Explore China’s finest wines onboard our aircraft

Travel has always been about discovery – the thrill of encountering something unexpected that challenges our preconceptions and opens our minds to new possibilities. It is this same spirit that we aim to capture through our Discovery wine series.

Following the success of our first Chinese wine series, we’ve thoughtfully curated a new selection by leading Chinese wineries. Available until 28 February 2025, our First class and Business cabin passengers will have the opportunity to explore and sample the unique offerings from the Chinese Mainland’s diverse wine regions, from the high-altitude vineyards of Yunnan province to the sun-drenched terroirs of Xinjiang.  

“The Chinese wine industry is at a fascinating stage, with many young and innovative winemakers joining the scene,” says Ronald Khoo, Cathay Pacific's Wine, Spirits & Beverage Manager. “It made perfect sense for us to continue supporting and championing these exceptional wines from regions so close to home.”

The response to the first edition revealed something extraordinary: a transformation of sceptics into enthusiasts. “I observed a range of reactions from surprise and delight to doubt,” Khoo recalls. “But the sceptics turned into fans after tasting the wine.” He shares an enlightening experience from a wine tasting at The Wing, First class lounge with Domaine de Long Dai: “Out of the 70 people we met, 90 per cent had never tasted Chinese wines before, and of those, 90 per cent were very surprised that Chinese wine could taste that good.”

This second edition expands its horizons beyond Ningxia, introducing passengers to wines from Xinjiang, Shanxi and Yunnan. Each region brings its unique character to the glass, shaped by distinct terroirs and climates. In Yunnan, where vineyards reach elevations of 2,600 metres, the high altitude creates wines of remarkable complexity with fresh characteristics and soft tannins. Xinjiang's dry climate and dramatic temperature variations produce wines of intensely fruity character, while Shanxi's high-altitude vineyards, influenced by the East Asian Monsoon, yield wines of distinctive character.

The programme's crowning achievement is perhaps best exemplified by the selection of Ao Yun 2015 for First class service. “When tasted blind, it can easily be mistaken for a Grand Cru Bordeaux wine,” Khoo states. In fact, during a blind tasting in Hong Kong, organised by enthusiast Adam Janikowski with the participation of renowned wine critic James Suckling, Ao Yun 2015 was voted the winner over many Bordeaux Grand Cru wines.

Selecting wines for service at altitude requires particular consideration. “As our perception of taste is weaker at altitude, wines need to have more forward flavours, higher fruit definition and balance,” Khoo explains. “These Chinese wines, made in regions blessed with abundant sunshine, naturally possess these characteristics when managed well.”

As China's wine regions continue to evolve and innovate, Cathay's commitment to showcasing these gems remains steadfast: our Discovery wine series will continue to spotlight new treasures from China's expanding viticultural landscape, allowing passengers to discover and savour exceptional wines at 35,000 feet. We take pride in delivering memorable inflight dining experiences with high attention to detail, making every journey more enjoyable.

“Wine is another form of travel,” Khoo says. “Each bottle contains an adventure. Hopefully, it's one you like. If not, there will always be another bottle to discover.”

Learn more about our featured wines in the Discovery Wines series below and see what’s onboard our inflight wine cellars here.

First class

Ao Yun 2015 (Yunnan)

From the vineyards of Yunnan at 2,600 metres above sea level, the 2015 vintage represents Ao Yun's warmest year and most bountiful harvest. This exceptional blend of 79 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 21 per cent Cabernet Franc showcases the unique terroir of four villages: Adong, Shuori, Sinong, and Xidang.

The wine captivates with its deep colour and complex aromatics of dark fruits, black pepper, and a touch of smoke. On the palate, it presents a voluptuous and spicy character with extraordinarily soft, dense tannins, culminating in a long mineral finish. 

Business cabins

Grace Vineyard Deep Blue 2020 (Shanxi/Ningxia)

Named after the inspiring book "Blue Ocean Strategy" which guided Judy Chan when she took over Grace Vineyard at age 24, this wine embodies her pioneering spirit. This sophisticated blend of 78 per cent Merlot, 11 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 per cent Cabernet Franc, and 6 per cent Marselan offers complex aromas of ripe dark plums, cassis and blue fruits, with spicy undertones and notes of vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is rich and full-bodied, featuring a well-filled texture and fine tannins.

Tiansai Skyline of Gobi Marselan Selection 2018 (Xinjiang)

Founded by Chen Lizhong in 2010, Tiansai Vineyard stands as one of China's first certified organic vineyards. Created with the guidance of consultant winemaker Li Demei, who has been dubbed China’s "Father of Marselan", this wine presents an attractive leafy nose with gamey, red fruit hints. The palate unfolds with fresh blackcurrants and juicy red cherries, complemented by herbal notes and soft, earthy tannins, leading to an attractively long finish.

The Starting Point Riesling 2021 (Ningxia)

This artisanal gem comes from one of Ningxia's boutique wineries, where winemaker Reisa Jiang crafts fewer than 10,000 bottles annually from some of the region's oldest vines, planted in the 1990s. Committed to low-intervention winemaking and sustainability, this vineyard has produced a Riesling that delivers vibrant aromas of lime, peach, nectarine, and delicate white flowers. The palate presents a dry, light-bodied character with zippy acidity and pristine notes of lime zest and stone fruit that conclude with a lively, mineral-driven finish.

The Starting Point Cabernet Franc 2021 (Ningxia)

Another masterpiece from Jiang's boutique collection, this Cabernet Franc showcases the exceptional potential of Ningxia's mature vines. Elegant aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and truffles introduce a fresh, vibrant palate that delivers layers of black plums, cherries, and raspberries. The wine's structure is refined with delicate tannins, reflecting Jiang's commitment to minimal intervention winemaking and sustainable practices.

Kanaan Winery Lao Wang Syrah 2022 (Ningxia)

A tribute to founder Wang Fang's father, this wine reflects the bold, unconventional approach that earned her the nickname "Crazy Fang" and recognition as one of China's most influential wine personalities by Drinks Business in 2019. Since establishing Kanaan Winery in 2011, her distinctive winemaking style has produced this expressive Syrah that offers rich aromas of black and blue fruits with subtle mineral undertones. The full-bodied palate unfolds with ripe blackcurrant flavours, complemented by spicy nuances and concluding with a velvety milk chocolate finish.