For the cocktails below, try putting out an assortment of mixers with drink recipe cards so your guests can create their own custom sips. That way, you can circulate and enjoy your guests while sharing the role of bartender. Or, you could simplify and choose a signature drink to feature.

Sparkling Cocktails

Classic Champagne Cocktail: Douse a sugar cube with bitters and drop the cube into a champagne glass. Fill the glass with champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.

Champagne Framboise: Fill a champagne glass with champagne or sparkling wine, pour in a couple of teaspoons of raspberry liqueur or framboise and float some raspberries in the glass.

Clementine Crush Sparkling Cocktail: Try our recipe for the festive Clementine Crush Sparkling Cocktail featuring the vibrant flavors of clementine, cranberry and fresh rosemary.

Kir Royale: Fill a champagne glass with champagne or sparkling wine, pour in a couple of teaspoons of cassis and float some strawberries on top.

Bellini: Fill a champagne glass about two-thirds full with champagne or sparkling wine. Top with peach nectar and garnish with a peach slice.

Champagne l’Orange: Fill a champagne glass two-thirds full with champagne or sparkling wine. Top with Lillet rouge and garnish with an orange slice.

Easy Mimosas: Fill a champagne glass two-thirds full with champagne. Top with orange juice and garnish with an orange slice.

Bubbly Basics

Champagne or Sparkling Wine?

Just as some wines and cheeses are only produced in a specific geographic area, only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can be officially labeled “Champagne.” Other European countries use other names for the sparkling wine they produce: Cava in Spain, Prosecco, Asti or Spumante in Italy and Sekt in Germany. Bubblies from California, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the several wine-producing countries of South America are generally referred to as sparkling wine or sparklers.

For What Price?

Yes, champagne can be expensive. Is it worth the extra money over sparkling wines from other countries? Some say “yes” and others “no.” Yet, there’s really no right or wrong answer here — it’s truly a personal choice. If you want to explore a bit, simply ask one of our wine team members for their recommendations. Many of these sparkling wines rival true champagne in taste and complexity and may be a better value.

What Makes Champagne Bubbly?

Unless there is specific terminology on the bottle, all champagne and most domestic sparklers are comprised of three grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and the less often used varietal Pinot Meunier. The bubbles are created through a process called “secondary fermentation,” which means they make regular wine first and then re-ferment it with yeast left in the bottle (which is filtered out later). This is why you’ll often get a fresh baked bread aroma from bubbly. Most bubblies are non-vintage or “NV,” meaning they are created from a blend of wine vintages.

How Do I Choose?

Here are a few basic terms that are used on both champagnes and sparkling wines. These should help narrow your search to match your taste preferences.

• Brut: The driest one, but not to be confused with “Extra Dry,” which, ironically, is not as dry as Brut. Brut is the most food-friendly of champagnes. The smoky, salty nature of caviar makes for a classic match. For everyday occasions, try potato latkes and sour cream or any number of salty tidbits.
• Extra Dry: A touch of fruity sweetness but finishes on a dry note. These are quite versatile and can be served as an apertif or after dinner. They’re more or less in the middle of the spectrum.
• Sec: Next in line for dryness, but you don’t see it very often.
• Demi-sec: The most residual sugar of the bunch (outside of Doux, which is rare). This is the ultimate dessert wine and, perhaps, the most romantic of the bunch. Never sweet in a cloying way, these have a caramelized quality that is absolutely delicious. Avoid pairing these with fare that is sweeter than the wine, as the bubbly will come off harsh and dry. Fresh fruit works best.
• Blanc de Blanc: This bubbly is made from 100% Chardonnay. The Chardonnay grape lends sparkling wine its toasty, nutty and rich quality.
• Blanc de Noir: This bubbly is made from mostly Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir grape gives it the refreshing, fruit driven, citrus quality.

Wishing you and yours a joyous New Year. Cheers!

Here are a few worth checking out.

