Spectacular Sparklers to Ring in the New Year

by Robin Barr Sussman on December 29, 2025 in Food+Drink,
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New Year’s Eve just isn’t the same without a cold glistening flute of bubbly in hand. From delightfully delicious and affordable, to indulgent and pricey, here’s a wide range of sparklers to keep the party going. Cheers to 2026!

 

REAL DEAL CHAMPAGNE

Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve Champagne

Historical French Champagne House Billecart-Salmon is the darling of sommeliers. Photo courtesy Billecart-Salmon

The go-to for sommeliers, this Brut Reserve from a historical Champagne house has great bubble flow and mousse, fragrances of ripe pear and apple blossom, and a full, rich palate (about $45).

Bruno Paillard Dosage Zero Champagne, Reims, France

Bruno Paillard’s ravishing Dosage Zero (think no sugar) is worth the splurge for the Champagne purist. Photo courtesy Bruno Paillard

Splurge on Bruno Paillard’s ravishing Dosage Zero (think no sugar) for the Champagne purist. Bone dry, creamy, and richly flavorful sans sweetness or heaviness (about $75).

G.H. Mumm Champagne Cordon Rouge Brut, France

This classic non-vintage French Champagne always impresses! Photo courtesy G.H. Mumm

A classic non-vintage French Champagne, Cordon Rouge is a fine blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier grapes. Its lively, fruity profile features hints of honey and brioche (about $50).

 

CALIFORNIA DREAMERS

Orin Swift You Go First  

This modern and expressive sparkler is perfect with caviar bumps and festive times. Photo courtesy Orin Swift

Orin Swift is known for blending winemaking with art and storytelling and this expressive sparkler is no exception. The debut release is crafted from various California vintages, displaying notes of Meyer lemon, blanched almond, and guava framed in a velvety mousse (about $60).

Sunny with a Chance of Flowers Bubby Rosé

Sunny Bubbly rosé will keep you light on your feet through New Year’s Eve. Photo courtesy Sunny Wine

Here’s a crisp sparkler with a festive label, zero added sugar and only 9 percent alcohol. Your New Year’s Eve is looking light and bright ($20)!

J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20

This classic brut from Russian River California grapes is an elegant treat. Photo courtesy J Vineyards

This classic brut made from Russian River grapes is an elegant treat with fragrances of cranberry, toasted almond and gingersnap. Delicate bubbles lead to flavors of lemon meringue pie as the wine’s creaminess is whisked away with a crisp finish ($40).

Korbel Russian River Valley, California

Pioneering “California Champagne” producer boasts an award-winning portfolio with something for everyone. Photo courtesy Korbel

Pioneering “California Champagne” producer Korbel boasts an award-winning portfolio with every sipper’s style of bubbly. Choose classic Korbel Brut with zesty citrus notes and a medium-dry finish, or Blanc de Noirs with fruit forward raspberry flavors (both about $14). Optionally, the Brut Natural is impressively clean, dry, and delicate with snappy apple, lemon and spicy anise flavors ($18).

 

LOCAL FLAVOR

Heath Sparkling Wines Fredericksburg, Texas

Count on this family winery in Fredericksburg, Texas, for many good sparkling options. Photo courtesy Heath Sparkling Wines

Count on many good options produced by this family winery. Euphoria is a brut blend with white peach, honeysuckle and citrus zest notes. Blanc de Blancs is pure chardonnay with aromas of melon, Granny Smith apple, and caramel. Rosé fans should consider pinot noir-based Adoration with vibrant red fruit ($55 and up).

 

ITALIAN SPARKLERS

Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco D.O.C. Treviso Brut

Here’s a refreshing and affordable prosecco with persistent bubbles. Photo courtesy Villa Sandi

Dry, fresh and flavorful, expect notes of ripe golden apple and mountain flowers with persistent bubbles lasting until the final toast. Also great the next day with mimosas (about $15).

Berlucchi ’61 NV Extra Brut Franciacorta

Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to Champagne but at a more affordable price! Photo courtesy Berlucchi

Produced in the traditional method for sparkling, Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to Champagne but at a more affordable price. Anticipate a complex sip with bright acidity enveloped in a thick mousse (about $40).

 

OTHER GLOBAL BUBBLES

Loimer Sekt Reserve Extra Brut NV, Kamptal

This delightful Austrian sparkler is vibrant and layered with a long lemony finish. Photo courtesy Austrian Wine

Bone dry with crisp acidity, this delightful Austrian sparkler is vibrant and layered with a long lemony finish (about $40). It was recently poured at Little’s Oyster Bar in Houston during a Wines of Austria tasting. Also note that Pappas Bros. Steakhouse hosts a fabulous annual Champagne tasting pre-holiday season that is an absolute must!

Ride Alto and Stay Safe

For a clean classy ride in marked SUV’s, book Alto rideshare in Houston and Dallas for 30 percent off three rides through December 31. Use Code SEASONSAVINGS and, as always, feel free to bring along your drink for the road.

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Cover Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova for Unsplash+

Writer Robin Barr Sussman

Robin Barr Sussman (rbs@pdq.net) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s, Bluejack National, and Private Clubs Magazine.