The national carrier teamed up with Austrian Wine Marketing to train and certify more than 100 experts, ensuring that from 2026 onward, each of their long-distance flights will have their own sommelier.
After Emirates started training its cabin crews last year in the art of wine pairing, with customized courses under the motto “L'art du vin”, Austrian Airlines has followed suit: They have now teamed up with Austrian Wine Marketing (ÖWM) to train over 100 flight attendants and cabin crew to become Austrian Wine Experts.
During the ÖWM training course, which took several days, flight personnel increased their wine expertise so they can describe the variety, quality and character of Austrian wines to passengers. Broken down into three modules – Wine Knowledge, Feel & Taste, and Service & Communication – participants learned about growing regions, types and categories of pairings and how to advise and make recommendations.
“We are delighted that we've taken our long-standing cooperation with Austrian Airlines to a new level with the Austrian Wine Experts. Austrian wine culture is unique worldwide and an indispensable part of our identity. The Austrian Wine Experts will make a significant contribution to ensuring that Austrian Airlines passengers from all over the world get to know our excellent wines while airborne!” says ÖWM Managing Director Chris Yorke.
The Austrian Wine Experts will offer their expertise in Business Class on both short and long-haul flights operated by Austrian Airlines. By 2026, their number is expected to grow to around 250, meaning that at least one Austrian Wine Expert can be present on every Austrian Airlines long-haul flight. Incidentally, Austrian Wine Experts can be recognized by their own pin, which represents the banderole found on Austrian wine bottles.
