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Which Sparkling Wine Should You Choose For New Year’s Eve?
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Ring in the New Year with a glass of sparkling wine that lifts the spirits, welcomes new beginnings, and sees the year out in style. Popping open a bottle of bubbly adds to the fun of the evening — and you’ll want an indulgent wine to match the occasion. But which sparkling wine is best suited to a fabulous NYE bash?
Across the world, sparkling wines each bring their own flair: Champagne from France, Prosecco from Italy, Crémant from various French regions, Cap Classique in South Africa, Australian sparkling wine, and English sparkling wine. English sparkling, in particular, has gained a reputation for refined bubbles, supple texture, and understated sophistication, making it an elegant, conversation-starting choice to wow your guests.
In this guide, we’ll explore sparkling wines suited to every moment of your New Year’s Eve, from aperitifs to toasts, highlighting flavours, fizz, and mouthfeel. For more on sparkling wine production, see our detailed guide.
1. Premium Celebrations: Champagne and English Sparkling Wine
Best for: Those who enjoy layered flavours and refined bubbles
To really treat yourself and your party guests, a bottle-fermented luxury wine, such as Champagne or luxury English sparkling wine, is the absolute best choice. Expect perfection in every sense: persistent, delicate bubbles that float across the palate, a divine aroma, and utterly delectable flavours.
The flavour profile is multilayered and complex. The slow production method, known as ageing on the lees, adds depth and a creamy mouthfeel, creating a subtle, buttery texture that contrasts beautifully with crisp citrus notes, ripe orchard fruits, and hints of hedgerow berries. Savour the gentle brioche and nutty nuances that develop naturally over time, offering a richness that evolves in the glass.
The bubbles are persistent and delicate, rising in elegant streams that lift the aromas and spread across the palate, giving each sip a refined, lively sensation.
The colour of these wines is equally captivating. Bottle-fermented wines often show a pale gold, sometimes with a soft amber glow from the lees ageing, making them visually as enchanting as they are delicious.
And expect the aroma to be impressive: floral, yeasty, and inviting, drawing guests into the experience before the first sip even reaches their lips. Bottle-fermented wines maintain their structure and fizz longer than most other sparkling wines, meaning the enjoyment extends across the evening — perfect for toasts, celebrations, or simply savouring with friends and family.
Example options: English Blanc de Blancs from Sussex or Kent, Bolney Classic Cuvée, or Champagne.
Serving tip: For the best drinking experience, pour Champagne or English sparkling wine into a tulip-shaped or white wine glass (yes, skip the flutes). A wider glass allows delicate aromas to develop fully while guiding the fine, persistent bubbles to the rim, creating an elegant, textured mouthfeel.
2. Lively and Refreshing: Prosecco and Tank-Method Wines
Best for: Early evening drinks or casual parties
Tank-fermented wines, such as Prosecco, present a noticeably lighter style than traditional-method sparkling wines. The bubbles are bright and lively, though generally a little frothier and less creamy than those in bottle-fermented wines. Many Proseccos have a subtle sweetness that makes them instantly approachable, with flavours of green apple, pear, and soft citrus that feel fresh on the palate.
Because these wines spend little or no time on the lees, their flavour and fizz are at their peak shortly after bottling, so it’s best to serve them soon. The bubbles tend to be gentle and refreshing rather than persistent, meaning the mouthfeel is crisp and uplifting rather than velvety or textured.
These qualities make tank-method wines excellent for early evening gatherings, light starters, or informal toasts. While they may not have the depth and lingering complexity of Champagne or English sparkling, their friendly freshness and accessible fruit character often delight guests and set an upbeat, celebratory tone for the evening.
Example options: DOCG Prosecco from Veneto or Italian sparkling rosé.
Serving tip: Chill to 6–8°C to enjoy the finesse of the bubbles and savour the flavours.
3. Natural and Unexpected: Pétillant Naturel (Pét-nat)
Best for: Adventurous drinkers and informal gatherings
Pétillant Naturel, or Pét-nat, offers a sparkling experience that is lively, playful, and a little unpredictable — perfect for those who enjoy discovering something different on New Year’s Eve. Bubbles form naturally in the bottle as fermentation continues, creating a delicate, frothy mousse that tingles pleasantly across the palate.
The flavours are fresh and vibrant, often showcasing crisp orchard fruits, subtle citrus, and gentle floral notes, with a light spritz that makes each sip refreshing and invigorating. Because each bottle finishes fermenting on its own, no two are ever quite the same — a slight variation in fizz, aroma, or flavour gives every pour a unique character.
