SINGAPORE, 23 August 2024: Emirates is taking its in-flight wine experience to new heights with the launch of its bespoke wine education programme, L’art du vin. Designed specifically for its cabin crew, the program aims to enhance the service quality by providing an in-depth understanding of wines, allowing crew members to offer expert recommendations and elevate the customer experience.
A Tailored Approach to Wine Education
Launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College in Dubai, L’art du vin offers three levels of training, each tailored to different levels of experience and knowledge. The courses are conducted in a classroom setting that replicates a high-end lounge, creating an immersive learning environment.
L’art du vin Introduction: This foundational course is designed for newly recruited cabin crew. It covers essential topics such as Emirates’ investment in wine, the basics of the winemaking process, and an introduction to wine tasting techniques. Crew members learn about the characteristics of different wines, including white, red, and sparkling wines, and are trained in wine-pouring techniques.
L’art du vin – Business Class: Building on the introductory course, this level delves deeper into the structural characteristics of wines. Crew members engage in tastings that help them distinguish between acidity, dryness, sweetness, and fruitiness. The course also covers the Emirates wine cellar, global wine regions, and the impact of climate on wine production. Additionally, students receive training on pairing wine with food, ensuring they can offer refined recommendations to Business Class passengers.
L’art du vin – First Class: This advanced course provides a
comprehensive exploration of Premier and Grand Cru Classé wines. Crew members study prestigious wine regions, including Bordeaux and Burgundy, and gain expertise in iconic wines from around the world, such as Spain’s Vega Sicilia Unico and California’s Opus One. The course also includes advanced lessons on wine and food pairing, equipping crew members to advise First Class passengers on the perfect wine to complement their meals.
Expanding the Wine Knowledge Base
As part of Emirates’ ongoing investment in its people and products, more than 1,000 cabin crew members have already completed one of the L’art du vin courses, with plans to train an additional 22,000 by 2026. The program reflects Emirates’ commitment to providing exceptional service by ensuring its crew members are well-versed in wine culture.
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Exceptional Wines Across All Classes
Emirates’ dedication to offering a premium in-flight experience extends to the selection of wines available in each class of service.
First Class: passengers are treated to an exclusive range of vintages from renowned wine regions, including France, Australia, Spain, Italy, and the USA. Notable offerings include the Louis Latour Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles 2014 and the Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2019.
Business Class: passengers can enjoy a selection of mature Bordeaux wines from the 2009 vintage, such as les Tourelles de Longueville on UK and Americas routes and Sociando-Mallet on European routes. The wine list also features selections from Burgundy and Spain, showcasing the diversity of Emirates’ wine cellar.
Premium Economy Class: offers a curated selection of sparkling wines, premium reds, and whites, including the Woodcutters Shiraz 2021 from Torbreck in Barossa and the exclusive Domaine Chandon 2017 sparkling wine.
Economy Class passengers are not left out, with high-quality offerings such as the Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021 and sustainable wines like the South African Sauvignon Blanc from the Gabb family.
Conclusion
Emirates continues to set the standard for in-flight service with the introduction of L’art du vin. By equipping its cabin crew with specialized wine knowledge, the airline ensures that passengers in every class enjoy an exceptional dining experience, complete with expertly selected wines.
