Le Grand Courtage Debuts Onboard Virgin America

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Le Grand Courtage, a distinctive, award-winning sparkling wine that offers a French elegance, combined with American appeal, announced today its budding "courtship" with Virgin America. 

In February 2014, Le Grand Courtage, a new French sparkling wine company owned by Tawnya Falkner, will debut onboard Virgin America.  The California-based airline, which was named "Best Domestic Airline" in both Travel + Leisure's 2013 'World's Best' Awards,' as well as Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards for the sixth year in a row, will offer 187ml bottles of Le Grand Courtage Grande Cuvee, Blanc de Blancs, to its onboard portfolio of award-winning wines.

Le Grand Courtage, which can also be found in Vino Volo's airport wine bars around the U.S., will also be available in the Virgin America Loft at Los Angeles International Airport. 

"We're very pleased to offer our discerning guests an innovative sparkling wine like Le Grand Courtage," said Rob Gallagher, Manager of In-flight Catering at Virgin America.  

This stand-out French sparkling wine has a dry, crisp, yet fruit forward character, which creates a "balanced" wine that is quickly becoming known as the "go-to bubbly" by wine enthusiasts.  This enormously versatile sparkler is very cuisine and cocktail friendly, and pairs well with an array of foods, including smoked Gouda, a vegetable plantain salad or popcorn with sea salt and caramel, all of which can currently be found on Virgin America's in-flight food menu.

In addition to its distinctive taste, the appeal of Le Grand Courtage ("the great courtship") lies in its timeless, yet contemporary packaging and its philosophy, 'EMBRACE LIFE. DREAM BIG. ACCEPT ALL INVITATIONS', which is imprinted on every bottle.  The brand's goal is to change the luxury, special occasion mentality of 'champagne' by offering an elegant yet affordable French sparkler that is tres chic and perfect for holidays, weddings and most importantly, life's every day simple moments.

In celebration of the brand's expansion, and to 'share the love' for Valentine's, Le Grand Courtage is launching a "Getaway Giveaway" Sweepstakes valued at over $1500 through their website, Facebook page, Twitter and selected retailers across the U.S. through March 15^th. 

"We are proud to be part of the Virgin America experience as our company philosophies of traveling the unconventional route are similar," said Tawnya Falkner, owner of Le Grand Courtage, "When I took the leap a few years ago and moved to France, I envisioned creating strategic partnerships with companies like Virgin America. I knew it would offer an opportunity for exposure to discerning customers who would appreciate the French elegance, American appeal and exceptional value offered by Le Grand Courtage."

Le Grand Courtage and Virgin America each provide an elevated experience, reminding travelers of the importance of finding joy in their journey—both in the air and in life.

ABOUT LE GRAND COURTAGE

Tawnya Falkner, the owner of Le Grand Courtage, took the leap at the age of 36 and gave up her career as a designer/real estate developer in San Francisco and moved to Burgundy, France to follow her passion relating to travel, food & making wine. 

Long ago, when a boat left on a long voyage, it was referred to as a "courtage".  These wines are about the negotiations as we journey through life.  Meaning "the Great Courtship", this wine is a "courtship" between French and American wine culture, the old and new world, grapes from different terroirs, and it is the "courtship" of life and love.

Le Grand Courtage is a tres chic French bubbly which is ideal for special occasions and all the everyday moments in between.  Cuisine and cocktail friendly, it offers a French elegance combined with American appeal.  The philosophy 'Embrace Life. Dream Big. Accept All Invitations' is intended to excite and inspire people to live their most effervescent life.

Launched in mid-2011, Le Grand Courtage is a flourishing new brand, now in 20 states and expanding into China, Sweden and soon Canada.  The brand has received numerous awards such as Best of Show and 91 points at Los Angeles International Wine Competition, Double Gold at WSWA and Gold & Silver medals at international competitions.

Related Links:
Le Grand Courtage Website
Le Grand Courtage Facebook

Image with caption: "Image of all Le Grand Courtage product skus." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140129/SF54876-a

Image with caption: "Le Grand Courtage Logo." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140129/SF54876-b

Image with caption: "Virgin America Logo." Image available at: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140129/SF54876-c

SOURCE Le Grand Courtage