Charter Firm Pours on Elite Appeal with Wine

Bottle: Elite Aviation wine. Passengers aboard the charter aircraft of Elite Aviation will have a bottle of the firm’s private label wine to enjoy during their flight. Elite received in mid-December the first shipment of the wine produced by Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains. Having an aircraft owner’s preferred blend waiting for them is part of the firm’s attention to detail that sets it apart from other charter operators, said President and CEO Chris Holifield. “It’s a nice touch to have a bottle sitting there,” Holifield said. “When my clients fly, I’ll leave a personalized note.” Holifield chose Malibu Rocky Oaks as its wine supplier after a visit to the estate. The vineyard also produces the private label wine for the Embraer Executive Jets. Holifield personally picked out the white wine – a Chardonnay – while Chief Operating Officer John L.Wilkins chose the red, a cabernet. Holifield bought Elite with a business partner three years ago. She became the sole owner in July 2011. —Mark R. Madler