Qatar Airways Partners With Wine Spectator For Seventh Annual Chill Event In Chicago

CHICAGO, Nov. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Seventh Annual CHILL Event, presented by LuxeHome and Wine Spectator, was in full swing in downtown Chicago last evening. The international wine and culinary gathering took over The Merchandise Mart with a sold-out crowd of over 3,000 people. Attendees sampled dishes from 40 top chefs and over 150 premium wines, including those from Qatar Airways' curated collection, while exploring the home and renovation boutiques on the first floor of the venue.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131115/NY17986 )

Prior to the evening's kickoff, Qatar Airways, recently named The World's Best Business Class by Skytrax, was the exclusive wine provider for the VIP Tasting Reception in the GE Monogram Showroom. The airline is a global leader in in-flight wine service, with a list curated by Master of Wine, Mr. James Cluer. Mr. Cluer was on hand at the event discussing the vintages and relating stories from his recent trip to Base Camp One on Mt. Everest.

"Our taste buds are impacted by the change in air pressure at altitude, whether it's on Mt. Everest or flying at 35,000 feet," said Cluer. "I wanted to study that change on how we experience wine—and have a chance to visit one of the most amazing places on earth."

Members of Qatar Airways' cabin crew (who are all certified by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust) poured vintages from the airline's First and Business Class lists while delectable hors d'oeuvres from Chef Federico Comacchio of Coco Pazzo Restaurant and GE Monogram Executive Chef Jon Liddell were passed around the room.

The VIP wine pairing was organized by Wine Spectator using Qatar Airways' award-winning wine list. The airline, which puts special emphasis on serving 5-star food and wine (its in-flight menu is designed by Chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aikens, Vineet Bhatia, and Ramzi Choueiri) was the only air carrier to participate in the event.

Below is the full list of wines Qatar Airways served at the VIP and main events and that were part of their raffle:

• Bollinger Brut Rose Champagne NV (VIP)
• Lanson Brut Champagne Gold Label 1999 (VIP)
• Chartron & Trebuchet Meursault 2010 (VIP & main)
• Chateau Monbousquet St.-Emilion 2006 (VIP & main)
• Dr. Loosen Riesling Spatlese Mosel Erdener Treppchen 2011 (main)
• Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera 2008 (main)
• Kopke Vintage Port 1974 (main)

During the event, Qatar Airways raffled off a package that included a bottle of each of its showcased wines. For those unable to attend last evening's event, the airline is also offering the chance to win one of their expertly chosen vintages by registering online at www.qatarairways.com/WS.

Proceeds from the evening went to the Respiratory Health Association, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), and The Lynn Sage Foundation. "It was a really wonderful evening," said Cluer. "Superb wines, delicious foods, a wonderful atmosphere, and all toward excellent causes. I can hardly wait for next year's event!"

About Qatar
Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 Family of aircraft. At the recent Skytrax World Airline awards at the 2013 Paris Air Show, the airline was awarded Best Business Class in the World, Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East, and Best Business Class Lounge in the World. In October 2012, Qatar Airways became the first of the major Gulf carriers to officially announce plans to join a global alliance having been invited into the oneworld group. For more information, or to make reservations, visit www.qatarairways.com or call 1.877.777.2827

About LuxeHome®
LuxeHome boasts more than 115,000 square feet of space with 30 boutiques that feature the finest kitchen and bath products for luxury home building and renovation from the most recognized and respected manufacturers worldwide. Open to the public, as well as interior designers, architects and custom builders, LuxeHome displays the widest selection of products to fit all lifestyles, from modern European to classic American to traditional English. In addition to the extensive lineup of manufacturers, each boutique offers knowledgeable designers who are available to assist with all phases of each design project. LuxeHome's boutiques are open for shopping Monday through Saturday.

About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is the world's largest circulation wine publication. Their experienced tasters provide authoritative wine reviews, from rare collectibles to great values; they rate more than 12,000 wines per year, more than any other publication. Feature stories, news and columns put wine in context, offering news and analysis, comprehensive travel and dining guides, advice for collectors, wine-matching menus and more.

For further information contact:Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 44302072, Fax: +974 44302069
Website: www.qatarairways.com

SOURCE Qatar Airways