Wine in FIRST vs. ECONOMY Class on Emirates - worth it?

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Use the discount code KBMW50 to get a € 50 discount from iDealwine: www.idealwine.com/en?KZbin&Partenariat&KB_20241010 €50 discount on first orders, minimum purchase of €250. Deadline: March 31, 2025. Not valid in conjunction with the "first" code, Not valid with the "KBMW15" code. Usage limit: 200 codes.

[@golfben86]

Best experience for me was on a Lufthansa flight where I was just one of two passengers in business class. The other passenger refused the champagne, so when I said yes to a glass, the flight attendant just set up an ice bucket next to my seat and dropped a full bottle of Dom in it. Spectacular.

[@MikkoVille]

Perfect!

[@Maverick-rh9ep]

After tasting through the wine selection of LIDL, ALDI and Co. you deserve this one :)

[@WineLightMedia]

This has to be the craziest idea for a wine video. You should win an award for this one. I bet the final tab was huge. lol, cheers.

[@collbackk]

I'm pretty sure KB ist a fan of Casey Neistat

[@SUEANNE]

Great video. Here's a little bit to help pay for that first class ticket.

[@tf72538]

You've been entertaining, informative and practically indispensable as I prepare for my first wine exam! Thanks for your great insights, top-notch production value, and lovely attitude. Cheers!

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Thank you!

[@xiaolinzhou697]

I flew Qatar first class from BKK to Doha this August, then business class from Doha to Boston. Had Graham's 40 yo port and 2014 Rauzan Segla on my first leg, Duroy rose prestige and Kracher beerenauslese on my second leg, guzzled more caviar than ever in my life. Fell in love with wine after this amazing experience.

[@karlinggard]

I dont think many people have ever worked this hard on a first class flight! Wine tasting at such a high altitude with a screwed up sleep schedule must be rough, and then there's no spittoon available!

[@_symmetry_]

Best wine I've ever had by far was on a 12 hours Air France flight in First Class, with a coq au vin, the meal was obviously delicious but the wine was enough to bring anyone of us here to tears, literally. The absolutely amazing Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1989 was not only the best wine I tasted above ground, it was one of the best 20 wines I've ever had in my life.

[@MagnumPi88]

FINALLY! A airline review with a focus on the wine, the majority of the airline vloggers are of all the other frills of flying business/ first. They get distracted by the caviar…. Oh wait you enjoyed it as well! 😅🤣 but seriously at that higher price level the wines need to be given much more thought. All of your comments were spot on regarding varieties they COULD try but so often don’t. As Bordeaux and Burgundy have such big reputation around the world , it’s a shame there are no similar quality wines from other regions. It is also disappointing and an oversight to take of a wine like Unico and not replace it. A fantastic video and yes I think its default One night in Bangkok plays in your head. Just like if you travel to or through Baker st in London.🍷👍😎🎶🎵

[@gmill7911]

This was a terrific, unique idea for wine related content.

[@marilynbeardslee2163]

I've followed you for a while now and always enjoy your videos. But this one was The Best! So much fun!

[@nicholaswurster4656]

You"re the best! Love your videos and I have been watching for years and Learned a lot from your videos. I always use your videos at work for our wine education program. Just wanted to thank you and we appreciate you!

[@nickyes783]

What a fun video! As a frequent flier it’s great to see someone seriously review the wines on board. I fly business a lot where the wines vary from what I’d consider excellent (Qatar - top wine will probably be an un-aged 3rd-5th growth Bordeaux) to decent (BA, Singapore - perhaps a good Aussie Shiraz or South African blend) to poor (Malaysian/LATAM/Finnair- a cheap crus bourgeois, if you’re lucky). Emirates 1st is well reckoned to be the best of the best when it comes to wine in the sky. I don’t think anyone else serves grand cru burgundy, let alone aged burgundy/bordeaux in the skies. It’s definitely a bucket list trip for me to fly them in first once. Agree it would be nice for them to include some other wines in the mix, that’s one area where the likes of Qatar and BA do shine in my experience as you’ll always get a mix of new and old world wines, which gives you a good variety to choose from. Even if lately BA business seems to be almost entirely South African wines ( I guess for the value they offer). Have only flown first a handful of times (almost always as an upgrade), only with BA and find their wine offering is much like Qatar business, but with better champagne (LP Grand Siecle). But man you’re crazy to do Bangkok in a day, why not at least give yourself a few days to enjoy the place? I think part of the joy of flying well, is that it becomes a part of the holiday in itself rather than a journey to be endured. You kinda made travelling in 1st to be an endurance challenge! Although I appreciate the effort, and it made for a great video :)

[@brianpite0893]

Thank you Konstantin for taking me on your adventure. Excellent

[@charlescampion9898]

First time I have seen your channel, and an excellent video. Lucky enough to try Emirates First just once on a 5 hour flight and, being wine lovers, my wife and I managed almost the whole list. Absolutely spectactular and the crew were so helpful and keen that we should try things. Bravo Emirates.

[@zizzie4081]

What a delightful video, not your typical travel log. Thank you Konstantin!

[@dangareau3143]

How you came up with this idea is beyond me but it’s pure genius how you still made such a subject still informative. Great job!!. Cheers.

[@KuwaitiHabibi]

Loved the idea of the video! Great video Konstantin !

[@JS-shim]

Great video Konstantin. My advice to anyone travelling first class on Emirates is: 1. Do not drink in the lounges. The wine is much better on board. 2. The food in the Dubai lounge is very good, particularly at breakfast. Make sure you go to the lounges in the bigger Dubai terminals. 3. Do your research before you board. The wine list is available to view online on their website. There are many wines to choose from and obviously you can't drink them all. 4. There is often luck involved. Occasionally you will have a first growth, a P2 champagne or a Rose champagne. 5. Get changed into the pyjamas straight away. You will feel much more comfortable.

[@kristjansson1991]

Seeing that many wines that I need to try - on one trip is just Wild! Deserved! As always thanks for the videoes!

[@danfarmer6730]

I'll never be able to experience flying first class. Thank you Konstantin for sharing your experience, it looks awesome.

[@DG-jq7il]

This post makes me sad. Why not? Yes, it is outrageously expensive, but not as much as one might whrn compared to other things in life. Life is about experiences, and money isn't the major hurdle most make it. There's always ways to make money, but there is no way gain experiences except by actually doing them. I have never purchased, will ever purchase a first class ticket, but there are other ways gain that experience. The correct manipulation of credit card points and airline miles for example. You can very cheaply upgrade to first class by buying miles or by making purchases on planes using a miles credit card. It also helps if you are kind to the flight crew. They are not servants or waiters/waitresses, they are aides in your travels. Their primary job is your safety, so bring them a smile of true appreciation, remember their names, and try bringing a gift of something the crew can share. On my last trip to Hawaii, the crew played a game where everyone guessed their added senority with the airline. When they announced the winner, they also announced their favorite passenger. The prizes were upgraded perks that gives some of the first class experience. I don't know your reasons for not ever getting an experience like the one in the video, and im sure it's a tragic one, but to others who are not in such dire situations, especially younger folks who also feel depressed at not EVER being able to travel first class or flying to exotic destinations, please know that almost everyone can, they just need to work at it, and take time to do research for the best and most economical ways to achieve your goals.

[@TheNabilshow2]

Amazing video Konstantin. Thank you for sharing your experience, such a pleasure watching your videos. Just a little comment regarding the end of your video. Flight attendants are onboard to make sure that we are safe and sound during the flight, they are not unfortunately wine connoisseurs. Their job isn't to learn about wine regions, food et al. They are professionals who have more important tasks to deal with besides serving passenger, so do not expect any airline to train their cabin crew on that but if you are lucky someday, you might stumble across a steward/ess who's a wine lover, who knows 😉

[@jacquin8511]

My impression is, across many situations extending even to wine cellar/tasting room staff, that hospo relies on brand recognition like "Bordeaux" or "Barolo" or "Napa" and often banks on that sufficing so they don't have to train their staff.

[@MH-mn5wf]

I’ve been lucky to fly Emirates first a few times over the years. One tip is that they offer both the business class and first class wines in first and so you need to look at the wine lists online before flying if you aren’t an expert. Having said all that I was fortunate to fly emirates first in February from Paris to Sydney and the standout wine for me was the Antinori Solaia. I don’t remember the vintage but it was an amazing wine.

