Qantas has been recognised as having the Best First Class Cellar in the prestigious 2008 Cellars in the Sky Awards.

The airline also won the Best Business Class Sparkling award and a special award for Consistency of Wines Across Business and First, building upon the success of the airline in 2005 when it won the award for Best First and Business Class Wine List and in 2007 when it won the award for Most Original First Class Wine List.

Qantas Group General Manager Product and Services, Ms Lesley Grant, said the award, judged by a panel of wine experts for Business Traveller and Wine International magazines in London, recognised the airline's commitment to its inflight wine program and the quality of Australian wines.

"Qantas has been a strong and proud supporter of the Australian wine industry for many years," she said.

"Through the Qantas Wine Program, we showcase a large and diverse range of around 400 wines to our customers each year."

Ms Grant said Qantas engaged a panel of highly experienced industry judges that comprised Vanya Cullen, Stephen Pannell and Tom Carson, to evaluate the thousands of wines submitted to the airline each year.

"The Panel's expertise ensures we select the finest wines that suit our customer base in all travel classes and the inflight environment," Ms Grant said.

"By balancing brands, varieties and regions, the program is designed so that almost no two flights will carry exactly the same selection of wine.

"Qantas Cabin Crew are provided with sommelier training, and a Qantas Inflight Wine Guide, produced in association with Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine, is also provided to customers travelling in First and Business," she said.

The Qantas wines entered in the 2008 Cellars in the Sky Awards included:

First:
* Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires 1995
* PHI Pinot Noir 2005
* S.C. Pannell Shiraz Grenache 2005
* Hardy's Eileen Hardy Chardonnay 2005
* Penfold's Reserve Bin 05A Chardonnay 2005
* Morris Old Premium Liqueur Muscat NV

Business:
* Charles Heidsieck Mis en Cave 2003 NV
* Lillypilly Estate Noble Blend 2002
* Bleasdale Frank Potts 2004
* Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2004
* Killerby Chardonnay 2005
* Lenton Brae Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2007