Air New Zealand has introduced Thirteen Forty Five, a new wine label with a story that runs deeper than its premium flavors.
This exclusive collection, now available to Air New Zealand passengers and Airpoints Store customers, is named in tribute to a defining moment in the airline’s history—the first flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, covering 1,345 miles.
The launch of this signature wine reflects a journey that transformed air travel in New Zealand and strengthened connections with the world.
Crafted in collaboration with Villa Maria, part of Indevin Group, Thirteen Forty Five debuts with two varietals: a Marlborough sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir. These wines are now served in Air New Zealand lounges throughout the country and in Premium Economy cabins on international flights. Passengers eager to take the experience home can also purchase bottles through the Airpoints Store.
As part of the launch celebration, select domestic flights will feature Thirteen Forty Five during Koru Hour throughout March, giving more travelers a chance to sample the exclusive wine in the skies.
A Tribute to Travel and Taste
This new wine collection is more than just a premium beverage—it’s a toast to Air New Zealand’s 85-year legacy of innovation and connection.
“Making a great wine takes time, and Thirteen Forty Five has been a passion project that honors our legacy while creating something special for our customers,” said Kylie McGillivray-Brown, General Manager of Customer Experience at Air New Zealand.
“With every sip, travelers can toast to a legacy that spans miles and decades.”
What Makes Thirteen Forty Five Unique?
The sauvignon blanc blends grapes from select vineyards in Marlborough’s Wairau and Awatere valleys, delivering bright passionfruit, lemongrass, and subtle herbal notes.
Meanwhile, the pinot noir, sourced from vineyards on the eastern side of the Wairau Valley, features cherry, plum, dried herb, and violet flavors.
According to Villa Maria winemaker Tom Dixon, the exceptional growing conditions of recent seasons have made this the perfect moment to launch Thirteen Forty Five.
“We couldn’t have asked for better vintages to produce the debut release of these wines,” Dixon noted.
Looking ahead, Air New Zealand plans to expand the Thirteen Forty Five lineup in 2025, adding a new red varietal from Hawke’s Bay, further celebrating the diversity of New Zealand’s world-class wine regions.
Bringing New Zealand’s Best Wines to the World
Thirteen Forty Five is just one part of Air New Zealand’s larger commitment to showcasing the country’s finest wines. Each year, the airline selects premium wines for its Business Premier cabin and lounges, giving local wineries a platform to reach an international audience. In 2025, 47 wineries from Waiheke Island to Central Otago will be featured.
“New Zealand boasts some of the world’s finest wines, and we are proud to bring these exceptional selections to our customers and to the world,” McGillivray-Brown said.
With Thirteen Forty Five, Air New Zealand is blending history, travel, and taste into an experience that celebrates both its aviation legacy and New Zealand’s winemaking excellence. For travelers flying with Air New Zealand, every sip is a journey through time—one that started with a single flight in 1940 and continues to soar today.
