Category: Airline Wine

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/

The 2024 World’s Best Airlines Revealed

Skytrax recently revealed its annual World Airlines Awards for 2024, which is also known as the “Oscars of the aviation industry” at a gala ceremony in London late June. The big winer this year went to Qatar Airways, the eighth-time winner has scooped the Airline of the Year title in the 25-year history of the awards.

In addition to being named the World’s Best Airline 2024, Qatar Airways also scooped the top awards for the World’s Best Business Class, the World’s Best Business Class Lounge and the Best Airline in the Middle East.

The 2023 Airline of the Year winner, Singapore Airlines, was ranked No 2 in the world for 2024, with Emirates in third place, ANA All Nippon Airways fourth, and Cathay Pacific in fifth position, out of more than 350 airlines included in the survey results.

Here is a list of the “World’s Top 20 Airlines for 2024”

Qatar Airways
Singapore Airlines
Emirates
ANA All Nippon Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways
Japan Airlines
Turkish Airlines
EVA Air
Air France
Swiss International Air Lines
Korean Air
Hainan Airlines
British Airways
Fiji Airways
Iberia
Vistara
Virgin Atlantic
Lufthansa
Etihad Airways
Saudi Arabian Airlines

Global Perspective

In North America, Delta Air Lines received awards as the Best Airline in North America, also collecting the top award for the Best Airline Staff Service for the region.
Singapore Airlines took top honours with the award for the World’s Best Cabin Staff and their First Class Suites continuing to dominate by winning the award as the World’s Best First Class. In one of the most competitive global regions for airline service standards, Singapore Airlines also scooped the accolade for the Best Airline in Asia.

ANA All Nippon Airways achieves the No 4 global ranking, repeating earlier success by winning the award for the World’s Best Airport Services. ANA also won the award for the Best Airline Staff Service in Asia.

Saudi Arabian Airlines wins the 2024 award as the World’s Most Improved Airline, ahead of STARLUX Airlines in 2nd place and PLAY in 3rd position. This award reflects an airline’s Quality improvement across the entire Awards programme, evaluating each airline’s change in the global rating, and their performance in different award categories.

AirAsia was the repeat winner of the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline award, a title it has won each year since 2010. Scoot received a top award as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline.

Spanish airline, Volotea, received the award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe, a great achievement for such a competitive cost airline market. Transavia France was ranked No 2 in Europe, and Vueling in third place.

The award for the World’s Most Family Friendly Airline was won by British Airways. This award covers many aspects of the experience, including family seating policies, family check-in facilities, priority boarding, children’s meals, children’s amenities / toys / activity packs, child specific onboard entertainment, child luggage and policies for carrycot / pushchairs, and the standards of service assistance from ground staff and cabin crew during the family travel experience.

Plaza Premium received the award as the World’s Best Independent Airport Lounge operator, with its Plaza Premium Lounge at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport ranking top in 2024.

Cathay Pacific received the award for the World’s Best Economy Class, with Japan Airlines winning the award for the World’s Best Premium Economy Class.

The Best Regional Airline Awards are for full-service airlines that primarily operate domestic and/or International flights up to approx. 6 hours. Topping the global ratings as the World’s Best Regional Airline is the repeat winner Bangkok Airways, and for the eighth consecutive year has proven to be a true customer favourite.

In the India/South Asia region, Vistara reigns supreme and was again named winner of the Best Airline in India/South Asia award, in addition to Best Airline Staff Service for the region.
Fiji Airways secured the Best Airline in Australia/Pacific for the second time, and also won the award as the Best Airline Staff Service in Australia/Pacific.

Allegiant Air received the award as the Best Low-Cost Airline in North America for the first time, in what is a very competitive LCC market.

Ethiopian Airlines has won the Best Airline in Africa award for the sixth consecutive year, Turkish Airlines was the Best Airline in Europe, Hainan Airlines was named the Best Airline in China and airBaltic won the award as the Best Airline in Eastern Europe.

Turkish Airlines was also recognised for its very high catering standards with the Best Business Class Catering award.

Air France was a multiple winner in 2024, with three awards for the World’s Best First-Class Catering, the Best First-Class Lounge Dining (CDG) and the Best Airline in Western Europe.

Star Alliance collected the award as the World’s Best Airline Alliance and also won the Best Airline Alliance Lounge award for its new Paris CDG Airport lounge.

About the Awards

The World Airline Awards are wholly independent and impartial, introduced in 1999 to provide a customer satisfaction study that was truly global. Travellers across the world vote in the largest airline passenger satisfaction survey to determine the award winners.

Source: Skytrax