Starting 4 November, Delta is teaming up with none other than Chef José Andrés to bring a taste of Spain to the skies. The partnership kicks off in Delta One and Delta First, with a phased rollout planned through 2026.

“Delta is a curator of taste experiences,” said Stephanie Laster, Managing Director of Onboard Dining Experience. “Just as we lead in operational reliability, we are on the leading edge of culinary innovation, offering delicious meals that build a sense of connection to the world we serve while reflecting culture, craft and care.”

From curated wine pairings in Delta One to Shake Shack burgers at cruising altitude, Delta has been quietly transforming its in-flight dining into something that feels more like a restaurant experience than any other standard aeroplane meal, not just serving meals but serving moments.

A taste of Spain at 30,000 feet

With bold, comforting Spanish flavours inspired by José Andrés’ Spanish roots and restaurants, the new menu reflects the chef’s vibrant Spanish culinary vision, each dish selected for its ability to maintain flavour, texture and authenticity in the unique environment of air travel.

Entrée items include:

• Spanish Tortilla with Pisto Manchego: A classic Spanish egg-and-potato omelette elevated with a rich vegetable stew, served at breakfast
• Braised Beef Short Rib in a Mojo Rojo BBQ Sauce: Tender and savoury, with a tangy, smoky sauce and creamy polenta that’s deeply satisfying
• Stuffed Piquillo Peppers: Packed with flavour, a goat’s cheese and mushroom filling drizzled with piquillo béchamel is the star of the show
• Spanish Style Chicken: Chicken thigh with a rich sauce of sherry and dried fruit, served with celeriac-potato purée, roasted carrots and pearl onions

These aren’t just chef-inspired dishes, they’re chef-approved. Andrés’ team worked closely with Delta’s culinary experts to tweak portion sizes, reheating methods and presentation so that every bite tastes just as good in the air as it would in a Barcelona tapas bar.

Why it’s more than a meal

Delta’s culinary strategy isn’t just about providing sustenance, it’s about delighting customers. By partnering with chefs like Andrés, the airline is doubling down on its identity as a premium lifestyle brand with purpose.

“Chef Andrés is not only a culinary icon, he’s also a force for good,” said Laster. “His people-centric approach and global influence align perfectly with Delta’s mission to deliver hospitality with heart. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.”

“Many people, including me, love to travel for food… they are looking for a new taste, a new dish, a new ingredient,” shared Chef José Andrés. “Well, now your journey can start before you even land! It is a dream to be able to bring these flavours into the skies with our friends at Delta.”

Andrés is a natural fit. These new offerings are more than just meals, they’re a celebration of flavour, culinary excellence and storytelling, which is something Delta is increasingly weaving into its onboard experience.

But what is a great meal without the perfect wine pairing?

2026 wine programme: Toast to the best selection yet

To enhance the elevated dining experience, Delta is launching its most exceptional Delta One wine programme to date. Debuting in October 2025 and available through September 2026, the programme showcases a thoughtfully curated selection of wines. In collaboration with world-renowned Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, Delta’s team meticulously evaluated hundreds of options to craft a wine list that is refined, well-balanced, diverse and delicious.

Customers can look forward to a heavy emphasis on Italian, French and Napa Valley wines. Each wine was intentionally selected to help Delta customers celebrate upcoming milestones, such as cheering on Team USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, best enjoyed with a rich Super Tuscan.

“The 2026 Delta wine programme highlights wineries that embody what we and our Delta customers hold dear: authentic hospitality, a commitment to sustainable farming and outstanding quality that translates to the glass as the pure deliciousness we all look for in great wine,” said Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson.

This year Delta is featuring an extraordinary, rotating line-up of some of the biggest names in the industry. Well-loved favourites such as Jordan, Famille Perrin Les Sinards Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022, Albert Bichot Pouilly-Fuissé, Rippa Dorii Verdejo, and Invivo X by SJP Sauvignon Blanc return for another year, while exclusive Delta One Champagne partner, Champagne Taittinger, is here to stay year-round.

With globally celebrated labels from Napa Valley to Burgundy to Chianti, and all the hot spots in between, the programme is designed to elevate the in-flight dining experience and reflect Delta’s investment in quality, craftsmanship and customer delight.

Whether it’s a bold cabernet to match the richness of braised meats or a crisp Rhône white to balance the brightness of the fan-favourite crab cake, each wine was chosen with intention to enhance the flavours and elevate the experience at 30,000 feet. Keep reading for some programme standouts, each a leader in sustainable farming within their region and globally renowned for their benchmark quality:

Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold, balanced and Napa born

Available Jan-Mar 2026 on international routes

If your ideal wine moment involves a cosy meal and a glass of something rich and velvety, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon is calling your name.

This Napa Valley classic is all about balance, think ripe boysenberry and blackcurrant layered with just a whisper of baking spice from oak ageing. The tannins? Silky smooth. The finish? Long and luxurious. This wine pairs well with comfort food that’s been dressed up for the occasion, braised short ribs, rich pastas and lamb dishes.

Marchesi Antinori Cont’Ugo Super Tuscan: Herbs, earth and a Tuscan hug

Available Jan-Mar 2026 on international routes

This full-bodied Italian red is like a walk through a Tuscan hillside, dark cherry and plum meet Mediterranean herbs and a whisper of forest floor. It’s rich, velvety and built to stand up to bold flavours. Think roasted lamb or pasta drenched in meaty ragù. Add a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano or a drizzle of balsamic, and you’ve got a pairing that feels like a five-star dinner… in the sky.

VIK “A” Cabernet Sauvignon: Dark fruit, deeper flavour

Available Oct–Dec 2025 on international routes

LATAM customers will see a familiar label on board Delta with this wine. VIK “A” is a Chilean showstopper, lush, velvety and packed with ripe berries and plums. It’s the kind of wine that makes a statement, whether you’re pairing it with a beef tenderloin or a rich pasta Bolognese.

In a first-ever “crossover” wine programme, Delta is highlighting its airline partner’s home-grown wine and offering a consistent experience for both customers. And here’s a pro tip: try it with a dark chocolate dessert. The wine’s deep fruit and cocoa notes make for a surprisingly decadent match.

This isn’t just a wine list or a new chef partnership, it’s part of Delta’s mission to make dining at altitude something customers look forward to, and a reason they choose to fly Delta. So, settle in and savour the journey.

Featured image credited to Delta