Wine for the Holiday Celebrations!

Bubbles for Christmas and New Year’s Eve
The holidays are here, finally!
... and there’s no better time to pop a bottle of bubbly or cozy up with a glass of something festive.

Champagne, Prosecco and Franciacorta are the ultimate celebratory drinks, bringing a sparkle to every toast.
But how did these traditions come about?
Let’s uncork a little history and inspiration for your holiday celebrations.

The Classic Choice is Champagne
Nothing says "celebration" quite like Champagne.
This sparkling wine became synonymous with festivity in the 17th century when French royalty embraced it as the drink of choice for grand occasions. By the 19th century, Champagne was making its way to New Year’s Eve parties across Europe and America. People even created the Champagne tower - careful when you try this at home though!

With its elegant spritz on the tongue and crisp, dry finish, Champagne is perfect for toasting at midnight or pairing with appetizers like oysters, smoked salmon or even potato chips. For great value, look for the small-grower Champagnes we carry at Springfield Wine Exchange like Adam Mereaux or Francois Seconde - or let us know and we can source some really great Champagnes for you!

Fun, Fruity and Festive Prosecco
If Champagne feels a little too fancy or you’re looking for something with a more playful feel, Prosecco has you covered. This Italian sparkler hails from the Veneto region and offers lively notes of pear, apple and white flowers. It’s lighter and often a touch sweeter than Champagne, making it a crowd-pleaser for fun parties.

Prosecco is also a fantastic choice for brunches, holiday parties or even the base for cocktails like the classic Bellini.
Pop by the shop as we regularly rotate our Prosecco selection to add sparkle to your celebration.

Under-the-Radar Franciacorta
If you’re a wine lover looking to try something new, Franciacorta might just be your holiday surprise. Made in Italy’s Lombardy region, Franciacorta uses the same method as Champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle, resulting in rich, creamy bubbles. It’s like Champagne’s cool, well dressed, Italian cousin, with flavors of citrus, nuts and brioche.

Franciacorta pairs beautifully with roasted meats, creamy cheeses and New Year's Eve!
Seek out the "Saten" from Monzio-Campagnoni at the shop, for an impressive alternative to traditional Champagne.

A Few Holiday Traditions with Wine
Because we all know that it wouldn’t be the holidays without some quirky traditions:

Spain’s Midnight Grapes
On New Year’s Eve, Spaniards eat 12 grapes - one for each chime of the clock at midnight, bringing them good luck in the coming year. Pair this tradition with a glass of Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine.
Or, 12 glasses if you are up for the challenge!

Make your own Mulled Wine
A staple at Christmas markets in Europe, this warm spiced wine (think cinnamon, clove and orange) is perfect for cozy nights. It’s easy to make at home from a value Red wine or leftovers and it's even easier to drink!

Champagne Toasts
Whether it’s clinking glasses at midnight or pairing bubbly with desserts like macarons, Champagne has been the go-to for New Year’s toasts for centuries.

Make Your Holidays Sparkle
No matter your style - classic Champagne, fun Prosecco or elegant Franciacorta - there’s bubbles to suit every holiday moment.

Stop by the Springfield Wine Exchange, and we’ll help you find the perfect bottle to make your celebrations shine.

Happy Holidays and Let's have a great 2025!
The Springfield Wine Exchange Team