The holidays are the unofficial world championships of sparkling wine. It’s the season of grand entrances, noisy kitchens, twinkling lights and the occasional family debate over who ruined the mashed potatoes.
Between office parties, family feasts, Friendsgiving 2.0 and the sacred “do not disturb; I’m watching a movie with my dog” nights, there is a perfect bottle (or three) for every moment.
This year, I’m leaning into six sparklers that cover the whole spectrum, from cheerful crowd-pleasers to serious, knees-weak Champagne. They’re beautifully packaged and reliably delicious, and each one has a personality—and a setting—where it absolutely shines.
Before we get to the good stuff, a quick, nerdy-but-fun primer on how these bubbles happen. Sparkling wines are generally made in two ways: the traditional method (a second fermentation inside the bottle) or the Charmat method (a second fermentation in a pressure tank). Traditional-method wines—like Champagne, Cava and crémant—tend to bring complexity, nuttiness, layers and those sexy brioche aromas that make you feel like you’re sipping luxury. Charmat styles—think prosecco rosé—are fresh, fruity, floral and delightfully crushable. One is orchestra; the other is an upbeat holiday pop song. Both, when done well, deserve a place at your celebration.
Paul Cheneau “Lady of Spain” Cava Brut: Let’s start in Spain’s Penedès with a bottle so festive, it practically decorates the room for you. Paul Cheneau’s “Lady of Spain” is produced by the Giró Ribot family estate—masters of crafting Cava that doesn’t take itself too seriously, while still delivering honest-to-goodness traditional-method quality. The bubbles are fine; the flavor is bright and citrusy with pops of green apple and tropical fruit; and there’s just enough toasty character from the bottle-aging to remind you this is, indeed, a very grown-up drink.
This is the bottle for big, boisterous family gatherings—the kind where someone always forgets the cranberry sauce, and a cousin shows up with a ukulele. It cuts through every appetizer on the table: chips, nuts, deviled eggs, cheese and whatever that thing is that Aunt Margie made. Plus, with its whimsical packaging, it looks like the life of the party—even before you pop the cork.
Pizzolato Italian Spumante Brut Rosé: Now let’s hop over to Italy, where the Pizzolato family—organic wine pioneers in Veneto—has gifted us the kind of rosé bubbles you want to drink in a room full of your favorite people. Made with mostly Glera (the official grape of prosecco) and a hint of Raboso (a red wine grape grown primarily in the eastern part of Veneto) via the Charmat method, this pale pink sparkler is essentially joy in a bottle: strawberry, white peach, raspberry, almond blossom and just enough acidity to keep things lively.
This wine thrives at festive gatherings with friends—ornament-decorating parties, brunches, cookie swaps, and even impromptu Tuesday-night decompression circles. It’s stunning in photos (that glittery soft pink label!) and universally appealing. Pair it with prosciutto, burrata, smoked salmon, sushi, charcuterie or a bowl of popcorn while watching holiday movies. It’s the bubbly equivalent of your friend who always brings the fun and never overstays their welcome.
The Joseph Cattin Crémant d’Alsace is the sort of bottle that fits in anywhere—a diplomatic, crowd-pleasing sparkling that tastes far more expensive than it is.
Joseph Cattin Crémant d’Alsace Brut: If you’re heading to a work event or a mixed-crowd open house, this is your move. The Joseph Cattin family has been crafting wine in Alsace for centuries, and their Crémant d’Alsace is a masterclass in elegance without the Champagne price tag. Made via the traditional method with bottle-aging on the lees, it offers a clean, crisp profile: green apple, lemon zest, delicate florals and a finish that’s so fresh, it begs for another sip.
It’s the sort of bottle that fits in anywhere—a diplomatic, crowd-pleasing sparkling that tastes far more expensive than it is. Hand it to your boss, your neighbor, your mother-in-law or that one co-worker who always brings “holiday dip” that tastes suspiciously like ranch dressing with parsley. It will elevate any canapé, seafood platter, roast chicken or dessert containing apples. It’s grace in a glass, without the need for a name-brand price tag.
Paul Bara Réserve Brut, Bouzy Grand Cru NV: For the wine geeks in your life—or the people you really want to spoil—Paul Bara’s Réserve Brut is a Champagne that leaves an impression. Bouzy is one of Champagne’s 17 Grand Cru villages, celebrated for its powerful pinot noir, and Bara has long been considered one of the region’s grower-producer stars. This wine is typically around 80% pinot noir, making it rich, bold and layered with ripe stone fruit, red berries, spice, brioche and a mineral backbone that demands your attention. While it’s a bright and vibrant white wine, not a rose, it promises to leave everyone breathless.
It’s perfect for dinner parties where guests actually discuss the wine instead of just casually sipping it—or New Year’s Eve, when you want something that delivers impact at midnight. Pair it with scallops, lobster, mushroom anything, roast chicken or a gorgeous cheese spread. This is Champagne that lets everyone know you take Champagne seriously.
Billecart-Salmon “Le Rosé” Extra Brut NV: If the holiday season had a signature fragrance, it would smell like Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé: graceful, silky and subtly luxurious. Founded in 1818, Billecart-Salmon is still family-run and globally adored for its elegance. “Le Rosé” shimmers with a gorgeous pale coppery salmon color and offers delicate red berry aromas, citrus zest and a whisper of wild strawberry.
It’s the ideal luxury gift—refined, romantic and so beautifully packaged that it practically wraps itself. The lucky recipient of this bottle will think of you fondly long after the decorations come down. It’s also a wonderfully intimate bottle for a quiet holiday moment with someone special … or with your own impeccable taste. Pair it with sushi, salmon, charcuterie, chips or berry desserts. Or pair it with your couch. The wine won’t judge.
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée No. 25 “Sun King Jacket”: If there were ever a bottle designed to stop a holiday party in its tracks, it’s Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle No. 25 in the Sun King jacket. Packaged in a gleaming, architectural metal “cage” that looks like it was commissioned by Louis XIV himself, this is the kind of jaw-dropping gift that makes people gasp before they even taste the wine. Even better—the ornate sleeve is reusable, ready to cradle future bottles like the regal trophy this wine is.
Laurent-Perrier, founded in 1812 and still family-run, built its reputation on elegance, precision and an almost stubborn commitment to chardonnay-driven finesse. But Grand Siècle is their moon-shot idea: Blend three exceptional vintages to create the “perfect year” that nature never quite provides on its own.
Cuvée No. 25 marries 2008, 2007 and 2006, drawing fruit exclusively from Grand Cru villages. The composition is classic Laurent-Perrier—about 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir—and it spends more than a decade aging on the lees before release.
The result? Champagne that is both grand and whisper-delicate. Aromas unfold in layers: lemon confit, crisp pear, clementine zest, warm brioche, grilled almonds, hazelnut and a touch of acacia honey. On the palate, it’s silk in motion—creamy, deep and precise, with a mineral spine that keeps every luxurious note in perfect harmony. It’s a statement, a celebration, a crown jewel of Champagne—and thanks to that Sun King jacket, it even looks like one.
In the end, the best holiday sparkling wine is the one that brings joy—to the table, to your people, and to you. Whether you’re gifting, sharing, celebrating or savoring in glorious solitude, there’s a bottle here with personality and sparkle to match the moment.
And remember: this season, you are absolutely allowed to buy two—one for the party, and one for your own secret stash. After all, the holidays are about giving … and receiving.