There’s something magical about the pop of a cork, the fizz of bubbles rising in a glass, and the clink of toasts at midnight. Sparkling wine is more than just a celebratory beverage; it’s a symbol of joy, fresh starts, and shared moments. And no occasion calls for bubbly quite like New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re planning a grand soiree or an intimate get-together, the right sparkling wine can elevate the evening and set the tone for a festive start to the new year.
But with so many options from France, Italy, Spain, New Zealand, and beyond, choosing the best bottles can be overwhelming. To help you curate the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience, here are ten of the top sparkling wines to consider for this New Year, ranging from the iconic to the affordable, the refined to the playful.
Top 10 Sparkling Wines of 2025 1
1.Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut (France)
This iconic Champagne from the Champagne region of France is a timeless classic. Known for its depth, complexity, and elegant bubbles, Bollinger is made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes, offering rich notes of apple, pear, brioche, and spice. A bottle of this on your New Year’s table says you’re ringing in 2026 with style.
2.Cloudy Bay Pelorus Brut NV (New Zealand)
New Zealand is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, but its sparkling wines are also turning heads. Cloudy Bay Pelorus is a standout Marlborough-based bubbly made using traditional Champagne methods. Crisp and citrus-forward, with notes of green apple and toasted almond, it’s a refreshing and versatile option that pairs well with seafood canapés and summer celebrations.
3.Ferrari Brut Trento DOC (Italy)
Often referred to as “Italy’s answer to Champagne,” Ferrari Brut from the Trentino region is made from 100% Chardonnay and produced with the same méthode traditionnelle as Champagne. Clean and creamy with citrus and floral aromas, this award-winning sparkling wine brings elegance at a more accessible price point.
4.Louis Roederer Collection 244 (France)
If you want to offer something special, Louis Roederer’s multi-vintage Collection 244 offers complexity and finesse. With notes of orchard fruit, white flowers, and a hint of toasted nuts, this wine is produced with sustainable viticulture and modern techniques, balancing freshness with texture.
5.Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad Cava (Spain)
From the Penedès region in Spain, this elegant Cava is crafted using native Spanish grapes like Macabeo and Parellada. It offers notes of baked apple, honey, and a hint of smokiness. It’s an ideal sparkling wine for larger gatherings, offering quality and flair without the Champagne price tag.
6.Quartz Reef Méthode Traditionnelle Brut (New Zealand)
Another New Zealand gem, this Central Otago sparkling wine blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. It’s dry and vibrant with flavours of lemon, white peach, and pastry. It also has an excellent structure and long finish, perfect for pairing with oysters or creamy cheeses.
7.La Marca Prosecco (Italy)
A popular and affordable Prosecco, La Marca is a crowd-pleaser. Light and fruit-forward, with notes of green apple, citrus, and honeysuckle, it’s an easy-drinking option that works well as an aperitif or base for sparkling wine cocktails like the Bellini or Aperol Spritz.
8.Raventós i Blanc de Nit Rosé (Spain)
This organic sparkling rosé from Spain combines Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Monastrell for a lively and elegant wine with hints of red berries and citrus. The bottle design is chic, making it a visual centrepiece at any party, and the wine inside is equally impressive.
9.Taittinger Brut Réserve (France)
If you’re after a Champagne that’s both luxurious and approachable, Taittinger Brut Réserve is a brilliant choice. Made from a high proportion of Chardonnay, it’s known for its finesse and lightness, featuring flavours of white peach, vanilla, and fresh toast.
10.Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut (New Zealand)
From one of New Zealand’s most recognised wine producers, Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvée Brut is a vibrant and refreshing bubbly that brings both quality and value. Made from 100% Chardonnay using the traditional method, this sparkling wine delivers crisp citrus, white peach, and a touch of biscuity complexity. Its fine bubbles and elegant finish make it a crowd-pleasing option for ringing in the New Year, especially for those seeking a locally made alternative to Champagne.
Sparkling Wine and Cocktails: Creative Ways to Serve Your Bubbles
While sparkling wine is delightful on its own, it also serves as the base for some of the most elegant and festive cocktails. If you want to elevate your New Year’s Eve offering, consider creating a DIY bubbly cocktail bar with these favourites:
- French 75: Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup served in a flute.
- Bellini: Prosecco and peach purée—ideal for a sweeter start.
- Mimosa: A brunch classic made with orange juice and your sparkling wine of choice.
- Sparkling Negroni: A twist on the original with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth topped with sparkling wine.
Pro tip: Use drier styles of sparkling wine (Brut or Extra Brut) as a base for cocktails to avoid over-sweetening the drink.
Conclusion
Sparkling wine is more than just a drink; it’s a tradition, a mood, and a shared experience. Whether you gravitate toward the prestige of French Champagne, the vibrant flavours of Italian Prosecco, the value and craft of Spanish Cava, or the emerging brilliance of New Zealand bubbles, there’s a bottle out there to match your New Year’s Eve vibe.
Investing in a mix of price points and regions lets you cater to every guest, from bubbly beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, and ensures the countdown to midnight is filled with clinks, cheers, and unforgettable memories.
Before you head to your local wine shop, consider checking out these trusted resources to explore more:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Champagne and Prosecco?
Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France and is made using the traditional method, where secondary fermentation happens in the bottle. It tends to be more complex, yeasty, and often more expensive. Prosecco, on the other hand, is made primarily from the Glera grape in Italy using the Charmat method (tank fermentation), resulting in a lighter, fruitier style that’s generally more affordable.
Are all sparkling wines sweet?
Not at all. Sparkling wines range from very dry (Brut Nature or Extra Brut) to quite sweet (Doux). The label will usually indicate sweetness level:
- Brut Nature: bone dry
- Extra Brut: very dry
- Brut: dry
- Extra Dry: slightly sweet
- Dry: medium sweet
- Demi-Sec: sweet
- Doux: very sweet
Most quality sparkling wines served at New Year’s parties fall under the Brut or Extra Dry categories.
What is a good sparkling wine for beginners?
Prosecco is a great entry point due to its approachable, fruit-forward style and affordability. La Marca, for example, is widely available and easy to enjoy. For something with more complexity but still accessible, try Cloudy Bay Pelorus from New Zealand or Segura Viudas Cava from Spain. These wines offer good value and a smoother transition into more refined sparkling wine styles.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, don’t forget the most important ingredient: good company. With the right bottle in hand and the right people around you, the New Year is sure to start with sparkle.