Making the Switch from Sparkling Wines to Sparkling Beers This Christmas

Discover why sparkling beer is becoming a festive favourite. Explore refreshing styles, perfect Christmas food pairings, and budget-friendly bubbly alternatives for your celebrations.

Bubbles are a Christmas classic. Whether it’s a toast on Christmas morning, a clink of glasses at the office party, or a celebratory fizz with the Boxing Day buffet, sparkling wine has long been the default festive drink. 

But this year, a new contender is quietly slipping into the spotlight: sparkling beer.

If you’ve never thought of pouring a sparkling beer into a Champagne flute, this might be the Christmas to give it a try. 

With its bright bubbles, refreshing finish and surprising elegance, sparkling beer is becoming the festive drink many of us didn’t know we needed.

Why Sparkling Beer Works So Well at Christmas

It’s wonderfully refreshing with rich festive food

Christmas dinner is full of big flavours—roast meats, buttery potatoes, gravy, stuffing and all the trimmings. Sparkling beer cuts through the richness beautifully, offering a crisp, palate-cleansing burst of bubbles. It’s especially good alongside pigs in blankets, glazed ham and party nibbles.

It suits guests who want something lighter

Many sparkling beers sit at a lower ABV than traditional Christmas fizz. That makes them ideal for long festive afternoons, grazing buffets and gatherings where you want to stay bright and merry without going overboard.

It brings far more flavour variety than sparkling wine

From citrusy saisons to fruit-led sparkling ales and Champagne-style bière brut, there’s genuinely something for every taste. If your guests all like different things, a selection of sparkling beers looks fantastic on a drinks table and keeps everyone happy.

It’s budget-friendly during an expensive time of year

With the cost of Christmas creeping up every year, it’s no surprise many households are looking for quality alternatives. Sparkling beer offers celebratory sparkle without the premium price tag of Champagne or high-end English Sparkling Wine.

A Few Festive Styles to Try

Bière Brut (Beer Champagne)

Dry, elegant and perfect for Christmas toasts. Serve chilled in flutes for maximum sparkle.

Saisons

Naturally bubbly with citrus and spice notes. Fantastic with turkey, stuffing balls and creamy cheeses.

Sparkling Fruit Beers

A fun, colourful choice for parties, especially those featuring cranberry, raspberry or citrus flavours.

Dry Sparkling Lagers

Clean and crisp, making them ideal aperitifs before the main feast.

Mixed Fermentation Sparkling Beers

Full of character and depth—excellent for Boxing Day leftovers or cheese boards.

How to Serve Sparkling Beer at Christmas

Chill it well—carbonation pops more nicely when very cold.

Use Champagne flutes or coupes for an elegant festive look.

Pair it with nibbles such as smoked salmon blinis, cheese straws or charcuterie.

Offer a tasting flight if you’re hosting a Christmas Eve drinks party. It’s a fun talking point.

Don’t forget presentation—sparkling beer bottles look brilliant in an ice bucket with cranberries or sprigs of rosemary for decoration.

A Fun Talking Point at Festive Gatherings

Serving sparkling beer instead of sparkling wine always sparks conversation. Most guests are intrigued, many are surprised by how refined it tastes, and some even end up preferring it. 

It’s a brilliant way to offer something unexpected while still keeping the festive sparkle.

If you fancy bringing something a bit different to this year’s celebrations, sparkling beer is well worth exploring. It’s refreshing, versatile and festive in its own right, perfect for toasting with friends, pairing with rich Christmas food, or adding a modern twist to classic traditions.

Swap your usual glass of prosecco for a bubbly beer this Christmas and you might just discover a new festive favourite.

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Wines for Christmas: From Budget Bottles to Show-Stopping Treats

Discover an easy beginner’s guide to choosing Christmas wines, from budget-friendly bottles to impressive festive treats. 

Perfect for UK readers looking to buy wine with confidence this holiday season.

Choosing wine for Christmas doesn’t have to be intimidating. 

With supermarket shelves stacked high and endless jargon on the labels, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re not a wine expert. 

The good news? You don’t need to be. Whether you’re looking for affordable bottles for casual sipping or something a bit special for Christmas dinner, this beginner-friendly guide will help you pick wines with confidence, whatever your budget.

