Champagne holds a special place as the ultimate celebratory drink, yet it’s not the only sparkling wine worthy of ringing in the New Year. The world produces a dazzling array of bubbles from countries like Italy, Austria, Spain, and the United States, each bringing its own character to the table.

Most bubbly comes at a fraction of Champagne’s cost while still delivering plenty of fun, flavor, and festive fizz. Whether you prefer something light and fruity or rich and complex, there are countless options to help you celebrate in style and effervescence.

Here are eight delicious sparkling wines that are perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations—or anytime, really. And scroll down to the bottom of this post for five fun facts about sparkling wine.

Austria

Loimer Extra Brut Reserve ($40). This Austrian gem is made from a blend of Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay; it offers crisp and zesty notes of citrus, green apple, and toasted brioche. The fine bubbles and dry finish make it a great choice to pair with oysters or to sip on its own as you count down the seconds to midnight.

Italy

Enrico Serafino 'Oudeis' 2019 Millesimato Brut ($30). Alta Langa sparkling wines are a lesser-known treasure from Piedmont, Italy. This one by Enrico Serafino is crafted using traditional Champagne methods, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Notes of white flowers, citrus, and a touch of honey mingle with a creamy mousse and lively acidity—perfect for sipping with smoked salmon or soft cheeses.

Adami 2022 Vignette Giardino Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG ($24). Adami is one of the top producers in Valdobbiadene, Italy’s premier Prosecco region. Light, fresh, and fragrant, it bursts with notes of white peach, pear, and acacia flowers. This bubbly pairs beautifully with everything from charcuterie boards to fruity desserts.

Spain

Parès Baltà Brut N. V. Cava N. V. ($20). This organic Cava from Spain is a great value for the quality. A blend of native grape varieties like Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada, it offers refreshing citrus and green apple flavors, balanced by toasty, nutty undertones. With its fine bubbles and crisp finish, Parés Baltà Brut is an excellent match for tapas, shrimp cocktail, or fried foods like calamari.

U.S.A.

Dr. Konstantin Frank 2020 Blanc de Blancs ($36). Hailing from the Finger Lakes region of New York, this delicious sparkler is a so, meaning it is made solely from white grapes—in this case, Chardonnay. Expect crisp acidity and lively effervescence with flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and toasted nuts—proof that American sparkling wine can compete on the global stage.

Under The Wire Alder Springs 2018 ($65). California has been making waves in the sparkling wine world, and this bottling is a fantastic example. Made from single-vineyard Chardonnay, it’s a bold and expressive wine with notes of lemon curd, baked apple, and toasted hazelnuts. Its creamy texture and fine bubbles make it an excellent companion to both lean and rich dishes like lobster bisque, roasted chicken, or seared scallops.

VARA New Mexico Sparkling Brut 2023 ($27). This sparkling brut comes from high-altitude vineyards of New Mexico, a surprising but emerging sparkling wine region. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it delivers very fine bubbles with crisp flavors of pear and green apple, lemon peel, and a hint of brioche. Its lively acidity and creamy finish make it perfect for pairing with caviar and raw oysters and toasting to new beginnings.

Valdemar Estates Columbia Valley, Washington State ($65). This crisp sparkling wine features delicate bubbles that introduce subtle toasty notes. Bright orchard fruits and lemon zest shine through, complemented by a subtle minerality and a long, refreshing finish. It’s an excellent choice for any festive gathering.

Five fun facts about sparkling wine. Did you know…?

Bubbly contains fewer calories than many other drinks – a gin and tonic has seven times more.
The pressure of sparkling wine is three times that of an average car tire. When popped, the cork can travel more than 160 feet and reach speeds of 40 mph. Be careful!
Sparkling wine was originally a happy accident! Long ago, in colder regions like Champagne, fermentation would naturally stop during winter and restart in spring, creating bubbles in the bottle.
You can gauge the quality of sparkling wine by the size of the bubbles – a rough guide is that the smaller the bubbles, the higher the quality.
Drinking a glass of sparkling wine can be good for you. When enjoyed in moderation, studies have shown that sparkling wine may support heart health, promote glowing skin, and encourage a healthy gut—thanks to the polyphenols and antioxidants found in grapes. So, cheers to bubbles and good health in 2025!