Air New Zealand has introduced its own wine label called Thirteen Forty Five, now available exclusively to airline customers and through the Airpoints Store.
The name commemorates the 1345-mile inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, operated by the airline’s predecessor, TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited).
The new wine brand features two varieties – a sauvignon blanc and pinot noir – created in partnership with Villa Maria, a New Zealand winery that is part of the Indevin Group.
Both wines are now being served in Air New Zealand lounges throughout the country and in Premium Economy cabins on international flights.
During March, passengers can sample Thirteen Forty Five during Koru Hour on select domestic flights as part of the launch celebration.
Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Kylie McGillivray-Brown said: “Making a great wine takes time, and Thirteen Forty Five has been a passion project that honours our legacy while creating something special for our customers. We’re thrilled to finally share it – particularly in the year in which we’re celebrating our 85th birthday.”
The sauvignon blanc combines grapes from Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, featuring passionfruit and lemongrass aromas.
The pinot noir, sourced from eastern Wairau valley vineyards, offers cherry and plum flavours with hints of dried herbs and violets.
Villa Maria winemaker Tom Dixon said: “We couldn’t have asked for better vintages to produce the debut release of these wines. The conditions during the growing seasons were very favourable for producing high quality wines that reflect their respective varieties and showcase the essence of sauvignon blanc and pinot noir from Marlborough.”
For 2025, Air New Zealand plans to expand the Thirteen Forty Five range with a new vintage of Marlborough sauvignon blanc and introduce a red varietal from Hawke’s Bay.
The airline currently features wines from 47 different New Zealand wineries in its Business Premier cabin and lounges, selected through an annual blind tasting process.
These wineries represent various regions across the country, from Waiheke Island to Central Otago.
“New Zealand boasts some of the world’s finest wines, and we are proud to bring these exceptional selections to our customers and to the world,” said McGillivray-Brown.
