South African Airways makes a Proudly South African commitment to promote locally made wine

The FINANCIAL — South African Airways, the national flag carrier, has taken a bold and Proudly South African step to promote locally made wine.

“South Africa is one of the world’s top producers of quality wine, from its wonderful red Shiraz, crisp Chenin Blanc to stunning sparkling Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). South Africa annually exports millions of liters of wine to key markets across the globe.

“While we cannot source locally-made aircraft or locally-produced jet fuel, we are in the privileged position to be able to offer our customers the amazing quality wines which South Africa offers. Indeed, there is no reason whatsoever to serve foreign wine on board SAA,” says Sylvain Bosc, SAA General Manager Commercial. 

“You will never see non-French wine on board Air France services and it is, similarly, our duty, as the national flag carrier linking all continents to Africa, to showcase the best our country has to offer. Wine, being an expression of the soil, the climate and of the winemaker’s talent, is closely linked to being South African. It is also a product that our clients like to enjoy, discuss and over which friendships are forged.”

Until recently, SAA was offering French Champagne in its business class cabins but going forward, the best South African Méthode Cap Classiques will be on offer on board most regional and international flights in business class, as well as in the airline’s lounges, according to South African Airways.

“South African sparkling wines can hold their own against Champagne, are of excellent quality and are produced following the traditional “Champagne Method”, hence the name “Méthode Classique.

“With SAA, every flight is a journey to remember.  We do not just take people from one place to another, we provide a premium travel experience with a uniquely African flavour,” says Bosc.

SAA’s on board wine offering has a proud and highly decorated history. Most recently, its business class offering was ranked third and fifth respectively in the Best Sparkling Wines International Business Class and Best Red Wine International Business Class categories in the Global Traveller’s 11th annual “Wines on the Wing” airline wine competition.  Global Traveller is the only U.S.-based magazine for business and luxury travellers to conduct a survey of this nature.

SAA customers can currently enjoy some of South Africa’s foremost MCCs. Amongst these are the award winning Laborie MCC Blanc de Blanc 2.