Start with a Budget in Mind

Christmas can get expensive quickly, so setting a clear budget helps narrow the choices. Happily, good wine doesn’t need to cost much. Supermarkets in the UK offer excellent value, with plenty of dependable options under £8–£10 and some cracking offers in December. If you’re splashing out, the £12–£20 range delivers fantastic quality without going into fine-wine territory.

Budget-Friendly Wines: Great Taste Without the Price Tag

These bottles are perfect for parties, buffets, and curling up on the sofa with a mince pie, or two. We won't judge!

Red:

Spanish Tempranillo – Soft, fruity, and easy to drink.

Chilean Merlot – Smooth, warm, and crowd-pleasing.

Portuguese Red Blends – Often superb value with rich berry flavours.

White:

South African Chenin Blanc – Fresh, versatile, and great with party food.

Sicilian Grillo – Crisp and aromatic with a sunshine feel.

Pinot Grigio – Light and reliable for large gatherings.

Fizz:

Prosecco – Affordable, cheerful, and perfect for toasts.

Cava – Excellent quality for the money, often drier than Prosecco.

Mid-Range Wines: Ideal for Christmas Dinner

If you’re hosting or want something a step up without breaking the bank, the £10–£20 range delivers plenty of festive magic.

With Turkey or Chicken

French Pinot Noir – Silky with bright red fruits.

Beaujolais Villages – Light, fruity, and great with classic Christmas trimmings.

Oaked Chardonnay – Creamy, rich, and ideal with roast poultry.

With Beef or Lamb

Malbec from Argentina – Bold yet smooth.

Australian Shiraz – Spicy, warming, and perfect for winter.

Spanish Rioja Reserva – Elegant with layers of flavour.

With Fish or Vegetarian Dishes

Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and zingy.

Viognier – Floral, peachy, and lovely with creamy veggie dishes.

Albariño – Excellent with seafood and lighter starters.

Fizz to Impress Slightly

Crémant (France) – Traditional-method sparkling wine without the Champagne price.

English Sparkling Wine (Smaller Bottles Available) – Wonderfully festive and increasingly award-winning.

Premium Bottles: When You Want Something Special

If Christmas is your excuse to indulge, here are some reliable top-tier choices:

Champagne

Look for reputable houses such as Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, or Moët & Chandon. For great value, supermarket own-label Champagnes often win awards. Also, look out for member's only offers for Tesco, Morison's, Marks and Spencer's, etc.

Fine Reds

Bordeaux (Left Bank for structure, Right Bank for softness)

Barolo – Elegant and powerful.

Amarone – Rich, velvety, and perfect by the fire.

Fine Whites

Chablis Premier Cru – Crisp, classy, and superb with smoked salmon.

White Burgundy – Smooth and luxurious.

These bottles are best kept for the big meal, Christmas Eve supper, or as a gift for someone who knows their wine.

Tips for Buying Wine with Confidence

Don’t fear screw caps – They’re reliable and preserve freshness.

Look for supermarket award stickers – A quick shortcut to quality.

Check for seasonal offers – December is full of multibuy deals.

Buy a mix of styles – Something fruity, something dry, something fizzy; you’ll please everyone.

Ask in-store staff – They genuinely enjoy helping.

How Many Bottles Do You Need?

For gatherings, a helpful rule is one bottle per two or three adults for an evening event. Add a couple of extra bottles of fizz for toasting and you’ll be well covered.

Conclusion

Buying wine for Christmas doesn’t need expert knowledge or a huge budget. With a little guidance and a sense of adventure, you can choose bottles that suit every guest, every meal, and every moment of your festive celebrations. From bargain finds to something luxurious for the big day, the perfect Christmas wine is out there waiting — and now you know exactly how to find it.

Cheers to a deliciously merry Christmas!

Celebrate Christmas the Hampshire Way With Candover Brook & ChalkStream®

This Christmas, two leading Hampshire producers are inviting us to look beyond Champagne and smoked salmon, and choose something closer to home, namely delicious trout and English Sparkling Wine.

Candover Brook, the award-winning English Sparkling Wine, and ChalkStream®, suppliers of the region's finest trout, are joining forces to set a new festive tradition. 

It's an invitation to celebrate with flavour, provenance and purpose. Sustainability never tasted so good.

Together, they've created the brand-new Candover Brook & ChalkStream® Canapé Box, a ready-to-enjoy set of festive essentials, designed for effortless entertaining or thoughtful gifting.

