Korean Air Wins 6 Awards at Cellars in the Sky Awards 2026

Korean Air won six awards at the Cellars in the Sky Awards 2026, including a gold medal for its First Class dessert wine, Château Guiraud 2022. According to the airline, the honors include one gold, four bronze, and one highly commended award, as judged by the London-based travel publication Business Traveller.

Which wines won the top honors for Korean Air?

The Château Guiraud 2022 took first place in the First Class Dessert Wine category with a score of 94 points. Judges described the wine as having a deep gold amber color, rich texture, and a fragrance that pairs well with desserts, according to Korean Air.

The airline also secured bronze medals in two specific wine categories. The Shafer One Point Five 2023 placed third for First Class Red Wine, while the Champagne Palmer & Co Grands Terroirs 2015 took third in the Business Class Sparkling Wine category.

How did the overall wine cellars perform?

Beyond individual bottles, Korean Air’s broader curation earned recognition. The airline placed third overall in both the First Class Wine Cellar in the Sky and the Business Class Wine Cellar in the Sky categories, earning bronze medals for each.

Additionally, the Krug Grande Cuvée Champagne 173 Edition, served in First Class, received a “Highly Commended” special award from the panel of wine experts.

What is the selection process for in-flight wines?

Korean Air currently services 61 types of wine across all cabin classes, including 20 varieties for First Class and 30 for Prestige Class. The airline selects these lists based on how wines pair with in-flight meals and how they taste in a cabin environment, which differs from ground-level conditions.

To keep the experience fresh, the airline rotates new wines so passengers can sample different selections even when flying the same route, according to the company.

Why does altitude affect wine curation?

Low humidity and pressure changes in aircraft cabins alter the perception of taste and smell. This is why Korean Air’s strategy focuses on “in-flight environment” considerations. For example, the high score of the Château Guiraud 2022 suggests that concentrated, sweet profiles often hold up better against the drying effects of cabin air.

This trend toward “altitude-specific” curation is becoming a standard for top-tier carriers. By diversifying their list to 61 varieties, Korean Air is moving away from static menus toward a rotating, curated experience that mirrors high-end terrestrial wine bars.

Comparison of Korean Air’s 2026 Award Wins

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