Delta Air Lines said it is introducing the Delta Winemaker Series on all transcon flights beginning Sept. 1, offering customers in BusinessElite a selection of California wines on flights connecting New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

"We know our transcon customers have great taste and discerning palates. This program is a natural way to further enhance their in-flight experience," said Gail Grimmett, Delta's senior vice president New York. "The Delta Winemakers Series, combined with Wi-Fi on every flight, new cabin interiors with seat back in-flight entertainment, BusinessElite cradle seats for a comfortable sleep, and special menus designed by Napa-based chef Michael Chiarello, offers a unique cross-country flight experience for our customers."

According to a release, Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, Delta's in-flight partner who has been curating the airline's BusinessElite wine offerings since February 2008, selected the featured winemakers to be served onboard in the BusinessElite cabin for two months at a time. The program will feature the following chosen winemakers and launch with Inception Wines:

-Santa Barbara-based Inception Wines will offer a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Jonathan Hirsh and George Spiriotis, a former sommelier at Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant Spago Beverly Hills.

-Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley will feature an Equilibrium Fume Blanc and Merlot from Genevieve Janssens, Director of Winemaking. Janssens was named Wine Enthusiast's 2010 Winemaker of the Year.

-Heidi Peterson-Barrett, winemaker and proprietress of La Sirena in Napa Valley, will showcase a special Syrah. Merry Edwards, winemaker and proprietress of Merry Edwards Winery, will offer a Sauvignon Blanc. Edwards has more than 35 years of winemaking experience. She manages five estate vineyards with her husband: Coopersmith, Cresta d'Oro, Flax, Georganne and Meredith.

-Dave Miner, proprietor and vintner of the Miner Family Winery, will feature a "Simpson Vineyard" Viognier 2011. Charles Krug Winery will also offer a Napa Valley Merlot from Peter Mondavi, proprietor and vintner. Charles Krug Winery produces Bordeaux style wines.

"I am delighted about this opportunity to share some of my favorite wines," Robinson, Delta's in-flight sommelier said. "The Delta Winemaker Series features juicy, silky and refreshing taste profiles, and all translate well on the palate at 30,000 feet. I expect Delta's customers will be impressed by the quality and variety of wine as these winemakers and their vintages are among the best of California and, most importantly, they taste delicious in flight."

Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to nearly 350 destinations in 65 countries on six continents.

More information:

delta.com

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