Whatever your preferences, sparkling wine is synonymous with the season.

The new year's tradition of a cork popping feels timeless – but the classic celebration starter hasn't always been around.

Discover the fascinating history of the sparkling new year's toast and understand its eternal allure.

Let the countdown begin

FIND OUT HOW BUBBLY BECAME THE GO-TO CHOICE FOR RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR.


You may hear noise makers or the festive countdown to midnight, but no sound is quite as connected to New Year’s Eve as the pop of a cork. That rich, fulfilling sound as you open a bottle of fine sparkling wine lets everyone know it’s time to ring out the old and ring in the new.


Sparkling wine has been ingrained in the act of celebrating the new year for centuries, but have you ever thought about how the tradition began?

HOW SPARKLING BECAME SYNONYMOUS WITH NEW YEAR'S

HOW SPARKLING BECAME SYNONYMOUS WITH NEW YEAR'S

The history of bubbly dates back to the 16th Century. At the time, it was so prohibitively expensive that it was exclusive to elite European nobles. It was Louis XIV’s drink of choice.


Eventually improvements in winemaking technology brought sparkling wine to the masses, but its historic connection to the aristocracy meant most people still thought of it as an aspirational drink.


While sparkling wine became readily available to more people, it was still too expensive for many to drink regularly, so it became a drink only for special occasions. That’s how sparkling wine became so deeply connected to celebrations. Cheers to that!


Over the years, sparkling wines’ traditional ties with celebration naturally connected it to the festivity of New Year’s Eve. In the 1930s, a famed French restaurant in New York City decided patrons could drink whatever they wanted on New Year’s Eve … as long as it was sparkling wine.


We believe the joys of a fine bubbly shouldn’t only be enjoyed on special occasions, but the right sparkling wine can make every occasion even more special.



CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN YOUR OWN WAY

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN YOUR OWN WAY

Of course, at Chandon our table is open to all. Sparkling wine may have roots in aristocracy, but we craft our wines to be welcoming and accessible to everyone. We also embrace the many ways in which people celebrate the new year. 


There’s a certain joy in putting on your finest and embracing the sequins and glitz of a night on the town. A house party filled with friends, revelry and raised glasses can be the perfect way to celebrate the year gone by and the promise of the future.


But New Year’s Eve is also a moment to reflect on you. If that big gathering isn’t your speed, there’s no reason to not replace that party dress with your most comfy pajamas. Have a quiet toast with a loved one as you watch the ball drop from a comfortable distance. 


Or even just enjoy a simple moment of reflection as you slowly take the glass to your lips and savor the first sip of 2022.

CLUB CHANDON

CELEBRATE LIKE IT'S THE HOLIDAYS ALL YEAR LONG

If you love learning about the art of food, celebration, and excellent sparkling wine, join the club. Club Chandon brings you our finest wines regularly shipped to your doorstep with insider pairing guides and suggestions. You’ll never show up to a holiday gathering empty-handed again.

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