‘Tis the season for twinkling lights, cozy nights, and bubbly. Sparkling wine can and should be enjoyed year-round (not just on New Year’s and other special occasions), but we can’t deny that it’s especially primed for the holiday season. So, as you start to plan your annual festivities, why not throw a sparkling wine-themed party?

Nobody does it better than Napa’s iconic chateau, Domaine Carneros, so we asked them for some tips on throwing the perfect sparkling soirée that’s equal parts elegant, easy, and fun. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and follow these six easy steps to a bubbly good time.

Step 1: Select the wines

The wine is obviously the most crucial component to your sparkling wine party and selecting a variety will not only ensure that you have something for everyone, but also encourage your guests to explore different styles of sparkling wine.

You don’t have to splurge on expensive French Champagnes. High quality sparkling wines can be found at a much more approachable price point from wineries like Domaine Carneros, which employ the same méthod traditionelle (meaning the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle) as used by French Champagne houses.

Choose wines that are both dry (like an Ultra Brut) and sweet (like a Demi-sec), or sparklings made with different grape varieties. For example, Blanc de Blancs, like Domaine Carneros’ Le Rêve, are crafted with 100 percent chardonnay grapes, while Blanc De Noirs are made solely with pinot noir grapes. Others are blends. This Sparkling Celebration trio is a great place to start, or opt for the Sumptuous Sparkling Sampler for something a little more special.

For a true party-pleaser, throw a late-disgorged sparkling wine into the mix. These wines spend more time aging on the lees (yeast) in the bottle, which results in an added complexity and rich, nutty flavors.

When considering how much wine to purchase for your party, keep in mind that each bottle of sparkling wine yields about five glasses (5 oz pours). Expect each guest to have at least one drink per hour, so multiply your guest count by the number of hours your get-together will run, then divide that number by eight. You can also use an online drink calculator, like this one from Evite.

It doesn’t hurt to add a few extra bottles. Nothing stops a good time quicker than a wine shortage and if you have leftovers, you get to drink it.

Step 2: Prepare simple, light bites

Every good party needs food, but don’t feel the need to go overboard. The goal is to enjoy yourself and engage with your guests—not spend your entire soirée stuck in the kitchen—so keep it simple and choose small bites or appetizers that can be prepared quickly with little to no cooking time.

Luckily, sparkling wine is one of the easiest wines to pair food with. It truly goes well with almost anything, so you don’t need to stress over conflicting flavors. Cheese and charcuterie never fail, but popcorn is another foolproof option that’s affordable, quick and easy, fun, and as a bonus, on theme with the popping of corks. Serve with an array of seasonings so that party-goers can experiment with different pairings.

If you really want to get creative, ethnic and salty foods go surprisingly well with sparkling wine, including caviar, chips, oysters, and Asian and Mediterranean flavors—so much so that Domaine Carneros has built several food and wine experiences around these, offered at their Carneros winery. Feel free to get inspired to cook up something at home and browse Domaine Carneros’ blog for recipe inspiration. But if Mediterranean or Thai food isn’t in your repertoire, just order takeout from your favorite, local spot, plate it, and no one will know that their host wasn’t slaving away in the kitchen all day.

Step 3: Choose your glassware

Some people think that you need a special shape of glass for each type of wine, but Domaine Carneros’ team doesn’t believe in taking things so seriously. While flutes or coupes (shallow bowls) are traditionally used for sparkling wine, a standard wine glass will work just fine. Or, mix and match your glassware to keep things light and fun.

Domaine Carneros sells a set of four coupes with a vintage petal design in blushing pink that come with a bottle of Brut Rosé. Or, you can check out this set of four stemless, gold-rimmed flutes adorned with retro starbursts to go with your bubbly. You may also consider picking up some wine glass charms to help your guests keep track of their glasses. This will save you time on dishes later.

