Under $20 Sparkling Wines for Christmas: Where to Buy Now
Looking for reliable, under $20 sparkling wines for Christmas and New Year’s—and exactly where to buy them now? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find crowd-pleasing bottles with typical prices, national retailers that stock them, and smart food pairings to make holiday menus pop. Quick note on sweetness: Brut indicates a dry style (typically up to 12 g/L residual sugar), while Extra Dry tastes slightly sweeter than Brut despite the name, according to Taste of Home. You’ll also get shortcuts on styles (Prosecco, Cava, Crémant, California méthode) plus serving tips for parties and batch cocktails—grounded in a pairing-first approach.
My Paired Wine
At My Paired Wine, we start with “What’s for dinner?” and land on “This is the bottle.” This guide focuses on budget bubbly that flatters classic Christmas fare—ham, seafood, canapés, and roast chicken—so you can shop with confidence. Use the picks below to shop fast; dryness and pairings are noted so you can match your menu at a glance. For broader menu planning across reds, whites, and sparklers, explore our Best Wine Pairings hub: https://www.mypairedwine.com/posts/best-wine-pairings. Hosting duck this season? See our pairing playbook: https://www.mypairedwine.com/posts/best-wine-pairings-with-duck.
How to choose under $20 sparkling wine
If you’re pouring for a crowd, start with style. Prosecco is fruit-forward and easygoing for casual pours and cocktails, while Cava leans crisper with apple-citrus snap—both proven crowd-pleasers under $20, as highlighted by Elle Gourmet’s budget bubbly roundup: https://ellegourmet.ca/sparkling-wines-under-20-dollars/. Looking for something closer to Champagne’s toasty vibe? Crémant and California traditional-method bottlings bring brioche, nutty notes, and finer bubbles that feel special at party toasts; The Wine Style’s value guide underscores how these regions deliver complexity at lower prices: https://www.thewine style.com/20-delicious-sparkling-wines-under-20/.
Trust the label for quick quality cues in this price band: DOC/DOCG (Italy), Crémant (France), and Méthode Traditionnelle or bottle-fermented (traditional method) often correlate with better texture and length. Dryness tip: choose Brut for drier, crisper profiles; if you like a rounder, slightly sweeter taste, Extra Dry can be a friendly fit.
Méthode Traditionnelle is a sparkling winemaking process where the second fermentation occurs in bottle, creating fine, persistent bubbles. Wines rest on lees (spent yeast) to build bready, brioche-like complexity. It’s Champagne’s classic method, also used for Crémant and New World sparklers, signaling greater texture, length, and depth in the glass.
Where to buy now
For dependable, affordable sparkling wine near you, shop supermarkets (Whole Foods, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Trader Joe’s), big-box stores (Target), warehouse clubs (Costco), and chains like Total Wine. Shockingly Delicious’ supermarket picks show these retailers routinely feature strong under-$20 selections and holiday promos (and La Marca often dips near $11 in-season): https://www.shockinglydelicious.com/best-supermarket-sparkling-wines-under-20/. Buy early—seasonal allocations and private-label deals (e.g., Costco exclusives) move fast in December. If you want a quick shortlist by dish, use our pairing guides to zero in on the right style before you shop.
| Bottle name | Typical price | Retailer(s) | Key tasting notes | Dryness cue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decoy Brut Cuvée | $19.99 | Food Lion | Baked apple, peach, orange zest; brioche lift | Brut |
| De Chanceny Crémant de Loire | $14.99 | Whole Foods | Fine mousse; pear, peach, saline freshness | Brut |
| 19 Crimes Snoop Cali Gold Sparkling | $11.99 | Harris Teeter | Ripe apple, vanilla, brioche richness | Brut (richer style) |
| Josh Prosecco DOC Rosé | $15.99 | Target | Fresh blackberry, raspberry; lively bubbles | Extra Dry |
| ’84 Prosecco (DOC) | $16.99 | Indie wine shops | Citrus, honey, almond; easygoing | Extra Dry |
| La Marca Prosecco | ~$11 (promo) | Supermarkets, warehouse clubs | Floral, apple; crisp, friendly | Extra Dry |
| Gruet Blanc de Noir | ~$16 | Total Wine | Raspberry, baked pear, vanilla; depth | Brut |
| Roederer Estate Brut | ~$17 | Costco | Toasty apple/peach; elegant texture | Brut |
| Kirkland Brut Champagne | $19.99 | Costco | Classic toast, orchard fruit | Brut |
| Freixenet or Castell d’Or Cava | $9–$14 | Supermarkets, big-box | Crisp citrus, green apple, toasty edge | Brut |
Decoy Brut Cuvée
A Champagne-adjacent pick at a party price: Decoy Brut Cuvée blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, offering baked apple, peach, and orange zest with method-driven structure. It’s 90 points in Wine Spectator and typically $19.99 at Food Lion, per Triangle Around Town’s holiday list: https://www.trianglearoundtown.com/feature/sparkling-wine-under-20. Pour it for toasts or pair with smoked salmon blinis, roast chicken, or triple-cream cheese.