The Canapé Box includes:

ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout 200g

ChalkStream® Cold Smoked Trout Paté 150g

Trout Caviar 50g

Pack of 16 blinis

Tracklements Dill & Mustard Sauce 140g

1 x 750ml bottle of Candover Brook Brut NV

Simply layer smoked trout or trout pâté onto the blinis, add a spoon of trout caviar or a drizzle of dill and mustard sauce, and pair with a glass of Candover Brook Brut NV. A combination crafted for Christmas gatherings, New Year's Eve celebrations, or gifting to friends and family.

Both Candover Brook and ChalkStream® are inspired by Hampshire's rare chalk stream landscapes, among the most fragile habitats in the world. Each is committed to protecting and regenerating the environment that sustains their craft, from vineyard to river.

Availability

Price: £75

Delivery: UK mainland (excl. Highlands & Islands), allow 5 working days

Shelf life: Cold smoked trout, 7 days minimum (suitable for freezing); pâté, 3 days

Allergy advice: Blinis contain WHEAT, MILK, EGG

Order online:  www.chalkstreamfoods.co.uk 

A Christmas rooted in place, shaped by care, and joyfully shared. And a new tradition for your family.

Morrisons cuts price of classic Christmas veg to just 10p to help all customers tuck into a full roast

Morrisons is cutting the price of vegetables that are a vital part of any Christmas dinner to ensure all customers can enjoy a full, hearty roast on the big day.

Morrisons More Card holders can pick-up British Carrots (1kg), British Parsnips (500g), British Brussel Sprouts (500g) and a British Whole Swede for just 10p each from 18th December until 24th December.

And what's more, all customers can get British Best Potatoes (2kg) for half-price in store now, costing £1.15 until January 1st.

Morrisons is British farming’s biggest direct customer and recently announced it's to bring forward its planned financial support to better help the nation’s growers. 

Over £1.4 billion has been committed to British farming annually besides giving the 2,500 farmers who work with Morrisons a 5% discount to use in stores and online and a further 25% discount on all its café food and drink nationwide every Tuesday.

Fraser Lovatt, who is Category Director of Produce & Horticulture at Morrisons, said: “No Christmas dinner is complete without all the trimmings of the seasonal vegetables. 

"By reducing the costs of products such as carrots, parsnips, sprouts and potatoes, we're helping customers get all they need for the perfect festive roast without breaking the bank. Selling more of these products also stops them from going to waste and enables us to give more back to our important network of British farmers.”

With Christmas just around the corner, Morrisons is also slashing the cost of other festive favourites. Customers can save 50% on Market Street Whole Salmon, on offer at just £7.50/kg (usually £15/kg) from now until 5th January in-store nationwide. 

More Card holders can also benefit from a half price saving on Charles De Villiers Champagne Brut 75cl at just £12.50 (usually £25) until 1st January or pick up a bottle of Sorso Prosecco Spumante for just £4.75 (usually £6.50), perfect to accompany any festive celebration.

Celebrating Global Champagne Day: A Toast to Bubbles and Elegance

Image courtesy of vbosica of Pixabay

Every year, on the third Friday of October, champagne lovers around the world raise their flutes to celebrate Global Champagne Day. 

This joyous occasion not only highlights the exquisite effervescence of champagne but also pays homage to the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into producing this iconic beverage. 

Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply enjoy a glass on special occasions, Global Champagne Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in the sparkling delight.

The Origins of Champagne

Champagne originates from the Champagne region in northeastern France, where the unique climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for growing grapes. The region’s signature grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier—are essential to producing the distinct taste and aroma associated with this sparkling wine.

The history of champagne dates back to the 17th century, when Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon began experimenting with blending different grape varieties and striving for consistency in quality. His efforts led to the creation of what we now recognise as champagne, and he famously said, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars,” upon tasting his first bottle.

How to Celebrate Global Champagne Day

Raise a Glass: The simplest way to honour Global Champagne Day is to pour yourself a glass of your favourite bubbly. Whether you prefer a classic brut, a rosé, or a vintage champagne, each sip is a celebration of the craftsmanship involved in its production.

Explore Local Producers: While Champagne itself is a protected designation of origin, many regions around the world produce sparkling wines that are equally delightful. Consider exploring local vineyards or tasting rooms to discover unique sparkling wines from the UK or other regions, such as Prosecco from Italy or Cava from Spain.

Pair with Delicious Food: Champagne is incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings. For a classic touch, serve it alongside oysters or caviar. Alternatively, try it with a cheese platter featuring soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with pairing champagne with spicy dishes—its acidity and bubbles can complement a range of flavours beautifully.

