This week, Delta Air Lines unveiled its upgraded wine program with a revamped selection that adds 17 premium wines to their in-flight menu.
“Wine is an important part of onboard experience,” Mike Henny, managing director, onboard services operations at Delta Air Lines, told Forbes. The new additions will be served in both main cabin and higher fare classes: “We consider ourselves to be a flying restaurant; just because you’re 35,000 feet in the air doesn’t mean you should forego an incredible dining and wine experience, that’s comparable to what you might get at your favorite restaurant on the ground.”
Henny worked alongside Delta’s food and beverage team, including master sommelier Andrea Robinson, to narrow down these 17 selects from 1,300 label requests that were submitted to the wine program. The selection criteria included various vetting processes, revealed Henny, including a visual test, evaluating the label, name, brand, growing region and varietal appeal; then, taste and color test for flavor and palate intensity, quality and taste; lastly, credentials, looking at sustainability and diversity.
“Having delicious, premium wines is the baseline – we are dedicated to ensuring that we select and promote brands that share our values and passion for reflecting the diverse communities we serve,” said Henny, adding that Delta’s made a point to align with brands that are sustainability leaders in their space; black-owned wineries; women winemakers and small businesses.
Robinson, who’s worked with the airline since 2007, says that she’s watched the selects evolve, so that it’s now less difficult to choose wines as the team recognizes the characteristics that are most important. “The biggest thing is to take what we know about what shows well in flight and overlap that with the new wine styles coming on the scene,” said Robinson. “For example, rosé was a big thing but that was easy and works well onboard because of its acidity. However, a lot of Napa Valley Cabernet doesn’t show well at altitude because it’s just too powerful.”
Of the most recent additions to Delta’s in-flight wine menu, Robinson shared that she’s particularly excited about the Cune Reserva Rioja which is bottle aged for six years and will taste great at altitude. “I’m also stoked about the Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc – it’s truly a juggernaut of the category in terms of popularity. This one tastes like passionfruit and is explosive with lots of acidity,” she added.
Other selects include Jordan Cabernet, a classic California style that’s increasingly found in steakhouses and fine-dining menus as well as House of Brown Chardonnay, a style that Delta’s team incubated with the winery for an expression that’s not too oaky or buttery for inflight, shared Robinson.
Famille Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Luca “G-Lot” Pinot Noir, Susana Balbo Signature Malbec, Bodegas Ontañón Tempranillo Blanco will also be available onboard for an elevated yet balanced and innovative menu.
Henny emphasized, “We found a good blend of familiar and high-end wines, so I’m most excited that there will be some ‘aha’ moments for customers onboard the aircraft.”
The new wine menu will be rolled out in phases, with the first additions appearing in November 2023 for Delta One customers.
