Separately they performed well; together they perform even better. In 2012, Chile’s LAN Airlines and Brazil’s TAM Airlines merged to form LATAM Airlines Group, establishing the largest airline group in South America. In August the company introduced a simplified brand identity as LATAM, with a full brand rollout beginning in 2016 and continuing over three years.
Until the new branding is fully implemented, each airline keeps its own name, identity and network. One thing passengers already share across both carriers is the wine selection—curated annually by Héctor Vergara, the only Master Sommelier in Latin America. Vergara and a panel of wine experts begin with a broad pre-selection of approximately 300 wines. Over a three-day tasting they evaluate how each wine tastes on its own, how it pairs with LATAM’s onboard cuisine, and how cabin altitude and pressure affect perception. From that process they narrow the list to about 30 premium wines for the business cabin. The onboard list is refreshed monthly.
Vergara emphasizes South America’s diversity when choosing wines: “The continent’s varied terrains and climates are ideal for producing a wide range of varietals.” Chile ranks among the world’s top wine producers and Argentina is one of the largest producers globally, responsible for a substantial share of the world’s Malbec. Vergara is recognized as a leading authority on Chilean wine, which is reflected in his frequent selection of Chilean bottles—often around 60 percent of the list. He does not limit selections to the continent, however: his sparkling choice is Champagne, and he includes table wines from Spain, Australia and France.
LATAM’s culinary program is likewise rooted in the region. Executive Chef Hugo Pantano seeks out South American recipes and preparations for the onboard menu. “We are proud of the South American seal of our onboard gastronomy,” he says. “It is deeply rooted in our culinary culture.”
Typical offerings for passengers include Argentine wines such as Bodega Dominio del Plata Blend 2011 and Bodega Salentein Pinot Grigio 2014; Chilean options like Viña Santa Rita Petite Sirah 2010 and Viña Errazuriz Sauvignon Blanc 2014; and a French option, Château Poujeaux Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot 2010.
Overall, LATAM pours about 365,000 bottles of wine in Premium Business class each year—roughly 222,000 red bottles and 143,000 white bottles—ensuring a consistently curated drinking experience across both carriers.
Whether you fly with LAN or TAM, the onboard wine selection aims to provide a distinctive South American tasting experience.