BENZIGER FAMILY Sauvignon Blanc

Made Using Responsible Farming Practices

Elevate a plate of sweet, briny oysters or any of your favorite seafood dishes with this bright White, ripe with floral aromas and a subtle touch of grapefruit, guava and melon. Its herbal fig quality is ideal paired with Robusto cheese, too.

PACIFIC RIM Riesling

Made Using Responsible Farming Practices. Made with Organically Grown Grapes

Feast with this gently ripe, jasmine-scented White at a festive holiday meal, or snuggle up and pass around a bottle with friends. Lean and off-dry, the refreshing, crisp acidity is also a natural with spicy Asian foods or Cremont cheese from Vermont.

EARTHSTONE Sonoma County Merlot

Made Using Responsible Farming Practices

Lend holiday spirit with this soft plum and blueberry beauty, touched with notes of dried herbs, macerated fruit and white pepper. Plush tannins are a match for Truffle Tremor cheese, or enjoy with everything from salmon or tuna to lasagna.

TARIMA Monastrell

Made With Organically Grown Grapes

This inky, dense Monastrell offers the dark complexity of cedar, baking spices, licorice and mulberry. Pair with barbeque, smoked meats, or hand-selected Oregon Blue cheese.

INNOVAC!ÓN Malbec-Tempranillo

Made Using Responsible Farming Practices

Bring home holiday cheer with this ripe and juicy, modern blend of New World and Old World grapes. Spice and cocoa notes fill a 1L bottle, a tremendous value for drinking at cocktail hour and beyond with favorites like Spanish Manchego cheese.

CANTORA Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon

Fair Trade

Dress up your holiday meals when you pour this ripe, spicy blend of two of Chile’s most delicious wine grapes. The perfect soil and climate yields a medium-bodied Red with dark fruit and mint on the nose. Ideal for hamburgers or spaghetti, and a hit with traditionally produced Stilton cheese.

Want to pick up a few bottles? See our list of stores that sell wine.

Are you a virtual swirler? Be sure to follow @WFMWineGuys on Twitter.

What are some of your favorite “green” wines?

BONHOMME FRENCH BRIE

The mushroom aromas and luscious creaminess in this superbly flavored cheese, the best of Normandy from Isigny Ste. Mère, help celebrate the fresh palate of Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut.

ROBUSTO

For the ultimate party-season pair, relish the nuttiness of this sharp, Gouda-style Dutch cheese with the distinct citrus notes of Benziger Family Sauvignon Blanc.

VERMONT CREAMERY CREMONT

The nuttiness of its rind reveals a soft, mixed cow’s and goat’s milk cheese with a crème fraîche finish. It’s a buttery, dynamic pairing with Pacific Rim Riesling.

HERVÉ MONS CAMEMBERT

The classic, earthy pungency and saltiness of this indulgent favorite highlight the richness and decadent hint of vanilla in Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay.

CYPRESS GROVE HUMBOLDT FOG

Named for the fog that rolls into the California county where it’s made, a layer of ash makes this soft-ripened aged goat cheese distinctive with Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay.

SEASIDE CHEDDAR

Milk from cows that graze on the coast gives this classic aged English cheddar a sweet flavor and characteristic crunch, ideal with Chateau Grand Claret Premières Côtes de Bordeaux and Rasteau Les Peyrières.

CYPRESS GROVE TRUFFLE TREMOR

Made with the finest truffles, the silky texture and deep flavor of this goat’s milk cheese become light and fruity with Earthstone Sonoma County Merlot.

ROGUE CREAMERY OREGON BLUE

Hand selected for Whole Foods Market^®, a sweet, buttery Oregon blue. Brings out and balances the dense, spicy flavors in Tarima Organic Monastrell.

MANCHEGO

Sheep’s milk brings a touch of sweetness to this traditional Spanish cheese. Savored with Innovac!òn Malbec-Tempranillo, it makes the wine more juicy and complex.

LE GRUYÈRE RESERVE

Traditional Swiss cheese making at its best! The complex nuttiness of this holiday treasure highlights the currant and crabapple flavors of Don & Sons Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.

