and the other half for clothes, and other necessities.

Sleek Design: I appreciate the modern look of the suitcase—it’s stylish and professional, perfect for a wine journalist on the go….I’m off tomorrow to visit the wine regions of Brazil!

Website link: https://lazenne.com/