It’s interesting to note how different industries can work together and everyone benefits. Air New Zealand and New Zealand’s wine industry is a great example of this concept. Besides offering a glass of New Zealand wine in the waiting lounge of San Francisco airport before the flight, once on board we discovered a small 50-page booklet that described the New Zealand wine industry.

Twice a year New Zealand wineries can submit their wines to Air New Zealand for reviews to be considered for serving on flights to and from New Zealand. Three wine consultants taste and decide what wines will be considered for the airline’s use. Currently, Jim Harré – International Wine Judge, Kate Radburnd –Managing Director/Winemaker from C J Pask Winery and John Belsham – Owner/Winemaker from Foxes Island Wines are the consultants.

The brochure also includes the different wine regions of New Zealand, with brief descriptions. Also included are some individual winery descriptions and wine profiles.

We did talk with a New Zealand winery owner who commented that Air New Zealand has a $20 price point and that the airline wanted to use his wines but he would lose money on every bottle if he sold it to the airline. So don’t expect to taste a $50 or $100 bottle of wine on your flight but do expect quality wines when you fly with Air New Zealand.

What other businesses are working together with the wine industry?

Cheers! Kathy