Open a traditional-method sparkling wine from outside Champagne: a French Crémant, a California sparkling wine or an Italian Franciacorta, between about $18 and $45. They're made the same way as Champagne, with the bubbles created in the bottle, so they bring the same toasty, fine-bubbled feel for less money. If bubbles aren't your thing, a red you'd normally save for later is just as good a way to mark the news.
Celebrating your own good news is different from buying a gift. You get to pick what you actually like, and the moment matters more than the label. (If you're buying for someone else's promotion, see our guide to the best wine for a gift.)
What are the best Champagne alternatives for a celebration?
Crémant from France, $18 to $30
Crémant is sparkling wine made by the Champagne method in other French regions, such as Burgundy, the Loire and Alsace. It has the same fine bubbles and crisp, appley freshness, usually for much less money. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace is widely available in the US.
California traditional-method sparkling, $20 to $40
Several California houses make sparkling wine the Champagne way, and the best feel just as celebratory. Roederer Estate Brut from Anderson Valley is easy to find and a reliable choice when you want a bottle that looks the part.
Franciacorta from Italy, $30 to $50
Franciacorta is Italy's answer to Champagne, from Lombardy, made by the same in-bottle method. It tends to be rich and creamy, a good fit if this is a bigger milestone and you want something that feels a step up. It isn't the same as Prosecco, which is made differently and tastes lighter and fruitier.
Cava Reserva from Spain, $15 to $25
Cava is also made by the traditional method, and a Reserva has spent longer aging, which adds a nutty, bready depth. It's the best value on this list, and easy to buy in a magnum if the whole office is celebrating. Our guide to Prosecco, Cava and Champagne explains how the three taste different.
A special red for a celebration dinner, $40 to $80
If bubbles aren't for you, a Barolo, a Brunello di Montalcino or a Napa Valley Cabernet is a fitting way to mark big news over dinner, especially with steak, lamb or a rich pasta.
If you like X, try Y
- If you love Champagne, try a Crémant de Bourgogne. It's made largely from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the same grapes.
- If you usually drink Prosecco, step up to a Prosecco Superiore from Valdobbiadene, or try a Crémant de Loire for something a little drier and finer.
- If you prefer sweet wine, open a Moscato d'Asti or a sparkling wine labeled demi-sec. Our guide to what Brut means on a label shows where each sweetness level sits.
- If you don't like bubbles at all, choose the red, or a white you've been saving.
- If you're celebrating with a crowd, buy Cava in magnums. A magnum holds two standard bottles and looks festive on a table.
How do I make the moment feel special?
Chill the sparkling wine well, ideally in a bucket of ice and water for about half an hour, since colder wine holds its bubbles better and the cork comes out more calmly. To open it, hold the cork and turn the bottle rather than the cork, with the bottle pointed away from people. A gentle sigh is the goal, not a pop. Any wineglass works, and a white-wine glass shows off the aroma better than a narrow flute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best alternative to Champagne?
For the closest match, choose a sparkling wine made by the traditional method, such as French Crémant, Spanish Cava or a California sparkling wine. They share Champagne's in-bottle fermentation, so the bubbles and texture are similar. Crémant from Burgundy is closest in grapes as well.
Is Prosecco a good choice for a celebration?
Prosecco is cheerful, affordable and easy to like, so it's a fine choice, especially for a crowd. It's made by a different method, though, so it's lighter, fruitier and less toasty than Champagne. If you want the Champagne feel, pick a Crémant or Cava.
How much should I spend on a celebration bottle?
Spend what feels right for the news. $20 to $45 buys an excellent traditional-method sparkling wine, and spending more is a choice about the occasion, not a requirement.
How do I open a bottle of sparkling wine safely?
Keep the wire cage loosened but in place over the cork, hold the cork firmly with a towel, and slowly twist the bottle, not the cork. Point it away from anyone's face. Letting the pressure out slowly avoids a spray and keeps more bubbles in the wine.
Can I celebrate with a still wine instead?
Yes, a favorite red or white you've been saving marks the occasion just as well as bubbles do. The best celebration bottle is the one you'll actually enjoy.
