As someone who has spent considerable time exploring wine destinations around the globe, I recently had the opportunity to step into the world of private jets when Flexjet invited me aboard its new addition to the fleet, the Gulfstream G500, for a day trip from Van Nuys to Napa Valley.
Flexjet, the global leader in luxury private aviation, specializes in fractional jet ownership and leasing. Rather than owning an entire aircraft outright, owners purchase a share of a specific aircraft. That means flying on the same tail number with the same dedicated captain and cabin crew whenever possible.
In an era when consistency and familiarity can feel elusive, this means a lot.
Throughout the day, I was reminded that a luxury experience with a price tag like this is not about the physical “thing” or the tangible, but the intangible. Flying this way saves time, perhaps our most precious resource.
In late June, Flexjet announced an agreement with Gulfstream, making it the exclusive fractional provider to receive deliveries of new Gulfstream G500 and G700 aircraft.
The cabins feature Gulfstream’s signature panoramic oval windows, the largest ever installed on a private jet, flooding the interior with natural light.
The engineering extends well beyond aesthetics. While cruising at approximately 41,000 feet, the cabin is pressurized to roughly 3,255 feet and continuously refreshed with 100% fresh air every two to three minutes. By comparison, commercial aircraft are typically pressurized at about 6,000 feet.
You arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed, less dehydrated, and with far less fatigue. Gone are the vacation days of never-ending jet lag and parched skin from hours and hours of plane travel.
Even takeoff feels different. Departing from Van Nuys Airport, we were airborne within seconds. Without lengthy taxi lines on the runway, occupied gates, or crowded terminals, the journey begins almost immediately, reminding us that private aviation is ultimately about reclaiming time.
I learned a fun piece of private aviation etiquette I’d never encountered before: the “principal’s seat.” Located on the right side of the cabin closest to the cockpit, it’s reserved for the aircraft owner or host. For us all to remember on our next private jet flight: save the seat for your host, unless that is you!
That time-saving and comfort carried seamlessly into our arrival in Napa Valley. Rather than navigating tasting reservations and crowded tasting rooms, our itinerary had been curated by Flexjet’s partner, Porthos, whose expertise lies in designing bespoke travel experiences.
We visited Eisele Vineyards and Dana Estates, two highly sought-after wineries that are generally not open for public tastings.
We also enjoyed an incredible multi-course lunch at Charter Oak restaurant. Also at our disposal was access to allocation lists and library wines.
Throughout the day, what struck me wasn’t simply the exclusivity. It was the intentionality. Every transition felt effortless. Every experience flowed naturally into the next. That same attention to detail extends to the people delivering the experience.
Every Flexjet cabin attendant completes advanced hospitality training through the company’s Red Label Academy outside London, reinforcing that service is of paramount importance.
As I flew home that afternoon while we watched Argentina’s opening World Cup match on the plane, I realized the day had offered far more than a glimpse into fractional jet ownership.
It provided a window into a lifestyle where your time is protected, hospitality is elevated, and every journey is designed with the same care as the incredible bottle of wine you’re enjoying right now.
Brianne Cohen is an LA based event producer, certified sommelier, wine educator, and wine writer. During the pandemic, Brianne entertained over 7,000 people through her “Virtual Vino” online wine classes, regularly highlighting diverse (i.e. Black, BIPOC, female, and LGBT) owned wineries. She now offers both in-person (and virtual) wine tasting experiences for her corporate clients. Brianne regularly judges at international wine competitions, including the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London and holds the WSET Diploma certificate. She writes on her own blog and for outlets such as Decanter, Vintner Project, and Kiplinger. She also holds an MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Brianne Cohen Wine & Events is a certified woman-owned business with WBENC.
