Air New Zealand has teamed up with New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria to create a bespoke sauvignon blanc to be enjoyed at 32,000 feet.
The Honorary Elevate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is now exclusively available in Premium Economy and will be in select Air New Zealand lounges early next year.
Villa Maria, owned by Indevin Group, has been Air New Zealand's primary wine supplier for the past 10 years, but this is the first time the brands have joined forces to create an exclusive inflight wine.
Crafted in partnership with Indevin's Marlborough winemakers and the Air New Zealand team, the limited-edition sauvignon blanc highlights the distinctive Marlborough sub-regions of the Awatere, Wairau, and Southern Valleys.
Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Kylie McGillivray-Brown said Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is known as the world's best, so it's only natural that as New Zealand's airline, we feature it in the skies.
"Our team collaborated with the fantastic wine makers from Indevin to create this special blend unique to Air New Zealand. We're proud to represent the best of Aotearoa in the air, and showcase the best New Zealand produce to the world."
Described by Indevin Group CEO Duncan McFarlane as "quintessentially Marlborough", the Honorary Elevate Sauvignon Blanc has a fresh herbal intensity and great palate length, and was recently awarded a silver medal at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show.
"This exceptional drop celebrates our partnership with Air New Zealand, and the classic wine variety that continues to put New Zealand on the world winemaking map. It's a delicious example of quality Marlborough sauvignon blanc that you won't experience anywhere else."
The Honorary Elevate Sauvignon Blanc will be available exclusively in Premium Economy and select Air New Zealand and Star Alliance.
