Air New Zealand Launches Thirteen Forty Five Wine Label

Air New Zealand is raising a glass to its new wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, an exclusive offering crafted to celebrate the airline’s rich history.

Available now to Air New Zealand and Airpoints Store customers, the label pays tribute to a pivotal moment in the airline’s legacy — its inaugural flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940, covering 1345 miles.

The name “Thirteen Forty Five” was chosen to mark the inaugural flight of the airline’s predecessor, TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited), which connected New Zealand to the world in 1940.

This flight signalled the beginning of a new era for air travel. The exclusive label, developed in collaboration with renowned New Zealand winemaker Villa Maria, celebrates this important historical event with two signature varietals — Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Crafted from some of the best vineyards in Marlborough, the Sauvignon Blanc offers delightful aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass, and subtle herbal notes. At the same time, the Pinot Noir presents a perfect blend of cherry, plum, and hints of violets and dried herbs.

According to Tom Dixon, the winemaker at Villa Maria, “We couldn’t have asked for better vintages to produce the debut release of these wines. The conditions during the growing seasons were very favourable, and we’re excited to offer wines that truly reflect the essence of Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.”

Thirteen Forty Five will be served in Air New Zealand lounges across New Zealand and Premium Economy cabins on international flights to celebrate the launch. Bottles of the wine are also available for purchase at the Airpoints Store, making it accessible for wine enthusiasts everywhere.

For a special treat, travellers will be able to sample these exclusive wines during Koru Hour on select domestic flights throughout March.

Kylie McGillivray-Brown, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Customer Experience, expressed her excitement about the new wine venture: “Thirteen Forty Five is a passion project that honors our legacy while creating something exceptional for our customers. We’re thrilled to finally share it, especially during the year of our 85th Anniversary.”

Looking ahead, Air New Zealand plans to continue evolving the Thirteen Forty Five label by introducing a new vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a new red varietal from Hawke’s Bay — celebrating the diverse winegrowing regions across New Zealand.

The airline’s wine program, which annually invites winemakers to submit their best selections for blind tasting, will feature 47 wineries in 2025, offering a broad range of premium wines from regions such as Waiheke Island and Central Otago.

“New Zealand boasts some of the world’s finest wines, and we are proud to bring these exceptional selections to our customers,” says McGillivray-Brown. “It’s a privilege to showcase the best of New Zealand and celebrate the unique flavours of our home.”

All photos courtesy of Air New Zealand.