Airports now offer some great wine selections, giving you a chance to create your own wine tasting before you take flight. We’ve partnered with Arizona-based Susan Lanier-Graham of Wander With Wonder, a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist who’s always on the lookout for a great glass of vino, to find some places to sip before you fly.
I love a great glass of wine. I enjoy trying new wines and exploring wine tasting rooms. I have found some real gems during my travels. But to be able to sample great food and wine in airports is a relatively new concept. Both brilliant and long overdue in my opinion. Here are a few of my favorite airport wine experiences.
Airport Wines in Long Beach
I’m a big Long Beach fan. It has a fun vibe that surprises many first time visitors. I love that you can find a lot of the local hangouts at the LGB airport. One of those is 4th Street Vine, a local hangout that features boutique wines and local craft brews. I am thrilled that I can have one more glass of wine before I get on my plane when I fly out of Long Beach.
4th Street Vine at LGB. Photo courtesy Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
While you can’t get the live music at the airport location of 4th Street Vine, you can opt for a great selection of wines and take your glass outside — yes, into the actual open air after you’ve cleared security — to enjoy wine in the SoCal air while waiting on your flight. This takes airport wine to a whole new height.
Sip wine on the patio in Long Beach Airport. Photo courtesy Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau
Airport Wine by the Glass or Bottle at The Farmers Market at LAX
Before the days of 3-ounce liquid limits, one of my favorite souvenirs when I traveled was a bottle of local wine. It’s a great way to take home a part of your travels and save them for a rainy day. However, I feel less inclined to buy wine when I must pack it in my checked baggage — especially since I often only travel with carry-on bags. Problem solved with places like The Farmers Market at LAX, where I can try wines by the glass and purchase a full bottle.
The Farmers Market at LAX. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Located in Terminal 5, The Farmers Market at LAX is a smaller version of the 80-year-old Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles. The Farmers Market includes ¡Loteria! Grill, Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market and Bistro, T&Y Bakery, Coffee Corner and more. I love to sample whatever ¡Loteria! Grill is serving up for the day. You can then purchase a bottle of California wine and carry it on the airplane with you. As long as you aren’t going back through TSA anywhere, you can take the wine with you and not worry about it in the airplane’s cargo hold.
Sip Bubbles at Tom Bradley International Terminal
If you are in the international terminal at LAX — or have a long layover and want to walk over to the international terminal — stop by Petrossian Caviar & Champagne Bar for caviar and bubbles.
Petrossian Caviar and Champagne Bar at LAX. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Petrossian was founded by two Armenian brothers in Paris in the 1920s, introducing caviar to the world. Since then, it has become one of the premier providers of the delicacy. The bar in the LAX international terminal provides the perfect way to wait for your international flight. A glass of champagne and caviar is the ideal way to celebrate before jetting away to Hong Kong or Berlin. If you don’t like caviar, don’t worry. They also offer a great list of other small bites.
Gnational Gnomads Tip: You can find more great airport wine at Vino Volo, located at airports across the US and in Vancouver, Canada. You can sample wines from around the world, nibble on small plates, find lunch and dinner and get free Wi-Fi.
Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar in Phoenix
I live in Phoenix and was a huge fan of Cheuvront Restaurant & Wine Bar when it was located in downtown Phoenix. I almost cried when the restaurant closed. So, I was thrilled when it opened in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Cheuvront Restaurant and Wine Bar at PHX. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Cheuvront is outside security, so you can stop there after a flight before you head to your hotel. However, don’t be afraid to visit before dashing through security, or to leave security if you have a flight delay or a long layover. There’s a convenient board right outside the restaurant that tells you how long it should take you to get through security, taking the guesswork out of TSA.
The seating at Cheuvront is comfortable and you can choose from a selection of domestic and international wines. I’ve had some great Oregon Pinot Noirs at the restaurant and they offer lovely French rosé selections or whites for every taste. The wait staff will be able to help you if you aren’t sure what you want. You can also choose from a selection of small bites and cheese options.
Lounges Serve Great Airport Wines
Another option that travelers might not consider is booking a day pass at an airport or airline lounge for a wine experience, if you find yourself with a lengthy layover. I travel a lot and purchase an annual pass with American Airlines’ Admirals Club. I recommend purchasing a club pass for the airline you fly most often if you are a frequent flier. However, don’t fret if you aren’t a member. If you find yourself delayed or with a long layover, you can usually purchase a day pass at most airline club lounges for approximately $35-55. The variety of wines available, included in the admission price, is quite impressive. Premium wines and liquors are available at an additional cost.
YU Lounge in St. Kitts. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
There are a few outstanding private lounges around the world that are available for a fee. One of those is the YU Lounge at St. Kitts, which I had the opportunity to visit on a trip to Nevis in the Caribbean. Not only is the YU Lounge a great place to sip great wines both before and after a flight, it goes above and beyond. When you book the YU Lounge experience, for $150 per person, they meet you at the plane, whisk you away in a private vehicle, gather your luggage and clear customs for you — all while you sit in the private lounge, eating gourmet food prepared by the chefs and sipping champagne. This takes airport wines to a whole new level.
Sipping Moët and Chandon in YU Lounge. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
With so many great options for airport wines, why not create your own tasting and sip in style before you fly!
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