Just thinking about a recent Southwest experience that probably wouldn't happen at many other companies…I got an email inviting me to a wine tasting on the second floor of our building. Free wine… sure I'll be there… but why me? Ah-ha…to make sure our onboard wine selection holds true to the Southwest brand. Who will be there besides me…in case I need a ride home…a few officers (not cops), a few directors, managers, specialists, coordinators and of course, a lawyer…the makings of a Southwest Airlines party…I can definitely attend.
Ever thought about what goes into the wine selection for Southwest Airlines flights? If you're a true connoisseur of fine wine, your answer probably is …not much… I'm a novice at best when it comes to wine but I know I can distinguish an Opus One from a Boone's Farm and I'm proud and sad to say I've had them both…Keep in mind the wine must come in a miniature bottle and have a screw off top…oh no…not another Strawberry Hill experience… it's been 32 years since my last …I'm 48… you do the math.
Much to my surprise, there were 32 varieties of wines to taste….Chardonnay, Merlot (is the T silent?), Cabernet Whatever (not really, I just can't spell savenjeon), and (yuk) White Zin… which I refused to consume. So take out the 3 White Zins and that leaves you 29 bottles of wine on the wall…they pour about 2 - 3 ounces per taste…87 ounces of wine…two-thirds of a gallon… and then I'm supposed to meet a friend for a drink later…I'll need that ride and I'm sleeping in on Saturday morning.
As the afternoon went on…did I mention this started at 4 (p.m.)…everyone got pretty funny…even the lawyer…better be careful…When we finished and were of sound body and mind, we discussed our final rankings. To be consistent with our brand, we needed a wine of good quality and, of course, one that is inexpensive (if you want expensive, use the money you save flying Southwest and indulge).
One label finished first or second in the red and white categories and to our delight, the Vendange (pronounced "Von-donj") Cabernet Whatever and Chardonnay met our price requirements. So don't worry, our wine selection won't lead us to raise your air fares…if only choosing jet fuel was as easy…hmm, some of the stuff tasted like jet fuel …oh yes, we have stopped serving White Zin. Now, when is that vodka tasting?
Comments
Great blog entry Richard. As an "Adult Beverage" connoisseur, I was sad to hear that
Southwest will not carry Crown Royal anymore. The reason I was told is that they are
changing the shape of their bottles and it will not fit in the drink trays. Has someone contacted
them and told Crown Royal how much money they would be losing not having Southwest
as a Customer. I know I have spent a pretty penny on Southwest Flights purchasing
Crown Royal. If you ever have a "Liqour Tasting" to replace Crown, please put my name
at the top of the list.
You are a very funny drunk. Really.
Did you happen to be drinking out of a ladies shoe? ;)
From what I was told by a very reputable source higher up in the company is Crown Royal feels that their brand is "big enough" and doesn't need the promotion via mini-bottles that cost them quite a bit to produce so they are doing away with them and we will be receiving Maker's Mark onboard instead. I don't drink the stuff myself but I have heard that Maker's Mark is a better blended whiskey anyways. Even better...cheap fares, premium liquor!!!
Maker's Mark, huh? Pretty good stuff.
I agree with Joe -- The "chair dance" says it all...
Speaking of dances, I remember something along those lines about Joe, too...
CZ
The decision to remove Crown Royal as a Customer offering was based on; as with all product onboard SWA flights;
Customer Service from the vendor, distribution, pricing, availability, and SWA fit.
Makers Mark is a great Kentucky Bourbon. However, that means two bourbons (Makers and Wild Turkey). Does Herb know that his beloved "Wild" will have competition? And while I am a Bourbon man, my wife is very dissapointed that the White Zin is gone.
Where did the blog by the SWA flight attendant go??? Was it sanitized/removed for some reason??! I thought it was a great article!
Matt,
The posts stay active on the home page for about two weeks, then they roll to the archives. Carole's post in still here, it is under "Working at Southwest" and "Flying." You're right, it is a great article, and we will be posting more from Carole soon.
Brian
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