The holidays are here, and it’s time to raise a glass with the best bubbly! Whether you're toasting with family, celebrating with friends, or simply enjoying a cozy evening, sparkling wine is a preferred choice for any festive occasion. From crisp Champagne to fun and affordable sparkling wines produced outside of the Champagne region, here are 7 top sparkling wines sure to add sparkle to your celebrations.

#1 – Champagne Jeeper Brut Rosé, France

During a group tasting of educated palates in attendance, Champagne Jeeper’s blush bubbles stole the show. The label itself is of interest, as it owes its name to a cherished piece of history: the Willys Jeep that its founder acquired from the American military after World War II, which allowed him to explore the vineyards in peaceful solitude. Situated in the picturesque commune of Faverolles et Coëmy near Reims, Champagne Jeeper is now a thriving estate with a team of 45 people. Its wines are distributed across France and internationally, with offices in the United States and Japan.

A commitment to exceptional quality is at the heart of Champagne Jeeper's philosophy, which is reflected in its certification as a High Environmental Value vineyard for the past three years. In pursuit of sustainable practices, the estate even uses draught horses to work the land, enhancing its eco-friendly approach.

This Cuvée highlights a delightful balance of fruity and floral notes, making it a playful yet refined choice for any occasion. On the nose, it greets you with the delicate aromas of peonies and roses, while the palate is treated to a burst of black cherry and red fruit. A beautiful blend of 88% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Noir, it’s an elegant Champagne perfect for sipping as an aperitif.

Ideal food pairings: bubbles and birds! Yes, fried chicken. Or opt to pair with shrimp, light salads, salmon, creamy pasta, or roasted vegetables. The wine’s bright acidity will cut through the richness of seafood. $90 bottle price

#2 – Melgaço Super Reserva Alvariñho Bruto, Portugal

When a group of women gathered on a Saturday evening to sip bubbles, one taster was known to be a longtime fan of Albariño grapes. So, it was no surprise she loved this Alvariñho (the Portuguese translation of Albariño). It’s always rewarding to introduce an obscure wine region, especially in the rich and diverse terroirs of Portugal's lesser-known subregions. One such hidden gem is Monção e Melgaço, a historic subregion within Vinho Verde, long celebrated for producing exceptional Alvariñho-driven whites. Sited along the Minho River and shielded from the Atlantic's cooling influence, Monção e Melgaço offers a unique microclimate that allows its grapes to reach greater ripeness, resulting in wines with bold aromatics and a crisp, mineral edge. The wines from this subregion stand out for their vibrancy, with an added dimension from a new generation of winemakers experimenting with barrel and lees aging, techniques typically reserved for red wines, which bring additional complexity and texture to their already exceptional white wines.

This wine revealed citrus and floral aromas, and a taste of stone fruit with discrete pastry notes and mineral smoke. Typical food pairings: sushi, Thai food, oysters, or mussels. Bottle price: ~$21

#3 – Elisa Christopher 2022 Brut Trebbiano Sparkling Wine, Texas High Plains

If in doubt that a sparkling could be on this list, please know that this sparkling 100% Texas Trebbiano, made in the Methode Champenoise, was awarded Winner Texas Vintners Cup 2024.

While tasting among friends, we agreed to its barely there aromas of white flowers and a hint of almond. On the palate we tasted these fine bubbles and beautiful acidity typical of Trebbiano. It offered a long finish with notes of apricot and tropical fruit.

Next time, I’d pair this with Cacio e Pepe. Bottle price: $42 (available to wine club members only)

#4 – Letrari Brut Rosé Riserva Trentodoc, Italy

If you're searching for an Italian sparkling that’s not your typical Prosecco, look no further than the Brut +4 Rosé Riserva Trentodoc. This wine stands in a league of its own, crafted from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and aged for an impressive 32 months. With its beautiful antique pink hue, this rosé bursts with intense aromas of fresh cherries, wild strawberries, and a touch of apple tart. On the palate, it’s as elegant as it is seductive, offering a velvety smoothness.

The story of +4 is a heartfelt tribute to the next generation of the family behind this sparkling wine— a quartet of sisters. The winemaking is notable with extended aging on the lees, which adds depth to its essence, making it the perfect match for delicate dishes like oysters and crab, or simply to enjoy on its own. From the picturesque Alto Adige region in Italy’s Dolomites, this wine is the epitome of elegance.

#5 – Jukes 6 sparkling red (non-alcoholic)

If you're looking for a non-alcoholic wine that’s full of personality, Jukes 100% plant-based sparkling red is a game-changer! Crafted with apple cider vinegar, this unique wine offers a delightful burst of blackberry and currant aromas, followed by a deep, earthy spice on the palate. The finish is long, savory, and perfect for those who crave complexity without the alcohol.

Conceived in London by wine critic Matthew Jukes, this innovative creation has a sensory depth that caught the attention of Mathieu Roland-Billecart, CEO of Champagne Billecart-Salmon. Sharing a commitment to excellence, their friendship blossomed into a partnership, with Billecart-Salmon Sélection now overseeing Jukes’ distribution. Whether you're sipping solo or pairing with food, this non-alcoholic wine brings sophistication and flavor, proving you don’t need alcohol to enjoy a truly memorable drink! Also available in white and rosé sparkling. Price: $75 for 12 8.5oz cans

#6 – Champagne Palmer & Co. Brut Réserve á Reims, France

Take your New Year’s Eve gathering to a level of orchestral sophistication with Champagne Palmer La Réserve. This bubbly is a blend of about half Chardonnay, a third Pinot Noir, and a quarter Pinot Meunier, and offers a balance of freshness and depth. On the nose, it presents a clean, refined bouquet with aromas of zesty citrus, ripe pear, and luscious apricot, all complemented by a subtle hint of buttery brioche and the warm nuttiness of hazelnuts. The palate is just as impressive— succulent and substantial, yet undeniably fresh, with a roundness that carries through a long, harmonious finish.

Made from the most prestigious terroirs in Champagne, particularly the Premier and Grand Cru vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, this cuvée reflects the exceptional quality of its origins. The wine spends an impressive four years aging on its lees in 750ml bottles, and an additional two years in magnums— three times longer than required by the appellation. This extended aging process, alongside the use of a unique solera system, contributes to the wine's rare complexity and maturity. With 30-35% reserve wines included, Palmer Brut Réserve achieves a richness and fullness that make it stand out among other non-vintage Champagnes. This sparkler is ideal for toasting friends and family. Bottle price: $57.99 at Total Wine & More

#7 – Champagne Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, France

If elegance had a sparkling voice, it would sound like Champagne Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature. The finest crus of Chardonnay are blended like a perfectly tailored white suit— sleek, sharp, and utterly timeless— to create this Champagne house’s first Blanc de Blancs in the Brut Nature style, an authentic, unmasked style the House pioneered back in the ‘60s.

The nose bursts with zesty citrus and delicate white flowers, teasing with a touch of minerality. And once you take that first sip? Oh, it delivers. The palate offers a hint of lemon, almond, and a clean, dry finish that lingers with finesse— no sugar, no fluff, just pure, unadulterated elegance.

Yes, no added sugar here, just the pure grape— it’s like Champagne’s answer to a minimalist masterpiece. Bottle price: $139.99 at Total Wine & More

Charlene Peters is a wine writer and author of "Travel Makes Me Hungry."