Wines from Domaine de Long Dai, the Chinese winery established by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), will be served in Cathay Pacific’s first and business class cabins this summer as part of the airline’s push to showcase emerging wine regions and elevate Chinese fine wines on the international stage.
From July through September 2025, the 2021 vintage of Long Dai will be available in first class on all long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes. This year, in addition to its grand vin, Hu Yue, the winery’s second label, will make its debut in business class, rotating alongside other wines as part of the airline’s Discovery Wine Series, which highlights lesser-known premium wines from around the world.
This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between Domaine de Long Dai and Cathay Pacific. The collaboration reflects both sides’ focus on quality and a shared effort to promote Chinese terroir globally.
“We are pleased to continue this journey with Cathay Pacific and share with travellers from across the globe the distinctive identity of the Qiu Shan Valley and the broader Shandong Peninsula,” said Charles Tretenaere, managing director of Domaine de Long Dai. “This partnership is not only a celebration of fine winemaking, but also a meaningful recognition of China’s emerging place on the world wine map.”
Located in Penglai, Shandong province, Domaine de Long Dai was founded in 2008 as part of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)’s international strategy. The estate spans the Qiu Shan Valley and produces high-end wines. On Alibaba’s Tmall Supermarket, a bottle of Long Dai retails for RMB 2,451.62 (USD 337), while Hu Yue sells for RMB 1,237.62 (USD 170).
Cathay Pacific began its Discovery Wine Series in 2020 to introduce passengers to boutique wines not commonly found in global markets. In 2024, the airline began featuring Chinese wines in first and business class.
For the summer 2025 rotation, three other Chinese wines will join Hu Yue in business class:
- Helan Qingxue Jia Bei Lan Estate Red 2019 (Ningxia)
- Puchang Vineyard Saperavi 2017 (Turpan Basin, Xinjiang)
- Mystic Island Yihu Chardonnay Reserve 2022 (Penglai)
“At Cathay Pacific, we understand that wine behaves differently at 30,000 feet,” said Ronald Khoo, the airline’s wine, spirits and beverages manager. “We look for wines that maintain their expression inflight — and both Long Dai and Hu Yue perform beautifully, with richness, balance, and aromatic clarity that stand up to the cabin environment.”
Khoo said China’s vast wine regions and growing focus on sustainability also align with the airline’s values.
“China is rapidly becoming a significant player in the global wine industry, and it is growing in a responsible way,” he said. “We found that many vineyards are already strategising how to scale up while keeping sustainability at the forefront.”
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