Emirates has launched bespoke wine courses for cabin crew, L’art du vin, to enhance their in-flight wine service, focusing on wine appreciation and expert pairing, with multiple levels of training from introduction to first class expertise.
DUBAI, UAE – To enhance Emirates’ unparalleled 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.
Providing cabin crew the opportunity to appreciate the value of Emirates’ remarkable wine programme and ignite curiosity about the world of wine, the new programme was meticulously designed by the Emirates Crew Training design team and officially launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College, Dubai. Taking place in a dedicated classroom that replicates 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.
With ambient music playing, the atmosphere of the classroom lounge is set with mood lighting, impressive displays of champagne, wines and glassware, and a selection of dedicated books on oenology and viticulture. Emirates cabin crew are invited to sit at the horseshoe shaped bar that emulates Emirates signature A380 Onboard Lounge to begin their learning experience. Each course takes up to 8 hours in the classroom and is complemented by study guides for at-home learning, an interactive app and detailed tasting notes. For each level of the course, Emirates cabin crew are invited to taste the spectacular onboard selection for themselves.
As part of Emirates continuous investment into people and product, more than 1,000 Emirates cabin crew have already completed a course, and Emirates aims to conduct the trainings to more than 22,000 additional cabin crew by 2026.
The Wine Course Levels: From Introduction to First Class Expertise
Each level of L’art du vin is designed to support varying levels of knowledge and experience. The L’art du vin introduction course is targeted towards 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: Unveiling the Secrets of Wine
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 be able 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, how the climate impacts wines, as well as exploring Emirates’ red and white wine heroes, enjoying an introduction to champagne and port, and how to perfectly pair wine and food together with bespoke tasting sessions. 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 also keep their own tasting and recommendation notes, to prepare to interact with customers on their flights.
L’art du vin – First Class: Master the Art of Premier and Grand Cru Classè Wines
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. Cabin crew will gain expertise in 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 program also provides an in-depth introduction to 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 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.
A Dedicated Wine Ambassador Programme
As part of Emirates’ dedication to innovation and nurturing talent, participants receive a certificate of achievement after completing their course and the opportunity to apply for the next level during their career with Emirates. L’art du vin courses are spearheaded by a select group of cabin crew members identified as wine ambassadors, each having earned the official WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
Emirates’ Wine Cellar: A Global Selection of Award-Winning Wines
Emirates’ passion for providing the world’s best means that customers in all classes get to 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 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 across Burgundy including Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin and Pouilly-Fuissé and Chablis Premier Cru from a range of producers. Customers can also enjoy impressive Spanish wines like the Crognolo 2021, and Terre à Terre Cabernet-Shiraz from Australia, served on select flights.
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 Cabarnet 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.
Elevating the Inflight Wine Experience
The airline is offering three ‘L’art du vin’ courses, tailored to “varying levels of knowledge” – from an introductory level to the more advanced business and first class versions.
Building Expertise: A Comprehensive Wine Education Programme
The introductory course aimed at newly recruited crew will cover Emirates’ investment into wine, facts about the wine-making process, white and red wine tasting, an introduction to sparkling wines, and information on how best to recommend wines and pouring techniques.
The business class version, meanwhile, will be offered to experienced cabin crew. Activities will include sampling flavoured waters to be able to recognise acidity, dryness, sweetness and fruitiness, following by tasting the differences in grape pulp and skin. Students will also learn about the airline’s wine cellar, wine regions of the world, the impact of the climate, and food and wine pairings.
Finally, the first class course will “offer a deep dive into the world of Premier and Grand Cru Classe wines”. The course focuses on the 1855 Bordeaux classification, with detailed study sessions on premier cru class estates, while also exploring “iconic wines worldwide” – from Spain to Italy and California.
The advanced course will also provide an in-depth look at Dom Pérignon Champagne, Château d’Yquem Sauternes, and aged vintage ports from renowned houses such as Graham’s, Dow’s, and Sandema. Cabin crew will also take part in wine and food pairing lessons, where they will learn the balance between acidity, saltiness, sweetness and umami, and advice on the best wine for Emirates’ cheese selection.
An Investment in Excellence: The Future of Emirates’ Wine Programme
For more details on the rare and exclusive vintages which are being served onboard Emirates flights this summer, see our report: Emirates launches Icons of Fine Wine
Business Traveller also celebrates the best business and first class wines served by airlines in its annual Cellars in the Sky Awards – see the winners from our 2023 edition here.
emirates.com