De Chanceny Crémant de Loire
At roughly $14.99 and often found at Whole Foods, this Chenin Blanc–led Crémant (with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc) delivers fine mousse and pear/peach freshness that flatters salty snacks and shellfish. Crémant brings traditional-method character at a fraction of Champagne pricing, making it a savvy aperitif and canapé companion.
19 Crimes Snoop Cali Gold Sparkling
At about $11.99 at Harris Teeter, this fun, ripe-fruited California bubbly offers bold apple, vanilla, and brioche notes. It’s tailor-made for spritzes, mimosas, and dessert toasts where a touch of richness shines. Stock up for big gatherings on a budget.
Josh Prosecco D.O.C. Rosé
A festive pink with fresh blackberry-raspberry fruit and lively bubbles—typically $15.99 at Target. DOC status signals quality. Pair with prosciutto-wrapped melon, cranberry-brie bites, or spicy Thai shrimp; the berry fruit and gentle sweetness ease heat and salt.
’84 Prosecco
A reliable value Prosecco around $16.99 with citrus, honey, and a whisper of almond. DOC labeling and zippy fizz make it great for aperitivo hour, Bellinis, or spritzes without stealing the food’s spotlight.
La Marca Prosecco
One of the most consistent, widely available Proseccos—and frequently near $11 at large retailers during holiday promotions. Expect floral and apple notes that suit greeting pours and light appetizers. It’s an easy case-buy when you need dependable, affordable sparkle.
Gruet Blanc de Noir
An American méthode sparkler with real complexity at roughly $16 (widely at Total Wine). Raspberry, baked pear, and vanilla notes give enough depth to partner with roast turkey, baked ham, or mushroom vol-au-vents. A value stalwart for main-course pairings.
Roederer Estate and Kirkland Brut
Two Costco favorites for toast-ready sparkle. Roederer Estate often lands around $17 with toasty apple/peach character and fine texture. Kirkland Brut Champagne, around $19.99, delivers notable depth for money. Grab early—holiday allocations can disappear quickly.
Graham Beck Brut
A traditional-method South African standout typically under $20. Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, aged 15–18 months on lees with about 4 g/L sugar, it punches above its price with creamy texture and fine mousse. Sparkling Winos’ NYE round-up calls out its exceptional value: https://sparklingwinos.com/20-sparkling-wines-under-20-for-nye/. Pair with fried chicken, latkes, or oysters.
Freixenet and Castell d’Or Cava
Dependable Cava options that are crisp, food-friendly, and widely available. Expect citrus and green apple with a toasty edge—great with salty snacks and tapas, and perfect for large gatherings thanks to value pricing and consistency. They also double nicely in cava mimosas or sangria blanca.
Pairing ideas for holiday dishes
Match style to dish, then pour with confidence:
- Prosecco: Charcuterie, shrimp cocktail, and spicy Thai/Indian appetizers. Why it works: bright fruit and softer acidity soothe salt and spice while refreshing the palate.
- Cava: Roast pork, patatas bravas, manchego, seafood paella. Why it works: crisp acidity and subtle toast cut fat and echo savory notes.
- Crémant/California traditional-method: Roast chicken, smoked salmon, creamy cheeses, mushroom dishes (and duck—see our guide: https://www.mypairedwine.com/posts/best-wine-pairings-with-duck). Why it works: fine bubbles and brioche-like complexity complement umami and richer textures.
Serving tips for parties
- Chill to 38–45°F for crispness; keep magnums a touch warmer for aromatics.
- Open safely: hold at 45°, drape a towel over the cork, and twist the bottle (not the cork) to release quietly.
- Use flutes for presentation; switch to white-wine glasses when pairing with food to amplify aroma.
Budget batching: Mix a 1-2-3 spritz (1 part liqueur, 2 parts Prosecco, 3 parts soda) for easy service. Choose Brut if you prefer a drier cocktail.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy affordable sparkling wines for Christmas and New Year’s?
Shop supermarkets and big-box stores like Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s, and Costco, plus Total Wine—these reliably stock under-$20 sparklers and run holiday promotions. Use My Paired Wine’s guides to zero in on the right styles for your menu.
Are Brut and Extra Dry the same sweetness?
No. Brut is generally drier, while Extra Dry tastes slightly sweeter despite the name; pick Brut for crisper, leaner bubbles.
What’s the best budget bubbly for toasts?
Traditional-method bottles like Crémant or structured California sparklers bring finer bubbles and toasty depth that feel Champagne-adjacent at a fraction of the price. My Paired Wine highlights these picks under $20 for toast-friendly options.
Which sparkling wine is best for cocktails?
Prosecco is affordable, fruit-forward, and versatile for spritzes and mimosas; choose Extra Dry for a touch of sweetness or Brut to keep drinks crisp.
How many bottles do I need for a party?
Plan one 750 ml bottle per 5–6 guests for a single toast, or one bottle per 2–3 guests if serving sparkling wine all evening. For pairings and planning, browse My Paired Wine’s menu-based guides.