Andy Devaney
When someone with Jessie Rodriguez’s pedigree starts talking about wine, even people who’ve never swirled a glass at 40,000 feet tend to perk up. And whether you’re a seasoned traveller, a holiday-maker chasing sunshine, or simply someone who enjoys a good bottle now and then, his latest wine recommendations deserve your attention.
Rodriguez isn’t just any sommelier. He’s a two-time James Beard semifinalist, the former Head Sommelier of The French Laundry—yes, that French Laundry—and now the resident sommelier for Magellan Jets, where he curates the bottles served to passengers who expect the good life delivered neatly into an aircraft cabin.
“Magellan Jets’ discerning golfers value high quality like no other,” said Rodriguez “so we carefully selected a diverse yet engaging collection of wines to ensure there’s something for everyone at 40,000 feet.”
That’s the beauty of his approach: these bottles aren’t only for golfers hopping between championship venues. They’re for anyone who wants their travel to feel less like endurance and more like living well.
Rodriguez focuses on balanced acidity, ripe fruit and structure—qualities that don’t wilt under the drier, pressurised conditions of a cabin. Up there, sweetness hides, fruit goes shy, and even the most approachable wine can suddenly start acting sharp-elbowed.
At high altitude, cabin pressure and low humidity skew perception. Sweetness and fruitiness fade. Tannins and acidity take the spotlight. A plush red on the ground? In the sky, it may bite. Add the dulled senses caused by dry air, and the entire flavour landscape shifts.
Rodriguez gets this better than most. He’s known globally for pairing wines and champagnes—which hold their complexity far better than many expect—with the kind of food Magellan Jets passengers are lucky enough to enjoy. Bold flavours, strong acidity, balanced sweetness: those are his pillars.
Below is his full roster of recommendations—crafted for private jet setters, yes, but equally suited to anyone who wants to elevate their next long-haul, staycation dinner, or even Tuesday night.
Rodriguez’s Top Picks
Champagne
Bruno Paillard, Nec Plus Ultra – A rare gem with only eight vintages ever released. Magellan Jets clients are regularly “wowed.”
Charles Ellner, Brut Rosé – A refreshing, crowd-pleasing rosé Champagne that overdelivers and isn’t easy to get hold of—always a good sign.
White
Riesling – Voltage-high acidity and a perfect dance between sweetness and minerality. Rodriguez highlights Karthäuserhof “Bruno” (Mosel) and Dönnhoff “Slate” (Nahe)—two German powerhouses.
Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, citrusy, and lively. Try Ride from Napa Valley or Domaine Didier Dagueneau Blanc Fumé de Pouilly Fumé from France.
Chardonnay – From steely minerality to buttery richness, take your pick. In California: Hudson Vineyards “Ladybug Vineyard.” In Burgundy: Domaine Roulot Bourgogne Blanc.
Red
Beaujolais – Gamay at its vibrant best. Bright fruit, soft tannins—ideal in dry cabins or cosy living rooms. Look for Château Thivin (Côte de Brouilly) or Marcel Lapierre (Morgon).
Pinot Noir – Elegant and precise, from Oregon, Burgundy or California. Rodriguez points to Royal Prince (Sta. Rita Hills), Cowhorn and Johan Vineyards (Oregon), and Maison Champy (Burgundy).
Syrah – Black pepper, dark fruit, olives, savoury depth. For the big-fruit approach: Lewis Cellars Syrah. For earth and complexity: Alain Graillot’s Crozes-Hermitage.
Cabernet-Based – High-altitude Cabernets shine in the air, giving structure without overwhelming sweetness. Favourites include KHK Wines (Napa), Perchance Estates (Beckstoffer To-Kalon and George III fruit).
Golfers may be the ones thanking Rodriguez for elevating their time in the air, but truth be told, anyone with a pulse and a palate will appreciate the way he brings clarity to the world of wine.
Whether you’re flying across continents or settling in on the sofa after a long week, these bottles are built to deliver. And who knows—maybe your next glass will spark a little magic of its own.
