All Nippon Airways has renewed its wine line up and added new Japanese sakes to its in-flight menu.

The journey to the new wine selection began August 2017 when 30 experts from around the world reviewed approximately 2,800 wines from 18 different countries in a blind taste test.

Two sommeliers, who joined ANA’s connoisseur program last year, Olivier Poussier, named the best sommelier in the world in 2000, and Satoru Mori, the executive sommelier of Conrad Tokyo participated in the selection process.

They were joined by ANA chefs, staff, and flight attendants with sommelier qualifications.

“ANA is honoured to curate one of the finest airline wine selections in the world,” said Yutaka Ito, executive vice president of ANA.

“Our wide selection of fine wines meets and surpasses our customers’ needs and complement our in-flight meal options.

“Our goal is to make ANA the best cellar in the skies.”

At the blind taste testing, 54 (28 in-flight and 26 lounge) wines were eventually selected from a variety of regions, including Europe, South America, Oceania, and South Africa.

ANA’s own original blended wines will also be offered on ANA international first class, premium economy, and economy class.

Not only the wine selection was enhanced, but also from September, the sake menu will see the addition of Aramasa No. 6 ANA-type Junmai Namazake (unpasteurised Sake) to the first-class menu and Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute’s Yamahai Ginjo will be included in business offerings.