Qantas announces new team of wine experts

The new team, named The Qantas Rockpool Sommeliers, features 16 highly experienced sommeliers and mixologists. Among the group is head of Sommeliers Australia, David Lawler and one of only two Master Sommeliers in Australia, Sebastian Crowther, as well as Head Bartenders of Rockpool restaurants around the country.

The sommeliers will blind taste, review and select from 1,200 Australian wines and Champagnes over four days each year and provide tasting notes for the International First and Domestic Business cabins. They also provide recommendations for wine in the lounges and for the first time, Rockpool mixologists will create monthly cocktails.

Exciting new direction

Gareth Evans, CEO Qantas International, said the group will provide an exciting new direction for the airline's entire wine and beverage programme. "Qantas' new holistic approach to food and beverage will mean not only matching our menus with the perfect wine, but with the perfect cocktail or champagne," said Evans.

"We invest over $15m in the Australian wine industry every year, so we take the selection process very seriously. We are really proud to showcase Australian wine to the world, and we'll keep supporting boutique Australian wineries as well as the iconic drops that have defined Australia's global wine making reputation.

"Qantas is the third largest purchaser of wine in Australia and we also invest significantly in training our own teams to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge to recommend wines to our customers," added Evans.

Best experience

Qantas chef and restaurateur Neil Perry said his team's expertise in wine and mixology will offer the very best restaurant experience in the sky to Qantas passengers.

"Rockpool has worked with Qantas for over 18 years to design menus and we are thrilled to be working more closely to select beverages for the airline. We are committed to continue providing the finest Champagnes and the boldest wines from across Australia and deliver a restaurant experience on the ground and in the air," said Perry.

As Qantas continues its investment in training, Rockpool Sommeliers will also be part of the Qantas Advanced Sommelier in the Sky training programme for cabin crew. More than 150 cabin crew are currently trained as on-board sommeliers and more will be joining this elite group in 2015. Over 2000 Qantas Cabin Crew have also completed an introductory, intermediate or advanced level of wine training.