Step 4: Decorate

You can keep it simple when it comes to décor too. Fresh flowers and table confetti go a long way to making a party pop, as do gold, silver, and white ornaments and ribbon. For something unique that is sure to delight your guests, freeze fresh cut roses or your favorite flower into an ice tray and then place these flower ice cubes in your chiller or ice bucket. When your friends go to refresh their glass, they’ll be greeted by this beautiful, unexpected surprise. Here’s how to make your own floral ice cubes.

Step 5: Make it interactive

Place tasting score cards by the wine (with pens) and encourage your guests to fill them out. These are a great tool for sparking conversations, so feel free to get creative or find some to print online. Conveniently, Domaine Carneros offers bubbly tasting cards you can print at home. The tasting score cards will prompt your guests to sip thoughtfully—considering the colors, aromas, and flavors of each wine—and then discuss and debate their favorites with other party guests.

6. Be ready to serve

The second-most important ingredient to your wine party, after the sparkling wine, is ice. Buy a lot of it, so that you don’t risk running out. Bubbly simply doesn’t taste good warm.

Make sure you have multiple wine chillers or ice buckets on hand so that you can keep all of your wines cold at once. For multiple bottles, a large galvanized tub works, but if you want to go the most affordable route, simply use your kitchen sink! Scrub it clean, fill it with ice, and slide the bottles in

Put your wine on ice long before your guests arrive, but if you’re running late or forget, there is an easy hack for chilling your wine in half the time. Add a few tablespoons of salt to your ice bucket, stir it occasionally, and the bottle will be ready to pop in about 15 – 20 minutes.

Et voila! Now that you have all the essential tips for throwing the perfect sparkling wine party, it’s time to pop those corks and share your sparkling party experience by tagging @domainecarneros. Of course, you don’t need a lot of guests to throw a sparkling wine party this season. In fact, a party of two sipping bubbly in front of the fire is perfectly acceptable in our book.

Pop, Fizz, Clink! Who’s ready to dive into the festive season with some tantalizing bubbles? For that reason, we’ve partnered with our good friends at Domaine Carneros, makers of fantastic méthode traditionnelle bubbly from Carneros, to help turn all your holiday moments into unforgettable memories. 

But before you pop that cork, let us just say that there’s an art to sipping bubbly. To fully savor the wines of Domaine Carneros (and any other sparkling wine or Champagne, for that matter), it’s important to adhere to proper sparkling wine etiquette, aka the “dos and don’t” of all things sparkling. Our comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of sparkling wine with grace and sophistication, this holiday season and beyond. 

Selecting How Many Bottles to Serve

Ah, the golden question: how much is enough? We recognize that’s the number one question every host asks him or herself before a party, and the answer lies in your gathering’s nature. If you’re having an intimate soiree (4-6 people), consider starting with two bottles, ensuring everyone gets a generous pour or two. Hosting a grander fête? A safe estimate is half a bottle per person, so 10 bottles if you’re having 20 people. Or, if you want to live large, think bigger (as in bigger bottle size) with a Magnum or Jeroboam for your party. To those of us visual learners, this handy serving chart will help you plan ahead:

Shop Domaine Carneros’ Magnums & More and cheers to your upcoming celebrations!

The Best Serving Temperature

Bubbles are fussy about temperature, so you’ll want to treat them right. Chill the bottle to “The Goldilocks Zone” (typically between 45-50°F for most sparkling wines) before drinking. Too cold, and you risk muting the wine’s aromas; too warm, and the effervescence may smack you in the face, and that’s just not fun.

Note: if you need to chill your sparkling wine quickly, you can wrap it with a damp paper towel and place it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. It’ll be perfectly chilled and ready to pop. But remember, leaving it in too long, especially for an extended period, will cause it to explode, so please don’t forget about it! Alternatively, before filling your ice bucket, add two cups of kosher salt, cold water, and lots of ice to speed chilling time. It’ll work like a charm.

On that note, we may as well share the best temperature for storing wine, too. If you’re thinking long-term, store your sparkling treasures horizontally in a cool, dark place, preferably around 55°F. Just make sure the bottles are able to stay at a consistent temperature, away from light and vibration, which can alter the wine.