ROQUEFORT

Southern France’s most beloved sheep’s milk blue is deservedly famous for its amazing complexity, crumbly texture and tangy flavor. Ideal with both Rasteau Les Peyrières and Römerhof Beerenauslese.

STILTON

We’ve hand-selected this creamy, complex classic from two of its remaining six producers. After more than 200 years, the world famous blue is still hand-crafted in the English countryside. Savor with Cantora Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon.

BOROUGH MARKET CHEDDAR

From London’s oldest outdoor market comes this quintessential English cheddar. Aged 12 to 13 months, the results are sharp and creamy. Perfect with H&G Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.

Need more holiday inspiration? Visit our holiday hub.

Love all things cheese? Follow @WFMCheese on twitter.

What are some of your favorite cheeses to serve during the holidays?

With just a few of our Top Ten Wines plus our great holiday appetizer recipes, you’ll have festive options to make holiday entertaining on a budget a snap. It’s like having an extra set of hands to help with the preparations. (Though, you’re still going to be on your own to clean up afterwards – sorry we can’t help you with that!)

Three essential wines will cover all of your party guests’ tastes: sparkling, red and white. Have a few of each of these on hand and the wine drinkers will be delighted.

For a holiday sparkler, we’re big fans of the Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut. It’s made from 100% Chardonnay. Soft and fresh, with a superb balance of yeast and effervescence, it’s your go-to budget party-starter. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with a wide range of appetizers and small bites or even dessert.

For a great sipping red, try Don & Sons Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. It’ll charm your party guests with flavors of currant and crabapples and fresh berries interwoven with zippy acidity. Plus, it’s a real bargain and goes great with just about any savory cheese you can think of.

To round out your wine offerings, try Benzinger Family Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a great conversation starter as it’s made using responsible farming practices. This white will elevate a plate of appetizers faster than you can say “under 15 dollars!” It’s bright and ripe with floral aromas and a subtle touch of grapefruit, guava and melon. Slightly herbal, it goes well with a wide variety of holiday flavors.

Still need a bit more inspiration? Watch this video tasting of our Top Ten Holiday Wines.

And make sure to pick up an extra bottle of your favorite so that long after your guests leave you can pour a glass or two, prop your feet up, and revel in this wonderful time of year.

What’s your favorite budget wine to serve your holiday guests?

OVER 10 GIFTS UNDER $10

For the Wine and Cheese Lover

Isigny Ste. Mére Bonhomme Brie: A rich, creamy, crowd-pleasing cheese, exclusively ours and only available this time of year. It’s the best of Normandy, traditionally crafted by a farmer co-op. Lush grasses make for rich milk, superb flavor and a luscious mouthfeel.

Dalmatia Sour Cherry Spread: Our perfect-for-a-cheese-plate sour cherry spread has beautiful pieces of ripe cherries, with the perfect equilibrium of fruit and acidity. Made in Croatia and from the producers of our Organic Fig Spread, this makes an unexpected and delightful hostess treat.

Earthstone Sonoma County Merlot (California): Plum and blueberry flavors with a touch of dried herb dominate this soft, rich Merlot.

Innovación Malbec-Tempranillo (Argentina): A modern blend of “New World” and “Old World” grapes, this vegan wine is ripe and juicy, with spice and cocoa notes, and the liter-sized bottle offers a great value.

Mrs. Beachley’s Mulled Wine: Rich with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and other spices, this is a favorite around a winter fire. We recommend heating this mulled wine on the stovetop with a cinnamon stick or nutmeg or serving with brandy, cognac or even Morello cherries.

To Satisfy a Sweet Tooth

Whole Foods Market™ Truffled Roasted Walnuts (3.5 oz.): Made in France with just a few simple ingredients, including premium roasted walnuts and rich chocolate, it’s best not to open them when you’re alone.

Whole Foods Market French Caramels Fleur de Sel (5.3 oz.): These wonderful caramels are made with natural creamery butter and blended with a sprinkle of Fleur de Sel, or “flower of the sea,” an exquisite sea salt hand-harvested in Guerande, France.

