A Toast to Sky Mall

On my recent cross country flights over the holidays in December I had many hours to pass the time while up in the air.  It didn’t dawn on me until several weeks later that I didn’t see a Sky Mall magazine in the planes.

Who hasn’t been on an airplane without leafing through the pages of Sky Mall?   It was easily found 12 inches from your knees in the seat pocket in front of you, featuring a huge variety of products ranging from home decorating to dog pampering to colorful rain boots.

It was reported last week that Sky Mall has filed for bankruptcy.  Three of the largest airlines in the U.S. (Delta, US Air and American) all ended their distribution contracts with the publisher last fall.   What a pity. 

One of the long term advertisers in Sky Mall has been the California Wine Club.  “We were in it pretty much since it launched” says California Wine Club General Manager, Gerri Lin Baker.  She recalls that when they started it was during the time that the seat back in front of you was equipped with a built-in telephone specifically with the intention of placing an order from the Sky Mall catalogue.  Operators were standing by!  Now that's what I call a business model. 

I enjoyed checking out Sky Mall even if my reaction to some of the doodads was for amusement.  Since my occupation and vocation focuses on wine and travel these days, I thought this might be an appropriate time to give some attention to the wine-related accessories that graced the pages of this catalogue during its many years of spanning the globe with millions of travelers from all over the world.

 A HOLIDAY GIFT of GREAT TASTE!

The California Wine Club

 

The California Wine Club is a family-owned, first rate wine club and very successful.  They specialize in bottles of wine from California’s best “mom and pop” wineries.  They were always on page 3.  Monthly gift packages start at $49.95

 

ENJOY THE DELICIOUS FLAVOR OF 10 YEARS OF AGING IN JUST A FEW SECONDS

Vintage Express Wine Aging Accelerator

 

Extremely powerful Neodymium magnets realign particles in beverages.  So wine in a glass shows noticeable improvement in just a few minutes.  The longer a beverage remains in the Vintage Express, the greater the effect.  $59.99

 ADD YEARS OF FLAVOR AND BALANCE TO WINE IN ONLY 10 SECONDS

Vintage Express Rack

 

This five bottle rack transforms inexpensive red and white wines in premium vintages.  Powerful magnets are built in.  No moving parts, no batteries required and no additives needed.  $99.99

 

HAND BLOWN, EASY CLEANING, DISH WASHER SAFE AERATING WINE GLASS

The Aerating Wine Glass by Chevalier

 

Simply pour into the aerating cell.  The shower effect is laboratory proven to aerate your wine, enhancing its bouquet of flavors and aromas.  $19.95

 
YOU CAN’T NOT DECANT!

The Eve Decanter by Riedel

 

The sensuous, serpentine curves of Riedel’s lead crystal, mouth blown Eve decanter are not only seductive but functional.  Eve is a decanter that also speaks- it emits a sound akin to the gurgle of a King Cobra as the wine makes its trip through the curvaceous swirl of glass. Exactly what does the “gurgle of a King Cobra” sound like?  You can find out for $445.95

 

WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK FROM WINE

The Beer Machine Brew master

We all know it takes a lot of beer to make wine. This machine will make 28-12 oz servings per batch.  You get one beer mix, CO2 capsules, plus Bottling Kit.  I had my first homemade brew when I was in England back in the 1970s.  I hope the process has improved since then.  $120.00

 

BREATHE TASTEFUL LIFE INTO YOUNG WINES

Magic Coaster

 

 

 

 “We Will Sell No Wine Before Its Time” intoned Orson Wells on a Paul Masson TV commercial back in the day when you could smoke on an airplane.   However, why wait for aging with the Vintage Express Aging Accelerator for Wine, Whiskey, Scotch Bourbon, Tequila or any other liquor.  It ages beverages 10 years in 10 seconds.  AS SEEN ON TV

 

FOR THE WINERY DOG

 Go-Go Dog Pals

 

 

 This is a remote control toy to get your dog to exercise.  Now the fun can be shared by the dogs and their owners. Give your winery dog a good chase for $299.

 

 WHAT A GREAT HAIR RAISING IDEA!

Flair Hair Visor

 

If you are a guy who enjoys wine touring and tasting on a sunny day and you are bald, the Flair Hair Visor could be just for you.  The visor with a built-in ‘doo is a great gift idea for the man who has everything.  Machine wash; air dry. $19.99

 

The hair visor and the dog pal are a stretch as a wine accoutrement but I couldn't resist.  It's just a reminder of one of the many flavors of Sky Mall.  Almost all of the businesses that were promoting themselves in the catalogue are still in business. 


Salute! Sky Mall....we enjoyed your company up in the air.