Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Air New Zealand Unveils Thirteen Forty Five Wine Label Honoring Aviation Legacy
Monday, March 3, 2025
Air New Zealand has introduced Thirteen Forty Five, a premium wine label celebrating a landmark in the airline’s history—the inaugural Auckland to Sydney flight in 1940, covering 1345 miles. This significant journey, originally operated by Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), marked the beginning of a new era in trans-Tasman travel and solidified New Zealand’s aviation industry.
Crafted in collaboration with Villa Maria, part of Indevin Group, Thirteen Forty Five debuts with two signature wines: sauvignon blanc and pinot noir.
These wines are exclusively available in Air New Zealand lounges, Premium Economy cabins on international flights, and for purchase through the Airpoints Store.
In celebration of the launch, passengers on select domestic flights can enjoy Thirteen Forty Five during Koru Hour throughout March, enhancing their travel experience with a taste of New Zealand’s finest wines.
A Tribute to New Zealand’s Winemaking Excellence
The Thirteen Forty Five sauvignon blanc is a carefully crafted blend sourced from Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, delivering vibrant aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass, and herbal notes.
Meanwhile, the pinot noir, grown in the eastern Wairau Valley, showcases flavors of cherry, plum, dried herbs, and violets, representing the essence of the region’s celebrated winemaking.
Villa Maria’s Tom Dixon, who led the winemaking process, emphasized the exceptional quality of the vintages. “We were fortunate to have outstanding growing conditions, allowing us to create wines that truly reflect the best of Marlborough,” Dixon said.
Future Expansions and Wine Partnerships
Looking ahead to 2025, Air New Zealand will expand the Thirteen Forty Five collection with a new sauvignon blanc vintage and introduce a red varietal from Hawke’s Bay, highlighting the diversity of Aotearoa’s wine regions.
Beyond Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand continues to champion local wineries, curating an annual selection of premium New Zealand wines through a blind tasting panel of experts.
The airline’s 2025 selection includes 47 wineries spanning regions from Waiheke Island to Central Otago, reinforcing New Zealand’s position as a world-class wine producer.
“New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most celebrated wines, and we are proud to showcase them to a global audience,” said Kylie McGillivray-Brown, General Manager Customer Experience at Air New Zealand.
By offering these curated selections in its Business Premier cabin, lounges, and in-flight service, Air New Zealand not only enhances the passenger experience but also provides a global platform for New Zealand winemakers.
Tags: Air New Zealand lounges, auckland, domestic flights, Flight, Global, international flights, new zealand, passengers, sydney, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), travel experience
