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Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong's flagship airline, has announced the introduction of six new Chinese wines for its first-class and business-class passengers, available from November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. This launch is part of the airline's ongoing "Discover Wine Series," which aims to showcase the growing quality and diversity of Chinese wines.
The current selection marks the second batch of Chinese wines offered by Cathay Pacific. The first batch was available from March 1 to May 31, 2024, featuring three wines from Ningxia and one from Shandong. The latest offerings expand the geographical range to include esteemed wine-producing regions such as Xinjiang, Yunnan, Ningxia, and Shanxi.
The six wines included in this batch are:
The decision to introduce a second batch of wines comes after the positive reception of the first batch. Ronald Khoo, Cathay Pacific’s Wine, Spirits & Beverage Manager, noted a significant shift in passenger perceptions. Initially met with skepticism, many passengers became enthusiastic supporters after sampling the wines. Khoo recounted an event where nearly all attendees were surprised by the quality of Chinese wines they had never tasted before.
In selecting these wines, Cathay Pacific considered how altitude affects taste perception. At high altitudes, passengers often experience diminished sensory perception, necessitating wines with stronger flavors and higher fruit definition. Khoo emphasized that many of these wines are produced in regions with ample sunshine, which contributes to their robust flavor profiles.
Chinese wines are increasingly gaining traction within Hong Kong's market. Notably, over half of Ningxia's exported wines were shipped to Hong Kong during the first three quarters of this year. Prominent figures like Leung Chun-ying, former Chief Executive of Hong Kong, have advocated for the exclusive serving of Chinese wines at official events, further promoting local products. This initiative by Cathay Pacific not only highlights the airline's commitment to enhancing passenger experience but also reflects a broader trend towards recognizing and celebrating the quality of Chinese wines on an international stage.
