Tag Archives: Sparkling wine

by | February 13, 2026 · 12:02 pm

Three Sparklers for Valentine’s Fun

Few beverages capture celebration quite like sparkling wine, and few occasions invite celebration as naturally as Valentine’s Day. Effervescence carries symbolism—the steady rise of bubbles mirroring anticipation, energy, and shared delight. Whether crafted in Champagne or beyond, sparkling wines elevate a meal and frame a moment. Their vibrant acidity refreshes the palate, their mousse softens texture, and their layered notes of citrus, orchard fruit, brioche, or red berries reward attention. On an evening devoted to connection, sparkle feels not only appropriate but instinctive.

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by | January 2, 2026 · 2:12 pm

Three Sparkling Wines Worth Popping This Season

There’s a sparkling wine for every occasion—whether you’re celebrating big, hosting a cozy dinner, or simply treating yourself after a long week. With so many options on the shelf, it helps to have a few reliable bottles in mind across a range of budgets. Here are three standouts, from approachable to luxe, each with its own personality.

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by | October 28, 2025 · 3:45 pm

New Sparkling Wine Production Facility Opens at Invention Vineyards 

In the heart of Fredericksburg, Texas, Heath Sparkling Wines and Invention Vineyards are inviting wine enthusiasts to embark on an exclusive journey through the art of sparkling winemaking. Their newly unveiled production facility offers guided tours that provide an intimate look into the meticulous process behind crafting exceptional sparkling wines.

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by | August 19, 2025 · 11:53 am

Champagne Terrace Returns to GrapeFest with a Glamorous Gatsby Twist

Raise a glass to Roaring Twenties glamour at the 39th Annual GrapeFest – A Texas Wine Experience presented by Bank of the West. Recently ranked the No. 7 Wine Festival in America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, GrapeFest returns to Historic Main Street in Grapevine, September 11–14, 2025, with a dazzling lineup of tastings and experiences.

This year’s theme, The Grape Gatsby, celebrates the centennial of The Great Gatsby with a nod to the glitz and elegance of the 1920s. Guests can step back in time at the Champagne Terrace, sponsored by Hilton DFW Lakes, now reimagined as an elevated ticketed experience.

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by | December 21, 2023 · 9:56 am

Champagne Party Primer

champs2by Steven Doyle

Sparkling wines are the quintessential choice for toasting and sharing throughout your holiday season up to and even past New Years Eve. Festive and with great promise of a fantastic year that awaits couples and groups alike, sparklers are the perfect choice for any occasion.

We have plenty of information to arm you for the best party ever. Try our recipes and wine selections. And remember, it is only champagne when it comes from the Champagne region of France. Otherwise, it is sparkling wine. Continue reading →

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by | December 30, 2013 · 2:14 pm

An Innumerate Baker’s Dozen of Interesting Wines

IMG_2952by Andrew Chalk

There is still shopping time before New Years Eve. Here are a couple of budget sparkling wines to help you celebrate.

First,Zardetto Prosecco (SRP $16) from Italy is made from Glera grapes from vines planted almost 20 years ago. Owner Fabio Zardetto has made wines since 1969. I tried this wine last night and it left a distinct impression. It has a tartness and clay minerality that makes it suitable for accompanying a meal as well as the traditional uses of Prosecco for toasting, mixing into a Bellini, and quaffing. Try it with turkey, ham or pasta dishes with cream sauces. Definitely a distinctive example.   Continue reading →

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by | November 27, 2013 · 9:10 am

A Bargain Prosecco

proseccoby Andrew Chalk

Continuing our frantic quest to observe this most religious of periods we opened a bottle of sparkling wine sent to us by one of the more pious of our wine vendors. LaMarca Prosecco D.O.C.($13 Total Wine & More) is one of the least expensive sparkling wines in town. It comes from a cooperative of 7,000 local grape growers in the Veneto region of Italy. Nonetheless, it has all the qualities your guests will be looking for when celebrating. A crisp, fruity nose, it is dry, it has good acid and a pleasant finish. Best for toasts. Drink this year.

Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.

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by | November 26, 2013 · 8:03 am

Riondo ‘Blu’ Prosecco

IMG_2780by Andrew Chalk

Riondo ‘Blu’ Prosecco ($11) may be the bargain Prosecco of the season. Recall that Prosecco comes from a denominated region in north-eastern Italy and is made from the Prosecco grape (aka Glera). It is a dry sparkling wine and usually plays the role of either a half-price substitute for Champagne at celebrations or as a mixer in Bellinis and other cocktails. Blu is perfectly acceptable in either role. The nose has hints of mineral and citrus, the taste is predominantly green apple with stone fruit emerging as the wine warmed up in the glass. Weight is medium. Acid is medium-high. Good value for money.

HEB has just started carrying this wine, according to the importer so look for it at Central Market.

Disclosure and procedures: Wine sent by a vendor at no cost to reviewer. The local reseller named after a price quote is the one who, on wine-searcher.com, had the lowest price. Wines sent by vendors may not be reviewed and will not be returned. Wines considered the most meritorious in the opinion solely of the reviewer, are the ones most likely to be reviewed.

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