Whole Foods Market™ Organic Truffles — Chocolate and Caramel (8.8 oz.): Imported from France, our rich, creamy chocolate and caramel truffles are a decadent mélange of simple organic ingredients. Take a box of these along to a party and get out of the way, fast, or get run over.

Whole Foods Market™ Espresso Clusters (8.8 oz.): Creamy, rich, dark chocolate enrobes bits of roasted espresso beans for intense flavor and crunchy texture.

A Little Something Special

Whole Trade™ Flowers: Beautify your hosts’ holiday table with calla lilies, gerbera daisies or roses in stems or sprays. Our Whole Trade flowers are grown on farms committed to sound environmental practices and they help real people — the workers and communities who produce them.

Allegro Celebration Caffe: A sweet and spicy blend of beans from Guatemala, Costa Rica and an Aged Sumatra. Available in whole bean, ground or decaf, pairs perfectly with holiday pies and sweet treats.

Whole Foods Market Organic Lavender or Lemon Verbena Triple-Milled Soap: Crafted in the South of France, these creamy soaps are made with certified organic palm and coconut oils, scented with all essential oils and are phthalate- and preservative-free. The packaging is so beautiful on this soap – you’ll only need a ribbon.

Whatever path you take through Giftland, have fun, get creative and remember: the real gift is having family and friends to share the holidays with! What do you hope you’ll unwrap this year?

Despite its fun-loving nature, this red French wine does play by the rules. In addition to the third Thursday in November being mandated as the official annual release date by French law, the grapes used to make Beaujolais Nouveau must come from the specific region or Appellation d’origine contrôlée known as Beaujolais, which is located north of Lyon in the eastern part of France. The French government insists the grapes be harvested by hand. The wine is then made using a process called whole berry fermentation, resulting in a wine that is fruity and low in tannins.

Beyond the rules, Beaujolais Nouveau provides the first taste of the year’s vintage quality and is really meant to be about celebration: of the harvest, of the first revenue from a year of hard labor, of another year past and the approaching winter holidays.

In addition to Beaujolais being a great complement to turkey dinner, it’s also a decidedly drinkable wine that suits most tastebuds. Perfect for a gathering! But I enjoy it beyond turkey day. Here are a few other holiday meals I plan on pairing with this year’s vintage this season:

For more recipes and entertaining inspiration check out our holiday hub!

And be sure to pick up a few bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau — or a case, you’ll get a case discount — your holiday guests will thank you for it. Find it in these stores today!

What’s your favorite holiday supper to pair with Beaujolais Nouveau?

We’re also encouraging our readers to get together with family and friends for a tasting party with a difference on November 17^th via Twitter. Sample our featured holiday wines, along with some recommended cheeses, and tweet along while you’re sampling them.

There’s a TweetChat room set up for the event where you can follow our wine guys, Geof Ryan and Doug Bell, and hear what they have to say about each wine. You can also share your comments about the aromas, tastes and cheese pairings using the hashtag #WFMWine on Twitter. By following @WFMWineGuys, you can read what other wine enthusiasts think about the selection. Good times!

Here’s the rundown of our fabulously affordable holiday reds and the cheeses that love them. And just in case you missed it, here’s what we’ve got for holiday whites. 

CHATEAU GRAND CLARET Premières CÔTES DE BORDEAUX

Lauded as one of the best vintages in sixty years, this Bordeaux classic is graced with luscious, purple color, deep red fruit and round, spicy notes. Its velvety finish is cause to celebrate with classic French food or sweet, salty Seaside Cheddar.

Recipe pairing: Roasted Brisket with Parsley, Mint and Thyme

DON & SONS SONOMA COAST PINOT NOIR

Charm guests with flavors of currant and crabapple and fresh berries interwoven with zippy acidity. A bargain gem, let it grace your holiday table, along with ham or turkey, roasted root vegetables or savory cheeses like Le Gruyère Reserve.

Recipe pairing: Mushroom Stuffing with Shallots and Fresh Herbs

EARTHSTONE SONOMA COUNTY MERLOT

Lend holiday spirit with this soft plum and blueberry beauty, touched with notes of dried herbs, macerated fruit and white pepper. Plush tannins are a match for Truffle Tremor cheese, or enjoy with everything from salmon or tuna to lasagna. And, it’s made using responsible farming practices.

