Air France has taken a significant step towards enhancing its in-flight and lounge experience by appointing Xavier Thuizat, the celebrated Head Sommelier at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, to curate its future wine, champagne, and spirits offerings. Thuizat, a Burgundy-born expert with a remarkable track record in the world of wine, will bring his expertise to all travel cabins and lounges at Paris airports, introducing passengers to a meticulously selected range of French beverages, including an exciting new collection of French beers.
Xavier Thuizat’s credentials are impeccable. Named Meilleur Sommelier de France in 2022 and Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2023, he recently received the prestigious Grand Prix de la Sommellerie 2024 by the Michelin Guide. His selections are renowned for their quality and relevance, which makes him an ideal choice to carry on the legacy of offering world-class wines to Air France‘s discerning clientele. Thuizat will take over from Paolo Basso, who has been responsible for the airline’s high-class wine and champagne list since 2014.
To ensure that passengers experience only the finest wines, Thuizat and the Air France team will conduct blind tastings across France’s renowned wine-growing regions. These regions, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, the Loire Valley, and Alsace, are celebrated globally for their exceptional grape varieties. Thuizat’s selections from these regions will undoubtedly elevate the dining experience onboard and in the airline’s lounges, creating memorable moments for passengers as they journey with Air France.
Fabien Pelous, Air France’s SVP Customer Experience, expressed his gratitude to Paolo Basso for his decade-long commitment to promoting France’s finest wines and expressed confidence in Thuizat’s ability to continue this tradition with the same passion and talent.
This partnership aligns perfectly with Air France’s commitment to showcasing the best of French culture and heritage. Across all its cabins, including Economy, and in its airport lounges, the airline offers a wide range of fine wines, champagnes, and spirits, promoting the richness of French vineyards and châteaux. With over a million bottles of champagne and more than 8 million bottles of wine served annually, Air France continues to be a flying ambassador of French gastronomy.
Thuizat’s appointment as Air France’s Head Sommelier marks a new chapter in his distinguished career. Originating from Burgundy, a region he holds dear, Thuizat has honed his skills at some of the most prestigious gastronomic establishments in France, including Relais Bernard Loiseau, Le Meurice, and the Peninsula. At the Hôtel de Crillon, he is responsible for one of France’s most extensive wine cellars, featuring over 2,500 references. His role as Rosewood Sommelier Europe further underscores his expertise, as he oversees the European portfolio of the hotel group.
In his new role with Air France, Thuizat is set to continue his tradition of excellence, bringing the best of France’s vineyards to the skies. His selections will not only cater to the refined tastes of Air France’s passengers but will also introduce them to new, exquisite wines that reflect the diverse and rich terroirs of France.
For passengers looking to indulge in the luxury of French wines and spirits, Air France’s collaboration with Xavier Thuizat promises an unparalleled experience. As you sip on a glass of champagne or a finely curated wine on your next Air France flight, you’ll be enjoying the fruits of a partnership that is deeply rooted in the French art of living.
Air France reminds passengers to enjoy these offerings responsibly, as alcohol should always be consumed in moderation.
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