I debated saying something about this being the season for sparkling wines, but who am I kidding? It is always the right time for a glass of bubbles. Over the years, I have shared my favorite red wines under $30 and white wines under $30, and I have continued taking wine-tasting classes to better understand my own preferences. Today, I am rounding up some of my sparkling wines choices for the holiday season—wines that are widely accessible at grocery stores, Total Wine, and many local bottle shops.
Do not forget to check out your local wine shop for more of a variety! If you are local to the Raleigh area, my go-to shops are Wine Authorities, Raleigh Wine Shop, Cellar 55, and Wine 100.
This post was originally written in 2022 and is freshly updated for 2025.
And if you will be hosting this year, definitely check out my article featuring wine & cheese pairings—perfect for festive gatherings.
Photo by Stacey Sprenz
10 Sparkling Wine Choices Under $40 for your Holiday Gatherings
Borrasca Brut Cava
Region: Cava, Spain
Notes: Bright, energetic, and refreshing with layers of green apple and citrus. The toasty, rounded mouthfeel carries the fruit through the finish. An easy crowd-pleaser.
Medici Ermete Concerto Reggiano Lambrusco DOC
Region: Carmignano, Italy
Notes: The world’s first single-vineyard, vintage Lambrusco. Dry, lively, and naturally sparkling, made from organically farmed grapes from the Tenuta La Rampata vineyard. A fun alternative for red-wine lovers.
Louis Bouillot Perle De Vigne Brut
Region: Burgundy, France
Notes: Crafted from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Aligoté, and Gamay, aged 12 months on lees. Toasty and chalk-driven with clean, focused bubbles—perfect for raw oysters or shellfish.
McBride Sisters Black Girl Magic Sparkling Brut
Region: California
Notes: Crisp apples, golden pear, citrus, and white florals. Fine, delicate bubbles make this feel refined, luxurious, and perfect for holiday toasts.
Mumm Napa Cuvee “M”
Region: Napa Valley, California
Notes: Creamy, lightly sweet, and endlessly drinkable. A great aperitif sparkling wine and an ideal match for hors d’oeuvres, spicy dishes, or creamy desserts.
Belstar Prosecco Brut DOC
Region: Veneto, Italy
Notes: Aromas of apricot, peach, cherry blossom, and pear. Crisp, lively, and bright thanks to its concentrated fruit and refreshing acidity. With just 11g of residual sugar, it stays clean and dry through the finish.
Levert Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Sparkling Wine
Region: Burgundy, France
Notes: Elegant and balanced with subtle floral and biscuit notes. A versatile sparkler that works beautifully as an aperitif or dessert pairing.
Region: Italy
Notes: Soft and persistent bubbles with floral hints, touches of honey, citrus, and almond. Light, refreshing, and a great value bottle.
Champagne Marie de Moy Brut
Region: France
Notes: Zesty green apple and honeysuckle with bright acidity and expressive bubbles. A Champagne that drinks far above its price point.
Carmen Brut Nature
Region: Maipo Valley, Chile
Notes: Chardonnay-based with 35% Pinot Noir, aged 30 months on lees with partial oak fermentation. Dry, complex, and savory with notes of wild mushrooms, toasted nuts, and berry fruit. A fantastic find for under $40.
How to store sparkling wine
Consistent temperature
Keep bottles in a cool spot around 53–57°F whenever possible. If you do not have a wine fridge, pick the coolest, most stable place in your home—an interior pantry or closet works well. The key is consistency more than an exact number.
Keep away from light
Store bottles in a darker area to protect them from light and help keep temperature stable. Even though Champagne and sparkling wines are not as wildly sensitive as some still wines, a dark corner of your pantry is a simple and effective solution.
Store on the side
Laying bottles on their side keeps the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and letting oxygen in. This preserves the fizz and freshness, so your bottle stays lively right up to opening.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are popping a bottle for the holidays, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself after a long week, the right sparkling wine can elevate any moment. The beauty of today’s sparkling wine choices is that there truly is something for every palate and every budget—classic Champagne, crisp Prosecco, vibrant Cava, or fun, unexpected pét-nats. As you explore new favorites or revisit trusted standbys, let your personal taste lead the way. Cheers to finding the perfect bubbles to make your celebrations in 2025 feel even more unforgettable.
For hostess gift ideas, check out this article! And for more holiday content, there is a hub with all the holiday content linked here.