Host a Champagne Tasting: Gather friends and family for a champagne tasting party. Provide a selection of different champagnes or sparkling wines, and encourage everyone to share their thoughts on each bottle. This can be a fun way to learn about the nuances of flavour, aroma, and texture while enjoying great company.

Educate Yourself: Take the opportunity to learn more about champagne production. Consider attending a workshop or tasting event, or simply read up on the subject. Understanding the different styles of champagne and the methods of production can deepen your appreciation for this luxurious drink.

The Future of Champagne

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the champagne industry is also evolving. Many producers are adopting sustainable practices, focusing on organic and biodynamic farming methods. This not only helps to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Champagne region but also enhances the quality of the grapes.

In addition, the rise of craft producers is making champagne more accessible and diverse than ever. Smaller, independent vineyards are experimenting with innovative techniques, leading to exciting new styles and flavours.

Global Champagne Day is a delightful reminder to savour the finer things in life. Whether you choose to celebrate with a glass of vintage champagne or a sparkling wine from a local vineyard, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and tradition behind each bottle. So, gather your friends, raise your glasses, and toast to the magic of bubbles this October! Cheers!

You can use Global Champagne Day to work out which Champagnes you can select for your Christmas festivities.

Affordable Yet Delightful Champagnes for Christmas Celebrations

When Christmas approaches, many of us start planning gatherings with friends and family, and let’s be honest, what’s a festive occasion without a glass (or two) of Champagne to toast to good health and cheer? 

But while Champagne adds that extra sparkle to the festivities, it’s often considered an expensive luxury. Thankfully, not all Champagnes need to break the bank. There are several affordable options that don’t compromise on quality, ensuring your Christmas party is still bubbly and bright.

Here’s a guide to some of the best low-cost yet drinkable Champagnes to make your Christmas merry without draining your wallet.

1. Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Réserve

Price: Around £30

Nicolas Feuillatte is one of France’s largest and most reputable Champagne houses. The Brut Réserve offers an excellent balance between fruitiness and acidity, with hints of apple, pear, and apricot. Its soft bubbles and elegant finish make it a perfect choice for a Christmas toast, and at around £30, it’s both classy and accessible.

2. Louis Delaunay Champagne Brut

Price: Around £20

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bottle that still delivers the quintessential Champagne experience, Louis Delaunay Champagne Brut is a strong contender. Crisp and refreshing with citrus and floral notes, this Champagne brings an uplifting vibrancy to any gathering. It’s a great crowd-pleaser for those Christmas parties where you want to pop more than just one bottle without worrying about the cost.

3. Tesco Finest Premier Cru Champagne

Price: Around £25

Supermarkets have upped their game with their own-label Champagnes, and Tesco’s Finest Premier Cru is one of the best bargains on the market. Made from grapes sourced from premier cru vineyards, this Champagne has a fresh, zesty taste with a long, satisfying finish. It’s a winner for Christmas dinners, pairing well with festive dishes like roasted turkey or smoked salmon.

4. Lanson Black Label Brut

Price: Around £35

Lanson is a well-known and respected Champagne brand, and their Black Label Brut is a fantastic entry-level offering. With vibrant citrus and green apple flavours, a crisp minerality, and long-lasting bubbles, this bottle embodies the elegance of more expensive Champagnes but at a more affordable price point. A lovely choice for both casual sipping and toasting to the New Year.

5. Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Brut NV Champagne

Price: Around £23

Another supermarket gem, Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Champagne, offers excellent value for money. It’s made using traditional methods and provides notes of citrus and almond, with a creamy texture that’s a perfect complement to festive nibbles like cheese platters and canapés. At just over £20, it’s a budget-friendly option for a big Christmas bash.

6. Veuve Monsigny Champagne Brut by Aldi

Price: Around £15

Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny Champagne has become somewhat legendary for its exceptional quality at an unbelievably low price. Made by the prestigious Champagne house Philizot & Fils, it’s crisp, light, and balanced, with fruity notes of peach and apple. At under £20, it’s a brilliant option for those who want to keep costs down but still serve something sparkling and special.

7. Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial (Mini Bottles)

Price: Around £16 for a 200ml bottle

While a full-sized bottle of Moët & Chandon may stretch the budget, their mini bottles offer a touch of luxury at a lower cost. These individual servings are perfect for a more intimate Christmas gathering or as a special treat for guests. Expect the same refined taste and classic Champagne style, but without the commitment of a large bottle.