[@jacquin8511]

Oh fun fact, many airports have non-obvious showers that are either fairly cheap or even free - I always check if I have a layover.

[@peterburlin8198]

Amazing idea for a video Konstantin! I guess its the name recognition that makes them serve Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, more than anything else, people who wanna be impressed get impressed. On the other hand, that name recognition is based on great wines and you didnt complain about sipping well aged Grand Cru Burgundy eh? How much was that ticket again?

[@anthrograd9245]

Mr Baum, you need to do this again… & again. A wonderful vid. Now you can trawl through more of the World’s airlines & rate their wine choices. Simples!

[@privatprivat9213]

I could not agree more! 🎉

[@hjemmeis]

Amazing video idea. Now it's time for restaurant Alchemist in Copenhagen with the Sommelier table wine pairing :) !

[@neltharia]

I travelled with Air New Zealand this year. Economy! ;-) I don't recall the specific wines, but remember them all being from NZ producers which I found a nice touch. They had a selection of 2 whites and 2 reds on each flight and all were a cut above the typical economy wine level. And the flight attendants knew what wines they are serving, which is not the norm. While I really enjoyed this, especially compared to other airlines, I guess most passengers don't really care as much as we do. I have also noticed most people ordering either "white" or "red".

[@morganost]

Just because it's you, this is not something that feels like a "just another day in first class" video! Never felt the need to ever go for a first class but maybe this is something id actually like and enjoy for the money. Good for you brother, seemed like a blast!

[@thomaslyons4973]

I had the latour 12 corton charlemagne when I had my one and only first class flight with Emirates last year. I had heard other people in the industry talk a lot of smack about that particular wine but I have to be honest, it was totally fantastic. Im glad you also had a similar experience. I will say when you're doing a very long trip that shower is amazing (I was close to 30 hours one way returning to Berlin from Australia)

[@glenn228]

Fabulous installment, Konstantin, thank you. It appears Emirates has set the bar for luxury air travel. Very much enjoy your channel, holler when you’re near Texas!

[@A2dy]

I was wondering when this video would eventually happen! Congrats!

[@andrzejkaczorowski9203]

Can you make a video about a dilema I have many times. Is it a better choice to buy a better wineyard but not so good vintage or a best year and worse wineyard? Let's say 2016 Barton vs 2011 Mouton. Also is it a better choice second label, great vintage premier cru vs first label worse vintage?

[@martintayler23]

You make me laugh Konstantin, a candid commentary from an Economy toilet!.....and then a superlative commentary from all the 1st class wines paired with some impressive food. A great video showcasing Emirates Airlines and their quality but also what it is like tasting wines at altitude and also on the ground. Looked like you had lots of fun.

[@PiotrMys]

I would have not hated this wine selection. I have a lot of the Chateau Giraud in my cellar, its an excellent quality wine for a quite decent price. I would have loved to try the Clos de Vougeot from Jadot in the skies, I loved it on the ground. I love this video, very very genuine and enjoyable

[@warichuser1]

Great review. Love the honest feedback about both the wines themselves and also the knowledge of the staff. Would be super easy to just praise everything given the wines 😅 in any case, sounded amazing!

[@hereforthebubbles]

Thank you for sharing, one of the funnest videos yet! Who knew you were such a great dancer 🤭

[@barrelvinewhiskeyandwine]

Once in a lifetime experience and you’re living it for us simple folks.

[@markcordwell2625]

What an amazing experience, thank you for taking me along with you.

[@ClimbMitBourbon]

Awesome idea mate. Thanks for doing this review.

[@crrizello5157]

What a great video. You make me want to fly on this airline. I'm saving my points, so maybe someday!

[@adjusted-bunny]

The Dubai Lounge looks more like a canteen compared to Zurich.

[@jacquin8511]

Loved this, lots of fun. I'm soon to fly "Premium Economy" with Air NZ (forced choice due to circumstances) and despite my annoyance at having to spend extra money I'm actually really interested to see how the service differs. I'm a Kiwi and absolutely think Air NZ has an impressive service even in economy, so let's see... I ALWAYS ask to see the bottle before deciding, even in economy.

[@ihsrosary]

Great video as always. Instead of doing a same day turnaround, I just can't figure out why you didn't stay at least One Night in Bangkok?