How to Open a Bottle of Bubbly

We have to admit, there’s something magical about the sound of that pop, but it does take a bit of finesse to ensure it’s done right. To open your sparkling wine, whether it’s sparkling wine, Prosecco, or Champagne, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, then remove the foil and wire cage gently while holding your thumb or hand over the cork, taking care not to shake the bottle. Here’s a fun fact: All sparkling wine cages can be unscrewed in 6 turns.

Now, holding a cloth or napkin over the cork to prevent it from popping prematurely, twist the bottle (not the cork) while maintaining a firm grip on the cork. The cork should emerge with a gentle sigh, not a loud pop. Now, let the festivities commence! If you’re ready to impress, consider kicking off your soirée with Domaine Carneros’ Sparkling Celebration gift set.

Fun fact: a muselet is a wire cage that fits over the cork of a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine to prevent the cork from emerging under the pressure of the carbonated contents.

How to Choose the Right Glassware

When it’s time to raise your glass, let’s first make sure you’re holding the right one. We’d suggest selecting a wine glass specifically designed for sparkling wine, such as a flute or tulip-shaped glass, as these glasses help preserve the wine’s effervescence and aromas. We love making a statement with Domaine Carneros Etched Flutes. Not only are they glamorous, but the pronounced curve helps capture the complexity and depth of any Domaine Carneros sparkling wine.

Of course, you can definitely drink sparkling wine out of any glassware you prefer. Just keep in mind that, depending on the wine glass, the bubbles may dissipate more quickly, such as in the case of a wide bowled Chardonnay glass or a Champagne coupe. If Champagne coupes are your go-to, don’t fret. They’re super fun and festive, but just be aware the effervescence may not last as long (also, be careful clinking glasses in a celebratory toast so you don’t spill).

Tips for Pouring Sparkling Wine

Pouring is an act of grace, but there’s also some science to it. Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle while pouring, which helps to maintain those beloved bubbles but minimizes the chance for an overflow.

Initially, you’ll want to fill the glass only halfway to allow room for the wine to breathe and for the bubbly foam to settle down. After that initial pour, though, you can top up the glass if desired.

Tasting Sparkling Wine

We know you can’t wait for that first taste, but here are some tips for getting the most out of your sensory journey. Always hold the glass by the stem or base to avoid warming the wine with your hand, because sparkling wine is best enjoyed when it stays cool. Then, oh so very gently, swirl the wine in the glass to release its aromas, taking a moment to inhale the bouquet of the bubbly.

Now for the good part: the first sip. All sparkling wine started as still wine, so the flavors you experience will be familiar, just enhanced by the bubbles. Take a moment to notice the fruity, floral, and yeasty notes (like in the Brut Rosé). Small sips will allow you to appreciate the flavor and effervescence, letting the wine coat your palate so you can savor its complexity.

Fun fact: All Domaine Carneros sparkling wines are made in the traditional Champagne method, known as Méthode Traditionnelle. The grapes for Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines are picked at a higher level of acid to allow for the extended aging and lees contact that the wine undergoes, with a second fermentation taking place inside the bottle. This process adds a certain complexity to the wine that’s hard to replicate in other sparkling methods.

Pairing Sparkling Wine With Food

Sparkling wine’s versatility is its superpower. From seafood to poultry, light appetizers to desserts, sparkling wine pairs well with a variety of dishes. Opt for Brut or Ultra Brut with savory dishes and sweeter styles like a Demi-Sec with desserts.

Wine Tip: Dosage is the step in winemaking when a mixture of wine and sugar is added to the newly disgorged bottles. For instance, Domaine Carneros’ crisp Ultra Brut has the least amount of sugar added (0.5%) while the luscious Verméil Demi-Sec has the most (2.5%).

Enjoy Responsibly

While sparkling wine is a celebratory drink, always drink responsibly and be mindful of your alcohol intake. If you’re venturing out, designate a driver or arrange for alternate transportation if necessary. And if you’re visiting Domaine Carneros Winery in Napa Valley’s Carneros AVA, the same rule applies: be sure to arrange a designated driver ahead of time to get the most out of your experience.

