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 15^th 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.