It’s nearing that time of year again when someone will inevitably ask—or you may be the one asking—“What Champagne are you serving this New Year’s Eve?” Like many in the wine industry, I often find myself torn between simply answering the question or, as my wife likes to say, “being the wine snob” by gently explaining what the term Champagne truly means, its significance, and how it’s used around the world today.
So, without slipping too far into “wine geek/snob” territory, let me try to explain exactly what Champagne is, its history, and why wines produced elsewhere can’t rightly be called Champagne. Originally, this sparkling and iconic bubbly was made in the Champagne region of France, which is where it gets its name. After World War I, when the Treaty of Versailles was being signed, the French pushed for a clause granting them exclusive rights to the term Champagne, specifically for their traditionally made sparkling wine from that region.
Over the years, this distinction was ignored by many sparkling wine producers, particularly in the U.S., who used the term freely. They argued that since the U.S. never ratified the Treaty of Versailles, the naming restriction didn’t apply. However, a formal agreement in 2006 put an end to that argument. From then on, sparkling wine made in the U.S. would be labeled as Sparkling Wine—not Champagne.
So, if you’re making wine or teaching about it, you should refer to it as Sparkling Wine. When you’re out at a restaurant or attending an event, you’ll notice wine lists now differentiate between Champagnes and Sparkling Wines—and now you know why.
That said, when you’re in the comfort of your own home with family or friends, you can call your sparkling wine whatever you like! The truth is, many sparkling wines produced in the U.S. and other countries are made using the exact same traditional methods used in Champagne, France—and in many cases, they even taste better, in my humble opinion. So if you pop the cork on a bottle of bubbly from your local wine shop or grocery store and announce, “Anyone for some Champagne?”—chances are, nobody will challenge you. Instead, everyone will feel just a little more festive.
What to Serve: Champagne & Sparkling Wine Recommendations
Now, to the all-important question: what Champagne or Sparkling Wine should you serve at your party, or order at that grand New Year’s Eve ball? As I often say, don’t just drink what some expert tells you to—drink what tastes great to you. That said, I do acknowledge that expert ratings, points, and guides can be incredibly helpful for narrowing down choices—especially when you’re faced with an overwhelming wall of bottles. But tasting different sparkling wines (and yes, even splurging on a few higher-end Champagnes if your budget allows) can be a fun and eye-opening experience.
Here are some recommendations to consider before the “big event,” so you’ll know which ones might bring the biggest smiles.
One of my personal favorites is Moët & Chandon Dom Pérignon, a Champagne I save for truly special occasions. It’s delicious, elegant—and admittedly expensive. Dom Pérignon comes in various vintages and typically ranges from $150 to over $1,000 per bottle. However, I recently spotted a 2000 Vintage Brut at my local Costco for $120—a great find.
Taittinger’s 2003 Champagne Rosé is another excellent (though pricey) option at $300 a bottle. If that’s a stretch, their 2002 Brut Millésimé is a wonderful alternative at around $90. You can also try Taittinger Prestige Rosé for about $60—a worthy and more affordable indulgence.
Krug’s Grande Cuvée Brut is a superb Champagne as well, rich and layered, and relatively affordable at around $100 per bottle.
If you’re looking for excellent Sparkling Wine that makes a satisfying pop, tastes great, and won’t break the bank, I have some go-to favorites to recommend.
I’ve long been a fan of Gloria Ferrer Sparkling Wine from Sonoma, California. I’m not paid to say that—I genuinely believe they’re among the best sparkling wine producers in the U.S., and they occupy three rows in my wine cellar. If you can find them or order online, try their Royal Cuvée and Sonoma Brut. These range from $20 to $50 and offer distinctive flavors—fruity, crisp apple notes, and a long, elegant finish.
From Napa Valley, Mumm Sparkling Wine is another excellent name. Their 2003 DVX is a creamy, fruit-forward sparkling wine that runs around $60 and is well worth it.
For a more affordable yet reliable option, try Korbel Brut or Extra Dry, available nearly everywhere for $12–14 a bottle. It’s also a perfect base for Mimosas when mixed with fresh orange juice.
Lastly, I highly recommend Argyle Winery from Dundee, Oregon. Their Sparkling Bruts have even been served at the White House for special occasions. I proudly keep bottles like their ’08 Knudsen Vineyard Brut, ’09 Argyle Brut, and ’09 Argyle Brut Rosé in my cellar. These typically run around $50 a bottle—and trust me, they’re worth every penny. Just ask the First Lady!
With over eighty sparkling wine producers in California alone, you should have no trouble finding a few bottles to try. Just remember: taste before serving when possible. As with any wine, a good experience always trumps a bad one.
Wishing you a Happy New Year—safe, joyful, and full of surprises (with the exception of what’s in your glass)!
