These Airlines Have the Best In-Flight Champagne Selections

Time for summer holidays in our hemisphere!

Whether you look for a white and sunny beach or for a trekking high to the Nepal peaks, your journey starts well before you land.

Packing, checking the passport, queueing at the gate and then...then you fasten your seat-belts and leave everything behind. This is when your 'relaxing' phase starts, that is when your holiday is officially on.

Indulging in a glass of fine Champagne at 30,000 feet transforms air travel into an opulent experience. While many airlines offer standard beverages, a select few elevate this by serving some of the world's most prestigious Champagnes in their premium cabins. Let's explore how Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines offer unparalleled in-flight Champagne experiences, complete with insights into the aircraft, routes, and the esteemed Champagne houses behind these offerings.

Emirates flight

🥂 Emirates: A Sky-High Champagne Cellar

Emirates, renowned for its luxurious service, has invested over US$1 billion in its wine program, making it the largest airline purchaser of Champagne globally. Through an exclusive partnership with LVMH, Emirates offers passengers an unparalleled selection of eight premium Champagnes, including:

• Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013

• Dom Pérignon Vintage Rosé 2008

• Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2004

• Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial

• Moët & Chandon Imperial Rosé

• Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2013

• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label

• Veuve Clicquot Vintage Blanc 2015emirates.com

First-class passengers are greeted with Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 year-round, with special offerings like Dom Pérignon Rosé 2008 during select months. Business-class travelers also enjoy premium selections, such as Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, depending on their route. These offerings are available on Emirates' Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which feature private suites and onboard lounges, enhancing the in-flight experience. moodiedavittreport.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com+3

✈️ Japan Airlines: Exclusivity at 30,000 Feet

Japan Airlines (JAL) offers an exclusive Champagne experience in its first-class cabins. Passengers departing from Tokyo to destinations like New York, London, and Paris are served Champagne Salon 2013, a rare blanc de blancs produced only in exceptional years from Chardonnay grapes in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. This Champagne is known for its elegance and is highly sought after by connoisseurs. 

For other routes, JAL provides Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Rosé 2012, another esteemed Champagne. Business-class passengers aren't left out, with offerings like Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve enhancing their in-flight experience. These premium beverages are served on JAL's Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which feature spacious first-class suites and advanced amenities. cntraveler.com

🌏 Singapore Airlines: A Curated Champagne Journey

Singapore Airlines is celebrated for its meticulous approach to in-flight dining and beverage selection. Twice a year, the airline's panel, including Masters of Wine, conducts blind tastings of over 1,000 wines to curate the best offerings for passengers. 

As of December 2024, Singapore Airlines became the exclusive airline serving Louis Roederer Cristal 2015 in its Suites and First Class cabins on select routes, including Singapore to London, Paris, and Tokyo. This vintage is renowned for its balance and finesse. 

Additionally, passengers can enjoy Krug Grande Cuvée and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, with other premium options like Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires and Bollinger Grande Année rotating throughout the year. These selections are available on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which offer luxurious Suites and First Class cabins. dailytelegraph.com.au+5cnaluxury.channelnewsasia.com+5thepeakmagazine.com.sg+5

🎬 Champagne and Celebrities: A Timeless Affair

Champagne has long been associated with glamour and celebration. Actress Marilyn Monroe famously bathed in 350 bottles of Champagne, while author F. Scott Fitzgerald often referenced the bubbly in his writings, epitomizing the Roaring Twenties' exuberance. Today, celebrities continue this tradition; for instance, Leonardo DiCaprio has been spotted enjoying Dom Pérignon at various events, highlighting the enduring allure of Champagne among the elite.

🍷 The Estates Behind the Bubbles

• Dom Pérignon: Produced by Moët & Chandon, this prestigious Champagne is named after the Benedictine monk credited with significant contributions to Champagne production.

• Salon: A unique house that produces only one Champagne, Salon is known for its commitment to quality, releasing vintages only in exceptional years.

• Louis Roederer: Established in 1776, this family-owned estate is renowned for Cristal, a Champagne originally created for Tsar Alexander II of Russia.

• Krug: Founded in 1843, Krug is celebrated for its rich, complex Champagnes, with the Grande Cuvée being a blend of over 120 wines from more than 10 different vintages.

• Taittinger: Known for its Chardonnay-dominant style, Taittinger's Comtes de Champagne is a testament to the house's dedication to elegance and finesse.

In conclusion, airlines like Emirates, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines elevate the flying experience by offering passengers access to some of the world's most esteemed Champagnes. These selections not only reflect the airlines' commitment to luxury but also connect travelers to the rich histories and traditions of the Champagne houses themselves.

Sources: airlines official websites.