Etna by Cusumano and Prosecco Docg by Astoria among the world best wines to enjoy while flying

Summer is traditionally the season of holidays and travel, often by air. And for those who don’t want to give up the pleasure of wine even at cruising altitude, there is no shortage of options, with wine offerings becoming increasingly central to the onboard and airport services provided by airlines. Take British Airways, for example, winner of the “Top International First-Class Wines on the Wing” award as part of “Wines on the Wing”, the competition organized by the U.S. magazine “Global Traveler”, now in its edition No. 20, dedicated to the best wine lists served by airlines. The best first-class red wine is Italian, and specifically Sicilian: Contrada Guardiola Etna Rosso 2020 by Alta Mora, the winery on Mount Etna owned by the Cusumano brand and led by Diego and Alberto Cusumano. The wine is served by the UK flag carrier. Among the winners, it is no surprise to find Italy’s most popular and widely distributed sparkling wine. The “Top Sparkling Wine International Premium Economy” award went to Astoria Lounge Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry by Astoria, the winery headed by Filippo Polegato, served on Cathay Pacific Airways flights. Sharing the category podium is another Italian sparkling wine, Casa Bottega Millesimato Brut by Bottega, available on Swiss International Air Lines flights. Among white wines, Italy is represented by Vulcaia Fumé Sauvignon Veneto 2023 by Inama, which ranked second in the “Top White Wines International First Class” category. It is also served by British Airways (behind Art Series Margaret River Chardonnay 2021 by Leeuwin Estate, from Australia, which is served on Qatar Airways flights).