While Napa Valley may be known the world over for its award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s also an up-and-coming region for its classically made sparkling wines. In fact, Napa Valley is home to several sparkling wine houses that are owned by French Champagne companies, as well as some family-owned wineries who recognized Napa’s potential for producing great bubbly. Here are some of our favorite sparkling wine estates in Napa Valley—including the one that started it all.

Mumm Napa

8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, CA 94573, (800) 686-6272

Though not the first Champagne company to venture into California, Mumm Champagne saw enormous potential early on for sparkling wine in the Napa Valley climate and soil. Their first vintage was in 1983 and, today, Mumm Napa produces a wide variety of sparkling wines, including the classic and ubiquitous Mumm Brut Prestige and their flagship luxury cuvée, DVX. Visitors are treated to a vineyard view on the terrace and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere from first pop to last sip. Tastings take place outdoors on one of the picturesque terraces, but if sipping on a glass of wine is more your style, you can choose from a list of sparkling wines available by the glass.

Sip on this

Mumm Brut Reserve, $50
Mumm’s signature Brut, an exquisite blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is a tribute to the yeast-rich elegance of Champagne, France. Extended aging en tirage bestows a creamy, complex profile, perfectly balanced with vibrant acidity to complement a diverse range of cuisines.

Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 257-0101

This breathtaking Napa winery, modeled after a French country château, sits on a sloping vineyard overlooking Highway 12 as you enter Carneros. Owned by great Champagne family, the Taittingers, Domaine Carneros is a bubbly lover’s paradise. Tastings are hosted on the patio overlooking the rolling vineyards of gorgeous Carneros or in the stately, light-filled salon. Select from a sparkling or red wine flight paired with an equally elegant caviar flight, charcuterie selection, salmon plate, or smoked sturgeon paté.

Sip on this

Domaine Carneros 2019 Brut Rosé, $46
Produced in méthode traditionnelle from estate fruit and aged for a minimum of three years on the lees, Domaine Carneros’ 2019 Brut Rosé is an international award winner. While many think that Rosé wines are made from only Pinot Noir, this Brut Rosé includes 42% Napa estate-grown Chardonnay, for structure.

Frank Family Vineyards

1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0859

Before the Frank family purchased the winery, Hans Kornell made sparkling wines in the historic stone winery. While Frank Family Vineyards isn’t technically a sparkling wine house, the family carries on the tradition with their four sparkling wines, each made from grapes grown in the Carneros region. Book the Estate Tasting to sample a selection of this Calistoga winery’s sparkling and still wines and enjoy the casual, welcoming ambiance. Or take things up a notch by reserving the Elevated Experience, which takes place in the brand-new Miller House, located on the estate.

Sip on this

Frank Family Vineyards Rouge, $60
For something a bit different, try the Rouge 2019 Carneros sparkling wine—a lively red bubbly made from 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay with a strawberry-rhubarb aroma and soft floral hibiscus notes.

Schramsberg Vineyards

1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515, (800) 877-3623

Steeped in history, Schramsberg is the oldest sparkling wine house in Napa Valley, first founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram. Today, Schramsberg is owned by the Davies family, who have continued the tradition of making handcrafted, age-worthy sparkling wines from Napa Valley. Book an appointment at their picturesque Calistoga winery to sample a selection of their méthode traditionnelle bubbly, or opt for an experience tailored just to you.

Sip on this

Schramsberg Vineyards 2018 Poseidon Vineyard Blanc de Blancs, $105
This bright, crisp sparkler delights with notes of lemon-lime, kiwi, pear, apple, and dried apricot. Drink now or save it for later—it will age beautifully over the next 20-plus years, developing delicious caramelized, nutty flavors and aromas.

JCB

6505 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 934-8237

Located in the heart of the Napa Valley, the Schramsberg JBC Yountville Tasting Salon offers a carefully curated sparkling flight that’s served in elegant Baccarat crystal. Created by French native Jean-Charles Boisset, JBC sparkling wines will take you on an effervescent journey through the regions of Burgundy, Champagne, and Napa Valley. When you’re finished with your tasting, peruse JBC’s extensive retail offerings, including jewelry, candles, home accessories, and even JBC fragrances.