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

No time unfortunately

[@barath4545]

Konstantin, when filming panning shot like the one over the dutyfree wines, please use a higher FPS or it gets blurry as here. Or maybe its YT that defaults it down to 30FPS, IDK, but I know you can upload in 60 FPS when videos contain stuff like that. On the video - Thanks for doing this, from a wine perspective, always wondered and follow(ed) other YTers doing plane reviews but they rarily even show the wines consumed.

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

I agree!

[@JobJakra]

I'm your Thai fan! Welcome to Bangkok even for a short time. Next time try Korean Air, it has a wine selection from 2019 World's Best Sommelier, Marc Almert. There are quite a variety of wine like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or even wine Grüner Veltliner from Austria if I remember correctly.

[@MDL-lw9my]

Outstanding content! You deserve it sir! Cheers 🥂

[@BMason1313]

Fantastic video - I love travel and wine so this is right up my alley!

[@dmac13]

I flew Qantas business class for my honeymoon and had the shock of my life when the champagne they served was the exact one we served at our wedding - Jacquart Brut Mosaique NV

[@LluckyStrikee]

I rarely enjoy a youtube video (let alone being 20+ mins) this much, thank you for sharing the experience, I was glued to the screen, especially for the second half :) btw I read somewhere you've been to Tokaj recently and are making a video of it, is it true? when can the video be expected?

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Thank you! In 2 weeks

[@creosl]

So much effort and money for making a video on a topic most people on earth dont care about.

[@gillima20]

So envious. Great video but what about the Lynch Bages v Loeville Barton 2008 match-up?

[@jamesb.walker9177]

Really great idea! Super nice, arguably one of the most interesting wine videos arround... Cheers!

[@itsmederek1]

As somebody currently finishing up a thesis on energy transition I am HIGHLY skeptical of carbon offsets for flights, however I checked out that site atmosfair and it looks very cool. They break everything down very nicely and also are big into double carbon use and E-kerosine which is a much less fishy thing than standard forest conservation.

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Thanks for sharing

[@nickyang1143]

You deserve it with all your hard work

[@welshtoro3256]

That was completely crazy Konstantin. What a ride. On a serious note, I do agree that the staff ought to know a little bit about the wine or even have written guide with some basic answers. I don't know what wine they serve on my frequent trips with a couple of well known Budget airlines. Pretty awful plonk I guess and I can't bare to drink out of plastic cups.

[@roybackhouse117]

You can repeat on the BKK HKG route for less than $500! They also serve Paradis cognac too!

[@mcengizhanozmen]

Another amazing video, Konstantin! Great stuff! Turkish Airlines serves wines in stemless Riedel glasses. I can't decide which I prefer.

[@JonasK-vk3nu]

This is your top 1 video so far. Richtig geil :)

[@maguro008]

2016 Haut Baitailley, with Krug 171, Gevrey Chambertin 2015 on ANA first, plus some amazing sakes.

[@seanlukecorroon]

Dubai just approved their first brewery for beer locally so things are rapidly changing and have been since 2018.

[@jorgenwiik1973]

Emirates 1 class from Stockholm to Seycelles i had Cristal Rose -96 (6 glasses 😲 )

[@BT1BOY]

I asked for this video in a comment on the ALDI video back in August 2024 and it came true !!

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Merry Christmas!

[@schmup53]

Fascinating video, K. Thank you!

[@oscarcastellanos3496]

What a crazy experience!!!! Loved it!!

[@chemepharmd76]

Wine and travel - two of my favorite things! 🍷 ✈️

[@finest_vintage_spirits]

Amazing video and idea! I enjoyed viewing very much !! 👏

[@KonstantinBaumMasterofWine]

Thank you very much!

[@david2a]

Too bad about the Vega Sicilia Unico. I had the 2012 earlier this year and it was incredible. Flew Iberia in business (there is no first class) from LAX to Madrid about a year ago and wine list was middling. At last the seats folded flat!

[@sampalladio9122]

Comme d’habitude … we luv u . Herr Baum

[@fredericperrin3279]

I haven't flow First very often, so can't really comment. In Business, the wine goes from mediocre to really nice. I have some really good experiences, usually the best wines are from Bordeaux. I totally agree that the crew typically knows nothing about wine, even at the best airlines. Worse, the wine is often served at the wrong time (e.g I get my steak but the red only gets served after I finished it or the meat is then cold). Ultimately, the best wine tends to be at home, but long flights are boring, so having a nice glass with some half decent food feels pretty good.

