Air France has entrusted Xavier Thuizat, acclaimed Head Sommelier at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, with the curation of its refined wine, Champagne, and spirits program across every travel class and all Paris airport lounges. Thuizat will also introduce an exclusive range of French craft beers to the airline’s beverage portfolio.
A proud native of Burgundy, Thuizat brings a wealth of accolades: Meilleur Sommelier de France 2022, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2023, and recipient of the Michelin Guide’s Grand Prix de la Sommellerie 2024. Renowned for his discerning palate and deep-rooted passion for terroir, Thuizat is collaborating with Air France’s in-house experts, conducting blind tastings throughout France’s iconic wine-producing regions to curate only the most exceptional pours for travelers both in flight and in lounges.
The refreshed Air France wine selection, curated by Thuizat, will spotlight France’s legendary appellations, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley, and Alsace. Each bottle is chosen to reflect the diversity and prestige of French viticulture.
Thuizat takes the reins from Paolo Basso, who held the title of world’s best sommelier in 2013 and has shaped Air France’s lauded wine and Champagne lists since 2014.
With more than one million bottles of Champagne and over eight million bottles of wine served annually, Air France continues to set the standard for inflight wine excellence.
Discover our in-depth review of Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris
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