Fine wine in First Class - Which airline has the best wine list?

While a premium wine selection rarely drives the decision to book a First or Business Class seat, it can elevate an outstanding flight into a truly unforgettable experience.

In today’s fiercely competitive aviation landscape, airlines are vying for the loyalty of discerning travelers by curating exceptional wine programs that rival top restaurants. A standout bottle at 35,000 feet can become a highlight of the journey, and airlines are investing heavily to ensure their wine offerings impress even the most knowledgeable oenophiles. 

The evolution of in-flight wine quality over the last decade has been remarkable. Recognizing the unique challenges of serving wine in a pressurized cabin, many leading carriers now employ renowned sommeliers to taste and select wines that perform beautifully both on the ground and at altitude. 

Today's travelers expect more—demanding both variety and excellence. The result is a new era of curated, world-class wine lists designed to delight First and Business Class passengers.

In this guide, we reveal which airlines are setting the global benchmark for First Class wine. Please note: specific wines may vary by route and season.

To your next exceptional glass—cheers!

Singapore Airlines is celebrated for its refined culinary program, and its wine list is no exception. The airline’s selection is crafted by a trio of distinguished wine authorities—including British critic Oz Clarke—who meticulously assess every vintage for optimal enjoyment in the air.

Indulge in Dom Pérignon aboard Singapore Airlines

First Class and Suites passengers enjoy a rotating selection of two prestigious champagnes: Dom Pérignon and Krug Grande Cuvée. The international wine cellar spans France (think Château Cos d’Estournel), Italy, Germany, Australia (such as Clonakilla Shiraz), New Zealand (the acclaimed Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc by Kevin Judd), and the United States. Portuguese ports also make regular appearances, ensuring a sophisticated and diverse offering.

British Airways has reimagined its First Class wine program, spotlighting the best of English vineyards alongside classic European producers.

Sample Bolney Wine Estate’s exquisite Blanc de Blancs

The airline’s partnership with Bolney Estate brings the acclaimed Blanc de Blancs and Pinot Gris to the skies, reflecting the rise of English sparkling wine. In First, guests are welcomed with Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Champagne and Grand Cru Chablis. Highlights include Domaine d’Ardhuy Corton-Charlemagne from Burgundy and the exceptional Warre's Colheita tawny Port, each carefully chosen for their ability to shine at altitude.

Cathay Pacific consistently ranks among the top airlines for in-flight wine, balancing iconic labels with emerging gems. Their Champagne offering, Krug Grand Cuvée, is legendary, but the airline also champions vibrant, lesser-known varietals.

Discover Cathay Pacific’s thoughtfully curated wine menu

Standouts include the Akarua Pinot Noir from Central Otago, New Zealand—a cherry-driven red that pairs beautifully with premium meats. The Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Grand Cru is prized for its lively citrus and floral notes that cut through cabin dryness. For true connoisseurs, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Mormoreto from Tuscany offers a layered blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and more, delivering deep berry flavors alongside subtle herbaceous complexity.

Emirates continues to redefine in-flight wine service, with investments exceeding £100 million over the last decade to build one of the world’s most impressive airline wine cellars.

Experience rare vintages and exclusive pours

The First Class list features an inspired mix of Old and New World wines, focusing on quality and rarity. Guests may encounter the elusive dry white Bordeaux, Y d’Yquem, or the bold La Sirena Syrah from Napa Valley. Emirates famously serves more Dom Pérignon than any other carrier, and the opulent onboard A380 bar—now a signature across the fleet—offers a social setting for enjoying these prestigious selections.

Air France’s reputation for gastronomic excellence extends seamlessly to its First Class wine list, which is refreshed regularly to showcase the breadth of French vineyards.

Expertly curated by Paolo Basso, World’s Best Sommelier

Paolo Basso, a luminary in the world of wine, personally selects the bottles for La Première and Business Class. Recent highlights include the Barsac Château Doisy-Védrines, an exquisite dessert wine, and vintage Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs. The airline’s commitment to French-only wines ensures an authentic and ever-evolving experience for wine lovers.

Etihad’s First Class wine program is a showcase of global boutique producers, with a strong emphasis on France, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. The airline’s certified sommelier team handpicks each wine, with selections rotating based on route and season.

In-flight beverage managers elevate the tasting experience

Onboard, beverage managers—trained to the highest industry standards—are available to offer pairing recommendations. Guests can anticipate renowned bottles such as Bollinger Champagne and Réserve de la Comtesse, alongside lesser-known finds from up-and-coming estates, ensuring every glass is a discovery.

Qatar Airways has established itself as a global leader in First Class wine, thanks to the expertise of Master of Wine James Cluer and a commitment to exceptional sourcing.

The First Class wine list features celebrated Champagnes such as Krug Brut Grand Cuvée and Lanson Brut, alongside a curated range of international reds and whites. Noteworthy bottles include Taittinger Prestige Rosé from France, Petit Clos Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, and Chile’s renowned Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founders Reserve Cabernet. Despite operating from a dry country, Qatar delivers a wine experience that consistently wins industry accolades.

Qantas champions Australian viticulture with a dynamic First Class wine program that rotates to feature the nation’s best producers and varietals.

Each international flight offers a premium Champagne—often Pol Roger’s Sir Winston Churchill—along with an array of three reds, three whites, and a selection of dessert and fortified wines. The list is expertly paired with menus by celebrated chef Neil Perry, highlighting the synergy between food and wine. Standout choices include Wirra Wirra RSW Shiraz and Vasse Felix Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, ensuring a taste of Australia’s diverse wine regions in every glass.

Qantas’ commitment to quality and variety has cemented its reputation among wine aficionados worldwide.