[@jamesfearing9459]

Does the handling and vibration affect the wine’s taste? I have experienced that it does, but I only have experience with truck transported wines. I typically allow 2 weeks or more before opening. Maybe jet travel is smoother.

[@RJHHamersma]

Really great experience !!! Loved your story. But, only DP ? They are known for more champagnes ? But agree also on your remarks about offering more different regions !

[@christianbayerstein5243]

Emirates always goes for the bling bling factor that means for the big names. The have an exclusive partnership with LVMH for their Champagne in all classes, no other airlines is allowed to serve an LVMH Champagne brand in the air. Emirates wants to shine as a luxury airline, they don't really care about the quality, but the wine must be well known and expensive.

[@davidb6635]

Frequent flyer tip - when you’re done with the caviar, you can ask for another!

[@Elegreba]

Emirates served Vega Sicilia Unico from Dubai to Vienna in First when I flew earlier this year. First time ever I said no to an offer to refill my glass of Dom Perignon, and instead had half a bottle of the VSU for myself 🍷

[@rickwezenaar]

nice one, konstantin!

[@yetnotdead9135]

now this is a unique video idea! really enjoyed it

[@WilsonCastleman]

I think Japan Airlines first class still wins for having Salon. I had the 07 when I flew with them a couple years back.

[@bugsygoo]

This was great! I wonder if they had to wheel you out of the plane at the end🤣🥂🍷🍾

[@seboTwo]

Sehr dekadente Art und Weise für ein Wine Tasting 👍🏼

[@simonlee-plunket5005]

I'm curious about the logistics of their distribution! To have aged selections in so many international locations is fascinating.

[@ajpmuk]

Best wine was Stag’s Leap Chardonnay (Napa Valley) on Emirates between UK and Dubai on Business Class

[@carlcadregari7768]

What a treat. And a wonderful way to live a bit vicariously through your experience. Thank you.

[@terryhsiao1745]

hope for more airline wine review!

[@INSIGHTSAU]

Great video! More like this please.

[@donaldshelton1720]

Had a chateau Bucastle CND was great with slow cooked beef.

[@andrewkerr9750]

What a great review

[@inyobill]

I was comped glss of wine from the premium end of the aircraft once. I can vouch that Lufthansa at least on that flight was serving better wine up front.

[@Ildskalli]

You’re insane, Konstantin. Did you really fly all the way to Bangkok to just fly back!? I was expecting you to attend a meeting or symposium there, or at least spend a few days sightseeing. But then again, you’re willing to taste €2 ALDI swill and Chinese Great Wall, so I guess your commitment to wine tasting borders on that of a martyr 🤣 If you ever make some channel merch, you should definitely do a shirt with a picture of you mimicking Che Guevara and the slogan “Hasta las notas de cata, siempre”, I’d buy that in a heartbeat. We salute you, you insane wine-tasting machine 🫡

[@GeorgeDaymondLush]

One of your best

[@terryhsiao1745]

chevenots and fieuzel, i love both from different years :)

[@WojciechR]

Hi Konstantin, an awesome video! I had a chance to fly FC Emirates once in my life, and the entire wine experience was great, incl. Riesling from Robert Weil or Don Melchor 2015 however none of the above can beat the highlight: that they were serving on that particular flight DP 2003 P2 - what a treat! Cheers! Wojtek

[@oldsambo]

Crazy idea but fantastic video

[@FraserBarry]

Best experience was Qatar Business on a flight from Melbourne to Doha.

[@paulmassey5938]

Superb review and spot on . I fly long haul in Business Class whenever possible and the top airlines are generous and good choices . British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are much more adventurous in choosing wines rather than famous labels. For me the type of glasses have an impact on the experience. Qatar my favourite. Love your videos but no more dancing please 😂🤣

[@niftyorca]

Now time to try JAL's first class wines including a Salon Champagne 🍾

[@atamo4323]

Most Japanese airlines have great service and food/drinks

[@utu1124]

How did the battle between Lynch-Bages 2008 and Leoville-Barton 2008 end?

[@FridayFishFacts]

Such a cool experience!