Emirates has launched bespoke wine courses for cabin crew that it is calling L’art du vin.
Providing cabin crew the opportunity to learn about Emirates’ wine programme and the world of wine, the new programme was designed by the Emirates Crew Training design team and officially launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College, Dubai.
Taking place in a dedicated classroom that replicates a high-end lounge, there are three intensive wine courses tailored to varying levels of knowledge: L’art du vin introduction, L’art du vin – Business Class and L’art du vin – First Class.
With ambient music playing, the atmosphere of the classroom lounge is set with mood lighting, displays of champagne, wines and glassware, and a selection of dedicated books on oenology and viticulture. Emirates cabin crew are invited to sit at the horseshoe shaped bar that emulates Emirates signature A380 Onboard Lounge to begin their learning experience.
Each course takes up to eight hours in the classroom and is complemented by study guides for at-home learning, an interactive app and detailed tasting notes.
For each level of the course, Emirates cabin crew are invited to taste the onboard selection for themselves.
More than 1,000 Emirates cabin crew have already completed a course, and Emirates aims to conduct the trainings to more than 22,000 additional cabin crew by 2026.
Each level of L’art du vin is designed to support varying levels of knowledge and experience. The L’art du vin introduction course is targeted towards Emirates’ newly recruited cabin crew and covers Emirates’ investment into wine, facts about wine and the wine-making process, white and red wine tasting, introduction to sparkling wines, how best to recommend wines and pouring techniques.
L’art du vin – Business Class takes the initial learning experience to a new level for more experienced cabin crew. To understand the structural characteristics of wine, students first sample flavoured waters to be able to recognise acidity, dryness, sweetness and fruitiness, before moving on to tasting the differences in grape pulp and skin. Students also learn about Emirates’ wine cellar, the wine regions of the world, how the climate impacts wines, as well as exploring Emirates’ red and white wine heroes, enjoying an introduction to champagne and port, and how to perfectly pair wine and food together with bespoke tasting sessions. Cabin crew can also use the exclusive L’art du vin app during the training as a professional guide to the wines, allowing them to also keep their own tasting and recommendation notes, to prepare to interact with customers on their flights.
L’art du vin – First Class builds on the foundational knowledge acquired in Business Class and offers a deep dive into the world of Premier and Grand Cru Classè wines. This advanced course focuses on the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux classification, with detailed study sessions on premier cru class estates such as Château Cos d’Estournel 2006 from St. Estèphe, alongside the Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, including the illustrious Bâtard-Montrachet 2013 from Louis Latour. The curriculum extends beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy, exploring iconic wines worldwide.
Cabin crew will gain expertise in the top producers from Spain, like Vega Sicilia Unico 2006 from Ribera del Duero and Italy’s Ornellaia 2012 from Bolgheri, Tuscany. The training also covers California’s Opus One 2012 from Napa Valley, ensuring a well-rounded knowledge of world-class wines.
The programme also provides an in-depth introduction to Dom Pérignon Champagne, Château d’Yquem Sauternes, and aged vintage ports from renowned houses such as Graham’s, Dow’s, and Sandeman.
Wine and food pairing lessons take cabin crew’s expertise to new heights, teaching the intricate balance between acidity, saltiness, sweetness, and umami. Cabin crew also learn to advise travellers on the perfect wine to complement their cheese selection.
As part of Emirates’ dedication to innovation and nurturing talent, participants receive a certificate of achievement after completing their course and the opportunity to apply for the next level during their career with Emirates. L’art du vin courses are spearheaded by a select group of cabin crew members identified as wine ambassadors, each having earned the official WSET Level 2 and 3 certifications from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
