Master of Wine Anne Krebiehl has been appointed to oversee the selection and procurement of premium wines for Qatar Airways. The Gulf state airline announced that Krebiehl, originally from Germany and now based in London, will curate sought-after wines for First and Business Class passengers, ensuring the airline stays ahead of industry trends.
Sourcing wines for in-flight service presents unique challenges, as lower humidity and cabin pressure can impact passengers’ senses and their ability to perceive complex flavours. Speaking about her new role, Krebiehl said: "I firmly believe that good wine and good food are the key to enjoying life, even at 40,000 feet in the air, and Qatar Airways’ wine programme is testament to the company's customer-centric approach."
Plans for Custom Blends and Enhanced Training
Krebiehl will also collaborate with vineyards to develop exclusive blends for Economy Class, further elevating the airline’s wine program. Additionally, she will work closely with Qatar Airways’ culinary team to ensure wines pair seamlessly with on-board dining options. Another key aspect of her role will involve creating training materials for cabin crew to enhance their wine knowledge and service skills.
Qatar Airways, consistently ranked among the top three airlines globally for its exceptional in-flight wine selection, views Krebiehl’s expertise as a valuable addition. Xia Cai, Qatar Airways’ Senior Vice President of Product Development, said: "Ms. Krebiehl’s in-depth industry knowledge is crucial to the success of Qatar Airways’ wine programme, which is fundamental to our commitment to providing a memorable, world-class travel experience on every flight."