Sip on this

JCB N°13 Crémant de Bourgogne, $80
Created for Jean-Charles’ wife, whose favorite number is 13, this light pink sparkling wine epitomizes femininity with delicate floral notes, such as roses, iris, and orange flowers. From the first sip, you’ll notice refined bubbles that evolve toward deeper, more creamy flavors.

Napa Valley may be most known for its cabernet sauvignon, but don’t discount the beauty of sparkling wine from Napa — particularly when your palate needs a break from the big, bold red wines. Hello, palate cleanser! Though you can’t refer to California sparkling wine as “Champagne” — that’s reserved for bubbly coming out of the Champagne region of France — this beloved celebratory drink has long been revered in Napa Valley, making a name for itself as a premier region for sparkling wine.

Among those producers who have paved the way for sparkling production in Napa Valley is Mumm Napa, which was founded in the late 1970s after the leading French Champagne brand, G.H. Mumm, recognized the enormous potential for producing exceptional sparkling wine in Napa. Mumm Napa released its first vintage in 1983, and has since carried on the tradition of producing hand-crafted sparkling wine from the prominent grapes of Champagne: chardonnay, pinot noir, pinot meunier, and pinot gris. Made in a wide variety of styles, from brut to demi sec, and varietals, from the classic Brut Prestige to the award-winning DVX, each of Mumm’s sparkling wines is produced using the traditional winemaking techniques of its French heritage, formally known as the Méthode Traditionnelle.

While one can enjoy Mumm’s array of California bubblies at home and for any occasion — sparkling wine has a way of elevating everything from milestone events to Tuesday night take-out — the best way to fully appreciate Mumm’s dedication to their craft is by visiting their Rutherford winery in person.

Fall is a great time of year to visit, as the vineyards display gorgeous shades of red and gold, but it’s also an opportune time for sparkling wine lovers to stock up before the holidays — especially since the winery just released their much-anticipated Sparkling Pinot Noir. This fun, elegant, relatively rare 100% pinot noir sparkling wine is a must for Thanksgiving fare and holiday spreads. Shares winemaker Tami Lotz, “I’m still finalizing the dishes I’ll prepare for the holidays, but there is one thing that will always be on the table: a bottle of Sparkling Pinot Noir. I love the way this lighter expression of pinot noir unites all the varied flavors of the Thanksgiving table.”

Mumm Napa Tasting Experiences

To experience Mumm Napa, and to be among the first to taste their new Sparkling Pinot Noir, you can book a reservation for any of these three tasting experiences:

Outdoor Patio Tasting

Featuring sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards, this casual 60-minute experience on the outdoor terrace includes a hand-picked flight of reserve sparkling wines. If a tasting isn’t your thing, you can choose from the extended by the glass menu, then sit back and enjoy every delicious sip.

Price: $40 per person / complimentary for Club Vivant Members. Limited to groups of six or less.

Vineyard Green Tasting

Available Fridays through Sundays, this one-hour al fresco tasting includes a selection of reserve wines by the flight or by the glass, enjoyed from the relaxed setting of the Vineyard Green patio. As with the Outdoor Patio tasting, this experience is made even better by the unobstructed views of the surrounding vineyards.

Price: $40 per person / complimentary for Club Vivant Members. Limited to groups of four or less.

Oak Terrace Tasting

For a more extensive introduction to Mumm’s sparkling wine offerings, book the Oak Terrace Tasting. This 75-minute experience, held on the leisurely Oak Terrace overlooking the vines, includes a flight of four limited-production sparkling wines, such as the Brut Rosé and their tête de cuvée, the DVX, and is served alongside a special selection of artisan cheeses, dried fruit, and nuts to complement each wine.

Price: $75 per person / $60 for Club Vivant Members. Limited to groups of six or less.

Reservations are required in advance for all tasting experiences and guests must be 21 or older.