Grapes on a Plane! Wine Flights Give Travelers a Unique Taste of California's Best

HOUSTON, April 9, 2008  /PRNewswire/ -- As airlines tighten their belts, many skimp on or eliminate in-flight food and beverages. But travel connoisseurs can still thrill their taste buds, if they pick the right airline.

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"By thinking outside the wine box, we provide an enjoyable and delicious experience for customers," said Tim Baldwin, a senior catering manager with ExpressJet Airlines.  http://www.xjet.com/

ExpressJet customers can purchase Chameleon Cellars' unique blends of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Lake County Sauvignon Blanc in single serving containers for $3. http://www.chameleoncellars.com/

"We did not settle for what was commonly available in the aviation industry," Baldwin said. "Our Chameleon Cellars offerings are specially blended for us from the Country's most notable grape-producing regions."

ExpressJet's Chameleon Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc also were hand selected to pair with its in-flight meals and appetizers. Customers receive complementary meals of cheese and cracker appetizers and gourmet sandwiches and wraps with fresh vegetables and dipping sauces.

Chameleon Cellars head wine maker, Jeff Popick, has even joined ExpressJet customers on wine flights. Popick teaches viticulture & winery technology at Las Positas College, is the North Coast Field Representative for Allied Grape Growers, and writes a weekly viticulture column for the St. Helena Star. Popick talked about the intricacies of good wine, shared a wine maker's secrets, and discussed ExpressJet's selections and their pairings with in-flight meals.

"Two of California's best grape-growing regions are Napa Valley and Lake County," Popick said. "The bright fruit, balanced acidity, and birth place of grapes in ExpressJet's Chameleon Cellars blends matches well with their foods and provides customers with an unparalleled wine and food experience."

Baldwin said the attention ExpressJet paid to wine, beverage and food selections is only a small taste of the airline's overall commitment to a quality experience for customers.

"We have had wine and cheese events with Chameleon Cellars, wine giveaways and promotions. With the size of the jets we fly, we can create an experience a little more like dining at home," Baldwin said.

By constantly looking for ways to elevate the travel experience, ExpressJet Airlines offers non-stop flights to popular destinations across the Southeast and Western U.S.  For more information or to book your next enjoyable getaway, visit http://www.xjet.com/. 

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DATASOURCE: ExpressJet Airlines



CONTACT:  Kristy Nicholas, [phone]



Web site:  http://www.xjet.com/

http://www.expressjet.com/

http://www.chameleoncellars.com/ 

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