Emirates, renowned for its superior inflight service, now offers one more spirited reason to fly the airline – a fantastic new wine list, featuring some of the finest champagnes, red and white wines, and ports sourced from some of the best wine-producing regions across its vast route network.

The new offering, which is being served instantly onboard, includes top-of-the-range Premier Cru, Grand Cru Classe, and premium quality wines from France, California, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Germany.

Passengers travelling in Emirates’ first-class cabin, can choose from a selection of three red and white wines each, as well as champagne and port, while passengers travelling in business class have a choice of two red and white wines, champagne and port.

Expanding its offering for 2005-2006, Emirates will now have eight specific wine lists – separate ones for first and business class on the routes to Asia-Pacific; Europe, North America and Africa; and short-haul destinations.

Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Service Delivery, Terry Daly said: “Our wine experts have sourced from vineyards with a history in wine-making that spans generations, such as the Chateau Lynch-Bages and Chateau Pichon-Longueville. We are confident these will be enjoyed by the most discerning connoisseurs and experts.”

Emirates’ Inflight Services department has a dedicated selection committee with professional tasters from a new company in Dubai – Emirates Fine Wines, tasked with choosing wines based on customer preferences on its vast route network that now spans more than 75 destinations; the latest innovations in the industry; and the wine-tasting events that they attend regularly. Emirates’ cabin crew members are trained in understanding the various nuances of wines, their history and how best to serve them on board.

A complimentary selection of fine quality wines, such as Monastier Cabernet Sauvignon Vin de Pays d’Oc, especially chosen annually by the airline’s selection committee, is served in economy class. Emirates flies from Malta to Larnaca in Cyprus and onward to Dubai four times weekly, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, using an Airbus A330-200. The Malta route gives a convenient connection to outgoing and incoming passengers from Australia and the Far East.