A Sparkling Guide to Christmastime Bubbles: From Budget Bottles to Luxurious Labels

Discover the best sparkling wines for Christmas, from budget Cava and Prosecco to English sparkling and luxurious Champagne. 

A festive guide to bubbles for every celebration and budget.

Few things mark the start of the festive season quite like the pop of a cork. 

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas Eve gathering, toasting with family on the big day, or welcoming in the New Year, sparkling wine adds instant celebration to any occasion.

And with more choice than ever, from bargain-friendly Cava to world-class English sparkling wine and truly indulgent Champagnes, it’s easier than you think to find the perfect bottle for your Christmas festivities.

Here’s your guide to choosing bubbles for every taste and every budget.

Budget-Friendly Sparkle (£6–£12)

Christmas can be an expensive time, so it’s reassuring that the lower end of the sparkling wine market is better than ever.

Cava (Spain)

If you want Champagne-style complexity without the price tag, Cava remains one of the best-value sparkling wines on the shelf. Traditionally made, aged on the lees, and often delightfully dry, Cava brings crisp citrus, toasted notes and fantastic consistency.

Perfect for:

Larger gatherings

Party punches

Christmas morning mimosas

Italian Prosecco (Extra Dry or Brut)

Prosecco continues to be a crowd-pleaser, lighter, fruitier and often slightly sweeter than Cava or Champagne. Choose Brut for a drier style or Extra Dry if you enjoy a touch of festive sweetness.

Perfect for:

Aperitifs

Festive grazing boards

Those who prefer softer bubbles

The Mid-Range Magic (£12–£28)

Stepping up the price ladder brings more depth, finesse and character, ideal for dinners and toasts.

Crémant (France)

Crémant is one of the sparkling wine world’s best-kept secrets. Produced in several French regions (Alsace, Loire, Burgundy), these wines use the same method as Champagne but offer tremendous value.

Expect elegant, fine bubbles and a refined finish, ideal for serving with smoked salmon starters or Christmas canapés.

English Sparkling Wine (Non-Vintage)

England’s chalky soils and cool climate are producing some of the world’s most exciting sparkling wines. In fact, some have beaten Champagne in blind tastings!

Bright acidity, orchard fruit and a yeasty richness make English sparkling an elegant festive choice, and a brilliant way to support local producers.

Perfect for:

Christmas Day lunch

Small, special celebrations

A proudly British festive table

Premium Bubbles (£30–£60)

Champagne (Non-Vintage)

If Christmas isn’t a time for a little indulgence, when is? Non-vintage Champagne remains the gold standard for predictable quality and sophistication. Expect flavours of brioche, lemon zest, almond and tiny, delicate bubbles.

Top names such as Taittinger, Piper-Heidsieck, and Pol Roger frequently appear in Christmas offers, making them perfect for:

Formal celebrations

Toasting on Christmas Eve

Pairing with seafood, pâté or festive cheese boards

For the Ultimate Treat (£60–£200+)

Vintage Champagne

Vintage Champagne is made only in exceptional years and aged longer, giving it extraordinary depth and elegance. These bottles aren’t for mixing or casual sipping—this is the moment to pour a glass, sit back, and savour.

Flavours range from honeyed citrus and toasted brioche to baked apple and almond praline.

Perfect for:

Christmas Day decadence

Impressing guests

New Year’s Eve grand countdowns

Prestige Cuvées

Think Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Bollinger La Grande Année. These are the world’s most celebrated bubbles, crafted with meticulous detail and meant to be enjoyed slowly.

If you’re marking a milestone, an engagement, a new arrival, or simply a year well-lived—these bottles deliver fireworks in a glass.

Choosing the Right Sparkling wine for Your Festive Plans

Occasion Best Choice Why

Large festive party Cava or Prosecco Affordable, crowd-pleasing and versatile

Christmas Day lunch nEnglish sparkling or NV Champagne Elegant, food-friendly, celebratory

After-dinner toast Crémant or NV Champagne Balanced, refined, not too sweet

New Year’s Eve countdown Vintage Champagne or Prestige Cuvée Luxurious and memorable

Cocktail making Prosecco or Cava Keeps cocktails fresh without overspending

From cheerful bargain bottles to once-in-a-lifetime Champagnes, there’s a sparkling wine for every Christmas moment. The key is matching your bubbles to your plans, whether you’re hosting the whole family, welcoming neighbours in for nibbles, or raising a quiet glass by the tree.

And remember: the best sparkling wine is the one you enjoy. So pick a bottle (or several), chill it well, and let the celebrations begin!

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.

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!