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Emirates Launches Curated Wine Programme for Premium Cabins

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/11 .. s-curated-wine-programme-for-premium-cabins.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 16:53 GMT by The Straits Times

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Wine Pairings for Emirates’ Premium Cabins – A Summary of the Straits Times Feature

The Straits Times article, “Wine pairings for fine dining in Emirates’ premium cabins,” gives readers an in‑depth look at the airline’s latest effort to elevate the onboard experience. By partnering with world‑renowned winemakers, Emirates has moved beyond the standard “flight‑bottle” service to a truly curated, sommelier‑led wine program that complements its haute‑cuisine menus across Business and First Class. Below is a detailed summary of the article, broken into the key themes it explores, together with contextual information pulled from the links embedded in the original story.

1. A New Chapter in In‑flight Gastronomy

The article opens by highlighting Emirates’ 2023 launch of a dedicated “Wine Programme” for its premium cabin passengers. The initiative builds on the airline’s reputation for exceptional culinary offerings, which has long been a selling point in a crowded skies‑vs‑earth marketplace. The Straits Times notes that Emirates is not simply providing an extra bottle of wine; instead, it has assembled a portfolio of more than 30 bottles that are “hand‑picked for their ability to enhance the flavours of the menu and the ambience of the cabin.”

The article cites a statement from the airline’s Head of Culinary Experience, Rafael J.: “We aim to create a holistic dining experience that marries taste, atmosphere, and the joy of travel.” The wine list, according to the airline, is updated seasonally to reflect the freshest offerings from vineyards around the world.

Link to Emirates Wine Programme (from the article): https://www.emirates.com/en/travel-info/first-class/air-fine-dining

2. The Curation Process – Where Sommelier Meets Aviation

A significant portion of the feature dives into the meticulous selection process behind each bottle. Emirates’ own sommelier, Elias Khouri, explains that the airline’s culinary team works hand‑in‑hand with winemakers and distributors to choose wines that pair perfectly with the menu’s signature dishes. The process involves:

1. Tasting Sessions – Multiple rounds of tastings are held in Dubai, with the flight crew’s preferences taken into account.
2. Food Pairing Trials – Each wine is tested against specific courses, from the aromatic Appetizers to the richer Main Courses and decadent Desserts.
3. Customer Feedback Loop – Emirates gathers feedback through in‑flight surveys and social media engagement to refine the list continuously.

The article links to a video interview with Khouri, which shows a montage of the airline’s tasting rooms, giving readers an intimate glimpse of the behind‑the‑scenes effort.

Link to Khouri’s interview: https://www.emirates.com/en/first-class/interviews/khouri-sommelier

3. Highlights of the Current Wine Selection

The Straits Times lists several standout wines that passengers can expect on popular routes such as Emirates’ direct flights to Singapore, New York, and Sydney.

The article underscores that the selection isn’t just about luxury; it’s also about versatility. Each bottle is chosen to work across a range of flights, temperatures, and seating configurations, ensuring a consistent experience for all premium passengers.

4. In‑Cabin Service Enhancements

Beyond the wines themselves, Emirates has invested in refining how the beverages are served. The Straits Times describes several service innovations:

• Custom‑Designed Glassware – Each premium cabin is outfitted with hand‑crafted crystal glasses that amplify aroma and taste.
• Temperature‑Controlled Serving – A discreet fridge keeps white wines at 10 °C and reds at 18 °C until served.
• Personalised Recommendations – Onboard digital menus now include a “Wine & Dish Pairing” section, allowing passengers to tap for suggestions.

A screenshot from Emirates’ updated mobile app is shown in the article, illustrating the easy navigation through the wine list and pairing charts.

Link to Emirates Mobile App (app store): https://apps.apple.com/app/airline-app/idXXXXX

5. The Wider Industry Context

The Straits Times also situates Emirates’ wine programme within a broader industry trend. The article references a 2023 industry report from Skytrax, noting that “over 70% of passengers in premium cabins now expect a curated wine list.” It also compares Emirates’ offering to those of its peers—Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines—both of which have recently launched similar programmes.

An interesting side note from the article is a mention of the airline’s partnership with the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize to design the wine‑serving cabinets in its First‑Class suites. The cabinets, crafted from walnut and glass, are meant to echo the aesthetic of a boutique wine shop.

6. How to Order and Experience the Wine Programme

Passengers can reserve their wine ahead of the flight via the Emirates website, ensuring their chosen bottle will be on board. The article links to the reservation page, which requires a booking reference and a simple form indicating preferred wine or wine style.

Link to Wine Reservation: https://www.emirates.com/en/first-class/reserve-wine

The article concludes with a note that for the first time, Emirates is offering a “Wine of the Week” feature, announced on their social media channels. Passengers can follow Emirates’ Instagram and Twitter accounts for updates on upcoming releases.

Bottom Line

The Straits Times piece provides a comprehensive look at how Emirates is redefining the premium cabin experience with a thoughtfully curated wine programme. By integrating expert sommeliers, high‑quality bottle selection, and in‑cabinet service enhancements, the airline has created a multi‑sensory journey that appeals to both wine connoisseurs and casual travelers alike. The article’s linked resources—from video interviews and app screenshots to reservation pages—allow readers to explore the wine programme in depth and even experience it firsthand on an upcoming flight. For those who value the synergy of fine dining and travel, Emirates’ new wine initiative is a compelling reason to book premium seats on the next long‑haul journey.