The Best Rioja with Delta

Located in north central Spain, Rioja is considered one of the greatest red wine regions of the world. Rioja reds are blended predominantly with the indigenous tempranillo grape from one of the region’s three subzones – Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja and Rioja Alavesa. The D.O.Ca. Rioja administers highly sophisticated and stringent quality control in the winemaking process, from viniculture to bottling. More than 200 brands from Rioja are available for purchase in the U.S.

Delta Air Lines and Wines from Rioja kick off an integrated national partnership this month, offering Delta customers a taste of the Rioja wine region in Delta Sky Clubs and inflight, second only to visiting the storied wine region in-person. The multi-pronged program includes in-flight and on-ground wine offerings and guided tastings to bring to life the always vibrant Rioja region and wines of unparalleled quality, versatility and value.

«We are excited to partner with Wines from Rioja. Offering our customers the ultimate travel experience is our top priority,» Brian Berry, Director of On Board Services at Delta said. «We’re delighted to kick off this partnership giving our customers access to some of the greatest wines in the world selected by our Delta Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.»

Customers will enjoy select Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva wines in a range of styles from wine lists in-flight during the peak summer travel season from May through July, while Delta Sky Club members can enjoy «By the Glass» offerings in Delta’s flagship Delta Sky Clubs around the country. Select Delta Sky Clubs will also feature «pop-up» style wine tastings with winery representatives, creating an authentic Riojan experience from Spain’s esteemed wine region.

The partnership with Wines from Rioja brings fun learning opportunities to patrons, such as custom Sky Club tasting guides that bring the Rioja region to life. «We love serving Rioja wines onboard because they show so beautifully in-flight, and with the menu creations of our culinary «dream team» of chefs,» said Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. «It’s exciting to now bring these food-friendly wines into the Delta Sky Clubs, and to share with patrons a taste of the breadth of the region’s wine styles by featuring Rioja Blanco, Crianza and Reserva, all by the glass.»

«Alongside other exciting national partners, Wines from Rioja is ecstatic to be part of Delta’s exceptional customer experience,» Dhane Chesson, National Accounts Director, DOCa Rioja, said. «Rioja is celebrated for its extraordinary and unsurpassed quality, so partnering with an airline like Delta that holds the same reputation for excellence is a natural fit.»