Emirates’ Champagne Just Got More Exclusive

The airline did not actually change anything.

Emirates’ exclusivity with three champagne brands

There are only a few airlines in the world that serve Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, and Mot & Chandon. The airline has exclusive rights to brag for a long time.

How this breaks down is a question for those wondering.

• Dom Perignon is served in first class across all routes globally; at times the airline even serves exclusive vintages and plenitudes, like the airline having recently served the 2003 P2 vintage
• Veuve Clicquot is served in business class on routes to the Americas and Europe
• Moet & Chandon is served in business class on routes to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, including Australasia; the Emirates Business Lounge Dubai even has a special Moet & Chandon bar
• Moet & Chandon is also available for purchase in economy

You have to love that this is being framed as a consequence of a worldwide champagne shortage, promising to keep passengers well hydrated.

Despite the well-documented world shortage of champagne, due to harsh weather and a reduced harvest in 2021, pandemic supply chain issues, and an explosion in demand for champagne globally, Emirates passengers remain well-served onboard with the finest selection of bubbles available, ready to toast the festive season, special occasions, and the hope and promise of a new year.

A unique approach to procuring wine has been taken by the airline. Over the past 16 years, the airline has invested over $1 billion in its wine program, which mostly involves buying wines and champagnes at the earliest opportunity.

This is an interesting arrangement

It's great to serve great champagne in first class, but it's even better to have exclusive rights with three great brands.

Dom Perignon was dropped in first class by Singapore Airlines in November of 2022. We knew at the time that it was because of the exclusive agreement between the two companies. Business class champagnes have the same agreement as business class champagnes.

I think Emirates was able to negotiate this solely because of the amount of champagne it purchases and the fact that it invests in champagne years in advance.

After looking at my list of airlines that serve the best champagne, I am curious if the claims made by Emirates are true. According to the airline, they are the only international airline that serves these types of champagne on board.

Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2006 is available in the business class of EVA Air. This claim is made based on the type of Veuve Clicquot it serves.

The same champagne can be found in the Air France La premiere lounge. I guess that doesn't preclude any airlines from serving champagne on the ground since they claim to be the only airline that serves champagne on board.

Is EVA Air still serving Veuve Clicquot?

Bottom line

The exclusive rights to serve Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, and Moet & Chandon will be held by the airline through 2020. It has been the same champagne for a long time, but the airline now has more exclusive access to it.

What do you think about the champagne claims of the airline?