American Airlines’ announcement that it will sell wines through its Flagship Cellars program made the business news circuit. It must have been a slow day, as even CNN andFox Business picked it up as if it were a big deal.
Well, this is neither big nor all that newsworthy. It is just another subscription box sales pitch. And no, a laid off flight attendant or crew member is not likely to personally deliver the wine to your door.
The Flagship Cellars Wine Program is powered by vinesse which has been in the wine subscription box business since 1993.
Furthermore, for many years vinesse which is headquartered in Southern California, has been fulfilling wine clubs for not only American Airlines but also for Delta and United Airlines before this announcement. Indeed, vinesse also goes by the name of American Cellars Wine Club.
The one real bit of news is that the quality level of wines in American’s Flagship Cellars is a big step up from vinesse’s usual selection. I regularly receive teaser offers from vinesse for 6 bottles for $29.99, but once you get past the teaser, the wines are not that exceptional nor are they bargains by any means. Vinesse also powered the NRA’s wine club. Make of that what you will.
The short list from American’s Flagship Cellars consists of real wines, not private brands. It offers Chardonnays from Trefethen and MacRostie and Truchard and a couple of good Oregon Pinot Noirs. There’s a Hall Merlot and the Jaboulet Beaume de Venise is quite unusual. Most other reds are above average in quality. But the Champagnes are wonderful. Both Deutz and Moutard are among my all-time FAVS.
So the deal is if you subscribe, you get miles as well as wine. A three-bottle monthly subscription costs $100.
If not a member, you can buy a case and it will ship free. And that’s my strong suggestion.
Go to http://www.vinesse.com/afc
If you see a favorite in the list at a reasonable price, go for it and buy a case with free shipping.
However, this “news story” does raise a few questions.
First, does anyone need miles this badly? Maybe these are the best wines served during some flights, but where are the wines being stored since the pandemic reduced flights and drinking during a flight?
Does American Airlines really have a sommelier leading a team that tastes 2000 wines a year? If so that’s not many wines and yes, I’d take the job without the team.
Finally, is pushing a wine club to unload wine really an innovative response to falling revenues? One business report said American estimated this program will add $40,000-$50,000 during the first quarter. Woopie!
If that’s the best you can do, why not donate the wines to some worthy cause or charity wine auction for first responders?
Not that would truly qualify as a breaking news story.
Norm Roby's Unfiltered Guide to Savvy Wine Shopping 