As of November, 1998, customers traveling on all Air Canada's Executive Class and Executive First flights will be able to enjoy a selection of world class wines from the various wine regions in Canada.  This month, the airline has introduced its new 'Wines of Canada' program featuring eight of Canada's finest wines.

To implement this new program, Air Canada called on three well known wine experts, who have been working with the airline since early 1997 to improve the quality and selection of wines on its flights: Tony Aspler, editor of Winetidings Magazine and columnist for the Toronto Star, Anthony Gismondi, wine columnist for the Vancouver Sun and Western Editor of Wine Access as well as Michel Phaneuf, author of Le Guide du vin and host of the Vins et Fromages television show.

"We are delighted to now offer our premium class customers the best of Canadian wines," said Ted d'Arcy, Air Canada's Vice President, In-flight Service.  "Our new 'Wines of Canada' selection is not only part of Air Canada's continued commitment to providing the best possible in-flight experience but also to supporting the Canadian wine industry and its finest wines."

Air Canada has been offering the Cave Spring Chardonnay from the Cave Spring Cellars in Jordan, Ontario for over five years.  In order to expand its selection of Canadian wines, the airline, together with its wine council members, carefully selected the best wines from Canadian producers in
British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.  Approximately every three months, Air Canada will feature a different wine among the initial selection of the 'Wines of Canada' program:

• Cave Spring Chardonnay 1996 VQA, Cave Spring Cellars -  Jordan, Ontario
• Sumac Ridge Chardonnay 1996 VQA, Sumac Ridge Estates - Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
• L'Orpailleur 1996, Vignoble de l'Orpailleur - Dunham, Quebec
• Inniskillin Reserve Chardonnay 1996 VQA, Inniskillin -Niagara Valley, Ontario
• Hernder Baco Noir 1996 VQA, Hernder Estate - St.Catherines, Ontario
• Harrow Estates Cabernet Franc 1997 VQA, Colio Estates - Lake Erie, Ontario
• Henry of Pelham Sur Lie Chardonnay 1997 VQA, Henry of Pelham Estate Winery - Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
• Inniskillin Okanagan Chardonnay 1996 VQA, Inniskillin  Winery - Okanagan Valley, BC

"Canadian wines, completely unknown just ten years ago, are now making a name for themselves on the international scene," said Harry McWatters, Chair of the Vintners Quality Alliance. "The Canadian wine industry is honored that Air Canada is celebrating the successes of our wineries by highlighting fine Canadian wines on their flights.  The endorsement of Canada's largest airline signals that our commitment over the last ten years to the production of premium quality wines is being rewarded."

Air Canada serves U.S. travelers with more than 1,300 nonstop flights per week to Canada from 42 cities in the United States, more than any other airline. Customers will also be able to taste the various products presented in the 'Wines of Canada' program in all major Canadian airport Maple Leaf Lounges.

More information on Air Canada can be found at http://www.aircanada.ca/

Edited by Dave Shultz

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