YARDLEY, Pennsylvania – Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited magazine for business and luxury travelers, held its 10th annual Wines on the Wing Airline Wine Competition.

The competition was held May 19 at The Westin New York Grand Central in New York City. Twenty-four expert judges participated in the blind tasting of airlines’ white, red and sparkling wines. The judges hailed from a wide range of specialties, including sommeliers, wine shop owners and winemakers. A total of 23 Champagne and other sparkling wines, 50 white wines and 53 red wines were tasted.

Airlines are required to submit five different wines — two red wines, two white wines and one sparkling wine/Champagne — to be eligible for the Best Overall International Business-Class Wines on the Wing award or the Best Overall International First-Class Wines on the Wing award. Awards are also given for Best International Business-Class White, Red and Sparkling wines; Best International First-Class White, Red and Sparkling Wines; Best North American Wines on the Wing; Best North American White, Red and Sparkling wines; and Best Alliance.

Competition director Eunice Fried spent months preparing for the blind tasting. Fried, an accomplished wine journalist and respected wine expert, resides in New York City. Global Traveler is the only U.S.-based publication to conduct such a survey in the United States. Following the tasting, Global Traveler hosted an intimate cocktail reception, allowing clients, guests and friends to get an insider glimpse at the process behind the blind tasting.

Winners will be announced in the August issue of Global Traveler, available Aug. 1. Visit Global Traveler at globaltravelerusa.com.

Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited U.S.-based magazine for the international business traveler, is a business travel and lifestyle publication with an AAM-audited paid circulation of 109,000+. FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pa., is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, eFlyer USA, eFlyer Asia and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com and globaltravelerusa.com/blog. The Mandarin edition, China Global Traveler, can be found at china-globaltraveler.com

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

Airlines are required to submit five different wines — two red wines, two white wines and one sparkling wine/Champagne — to be eligible for the Best Overall International Business-Class Wines on the Wing award or the Best Overall International First-Class Wines on the Wing award.
Following the tasting, Global Traveler hosted an intimate cocktail reception, allowing clients, guests and friends to get an insider glimpse at the process behind the blind tasting.
A total of 23 Champagne and other sparkling wines, 50 white wines and 53 red wines were tasted.