- Air New Zealand launches Thirteen Forty Five, a wine label inspired by a historic 1,345-mile flight from Auckland to Sydney, celebrating the airline’s legacy and New Zealand’s wine heritage.
- Collaborating with Villa Maria, the collection features a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir, offering unique flavors from Marlborough’s vineyards and telling regional stories through every sip.
- The launch aligns with Air New Zealand’s 85th anniversary, emphasizing its dedication to innovation and quality while providing a sensory experience for Premium Economy passengers and lounge visitors.
- Looking ahead to 2025, Air New Zealand plans to introduce a new vintage and a Hawke’s Bay red varietal, showcasing New Zealand wine diversity.
- Air New Zealand partners with 47 wineries nationwide, offering a prestigious inflight wine program that highlights the excellence of New Zealand winemaking through expert-judged blind tastings.
Air New Zealand uncorks a new chapter in its storied history with the introduction of Thirteen Forty Five, a wine label that celebrates the airline’s legacy while transporting the palates of its passengers straight to the vineyards of New Zealand. This exclusive collection, named in homage to a pioneering 1,345-mile flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, is a toast to both time-honored journeys and the exceptional wines of New Zealand.
Crafted with Precision and Passion
In collaboration with Villa Maria, a renowned name in New Zealand winemaking, Air New Zealand debuts two exquisite varietals: a vibrant sauvignon blanc and a delicately complex pinot noir. The sauvignon blanc, grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, greets tasters with the lush aromas of passionfruit and lemongrass, accompanied by a whisper of herbs that evokes Marlborough’s rugged landscape. Meanwhile, the pinot noir, born from the fertile soils on the eastern flank of the Wairau valley, enchants with cherry and plum flavors, underlined by subtle notes of dried herbs and violets. Each glass tells a story of the regions it hails from, offering travelers a sense of place with every sip.
Savoring Miles and Milestones
This launch coincides with Air New Zealand’s 85th anniversary, marking a testament to its enduring commitment to innovation and quality. Thirteen Forty Five offers passengers in Premium Economy and lounge visitors a taste of nostalgia and new horizons, melding the art of aviation with the craft of winemaking. By choosing these wines, passengers engage in a sensory experience that honors the airline’s proud past and its vibrant, forward-looking trajectory.
A Glimpse into the Future
As the aromas of Thirteen Forty Five’s initial release fill cabins and lounges, the airline has already set its sights on 2025. A fresh vintage of the Marlborough sauvignon blanc is anticipated, alongside an adventurous new red varietal from Hawke’s Bay, showcasing the breadth and depth of New Zealand’s diverse wine regions. This vision reinforces not only the airline’s dedication to offering top-notch service but also to highlighting the global appeal of New Zealand’s wine industry.
A Symphony of Flavors
Beyond Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand’s inflight wine programme serves as a prestigious showcase for the country’s viticultural excellence. Partnering with 47 wineries from across Aotearoa, from the sunlit terraces of Waiheke Island to Central Otago’s dramatic slopes, the airline ensures that each offering embodies the unrivaled quality and care of New Zealand winemaking. These blind tastings, judged by a panel of experts, bring together nuanced expertise and passion, crafting a menu that not only elevates airborne dining but also champions a broader global exposure for local winemakers.
In the hands of Air New Zealand, traveling the skies becomes not just a journey between places, but an immersive voyage through a land of extraordinary flavors and rich history. Thirteen Forty Five invites the world to lift a glass, celebrating together the connections that make every journey memorable.
The Wine Experience at 30,000 Feet: Air New Zealand’s Thirteen Forty Five
Elevating In-Flight Experience with New Zealand Wines
Air New Zealand has unveiled Thirteen Forty Five, its exclusive wine label crafted with the expertise of Villa Maria. This initiative celebrates the airline’s rich history and commitment to quality in both aviation and viniculture. Named after a pioneering 1,345-mile flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, Thirteen Forty Five invites passengers to enjoy a piece of New Zealand’s legendary wine regions while in the sky.
Key Highlights of Thirteen Forty Five
1. Unique Varietals: The label begins with two offerings—a vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and a complex Pinot Noir. The Sauvignon Blanc originates from Marlborough’s renowned Wairau and Awatere valleys, offering flavors of passionfruit, lemongrass, and herbs. The Pinot Noir, cultivated on the eastern flank of the Wairau Valley, captivates with rich cherry and plum flavors, accentuated by notes of dried herbs and violets.
2. Expert Collaboration: Air New Zealand partnered with Villa Maria, a prestigious New Zealand winery, ensuring each vintage reflects superior craftsmanship and the distinct terroir of the regions.
3. Celebrating Milestones: This launch coincided with the airline’s 85th anniversary, offering a nod to both nostalgia and innovation, while giving passengers a taste of New Zealand’s viticultural art.
Future Visions and New Horizons
Air New Zealand is already planning for 2025, preparing a new vintage of Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc alongside a bold red varietal from Hawke’s Bay, further showcasing New Zealand’s diverse wine-producing regions. This move highlights the airline’s commitment to offering exceptional service and its dedication to promoting New Zealand wines internationally.
Enhancing the Global Wine Experience
Beyond Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand’s in-flight wine program is a testament to the nation’s viticultural excellence. Working with 47 wineries, the airline offers blind tastings judged by expert panels, ensuring high-quality and memorable experiences for passengers.
Real-World Use Cases and Benefits
– Premium Economy and Lounge Access: Passengers in these categories enjoy exclusive access to Thirteen Forty Five, enriching their flying experience with a taste of New Zealand.
– Sensory Travel Experience: The wines offer travelers an immersive experience, adding depth to their journey with authentic regional flavors.
– Boosting Local Wineries: By showcasing New Zealand wines on a global platform, Air New Zealand supports and amplifies the reputation of local winemakers.
Market Forecast and Industry Trends
The global in-flight catering services market continues to grow, with airlines seeking unique offerings to differentiate themselves. With a focus on regional excellence, Air New Zealand is well-positioned to leverage increasing passenger interest in local and sustainable food and beverage options.
Actionable Recommendations
– Explore Regional Wines: Seek out wines from specific regions during your travels to enjoy unique flavors and support local producers.
– Embrace In-Flight Experiences: Look for airlines that offer curated in-flight dining and beverage programs to enhance your travel experience.
– Stay Informed: Track trends in the food and beverage industry to enrich your culinary experiences both in the air and on the ground.
For more information about Air New Zealand and its offerings, visit the Air New Zealand website.
By collaborating with leading winemakers and offering an exceptional in-flight experience, Air New Zealand not only celebrates its legacy but also invites passengers to relish the art of winemaking as they soar through the skies.