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How to Choose the Right Sparkling Wine for Your Celebration

There’s something enchanting and magical about sparkling wine. It adds that touch of elegance to any celebration, making every moment feel a little more special. Whether you're hosting an intimate celebratory dinner, a festive Christmas party, or a grand wedding, selecting the right bottle can truly elevate the occasion.

Read on for our guide to choosing the perfect sparkling wine

Ensuring your bubbly is as crowd-pleasing and memorable as the event itself and giving you the confidence to choose the right bottle to pop, pour, and pair at your next celebration.

Crop bartender serving champagne in glasses in restaurant

Event Type

The type of celebration you’re hosting will naturally influence your choice of sparkling wine. For a formal event such as a wedding, Champagne is always a timeless choice. Its prestige and finesse are perfect for sophisticated gatherings. For more relaxed celebrations, like a casual brunch or a fun dinner with friends, Prosecco may be a better fit, offering a fresh, approachable vibe that pairs wonderfully but at a significantly lower price point.

Alternatively, Greek sparkling wine such as Aphrodise is the perfect middle ground between luxury and approachability, with cordial, crisp cherry notes and a smoothness that defines the height of carefree luxury.

Your Guestlist

Not all guests are wine connoisseurs, so it’s important to choose a sparkling wine that appeals to a wide range of palates. Sparkling wines come in different sweetness levels, so take the time to consider what your guests may enjoy. Choosing a middle-of-the-road style gives you the best chance of pleasing a diverse crowd.

Brut is a popular style: dry, crisp, and refreshing. It’s a safe bet for most occasions and pairs well with savoury dishes like seafood, poultry, or charcuterie. Alternatively, if your guests enjoy something a little sweeter, look for a Sec wine such as Aphrodise. Aphrodise has a discrete presence of light sugars, with pronounced aromas of crisp apple and cherry and an elegantly low acidity which makes it perfect for casual sipping or pairing with sweeter appetizers or desserts.

Gloved waiters holding a try of coupe glasses, pouring a bottle of Aphrodise

Woman Pouring Champagne into Crystal Glasses

The Menu

If your celebration involves dining, it’s imperative that the food you’re serving pairs perfectly with the wine you choose. Sparkling wines are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairings, and matching the wine to your menu can enhance both. Consider your menu and how each sparkling wine’s unique characteristics will highlight the flavors of your dishes.

Brut or Extra Brut sparkling wines pair very well with savoury dishes like seafood, fried foods, or roasted meats. Demi-Sec or Sec sparkling wines, with their slightly sweeter profile, make a lovely choice for pairing with lighter foods like fresh salads, pasta dishes, or even cheese plates. For dessert, consider a sweet-leaning sparkling wine, which has a more pronounced sugariness that complements cakes, pastries, or fruit-based desserts beautifully.

Your Budget

It’s important to keep your budget in mind when choosing your sparkling wine, as bubbly can range dramatically in price. Having said that, you don’t always have to splurge on a high-end Champagne to impress your guests. More unique sparkling wine choices such as English sparkling wines and Greek sparkling wines are delicious, high quality choices which come in a huge range of price points, allowing you to select a luxurious bottle of fizz which suits your purse strings.

If you would like to consider the most affordable option, consider an understated bottle of Prosecco, offering excellent value for money while still delivering a refreshing bubbles and fruity flavor profile that will match your celebration.