In an exciting development for business travellers, Air France has announced that Xavier Thuizat, the esteemed Head Sommelier at Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, will be curating the airline’s future wine, Champagne and spirits selection across all travel cabins and lounges at its Paris airports.

Thuizat, born in Burgundy, will also be introducing a new range of French beers to the selection.

Xavier Thuizat’s impressive credentials include being named Meilleur Sommelier de France in 2022, Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2023 and receiving the Michelin Guide’s Grand Prix de la Sommellerie in 2024.

Known for his discerning palate and exceptional wine selections, Thuizat will collaborate with Air France to conduct blind tastings across France’s renowned wine regions, ensuring passengers enjoy only the finest wines on board or while unwinding in the lounge.

Passengers can look forward to an array of exquisite French wines from prestigious regions such as Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire Valley and Alsace.

This new wine list, personally signed by Thuizat, promises to enhance the culinary experience of Air France travellers, making the choice of wine a memorable highlight of their journey.

Taking over from Paolo Basso, the world’s best sommelier in 2013, Thuizat aims to continue the tradition of excellence established over the past decade. Basso has been instrumental in offering Air France customers an elite selection of wines and champagnes since 2014.

Fabien Pelous, Air France’s SVP Customer Experience, expressed his gratitude and excitement, stating,

I would like to thank Paolo Basso, who for ten years has been committed to promoting the finest wines from France’s vineyards for all our customers, in our lounges and on board our aircraft. I am delighted to welcome Xavier Thuizat who, I am sure, will continue in this role with just as much talent and passion.

In all its travel cabins, including Economy, and in its airport lounges, Air France is committed to offering a diverse range of fine wines, Champagnes and spirits that celebrate the rich heritage of French vineyards and châteaux.

The airline serves over a million bottles of Champagne and more than 8 million bottles of wine annually, underscoring its dedication to providing a premium in-flight experience.

For UK-based business travellers, this partnership signifies an opportunity to enjoy a curated selection of world-class wines while travelling with Air France.

For further information about Air France flights, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.