The mouthfeel is soft yet lively, with a subtle creaminess from the remaining lees balancing the natural sparkle. Pét-nat wines often display a charming, pale gold or lightly rosé hue, sometimes with a slight cloudiness that hints at their natural production, adding to the visual appeal of the glass.
Aroma plays a key role, too — expect hints of white flowers, green apple, and gentle yeasty notes that lift the overall drinking experience. Pét-nat is ideal for pairing with lighter bites, cheeses, or festive canapés, offering a spark of fun and a refreshing alternative to more traditional sparklers.
Example options: Loire Valley Pét-nats, Catalonia natural sparkling wines, or English small-batch naturals.
Serving tip: Pair with light bites or cheese boards, and store upright to preserve the delicate mousse.
4. Budget-Friendly Bubbles: Carbonated Wines
Best for: Big groups or casual toasts
Unlike Champagne or English sparkling wines, the bubbles in carbonated wines are larger, more energetic, and dissipate quickly, creating a playful, spritzy mouthfeel rather than a long-lasting, creamy mousse. The flavours tend to be fresh and straightforward, often highlighting sweet orchard fruits, soft citrus, or gentle floral hints. Easy to enjoy, carbonated wines are suitable for large parties or last-minute celebrations.
These wines pour a cheerful pale golden or pink in the glass, with a soft, inviting aroma. While they lack the layered texture, delicate aromas, and subtle complexity of bottle-fermented wines, carbonated wines like entry-level Prosecco, Italian Moscato, or supermarket sparkling brands are perfect for pouring generously and keeping the festive spirit bubbling throughout the evening.
Example options: Entry-level Prosecco, Italian Moscato, supermarket sparkling brands.
A bonus tip: These wines make excellent bases for sparkling cocktails or punches. Add fresh fruits, herbs, or a splash of liqueur to create a festive drink that’s easy to scale for your guests and keeps the party flowing.
Bolney Sparkling Wines for NYE
Start the evening with Bolney Bubbly NV, a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Müller-Thurgau, offering delicate floral notes and hints of elderflower, setting a bright and inviting tone for the night ahead.
As canapés appear, serve Cuvée Rosé. Its fresh, aromatic finish complements salmon, tuna, or mild cheeses, enhancing the tasting experience without overpowering the food.
Classic Cuvée NV is ideal for toasting and conversation, offering hedgerow fruit aromas and subtle brioche notes, perfect for clinking glasses with friends.
Cuvée Noir keeps drinks flowing throughout the evening with its deep ruby colour and lively, traditional-method bubbles. Aromas of red cherry, redcurrant, and hints of blueberry fill the glass, while the palate delights with creamy mousse, full-bodied texture, and a subtle touch of sweet spice. The rich, fruity character ensures your guests stay intrigued and impressed throughout the evening.
When welcoming the New Year, a Bolney Bubbly Magnum delivers slow-aged complexity and striking bubbles, making it an exceptional centrepiece for your celebration.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sparkling Wine
Before selecting a sparkling wine, think about a few key factors, such as the food you’ll be serving, the style of your celebration, and how long you plan to enjoy the wine. Considering these details helps ensure a harmonious pairing and a more enjoyable experience for your guests.
Pair to your menu: Richer, creamy dishes suit traditional-method wines, while lighter snacks complement Prosecco or Pét-nat. Check out our wine pairing guide for tips!
Consider your crowd: Bottle-fermented wines impress guests, while carbonated wines keep things approachable and easygoing.
Serve at the right temperature: Chill sparkling wines to 6–10°C to preserve freshness and lively bubbles.
Think about longevity: Bottle-fermented wines maintain structure and fizz longer after opening, while tank and carbonated wines are best consumed sooner.
Raise a Glass to the New Year
For a day out around New Year’s Eve and into the New Year, visit Bolney Wine Estate to experience English luxury sparkling wines first-hand. Wander through the vineyard, explore the winemaking facilities, and enjoy a guided tasting of our award-winning wines. You can even reserve a table at our highly sought-after Eighteen Acre Restaurant for a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner and see in the new year with fine wine and fine food.
‘What sets a Magnum apart?’ – your questions answered
What’s better than one bottle of English wine? The answer may be two, but that’s not the only reason why magnums grow more popular year on year. Whether it’s as a showstopper at a dinner party or to keep for that sparkling special occasion, let us share a thing or four about why magnums are the perfect addition to your celebrations.
