Departing from Auckland airport at 12:00pm on January 31st, the world’s first winery airline will see guests board the Invivo Air Saab 340 plane and enjoy a guided eight-step wine-tasting at 18,000ft. Led by Invivo Co-Founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, the winery in the sky experience includes an expertly paired selection of local Kiwi snacks with tasting pours from the full award-winning Invivo range including Invivo, Graham Norton wines and Invivo X, SJP wines; a range of low and no-alcohol options will be on offer too. Onboard entertainment will also be provided, with a curated playlist compiled by Invivo Cofounder Rob, who is also lead guitarist of a local Kiwi band (Razorback Road).
Two hours after take-off, Invivo Air will start making its descent into Queenstown which is home to arguably one of the most scenic airports in the world. With views of dramatic alpine ranges of the Remarkables to the crystal-clear Lake Wakitipu, it’s the perfect airside introduction to the South Island’s jaw dropping landscapes and unique wine growing region.
Upon arrival, guests are decanted to ‘Legend’s Terrace’ – one of Invivo’s oldest vineyards in Central Otago – for a tour and tasting, overlooking the stunning vistas of Bannockburn and Felton Road.
Invivo, which is famous for producing award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir from New Zealand as well as its collaborations with Graham Norton and Sarah Jessica Parker, will offer a selection of Pinot Noir to guests to taste, as they savour the lush winery surroundings.
In the evening, attendees will enjoy a lavish Winemakers’ dinner at Botswana Butchery in central Queenstown, who are opening the stunning space exclusively for Invivo Air. The bespoke experience is hosted by Invivo Co-Founder and Winemaker, Rob Cameron and Co-Founder Tim Lightbourne, and includes four-course meal cooked by the restaurant’s expert Chefs, featuring local produce including Bluff Oysters, matched to Invivo wines.
Guests will then stay overnight in lake-side rooms complete with stunning view, at the five-star Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa which boasts an indoor pool, fitness centre and day spa on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Rob Cameron, Co-Founder says, “Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lovers experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards.
“We’re thrilled to open Invivo Air to the public and deliver a truly unique experience for those that come on board. We’ll be tasting some stunning drops in some truly epic locations. So, wine not come fly with us and experience business class in every glass!”
Invivo Air’s launch comes off the back of successful new blends from the brand, including Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc made in collaboration with Invivo director Sarah Jessica Parker and a range of blends created with chat show host and wine aficionado, Graham Norton. Invivo is taking its famous, award-winning drops to new heights with Invivo Air, giving fans of the brand and wine lovers the opportunity to taste at altitude.
Invivo are planning to run future Invivo Air flights both domestically and internationally, and customers who miss out on tickets this time, or are interested in future Invivo Air flights, can register their interest and sign up for updates at Invivoair.com.
Invivo will be offsetting carbon emissions on behalf of every guest on the trip.
