By Dathan Kazsuk

When I throw out the term "sparkling" wine, I know many of you automatically conjure images of Champagne, the fancy stuff. But let's not kid ourselves; the world of effervescence goes beyond Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon. We're talking Prosecco, Cava, Lambrusco, Crémant, and even Pet Nats, the rebels of the bubbly scene.

Sure, some of you might strut into your local wine store, aiming for those top-shelf dazzlers to impress the crew. And hey, if you're local, maybe you snagged an extra bottle during your last trip to one of our fine NC wineries—a lot of wineries are now producing some fine bubbly!

Now, let's cut to the chase – the common thread between that Champagne from Total Wine and our local NC fizzy friend? It's the price tag. Champagne's breaking the bank north of $70, and you're still shelling out over $30 a pop for NC bubbles. These are all great wines and what we primarily drink, but for the sake of this editorial, they don't fit the bill.

Here's the deal for those who want to keep it real with friends, pop something affordable, and whip up a mimosa or Poinsettia (holiday vibes, anyone).

You've just splurged on gadgets, such as a Playstation 5 for Jesse and Sally, enough Barbies to rival this year's blockbuster.

So, I did the dirty work for you. I hit up the spots where you might frequent this holiday season – and right before we ring in the New Year. I found some value bubbles for under $20 that won't just quench your thirst but will also hold their own, whether you're blending them with juice or sipping straight from the flute.

Introducing my Party Pours – because celebrations shouldn't break the bank but should be fun. Cheers to affordable indulgence!

19 Crimes Snoop Cali Gold Sparkling ($11.99)

Harris Teeter

The Melbourne wine company teamed up with the D•O• double G to produce this bubbly wine that carries a lot of "big" bubbles that explode in the mouth, with very in-your-face notes of ripe apple and vanilla with a pleasant brioche aftertaste. For $11.99, this is a great wine to buy a few bottles and crack open to ring in the new year!

De Chanceny Crémant de Loire ($14.99)

Whole Foods

Another Méthode Traditionnelle-style Brut for under $20 that is an excellent sipper! Maybe I should do your wine shopping for you (if you are reading this). This Crémant is pale in color with fine bubbles and made using Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Wow! The Crémant attacks you with bursts of freshness and flavor – think juicy pears and ripe peaches. Are you looking for finesse in a bottle? This is it!

Josh Prosecco D.O.C. Rosé ($15.99)

Target

I love that you can pick up some great bubbles for under $20, and Josh Cellars out of California delivers. Being fresh from Italy (hence why they can call it a Prosecco), this brilliantly carbonated wine has notes of fresh blackberries and raspberries. Bright effervescence and acidity make this an excellent selection to celebrate the coming of 2024.

'84 Prosecco ($16.99)

Multiple wine shops across the state

This is one of our favorite value Prosecco wines we've tasted in years! Distributed here in NC through Sunrise Wines—'84 Prosecco is a DOC wine with hints of citrus, honey, and almonds. If your favorite wine shop doesn't carry it, they should! You'll be impressed with the taste of this sparkling wine for under $20.

Decoy Brut Cuvée ($19.99)

Food Lion

I was shocked to see Decoy having a Méthode Champenoise-style sparkling wine out, available at Food Lion, and under $20! While tasting this wine, we got baked apples, peaches, some orange zest, and a slight hint of vanilla. Made using Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, this is the closest thing you'll find to French Champagne for this price. Get this before they sell out to ring in the New Year! It's also a 90-point Wine Spectator selection.

Cheers to 2024 and drinking some great wines!

Grab These 5 Great Sparkling Wines for Under $20