When the clock nears midnight on New Year's Eve, tradition calls for popping a bottle of Champagne. It is a wonderful ritual, but it is far from your only option. If you want to surprise your guests or stretch your budget without sacrificing celebration, there is a whole world of sparkling wine worth exploring.
At Metro Wines, we love helping people find the perfect bottle to ring in the new year. Here is our guide to the best alternatives to Champagne, from familiar favorites to a few delightful surprises.
Sparkling Alternatives That Still Feel Celebratory
If you love the festive pop and fine bubbles of Champagne but want something a little different, these styles deliver the same celebratory spirit. Several also happen to be gentler on the wallet.
Prosecco
Probably the most popular Champagne alternative, Prosecco hails from Italy and is typically lower in price while still bringing plenty of sparkle. Made mostly from the Glera grape in steel tanks, it tends to be light, fruity, and a touch sweeter, which makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Cava
Spain's Cava is made using the same traditional in-bottle method as Champagne, which gives it real depth and fine bubbles at a friendly price. Look for a slightly pricier bottle over a bottom-shelf bargain and you will notice the difference in quality.
Crémant
Crémant is sparkling wine made in French regions outside Champagne, almost always using the same traditional method. From Crémant de Bourgogne to Crémant de Loire, these wines offer Champagne-like character and elegance for noticeably less.
Franciacorta
Italy's answer to Champagne, Franciacorta is produced in Lombardy using the traditional method and extended lees aging. It is a more serious, refined sparkler that rewards anyone looking to trade up for a special toast.
American Sparkling Wine
Excellent traditional-method sparkling wine is now made across the United States, especially in California and Oregon. These bottles have come a long way and can offer wonderful quality and value for a homegrown celebration.
For the Adventurous: Something Truly Different
If you would rather break from bubbles-as-usual entirely, these options make a memorable statement. They are conversation starters as much as they are crowd-pleasers.
- Sparkling rosé: All the festivity of a classic sparkler with a beautiful blush hue and notes of red fruit.
- Pet-nat: Short for petillant naturel, these lightly fizzy, often lower-alcohol wines are made in an ancestral style that feels fun and unfussy.
- Sparkling red: A chilled Lambrusco from Italy brings bright, berry-driven sparkle that pairs wonderfully with a holiday spread.
- Rare or natural wines: Hunting down an unusual grape or a wild, small-production natural wine is a great way to impress curious guests.
Low and No-Alcohol Options
Not everyone at the table is drinking, and a thoughtful host plans for that. The no and low-alcohol category has improved dramatically, with sparkling options that let everyone share in the midnight toast.
Ask us about alcohol-free sparkling wines and sparkling ciders that bring the same celebratory feel. They make wonderful non-alcoholic mimosas too.
A Few Tips for Serving
A little preparation keeps the celebration smooth. Chill your sparkling wine well before serving, ideally in the 40 to 50 degree range, which keeps the bubbles crisp and lively.
A tulip-shaped glass actually showcases aromatics better than a narrow flute, so use what you have and do not fuss. And if you will not finish a bottle, a simple sparkling wine stopper keeps the fizz going for a day or two.
What to Serve With Your Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is one of the most food-friendly styles there is, which makes it ideal for a party spread. Its high acidity and fine bubbles cut through rich, salty, and fried foods beautifully.
Classic pairings include oysters, shrimp, and a raw bar, along with anything crispy and fried, from french fries to fried chicken. For a grazing table, sparkling wine loves soft cheeses, charcuterie, and buttery crackers.
If you are leaning toward a slightly sweeter style like Prosecco, it also pairs nicely with fruit-based appetizers and lightly spiced dishes. The goal is balance, so match lighter, drier sparklers with delicate bites and fuller styles with richer fare.
How Much to Buy for Your Party
Running out at midnight is the one true New Year's Eve emergency, so plan generously. A standard bottle pours about five to six glasses, or a bit less if you are filling flutes to toast.
For a party, estimate one to two glasses per guest for the evening, plus an extra glass each for the midnight toast. Buying by the case is often the smart move, both for the savings and so you are never caught short. When in doubt, we are happy to help you calculate the right amount for your guest list.
Find Your New Year's Bottle at Metro Wines
Whatever style calls to you, there is always a sommelier on duty at Metro Wines to help you choose the perfect bottle for your celebration. We carry a wide range across every price point, from familiar favorites to unusual finds worth seeking out.
If you want to understand how these styles compare, our guide to Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava breaks down the differences, and our blog covers everything you need to know about Champagne and sparkling wine. You can also browse a portion of our selection through our online store.
Ring It In at Quench! Wine Bistro
If you would rather toast the new year over a great meal, our sister restaurant is a wonderful choice. Quench! Wine Bistro in Reynolds Village pairs Chef Sam's farm-to-table menu with a thoughtful wine list, perfect for a festive night out.
With free parking and a warm atmosphere, Quench! Wine Bistro is an easy favorite for North Asheville and Weaverville neighbors. It also hosts wine tastings every Wednesday from 4 to 6pm, a lovely way to discover your next celebratory bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Champagne Alternatives
What is the best inexpensive alternative to Champagne?
Prosecco and Cava are the two most popular budget-friendly alternatives. Prosecco is light and fruity, while Cava is made with the same method as Champagne, so it offers more of that classic character for the price.
What sparkling wine is closest to Champagne?
Cava, Crémant, and Franciacorta are the closest in style, because all three are made using the same traditional in-bottle method as Champagne. They deliver fine bubbles and real depth, often at a lower price.
What can I serve instead of Champagne for a toast?
Any sparkling wine works beautifully for a toast, from Prosecco and Cava to sparkling rosé. For guests who are not drinking, alcohol-free sparkling wine or sparkling cider lets everyone join in.
How cold should I serve sparkling wine on New Year's Eve?
Serve sparkling wine well chilled, around 40 to 50 degrees. Proper chilling keeps the bubbles fine and lively and helps prevent the cork from popping open too soon.
Cheers to the New Year
Champagne will always have its place, but a little creativity can make your New Year's Eve even more memorable. Explore a new style, surprise your guests, and toast the year ahead with something you love.
Ready to stock up for the celebration? Contact us or stop by Metro Wines at 169 Charlotte Street, and we will help you find the perfect bottle.