How to Properly Store and Serve Sparkling Wines for NYE

There’s nothing like the electric buzz of New Year’s Eve; the countdown humming in the background, glitter in the air, and that unmistakable anticipation right before a cork pops! But before you ring in the new year with a less-than-bubbly bottle, it’s worth knowing how proper storage and serving can make or break your sparkling moment. The right chill, the right handling, and the right pour can elevate every sip. With our curated lineup of sparkling wines ready to shine on your NYE table, you’re already halfway to the perfect toast. Cheers to doing it right!

Understanding Sparkling Wine 101

Sparkling wine isn’t just one style, it’s a whole galaxy of bubbles! The different, most popular types include the classic elegance of Champagne, the bright and fruit-forward charm of Prosecco, the crisp structure of Cava, the refined balance of Crémant, and the exciting range of domestic sparklings. Each style brings its own personality to the party! What they all share, though, is the magic of carbonation; those tiny bubbles created through natural fermentation or careful winemaking techniques. Treat them right and you’ll get vibrant fizz, lively aromas, and layered flavor! Handle or store them poorly, and those bubbles (and the brilliance they bring) can fade fast. Understanding the basics helps you appreciate every sip, and keeps your NYE pour performing at its peak!

How to Store Sparkling Wine Before NYE

Long-Term Storage Tips

Storing sparkling wine properly is the secret to keeping those bubbles bright and ready for your NYE toast. For long-term storage, aim for a cool 50–55°F spot with steady humidity and darkness; think wine fridge, cellar, or a quiet closet far from kitchen heat. Keep bottles stored horizontally if they have a cork to prevent drying, and always avoid vibration or frequent temperature swings that can dull flavor and compromise carbonation.

Short-Term Holiday Storage

As the holiday countdown gets close, you can shift to short-term storage: keep bottles upright in a cool place and only move them to the fridge about 24 hours before the party. Chilling too early can flatten the wine or cause it to pick up fridge odors, so timing is key. Treat your bubbles right now, and they’ll treat you right when the clock strikes midnight!

How to Properly Chill Sparkling Wine

The Perfect Serving Temperature

Chilling sparkling wine is all about finding that sweet spot where flavors shine and bubbles dance. For Champagne and traditional-method sparklings, aim for 45–50°F; Prosecco and lighter, fruitier styles shine around 40–45°F; and sweeter bottles (like Moscato d’Asti) tend to taste best on the slightly cooler end of that range. 

Best Chilling Methods

The goal is crisp and refreshing sparkling wine without muting the character. To get there, the classic ice bucket method wins every time: fill a bucket with half ice and half water, then let your bottle sit for about 20 minutes! Need a faster fix? Add a handful of salt to the bucket to speed up cooling, or wrap the bottle in a damp towel before placing it in the fridge for a quicker chill. Just steer clear of the freezer, the over-chilling can dull flavors, flatten bubbles, and in the worst cases, lead to an unexpected (and very messy) explosion. Treat your bottle gently, chill it properly, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect NYE pour!

How to Serve Sparkling Wine

Choosing the Right Glassware

Serving sparkling wine is just as important as choosing the bottle! The right glass, pour, and presentation can take your NYE toast from a simple sip to a celebratory moment. Start with the glassware: flutes keep bubbles tight and lively, coupes bring a vintage glamour (though they let bubbles fade faster), and tulip glasses strike the perfect balance by concentrating aromas while preserving that festive fizz!

Opening the Bottle Safely & Elegantly

When it’s time to open the bottle, skip the dramatic shake-and-pop and aim for a smooth, controlled reveal. Keep a firm grip on the cork, twist the bottle (not the cork), and let it release with a quiet, elegant hiss; this keeps more bubbles in your glass where they belong! And if you’re tempted to saber a bottle, save it for outdoor celebrations and only if you’re practiced and fully committed to safety!

Pouring Technique

For pouring, tilt the glass at a slight angle and pour slowly down the side to preserve those delicate bubbles. And throughout the evening, keep your bottle chilled using an ice bucket, cooling sleeve, or quick reseal with a sparkling wine stopper. A little care goes a long way toward keeping every pour crisp, cold, and New Year’s ready!

Ring in 2025 With the Perfect Pour

As you gear up to ring in 2025, remember: a truly great sparkling wine experience comes down to a few simple moves; store it smart, chill it right, open with confidence, and serve with care! Do that, and every sip will sparkle as brightly as the countdown to midnight.

If you’re looking to stock up for your celebration, join our wine club to receive a curated selection of wines ready to elevate your new year! Shop with us to browse, chat with our team, or even enjoy a tasting to find your perfect bottle. Cheers to a beautifully bubbly start to 2026!