#USA #New York #British Airways #Korean Air #Cathay Pacific

Global Traveler Announces Airline Wine Competition Winners 2026

Global Traveler has recently released the results of its esteemed Wines on the Wing airline wine competition, celebrating its 20th tasting. The blind tasting occurred on May 17th at The Ned NoMad in New York City, where esteemed judges from the wine industry evaluated the wines served in premium airline cabins.

A diverse panel of judges, which included winemakers, sommeliers, and industry executives, participated in this year's tasting. For airlines to be considered for the overall awards—Top International First-Class Wines on the Wing and Top International Business-Class Wines on the Wing—they were required to submit five different wines: two reds, two whites, and one sparkling. This year, British Airways emerged as the winner for Top International First-Class Wines, while Korean Air claimed the honors for Top International Business-Class Wines.

In the realm of white wines, the title of Top White Wine International First Class went to Qatar Airways for its Leeuwin Estate Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2021. For the business class, Air Tahiti Nui stood out with its Lionel Osmin Cie 'Clos Cancaillü' Le Denier Carré Jurançon 2015.

Cathay Pacific Airways shined in the sparkling wine category, winning with its Krug Vintage, Champagne, France 2004 for first-class. The business-class sparkling wine award was also claimed by Cathay Pacific, which served Taittinger Brut Reserve, Champagne, NV.

When it came to red wines, British Airways once again showcased its dominance. The airline secured the top spot in the first-class category with Alta Mora, Contrada Guardiola Etna Rosso 2020 from Sicily, Italy. In the business-class category, British Airways also topped the list with Château de La Liquíere, Faugéres 2023 from Languedoc, France.

Airlines submitted wines from their international premium economy offerings. Although there was no overall winner due to incomplete submissions, individual winners were recognized. Cathay Pacific secured the title for Top Sparkling Wine International Premium Economy with Astoria Lounge Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superior DOC Extra Dry from Italy, while the Top Red Wine was awarded to Katnook Estate Shiraz Cabernet, Coonawarra, South Australia, 2024. Air Tahiti Nui received the title for Top White Wine in this category, serving Château de Montguéret Le Petit Saint Louis Saumur Blanc, 2024.

The esteemed wine expert Tom Gannon directed the Wines on the Wing survey. A former bartender, Gannon carved out a niche for himself in the wine industry after taking classes with the American Sommelier and working nine years as a sommelier at Rothmann's Steakhouse. He now shares his time between Nashville and New York City.

For the 15th consecutive year, Global Traveler awarded the title for Top North America Premium Class Wines on the Wing, where airlines flying within North America submitted their offerings. American Airlines took home the accolades as Top North America Premium Class Wines, sweeping the category by winning Top Sparkling Wine with its Champagne Vollereaux Brut Réserve, Top Red Wine for High Heavens Vintners