Air New Zealand partners with Villa Maria for bespoke sauvignon blanc
The Honorary Elevate Sauvignon Blanc from Villa Maria and Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is collaborating with New Zealand wine producer Villa Maria for a bespoke Sauvignon Blanc to be served in its Premium Economy Class. The Honorary Elevate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is now exclusively available in Premium Economy. It will also be available in select Air New Zealand lounges early next year, according to the the press release said.
Villa Maria (owned by Indevin Group) has been Air New Zealand's primary wine supplier for a decade, but the Honorary Elevate Sauvignon Blanc marks the first time the brands have partnered to create an exclusive inflight wine. The limited-edition Sauvignon Blanc was crafted in partnership with Indevin's Marlborough winemakers and the Air New Zealand team, with the intent of highlighting the Marlborough sub-regions of the Awatere, Wairau and Southern Valleys.
“Our team collaborated with the fantastic winemakers from Indevin to create this special blend unique to Air New Zealand,” said Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Kylie McGillivray-Brown. “We're proud to represent the best of Aotearoa in the air, and showcase the best New Zealand produce to the world.”
"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,” said Indevin Group CEO, Duncan McFarlane.
McFarlane called the Honorary Elevate Sauvignon Blanc "quintessentially Marlborough." The wine has a fresh herbal intensity and great palate length. It received a silver medal at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show.
The Honorary Elevate Sauvignon Blanc is exclusively in Premium Economy and will appear in select Air New Zealand and Star Alliance lounges in the future.