Recipe pairing: Spiced Roasted Salmon with Beets

TARIMA MONASTRELL

Exult in the dark complexity of cedar, baking spices, licorice and mulberry. Inky and dense, this Red proves that organic-grape wines are deeply flavorful contenders, whether poured with barbeque, smoked meats, or hand-selected Oregon Blue cheese. And, it’s made with organically grown grapes.

Recipe pairing: Bison Chili

INNOVACIÓN MALBEC-TEMPRANILLO

Bring home holiday cheer with this ripe and juicy, modern blend of New World and Old World grapes. Spice and cocoa notes fill a 1L bottle, a tremendous value for drinking at cocktail hour and beyond with favorites like Spanish Manchego cheese. And, it’s made using responsible farming practices.

Recipe pairing: Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage and Cranberries

RASTEAU LES PEYRIÈRES

Commemorate special moments with this intense, memorable Grenache and Syrah blend. Poured with Roquefort, Seaside Cheddar or French classics like Cassoulet, its dark cherry and pepper notes and smoky, anise nose are the joy of the season.

Recipe pairing: Cassoulet-Style French Bean Stew

CANTORA CARMENERE CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Dress up your holiday meals when you pour this ripe, spicy blend of two of Chile’s most delicious wine grapes. Prestigious vineyards yield a medium-bodied Red with dark fruit and mint on the nose. Ideal for hamburgers or spaghetti, and a hit with traditionally produced Stilton cheese. Plus, it’s Fair Trade.

Recipe pairing: Chard with Bacon and Apple

H&G CHALK HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Ring in your best occasions with this mature, structured Red. An impressively elegant wine with a delicate mix of red and black fruit, tannins and gentle acidity. Its rich mid-palate and hints of mocha on the nose are best with rare steak or Borough Market Cheddar cheese.

Recipe pairing: Cranberry and Apple Stuffed Roasted Pork

Get more information about each of the cheeses mentioned above.

What are some of your favorite foods to pair with a glass of red wine?

This fresh, playful, once-a-year party wine is all about sharing. Light, fruity (but not sweet) berry flavors are the very definition of easy drinking — making it just right for holiday celebrations.

Best enjoyed right away, or at least before spring returns, Nouveau is a terrific complement to the rich, earthy and spicy flavors that come across the holiday table. The crazy complex flavors of roasts, game, mushrooms, squash, root vegetables and flavorings such as sage, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, peppers, and the like are perfectly balanced by the wine’s grapey flavor and refreshing acidity.

Here are a few holiday appetizers I plan on pairing with this year’s vintage:

Brie Toasts with Spiced Sundried Tomato Compote

Cranberry-Orange Braised Beef on Ciabatta

Mini Crab Cakes with Spicy Red Pepper Sauce

Shiitake Ragoût on Chèvre Crostini

For more appetizer recipes and entertaining inspiration check out our holiday hub!

And be sure to pick up a few bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau – your holiday guests will thank you for it! Find it in these stores on November 17^th.

What’s your favorite thing to pair with Beaujolais Nouveau?

Here’s the lowdown on our holiday whites and the perfect recipes to pair with them:

Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut

You’ll revel in the season with this golden sparkler, made from 100% Chardonnay. Soft and fresh, with a superb balance of yeast and effervescence, it’s your go-to party starter. Sip a glass with appetizers, brunch or Bonhomme French Brie.

Recipe pairing: Brie Toasts with Spiced Sundried Tomato Compote

Benzinger Family Sauvignon Blanc

Made using responsible farming practices, this White will elevate a plate of sweet, briny oysters or any of your favorite seafood dishes. It’s bright and ripe with floral aromas and a subtle touch of grapefruit, guava and melon. Its herbal fig quality is ideal paired with Robusto cheese, too.

