Austrian Airlines Takes Wine Lovers on a New Journey with 34 Wineries Showcasing Austria’s Finest Flavours

Austrian Airlines has introduced its latest collection of Austrian wines, scheduled to be served on board from October 2026 until August 2027. Unveiled on Tuesday, the new annual selection brings together wines from 34 wineries across Austria’s renowned wine-producing regions, reflecting the country’s rich winemaking traditions and regional diversity.

The collection was presented during the Austrian Airlines Wine Event 2026 at Vienna Airport, where participating winemakers showcased their wines and engaged directly with journalists, commercial partners and airline staff. Held under the theme “Meet the Winemakers – Taste What’s Flying”, the event offered guests an opportunity to explore the new range while learning about the producers and the craftsmanship behind each wine. Among the attendees were approximately 300 Austrian Wine Experts, comprising specially trained flight attendants and pursers with expertise in wine appreciation and sensory assessment. Alongside other invited guests, they sampled the latest offerings and gained deeper insight into the wines that will form part of the airline’s onboard experience.

“Wine and Austria’s diverse wine-growing regions are an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage and national identity. This is precisely where our strategic focus on regional products comes in. With our new selection and concept, we can bring a taste of this heritage to our guests as they travel. We are particularly pleased to be working with 34 renowned Austrian wineries, giving their wines the opportunity to shine at 10,000 metres,” says Annette Mann, CEO of Austrian Airlines.

Austrian Airlines Introduces a Year-Round Wine Experience Inspired by the Changing Seasons

Austrian Airlines is refreshing its onboard wine experience with a carefully planned annual programme that celebrates the changing seasons and the rich diversity of Austria’s vineyards. Following an extensive evaluation of more than 600 wine submissions and tastings, the airline has organised its selection into four seasonal collections. These will change throughout autumn, winter, spring and summer, giving passengers the opportunity to explore different flavours and discover the traditions that make Austrian winemaking distinctive.

The collection brings together some of Austria’s most recognised grape varieties, including the famously peppery Grüner Veltliner, the fragrant Muskateller and the richly flavoured Blaufränkisch. Travellers will also have the chance to experience less widely known varieties such as Rotgipfler, Zierfandler and Neuburger. Each wine has been assessed by specialists who consider how cabin conditions at approximately 10,000 metres can influence the way passengers experience flavour and acidity. This careful selection process aims to preserve the character of the wines while improving the overall onboard tasting experience.

The Austrian Airlines Wine Event 2026 also offered cabin crew members an opportunity to engage directly with the winemakers responsible for producing the selected wines. These interactions helped employees develop a stronger understanding of regional wine traditions, production methods and the individual characteristics of each variety. With this knowledge, flight attendants can provide more informed recommendations while introducing passengers to the origins and craftsmanship behind the wines served during their journey.

Celebrating Austria’s Winemaking Heritage Above the Clouds

The airline’s commitment to promoting Austrian wine is supported by its established collaboration with the Austrian Wine Marketing Board, officially known as Österreich Wein Marketing GmbH (ÖWM). The organisation has played an important role in developing the carrier’s wine offering and supporting educational initiatives for Austrian Wine Experts. This partnership helps strengthen the connection between Austria’s wine industry and the international travellers who experience its products on board.

A dedicated Knowledge Hub further supports this initiative by providing detailed resources covering Austria’s principal wine-producing regions, DAC appellations, native grape varieties, culinary traditions and wine tourism opportunities. These materials help build a broader understanding of the country’s wine heritage and its close relationship with regional gastronomy and tourism.

Through its new four-season wine programme, Austrian Airlines is extending the experience of Austrian hospitality beyond traditional onboard service. By showcasing established favourites alongside lesser-known regional varieties, the carrier is giving international passengers an opportunity to discover Austria’s winemaking identity before reaching their destination. The initiative also strengthens the airline’s role in presenting the country’s culinary traditions to a global audience, turning its wine selection into an introduction to Austria’s wider food, wine and tourism culture.