Airlines refine wine selections to enhance inflight experience at high altitude

Enjoying a glass of wine on an airplane, cruising at 39,000 feet, is not the same as savoring it on the ground. The experience depends not only on the wine itself but also on factors unique to air travel, such as cabin pressure and low humidity. These conditions can alter the way passengers perceive flavor, aroma, and texture. Selecting wines that shine in this environment is a complex process, one that airlines take seriously to ensure a memorable inflight dining experience.

Anne Krebiehl, a Master of Wine who has worked with Qatar Airways since 2024, is responsible for curating the airline’s wine list. Her role involves more than just picking popular bottles. Each year, she leads blind tastings of over 1,000 different wines, searching for those that are highly sought after and well-suited to the challenges of high-altitude service. Krebiehl collaborates closely with the airline’s culinary team to create food and wine pairings that work well in the air. She also develops training materials for cabin crew to help them understand and present the wines effectively.

Krebiehl explains that several factors must be considered when choosing wines for flights. The reduced air pressure and lower humidity inside an aircraft cabin can dull passengers’ sense of taste and smell. While taste receptors on the tongue remain unchanged at altitude, these environmental differences can mute aromas and intensify sensations of bitterness or astringency. As a result, wines that perform best in flight tend to have pronounced aromas, expressive fruit flavors, smooth textures, and a fresh profile without excessive bitterness.

For white wines, Krebiehl looks for brightness combined with roundness and fruitiness. For reds, she seeks out soft tannins and integrated flavors. When it comes to Champagne, she prioritizes fine bubbles and depth of flavor. The goal is to offer wines that are enjoyable even when the senses are slightly dulled by altitude.

Krebiehl notes that there is no single “best” wine for drinking in the sky—personal preference still plays a role. However, every wine selected for the airline’s list is chosen for its expressive character and smooth texture across all categories. Passengers can typically choose from three whites, three reds, and two Champagnes on board. To round out the experience, sweet and fortified wines are also available to pair with desserts or cheese courses.

The process of building an airline wine list is rigorous because it must account for both technical factors and passenger enjoyment. Airlines like Qatar Airways invest in expert guidance to ensure their offerings stand out even under challenging conditions. For many travelers, enjoying a thoughtfully selected glass of wine is part of what makes flying feel special—a moment to relax, reflect, and savor flavors at 39,000 feet.