Emirates is taking its renowned in-flight wine service to new heights with the introduction of a specialized wine training program for its cabin crew, titled “L’art du vin.” Launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College in Dubai, the program aims to deepen the cabin crew’s knowledge of the airline’s distinguished wine education offerings and foster a greater appreciation for the art of wine.
The innovative training program, designed by the Emirates Crew Training team, provides an immersive learning experience in a classroom that mimics the ambiance of a luxury lounge. The space features mood lighting, ambient music, and elegant displays of champagne, wines, and glassware, with a horseshoe-shaped bar that replicates Emirates’ iconic A380 Onboard Lounge.
Comprehensive Wine Education Across Three Levels
The L’art du vin program offers three intensive courses tailored to different levels of expertise: L’art du vin Introduction, L’art du vin – Business Class, and L’art du vin – First Class. Each course includes up to eight hours of classroom instruction, supplemented by study guides for home learning, an interactive app, and detailed tasting notes. Cabin crew members taste the exceptional wines served on Emirates flights, enhancing their ability to confidently recommend and serve wines to passengers.
To date, over 1,000 Emirates cabin crew members have completed the course, with plans to extend the training to more than 22,000 additional crew members by 2026. The program reflects Emirates’ ongoing commitment to enhancing both its people and products.
Tailored Wine Education for All Experience Levels
The L’art du vin program meticulously accommodates various levels of knowledge and experience among Emirates’ cabin crew. For newly recruited crew members, the introductory course offers a comprehensive overview of Emirates’ investment in wine, the fundamentals of winemaking, and essential wine facts. Participants engage in tastings of white, red, and sparkling wines and learn best practices for recommending wines to passengers, along with mastering the art of pouring techniques.
For more experienced cabin crew, the L’art du vin – Business Class course provides an advanced level of wine education. This course includes tastings that not only help crew members identify key wine characteristics such as acidity, dryness, sweetness, and fruitiness but also allow participants to explore Emirates’ extensive wine cellar. Moreover, they study the world’s wine regions, gaining valuable insights into the impact of climate on wine production. In addition, the course covers Emirates’ signature red and white wines, provides an introduction to champagne and port, and offers bespoke tasting experiences to perfect the art of wine and food pairing.
The most advanced course, L’art du vin – First Class, offers an in-depth exploration of Premier and Grand Cru Classé wines. Specifically, crew members study the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux classification, while also delving into the Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy. Additionally, they learn about iconic wines from around the world, including those from Spain, Italy, and the USA. Moreover, the course covers Dom Pérignon Champagne, Château d’Yquem Sauternes, and aged vintage ports, along with advanced lessons on wine and food pairing.
Emirates’ Commitment to Excellence
Emirates offers the finest wine selections to passengers in every class. First Class passengers enjoy rare vintages from renowned wine regions, while Business Class passengers are treated to an impressive array of aged Bordeaux wines and notable selections from Burgundy and Spain. Premium Economy passengers savor a selection of sparkling vintage wines and premium red and white wines, and Economy Class passengers enjoy high-quality wines on all routes.
The L’art du vin program is led by a select group of cabin crew who have been identified as wine ambassadors, all of whom have earned WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Upon completing the course, participants receive a certificate of achievement and the opportunity to advance in their Emirates career.
Through this initiative, Emirates continues to demonstrate its dedication to innovation, talent development, and providing an exceptional in-flight experience for its passengers.
