SINGAPORE, 23 August 2024: To enhance Emirates’ wine in the sky experience, where cabin crew invite customers to savour a collection of acclaimed wines and rare vintages, Emirates plans to further complement its world-class service with the recent launch of bespoke wine courses for cabin crew, L’art du vin.
The new programme was designed by the Emirates Crew Training design team and officially launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College, Dubai. In a dedicated classroom replicating a high-end lounge, there are three intensive wine courses tailored to varying levels of knowledge – L’art du vin Introduction, L’art du vin – Business Class and L’art du vin – First Class.
As part of Emirates’ continuous investment in people and products, more than 1,000 Emirates cabin crew have already completed a course. Emirates aims to train more than 22,000 additional cabin crew by 2026.
L’art du vin for all levels of experience
Each level of L’art du vin is designed to support varying knowledge and experience. The L’art du vin introduction course targets Emirates’ newly recruited cabin crew and covers Emirates’ investment into wine, facts about wine and the wine-making process, white and red wine tasting, introduction to sparkling wines, how best to recommend wines and facilitates pouring techniques.
L’art du vin – Business Class takes the initial learning experience to a new level for more experienced cabin crew. To understand the structural characteristics of wine, students first sample flavoured waters to recognise acidity, dryness, sweetness and fruitiness, then move on to tasting the differences in grape pulp and skin. Students also learn about Emirates’ wine cellar, the wine regions of the world, and how the climate impacts wines, as well as explore Emirates’ red and white wine heroes, enjoying an introduction to champagne and port and how to pair wine and food together with bespoke tasting sessions perfectly. Cabin crew can also use the exclusive L’art du vin app during the training as a professional guide to the wines, allowing them to keep their own tasting and recommendation notes and prepare to interact with customers on their flights.
L’art du vin – First Class builds on the foundational knowledge acquired in Business Class and offers a deep dive into the world of Premier and Grand Cru Classè wines. This advanced course focuses on the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux classification, with detailed study sessions on premier cru class estates such as Château Cos d’Estournel 2006 from St. Estèphe, alongside the Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, including the illustrious Bâtard-Montrachet 2013 from Louis Latour. The curriculum extends beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy, exploring iconic wines worldwide. The cabin crew will gain expertise from the top producers from Spain, like Vega Sicilia Unico 2006 from Ribera del Duero and Italy’s Ornellaia 2012 from Bolgheri, Tuscany. The training also covers California’s Opus One 2012 from Napa Valley, ensuring a well-rounded knowledge of world-class wines. The programme also briefly introduces Dom Pérignon Champagne, Château d’Yquem Sauternes, and aged vintage ports from renowned houses such as Graham’s, Dow’s, and Sandeman. Wine and food pairing lessons take the cabin crew’s expertise to new heights, teaching the intricate balance between acidity, saltiness, sweetness, and umami. Cabin crew also learn to advise travellers on the perfect wine to complement their cheese selection.
Exceptional wines in every class
Emirates’ passion for providing the world’s best means that customers in all classes experience exceptional wines. For First Class customers, Emirates offers a remarkable range of vintages onboard from the celebrated regions of France, Australia, Spain, Italy and the USA. On select routes, First Class customers will be able to sample exquisite vintages such as the Louis Latour Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles 2014, the M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge Le Pavillon, 2012, or Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2019, Vega Sicilia Unico 2006 Ribera del Duero, Ornellaia, Bolgheri Tuscany 2012 and Opus One Napa Valley 2012.
In Business Class, customers can savour an array of mature Bordeaux from the cellar from the spectacular 2009 vintage, including les Tourelles de Longueville 2009 on the UK and Americas routes, Sociando-Mallet 2009 on European routes, Château Lagrange 2009 on Middle Eastern routes and Larrivet Haut-Brion 2009 on far Eastern routes. Emirates buys wine from various producers across Burgundy, including Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Pouilly-Fuissé and Chablis Premier Cru. Customers can also enjoy impressive Spanish wines served on select flights, like the Crognolo 2021 and Terre à Terre Cabernet-Shiraz from Australia.
In Premium Economy Class, customers receive a selection of sparkling vintage wine, premium red, and premium white wine. Examples include Chablis 2022 from Albert Bichot, the Woodcutters Shiraz 2021 from Torbreck in Barossa, and Domaine Chandon 2017 – a sparkling wine that is exclusive in the sky to Emirates Premium Economy.
In Economy Class, Emirates offers one red and one white wine, both of exceptionally high quality. Customers on all routes can relish Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021, now onboard. Recent additions also include ‘AOP’ and ‘Biodynamic’ wines from M. Chapoutier, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, a South African Sauvignon Blanc from sustainability champion Gabb family and an Antinori Santa Cristina Cabernet Sauvignon red wine.
To book flights, visit www.emirates.com
