There’s no rule that says you have to toast to your marriage with expensive champagne. Maybe you can’t swing top-shelf bubbles for 200 guests, or maybe your wedding is alcohol free. Whatever your circumstances, you’re welcome to raise a glass of anything you’d like to salute your newlywed status. But if you’re hoping to maintain that champagne-toast feeling (what could replace the celebratory pop of a cork?), we asked Cristina Mariani-May, the co-CEO of Banfi Vintners, for a few festive champagne swaps you and your guests will love. The main takeway? Bubbles make everything better.
Scenario 1: You love champagne, but expensive bottles won’t fit your budget. You need something equally delicious and party worthy.
While there are tons of champagne alternatives, Mariani-May recommends prosecco, which is typically more affordable than champagne, but no less chic or tasty. Good quality prosecco goes for about $13 a bottle, while top-of-the-line prosecco will be about $20. “The key difference between ‘everyday’ prosecco and ‘special occasion’ prosecco is seeing ‘Valdobbiadene’ on the label—it’s a specific area within the [wine-growing] zone [in the province of Treviso, Veneto, Italy] that is considered to have the finest terroir for prosecco wine,” Mariani-May says.
Expert Tip: “Like champagne, prosecco comes in three levels of dryness: brut, extra dry and dry,” Mariani-May says. But don’t be fooled—these words can be a little counterintuitive. Dry prosecco is actually the sweetest, brut is the driest and extra-dry prosecco falls somewhere in the middle. “Most people will prefer the brut or extra-dry types [for both] champagne and prosecco,” Mariani-May says.
Scenario 2: You want a celebratory sip, but are indifferent to bubbles, so you need a great wine.
Again, having champagne or prosecco in your glass isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. You can say “cheers” with anything from your signature cocktail to an extra-special wine. “For celebrations, it’s more about choosing a wine that’s special rather than a specific varietal,” Mariani-May says. “A high-end, cellar-worthy [red] wine like Brunello di Montalcino
Scenario 3: You’re not into wine, but don’t know what else to toast with (especially if your guests will be expecting it). You need a great, supplementary cocktail that satisfies everyone.
Mariani-May has a brilliant theory: “People who aren’t into wine simply haven’t found a wine they like!” In this case, she suggests a sparkling red wine (yes, that’s a thing—try Rosa Regale) that’s a little bit sweeter and lower in alcohol. “Mix it with orange juice or lemonade and you’ll have a bubbly and delicious drink you can enjoy all night,” she says.
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Scenario 4: You’re not serving wine or liquor at your wedding, but want the feel of a champagne toast. You need a nonalcoholic sip that’s just as celebratory.
“Bubbles in any form can provide a celebratory feel,” Mariani-May says. “For [your wedding], go with a festive-looking bottle of nonalcoholic sparkling cider, or any sparkling juice available—ideally one closed with a cork so you can hear the popping sound that makes people smile and cheer!”
