US Airways - February 2013 - (Page 51)

by Tara Titcombe | Illustrations by Traci Daberko The Intervine team makes sure that all the wines they present to US Airways meet the airline’s requirements. For example, they ensure that the winery can produce a large volume and can ship the wines to the distribution centers. “We really need to evaluate the dependability of the winery and have confidence in their delivery,” Brown says. Intervine presents about 15 wine samples to US Airways’ dining and cabin services, marketing, and purchasing groups. The groups conduct a wine tasting for all the samples. “We have a wine and food pairing to mimic what would be served on the plane,” Brown explains. “We look for wines that show well in flight. You have an altered sense of smell and taste at 30,000 feet, so wines may become too dry or tart in the air.” The group then narrows down which wines will be served in Envoy (two reds and two whites for each six-month cycle) and First Class (one red and one white for each six-month cycle). “We aim to have a balance,” Brown says. “So we’ll try to have a bold red like a malbec and a lighter red like a pinot noir, along with a refreshing white like a sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio and a bolder white like a chardonnay.” is starting and when to send more for replenishment,” Brown says. But before the wine can be served to customers, the inflight team has work to do. “We have to create the copy, including tasting notes, for the menu,” Brown says. “We create internal flight attendant communications, and we travel to crew bases to show wines to the flight attendants. We do this to make sure the transition in each cycle is smooth and that everyone has the correct information.” The Boarding Process When the new wines are finally on board, the supply is constantly monitored. The US Airways team estimates how much of each wine will be needed for each cycle. “Forecasting is never an exact science. We try to purchase enough to last through the cycle,” Brown says. Brown explains that each new cycle has a precise date when the new printed menus are onboard and the new meals start. “If we run short on a certain wine, then we will start the new cycle early,” he says. “We really try not to run over because of the printed menus, and we don’t want a mix of old and new products on flights.” All the attention to detail and hard work is paying off. US Airways won an award for the finest domestic white wine PremIum SIPS (De Bortoli Willowglen CharPremium wines are now availdonnay, Australia) in Global able for purchase in Economy Traveler’s Wines on the Wing on US Airways’ transatlantic airline wine competition. flights. You’ll find sparkling Getting a grape from field wine and half-bottles of red to flight is not an easy process, and white — perfect for a spebut one enjoyable sip can make cial occasion or just to make the flight more enjoyable. the entire effort worthwhile. usairwaysmag.com The Shipping Process The wine tasting is held once a year, six months before the first cycle of wines is served on board. With this timetable, ordering, bottling, and shipping can be appropriately planned. “The distributor works with our logistics team so they know when each new cycle of wine february 2013 51 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - February 2013

US Airways - February 2013
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Literary Pilgrimages
Wine & Dine: Top Chefs on This Year's Trends
Wine & Dine: Comfort Food
Great Escapes: Secret Mexican Hideaways
Adventure: Best Hikes in the Valley of the Sun
Gear Up: Romantic Gestures
Destination 48: Phoenix
Travel Feature: La Magnifica Costa del Pacifico
US Airways Feature: Sky-High Sips
Best of Living: Scottsdale Saddles Up
Special Section: Chateau on Central
Best of Living: The Reef Residences at Atlantis
Williamsburg: Rediscovering the Revolutionary City
Arts Spotlight: Ovation
Special Section: Kentucky
Riding Lessons: Miller School of Albemarle
The Arts of Orange County
Must Read: Pandora's Lunchbox by Melanie Warner
Great Dates
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace®
Giving: US Airways' Do Crew
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - February 2013