New Zealand winery Waipara West has signed a deal to supply Japan Airlines.

It will initially supply Sauvignon Blanc to the airline's business class customers on all international flights.

The move is part of Japan Airline's upgrading of its wine offer to business and first class customers.

The new wine list has been put together with the advice of sommeliers and leading chefs including Seiji Yamamoto from 3-star Michelin restaurant RyuGin in Roppongi, Tokyo, and JAL's wine advisor Fumiko Arisaka.

Paul Tutton, of Waipara West, said: "This deal is fantastic news for our small winery. It is nice to be recognised for the style of wines that we produce. Our wines are food orientated and I look forward to seeing how they fare with JAL's Japanese and western dishes."

Waipara West is looking to expand its export market and in 2013 has opened up markets in Latvia, France, Canada and Russia.