Michelin-Grade Cellar in the Sky: Korean Air Sweeps Global Wine Awards
If you enjoy a glass of fine wine at 35,000 feet, Korean Air inflight wine service has just set the gold standard across the global aviation industry.
The South Korean flag carrier dominated the 2026 “Wines on the Wing” Awards—hosted by premier business travel publication Global Traveler—taking home a total of five accolades. Organized annually, the prestigious event relies on blind tastings conducted by an international panel of sommeliers and wine experts to judge premium-cabin wine offerings from major global airlines.
Korean Air clinched the coveted 1st Place for Top International Business Class Wine List, praised for its impeccably curated portfolio that harmonizes diverse regional styles with the unique palate changes experienced during flight.
Outstanding First Class and Individual Label Standouts
The airline’s high-altitude cellar scored big across both First and Business Class cabins, earning multiple podium finishes for overall program balance and specific vintage selections.
Korean Air’s 2026 “Wines on the Wing” Winners
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1st Place: Top International Business Class Wine List
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2nd Place: Top International First Class Wine List
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2nd Place (Business Class White): Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Premier Cru Mont de Milieu 2023
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3rd Place (First Class Sparkling): Krug Grande Cuvée 172ème Édition
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3rd Place (First Class White): Levantine Hill Estate Chardonnay 2020
French classics and boutique Australian labels stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the winning menu. Judges noted that crafting a wine list capable of standing up to cabin pressure, low humidity, and rich inflight dining is an art form—one that Korean Air has refined to perfection.
“Level of Michelin-Starred Restaurants”
The awards highlight Korean Air’s massive investment in elevating its premium inflight food and beverage experience over recent years.
Tom Gannon, Wine Director at Global Traveler, praised the airline’s cellar strategy, noting, “Korean Air’s inflight wines are at a level you would expect to encounter at Michelin-starred restaurants in major cities around the world.”
