FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Wines on the Wing Returns in 2024, Resuming an 18-Year Competition to Determine Which Airlines Serve the Best Wines

by Aoife O’Riordan

Mar 1, 2024

© Chernetskaya | Dreamstime.com

Daily

This April, Global Traveler will host the return of the highly anticipated Wines on the Wing event. Airlines around the world submit their top reds, whites and sparkling wines to a blind judging to see who comes out on top as the best in airline wines. The 2024 Wines on the Wing exclusive after-party and reception will be held April 9 at City Winery New York City, 6–8 p.m.

On Location, the official hospitality provider of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, helped make this highly anticipated return possible.

This year, Tom Gannon, a highly experienced sommelier hailing from New York City, leads the judging.

© Christopher P. Ottaunick

The last Wines on the Wing competition was held in 2020 at Odd Logic Brewery in Pennsylvania. This competition saw numerous airlines attain top marks, including LATAM Airlines (whose Master Sommelier, Héctor Vergara, boasts 25 years’ experience), American Airlines (led by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey) and Icelandair.

In 2019, the Wines on the Wing competition, also hosted City Winery New York City in its previous location, became a lively space in the evening. Standouts at this competition included Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, United Airlines (helmed by Master Sommelier Doug Frost) and Air France, among others.

© Christopher P. Ottaunick

The 15th annual Wines on the Wing competition, held in 2018, saw the world’s best airline wines brought together at the historic Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue. Top scorers in 2018 included Delta Air Lines, British Airways and All Nippon Airways. Delta Air Lines’ Master Sommelier Andrea Robison helped secure the airline’s victory across various categories that year.

Past judges include Cesar Baeza, a native of Chile with more than 20 years’ experience in the wine industry; John Brecher, senior editor of Grape Collective and author of four books on wine; Beth Cotenoff, certified wine instructor as well as a senior vice president at R/West with more than 20 years of experience in wine and spirits; John Fanning, director of private dining of Il Gattopardo Group; and David Lecomte, chief winemaker at City Winery.

© Christopher P. Ottaunick

Looking ahead to 2024, Global Traveler expects the same high standards and top-notch wines to emerge. Which airlines will stand out in 2024?

RSVP to this year’s Wines on the Wing event here.

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed

Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo

When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.

IHG Hotels & Resorts: Elevating the Guest Experience & Expanding Globally

With a robust portfolio of brands catering to diverse traveler preferences, IHG has been on a strategic trajectory to conquer key markets worldwide. The IHG footprint continues to grow, offering unparalleled experiences to guests around the globe.

Airlines
Jul 26, 2024

BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options

BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.

Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win

Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!

Global City Guidebook: Shanghai

The third-largest city in the world, Shanghai has transformed into one of the world’s most important centers for business, finance, science, culture and transportation. In fact, Shanghai is home to the first free trade zone in Mainland China. The city sits on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River, and the Huangpu River flows right through the 26-million-strong city. Art Deco- and Shikumen-style buildings, museums, skyscrapers, gardens, temples and food markets fill the lively, Eastern Chinese city.

eFlyer Deals
Jul 24, 2024

TAP Air Portugal Announces Limited-Time, One-Way Fares to Europe

Through Sept. 15, TAP Air Portugal offers one-way fares to Europe for as low as $214. These low, one-way fares are available from all seven of the airline’s U.S. gateways, including:

L’Ermitage: Your Beverly Hills Self-Care Haven

Nestled amidst the palm-lined boulevards of Beverly Hills, L'Ermitage exudes refined elegance and unparalleled service. This haven, a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond and, most recently, Two Key MICHELIN Guide recipient, continues to captivate discerning travelers and Angelenos with its unwavering dedication to personalized hospitality and self-care.

eFlyer Lead
Jul 24, 2024

Delta Air Lines Struggles to Recover from Tech Outage

While most airlines successfully recovered from the worldwide technology outage caused by a software update, Delta Air Lines continues to bounce back from the issue, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. The historic outage across Microsoft systems not only affected airlines but also hospitals and countless other businesses. Contactless payments were also impacted.