Back from Germany wanting Canadian wine.
February 20, 2010On Wednesday, I returned safely from a wonderful holiday in Germany. As a true Aggie, throughout my travels I found myself thinking of agricultural differences between Germany and home. It was in the plane, however, where I found myself most compelled to blog about agriculture.
I flew with Air Canada to and from Germany. As a major Olympic sponsor, Air Canada planes and staff are covered with Olympic logos, colours, information, etc. For many international Olympic guests, Air Canada is the official Canadian “welcoming staff” it seems. Great. I think it’s great to see the airline embrace some extra patriotic spirit this month. The warm feelings ended at dinner when I couldn’t help feeling put off that dinner was being served with FRENCH WINE?!?!?
Ummm. Problem.
Jackson-Triggs is proud to be the Official Wine Sponsor of Vancouver 2010.
I am no wine snob but there seems to be something inherently contradictory about flashing Canadian and Olympic pride only not to choose serving Canadian wine. Canadians produce great wine and there are thousands of VQA-only drinkers because of it. I mean, there is even an official Olympic Wine Sponsor!!
It was disappointing to say the least seeing Air Canada choose to serve a French wine rather than fully embrace Olympic pride with Canadian wine on its flights. I felt like they were being hypocritical. You’re proud to be Canadian and of the Olympics – but not proud of Canadian wine? Not impressed Air Canada.
Last night it felt great to open a bottle of Ontario white wine and savour the “there’s no place like home” feeling. If I was an airline, I’d be serving Canadian wine.
Stef, I feel your pain on this one. I’ve never heard a good explanation for why Air Canada does this, other than archaic and vague references to unreliable supplies.
I’m mot sure how Air Canada can justify bragging about serving Second Cup coffee, but not Canadian wine. Isn’t the supply of domestic Canadian wine more assured than imported coffee?
FYI, I flew Jet Airways to Belgium and back for the IFAJ congress. Jet served Chilean wine. In Belgium, at the final banquet, the Belgians served California wine. A truly international experience!
That said, I look forward to our 2011 organizing committee offering IFAJ guests Canadian wine. Any suggestions?