Champagne, Cava, Prosecco, Sekt, California Sparkling ... a bubbly by any other name, is still a bubbly! Champagne is a celebration wine. It launches ships, rings in New Years, toasts weddings, and christens babies.

French Champagnes , the only sparklings which legally are called champagne, have set the standard for sparkling wines around the world with their tiny bubbles, vibrant acidity, creamy texture, and toasty character. What's not to love! It's always a safe bet staying with the well known champagne houses but for a real treat, try a lesser known house such as Billecart- Salmon, or Castellane.

Cava, Spain's answer to champagne, is fresh, lively, with light citrus notes and a crisp finish. Friexenet is the most recognized producer of cava, but try Codorniu Brut for a special treat.

Then there's Prosecco. This Italian sparkling wine is bright, straw-colored, lemony, and light, with fruity taste. Mionetto produces a delightful prosecco worth trying.

Sekt, is the German designation for sparkling wine. Usually less alcoholic than French Champagne, Sekt is made from riesling, as one might expect from a wine of German descent. A good Sekt wine for the holiday is Windisch Weiss White Sparkling Sekt.

Finally, the California Sparkling. Typically produced in the methode champenoise, these sparklings most closely resemble French Champagne. A name that has been noteworthy this year is GLORIA FERRER Brut Sonoma .

Whichever sparkling you prefer, Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Sekt, California Sparkling, they are all worthy of a New Year's celebration! Or better yet, celebrate around the world and have them all!