Emirates Airlines to refresh its wine and champagne offering across all cabins from September 2026

What happened

Emirates Airlines has announced a comprehensive renewal of its wine and champagne selection, to be introduced across all travel classes from September 2026. The updated programme will be deployed throughout the carrier's global network, meaning passengers travelling in every cabin — from economy to first class — will encounter a revised list of wines and champagnes. The airline has not disclosed the specific producers or vintages that will feature in the new selection.

Why it matters

For a publication devoted to champagne, the significance of this announcement extends well beyond the aviation industry. Airlines operating at the premium end of the market have long understood that the quality of their wine and champagne programmes is a meaningful point of differentiation. At altitude, where cabin pressure and dry air alter sensory perception, curating a compelling selection demands genuine expertise and commitment. When a carrier of Emirates' scale undertakes a full renewal across every cabin, it signals a deliberate investment in the passenger experience — and, by extension, in the champagne and wine categories themselves. Such decisions carry weight for producers and négociants alike, given the volumes and visibility that airline listings can provide.

Context

Competition among premium airlines on the strength of their wine programmes is well established. Carriers have historically used their champagne selections as a marker of prestige, particularly in business and first class, where the choice of house and cuvée is scrutinised by frequent travellers. Emirates, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, operates one of the world's most extensive international networks, which means any change to its beverage offering reaches a correspondingly broad audience. The September 2026 rollout date gives the airline time to finalise its selections and ensure consistent service across routes. Further details regarding the specific champagnes and wines chosen are expected to emerge closer to the launch.