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New fine wines onboard the Emirates
Emirates is introducing a new array of onboard flights this month, as the previous year’s investment into wine and champagne tops £40 million. Emirates claim that they have the most extensive wine cellar of any airline – dedicated facilities in France, which currently house around 6 million bottles of fine wine, some of which won’t be served until 2037. I have flown Emirates first a couple of times, and I would say they have one of the best selections in first class of any airline. You can read my reviews of Emirates First class here.
In the coming months, Emirates will introduce a selection of fine white Burgundy wines, including Premier and Grand Crus wines such as Montrachet 2011, Chevalier Montrachet 2013, and Corton Charlemagne 2014, as well as some exceptional red Burgundy wines, primarily Grand Crus like Échezeaux, Clos Vougeot, and Chambertin.
Emirates is also planning to introduce several First Growths from Bordeaux in the coming years, from the renowned estates of Château Mouton, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion, Château Cheval Blanc, and Château d’Yquem. First Growth refers to the topmost level of the Bordeaux Classification of 1855, where châteaux were graded on their quality, price and reputation, as requested by Emperor Napoleon III.
Currently, Emirates offers 36 different varieties of French wines and Champagnes onboard its aircraft. Wine selection includes a highly detailed process, choosing wines that are known to excel both on the ground and at altitude. Key factors considered include fruit content, acidity, tannin levels, and the influence of oak. Equally crucial to Emirates is the wine’s maturity, which directly impacts tannin levels. Many of the selected wines are made to be enjoyed after significant ageing, and Emirates’ cellar includes wines that date back to the 2003 vintage.
Bordeaux wines designated for Business Class undergo a minimum ageing period of 8-10 years, while those for First Class receive a minimum of 12-15 years of ageing, all of which occur in professional facilities in France. Wines are selected when they are ready to be served onboard and strategically positioned worldwide.
Each of Emirates’ four cabins features a distinct wine selection, which is updated every two weeks to ensure frequent flyers are always enjoying the variety.
In Premium Economy, Emirates serves sparkling vintage wine, premium red, and premium white wine. Examples include Château Lagarde 2011, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and Domaine Chandon 2016 – a sparkling wine that is exclusive in the sky to Emirates Premium Economy. You’d be lucky to find Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc in business class on many airlines, let alone premium economy!
In Business and First Class, Emirates tailors its wine selections into six regions: the UK and USA, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australasia, and Asia. This approach allows Emirates to offer wines for the taste preferences of passengers from these regions and allows travellers to sample wines from the regions they will be visiting. Emirates also offers premium Port wines, including vintage Tawny Ports such as the 1979 Graham’s and the 1981 from Dow’s.
British Airways launches two new routes
British Airways has announced that it will launch two new seasonal routes from Edinburgh with its subsidiary CityFlyer next year. BA has been trying to use its CityFlyer aircraft more efficiently at weekends when London City airport, its main base, is closed. They already fly a number of routes from Edinburgh and several from Southampton.
The two routes are Olbia in Sardinia and San Sebastian in northern Spain, which is known as the foodie capital of Spain.
- Edinburgh to Olbia
- Seasonal flights start 25 May 2024
- Saturdays – BA2331 EDI 0700-1100 OLB
- Saturdays BA2332 OLB 1145-1350 EDI (Sat)
- Edinburgh to San Sebastian.
- Seasonal flights start 25 May 2024
- BA2919 EDI 1040-1405 EAS (Tue)
- BA2919 EDI 1700-2025 EAS (Sat)
- BA2920 EAS 1450-1620 EDI (Tue)
- BA2920 EAS 2110-2240 EDI (Sat)
Club Europe is available, but seats are in a 2-2 configuration, so it’s worth considering if the extra cost is justified for what you get.
You can check prices and Avios availability here
Hilton Honors new bonus promotion
Hilton’s current points bonus promotion ends on 31 December, but you can already register for the next one.
The latest promo is ideal for those that have lots of low spend stays as it is a flat 2,000 Bonus Points on every stay between 1 January – 1 May 2024, plus 500 Bonus Points per stay when you use Digital Key. Digitial Key allows you to bypass the front desk sometimes and open your room (and operate the lift) using the Hilton Honors app on your phone. You could also request a proper key as well. To get the bonus, you have to make sure that the Digital Key is actually issued as it doesn’t always work. So make sure you check.
The bonus is available on existing bookings, but you need to make sure you register before you stay. There is no limit to the total amount of Bonus Points that may be earned during the promotion period with this offer.
