SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS traces its origins to 1934 and, over an 83-year history, has grown into an international carrier serving 38 airports across 26 countries. For the 31st consecutive year the airline continues a carefully managed program to select the wines served on board. Reflecting the nation’s viticultural heritage, SAA spotlights South African wines, and the annual selection process seeks out the best the country has to offer.
Each year wineries throughout South Africa submit bottles to be evaluated by the airline. In October a panel of 8 to 12 expert judges—sommeliers, winemakers and certified wine educators—gathers to assess the entries. Most judges are South African, and a few come from markets that import South African wine, bringing international perspective. Over three days the panel conducts blind tastings: wines are poured into numbered glasses and only the category (for example, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinotage) is disclosed, ensuring impartial evaluation without knowledge of the producer.
A sampling of the many wines to consider © SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
The number of entries varies by year; a recent year saw 730 submissions, a typical scale for the program. Judges score each wine, and those scores are compiled by internal and external auditors to ensure transparency and consistency. From that vetted data SAA selects 24 white wines and 24 red wines, along with a range of South African sparkling wines, to feature on flights and in business-class lounges during the following year.
“The selection is an integral part of our overall customer experience and unique value proposition of promoting South African wine exclusively to our worldwide passenger base,” says Kim Thipe, head of marketing at SAA. Once chosen, the wines are scheduled for service by month and by class of travel, ensuring a curated and varied program for passengers.
Arriving at the final list is a demanding task, given the volume and quality of entries, but the result is a thoughtfully assembled wine program that highlights the diversity and craftsmanship of South Africa’s winemakers. For passengers, the selections offer an authentic taste of the country and an elevated in-flight experience.