Emirates Elevates Onboard PaxEx with New Wine Collection

Emirates is introducing a new collection of Champagnes and fine wines across its global network, with new selections planned for First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

The latest collection includes wines from France, Australia, Chile, South Africa and the United Kingdom, adding to an extensive wine programme in which Emirates says it has invested more than US$1 billion since 2006.

The airline currently holds around five million bottles in dedicated facilities in France, with many wines purchased years in advance and matured before being served onboard.

Premium Selections for First and Business Class

First Class passengers will see several notable additions, including Dom Pérignon Vintage 2017, which is expected to be introduced across the global network later this year.

Other selections include Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2015, currently served on African routes; Le Petit Cheval Blanc 2023 on European routes; and Chile's Seña 2016 on East Asian routes.

From late September, passengers travelling to Australasia will be offered Penfolds RWT Shiraz 2015, while Château Mouton Rothschild 2003 will be introduced on UK routes from October. South Africa's Vilafonté Series C 2016 will follow on selected First Class routes from December.

In Business Class, Emirates is currently serving La Dame de Montrose 2014 on US routes, while Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2024 from Domaine des Sénéchaux will join the offering on East Asian routes from late September.

English Sparkling Wine Debuts in Premium Economy

Premium Economy will also receive several additions, including La Parde de Haut-Bailly 2014 and Chablis Premier Cru Jean-Marc Brocard 2024.

From October, Emirates will introduce Wiston Estate Brut NV on UK routes, marking the first time the airline has served an English sparkling wine.

The Australian-produced Chandon 2021 also continues onboard Premium Economy as a global Emirates exclusive.

New Economy Class Wines

Economy Class passengers will have a new selection featuring wines from France and South Africa.

These include Domaine de la Baume Tautavel 2023, Cuvée Sabourin Picpoul de Pinet 2024 and Journey's End Weather Station Sauvignon Blanc 2025. Château Pech-Latt Corbières 2024 will join the selection from October.

Emirates says its wine selection process considers how wines perform both on the ground and at altitude, including their fruit character, acidity, tannins, oak influence and maturity.

Bordeaux wines selected for Business Class can be aged for eight to 10 years, while some First Class wines mature for 12 to 15 years before being introduced onboard.

The long-term approach allows the Dubai-based airline to acquire limited vintages years in advance and serve them when they reach their preferred drinking window.