Coasties who love both travel and wine are in for a treat.

Air New Zealand is set to launch its own wine label, Thirteen Forty Five, a tribute to its historic first flight from Auckland to Sydney in 1940.

The new label will be available exclusively to Air New Zealand customers, with a special focus on celebrating New Zealand’s rich winemaking heritage.

The name Thirteen Forty Five pays homage to the original trans-Tasman flight distance of 1,345 miles, first navigated by Air New Zealand’s predecessor, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL).

This inaugural flight paved the way for a new era in travel, connecting New Zealanders to Australia and, eventually, to destinations worldwide.

In collaboration with the renowned Marlborough-based winemaker Villa Maria, Thirteen Forty Five will feature a sauvignon blanc and a pinot noir.

According to Air New Zealand, both wines have been expertly crafted with altitude in mind, ensuring a rich flavour profile for travellers to enjoy at 30,000 feet.

Kylie McGillivray-Brown, General Manager for Customer Experience, describes it as a thoughtful process: “This wasn’t about simply putting our label on a bottle. We’ve worked closely with Indevin’s expert winemakers to craft these unique blends, providing an exclusive experience for our customers.”

Beginning in March, the wines will be offered in Premium Economy and Air New Zealand lounges, as well as on the Airpoints Store.

For a limited time, guests on select domestic flights will also be able to enjoy Thirteen Forty Five during the airline’s Koru Hour.