Recipe pairing: Linguine with Shrimp and Arugula-Parsley Pesto

Pacific Rim Riesling

Feast with this gently sweet, jasmine-scented White at Thanksgiving, or snuggle up and pass around a bottle with friends. Made with organically grown grapes, lean and off-dry, the refreshing, honeyed acidity is also a natural with spicy Asian foods or Cremont cheese from Vermont.

Recipe pairing: Honey-Glazed Ham with Fresh Pineapple Chutney

Cupcake Vineyard Chardonnay

Indulge in this big, classic Chardonnay, brimming with buttery richness and oaky vanilla. Outstanding with meals, its hints of honeysuckle and coriander are highlighted by earthy Hervé Mons Camembert as well, so pour with your cheese plate.

Recipe pairing: Mini Crab Cakes with Spicy Red Pepper Sauce

What are some of your favorite foods to sip wine with?

Please note! Liquor laws vary from state to state so please see our list of stores that do sell alcohol or our list of stores that do not sell alcohol to find out if these wines are available in your area.

I recently returned from a fabulous European vacation for two, thanks to Whole Food Market’s Foodie Fantasy Food Blogger Video Contest. The trip, an Intrepid Travel tour from Berlin to Paris, included visits with Whole Foods Market local partners, including one to the M. Chapoutier vineyard and tasting room in France’s Rhone Valley.

My traveling partner on this adventure was Adam, my boyfriend of almost three years, and now fiancé after we got engaged at the end of the tour(!).

Adam and I arrived at M. Chapoutier a half hour earlier than our 2 p.m. appointment, and the tasting room, along with most of the shops in Tain l’Hermitage, was closed for lunch. We wandered to a local sports bar and ordered “deux café.”

We drank so much espresso while traveling in France — in the morning, after a big meal, to avoid an afternoon slump, etc. — that we suffered much more from lack of caffeine than we did from jet lag when we got back to our normal daily routine.

Once we drank and paid for the espresso, we headed back to the tasting room to meet our tour guide, Yoko. As we walked to the vineyards, we talked with Yoko, who was born in Tokyo, about how she ended up in small town France. She worked as a trainer for Starbucks when the company first came to Japan, and she gained an interest and appreciation for wine through her experience with coffee.

Yoko told us the history of M. Chapoutier, a company that has been family owned since 1808. Michele Chapoutier, the CEO since 1990, is passionate about making organic wine that expresses the character of the soil (terroir). Given the name, I asked if every family member’s name begins with the letter “M.” Apparently, yes. It is a family tradition, and Michele’s children are named Maxime and Matilda.

While M. Chapoutier has vineyards in France’s Rhone Valley, Alsace and Rousillon, they also grow grapes in Portugal and Australia. In fact, Chapoutier’s fascination with the terroir of Australia was apparent in his collection of beautiful Aboriginal art decorating the tasting rooms.

Yoko told us that M. Chapoutier practices biodynamic farming techniques. This includes treating the vines with herbs instead of chemicals, working with the moon calendar to decide when to trim and treat, and using vines that are 50 to 100 years old that produce a smaller harvest but more concentrated flavor.

We headed back to the main building, where Yoko had set up a tasting of four white wines, followed by four reds. Upon seeing a bottle up close for the first time, we were struck that the label was in Braille. The design was inspired by a friend of the Chapoutier family, a former vineyard owner who also invented the first abbreviated version of Braille. All M. Chapoutier bottles have been marked in Braille since 1996, making them easy to spot when you are shopping at Whole Foods Market!

I admit that I was pleasantly surprised to see such forward-thinking practices and ideas about wine-making from an over two-hundred-year-old family-owned business. The labels are also a great marketing idea, as it’s easier to remember to pick out the French wine with the bumpy label than to try to remember the name.

What are some of your favorite wines and what makes them stand out to you? Is it the taste, the price, how it was made? How do you recognize them among the sea of bottles? Is there something distinctive about the shape of the bottle, the label?

Check out more stories from Jodi’s European Foodie Fantasy vacation on her blog, Tasty Touring. You can watch her one-minute contest winning video here. All of the images are courtesy of Jodi’s fiancé, Adam Holzband.