Tips for Enjoying Champagne on a Budget:

Look for Non-Vintage (NV) Champagnes: Non-vintage Champagnes are made by blending wine from several years, which makes them more affordable than vintage Champagnes. They are still high-quality and perfect for everyday celebrations.

Supermarket Own Brands: Don’t shy away from supermarket labels like Morrison's, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Aldi. These Champagnes are often produced by reputable houses and offer excellent value for money.

Opt for Cava or Prosecco: If you want to stick to an even lower budget, consider serving sparkling alternatives like Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco. While they aren’t technically Champagnes, they still provide that celebratory fizz at a fraction of the price.

A Sparkling Christmas, Without the Splurge

Christmas is all about coming together and enjoying time with loved ones, and there’s no reason the cost of Champagne should get in the way of that. With the range of affordable yet drinkable Champagnes available, you can raise a glass (or several) this Christmas without breaking the bank. Whether you’re having a cosy dinner or hosting a lively party, these budget-friendly bottles will add sparkle and cheer to your festivities.

So, get those glasses ready and start celebrating! Cheers to a wonderful and bubbly Christmas!

Over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation

Yes, over the next few months That's Christmas will come out of hibernation and we will be bringing our readers all the latest news on Christmas gifting ideas, plus how to source items for delightful homemade Christmas gifts and trinkets.

That's Christmas will also be carrying news and features on Christmas season foods and drinks, plus Christmas-related foods and special seasonal drinks.

So please, watch this space!

And if you have news of a Christmas-related product or service that you would like to share with our readers, please email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com

Flowers still top Valentine lists

The latest user survey conducted by dedicated money-saving website DiscountVouchers.co.uk has this week revealed that the majority of Britons still rate the top Valentine’s Day gift to be flowers.

DiscountVouchers.co.uk regularly surveys its site users and this week reveals that the leading Valentine's Day gift is flowers, with 40% of respondents picking this. Next in the poll results was jewellery with 34% while the poll also showed that 9% of people prefer not to give any gift at all Valentine's Day.

The top ten Valentine’s Day presents uncovered by the voucher codes website poll were: 1. Flowers. 2. Jewellery. 3. Nothing. 4. Chocolates. 5. Champagne. 6. Lingerie. 7. Teddy bear. 8. Simple card. 9. Perfume. 10. CD.

For more information visit www.discountvouchers.co.uk

Enjoy Drinking Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte this Christmas

There is something that links Christmas and the festive season with Champagne, and it is true that almost nothing nothing puts you in the festive mood better than a glass of Champagne. A glass of good quality Champagne, that is.

Because you must make your selection carefully. Some Champagnes that are big on name and reputation are not so big when it comes to taste.

But this is, thankfully, not the case when it comes to Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. And this year is a very special year for Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and its many fans, for Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte is celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year and has released a limited edition bottle of Champagne to mark the occasion that will be perfect to toast with or to put under the tree this Christmas.

The festive look of the bottle alone makes this Champagne a perfect fit for the party season. Decorated with colourful stripes on a black background, the bottle is striking and could even make an exquisite collector’s item.

Inside the bottle is one of Nicolas Feuillatte’s most delicious Champagnes yet. Cellar Master Jean Pierre Vincent has created an elegant Champagne. In this limited edition bottle he has crafted a blend of three varietals: Pinot Noir (30%), Pinot Meunier (30%) and Chardonnay (40%), all aged for 5 years. The Champagne is straw-coloured in appearance revealing tremendous clarity and brightness.

To accompany the bottle, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte has also released a one of a kind canister and ice bag – the perfect trio to be delivered down your chimney this Christmas. 35th Anniversary products available at John Lewis and Vinopolis London. Bottle RRP: £29

The taste is exquisite and Cellar Master Jean Pierre Vincent has crafted a Champagne that will stand the test of time. We tried the Pinot Noir and it had a taste that is essential Champagne. It was clean and bright on the tongue, it had just the right amount of fizz and makes an ideal accompaniment for almost any type of food or a superb 'stand alone' Champagne for that special occasion party drink when one desires something special to celebrate Christmas, New Year, a special birthday or anniversary, or some other time that needs to be marked with something that tastes remarkably good and can help enliven the spirits.

If you only get one Champagne this year, you must make it Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte.