Pop the cork on a brand New Year! If you ask us, New Year’s Eve is all about sparkles, glitter, and shimmering, Paso Robles Sparkling Wines. Look to 2016 with a fresh outlook and a clean palate with these fabulous, fizzy sparklings fit for an epic end-of-year celebration. Whether you’re going for glitz and glamour or a low key evening at home, you’ll want to allow these bubbles to linger on the tongue long into the wee hours of the night. So, dust off that old ice bucket, cut the foil, and let the countdown to 2016 begin! We’ve got a sparkling to fit every fancy:
1. Black Tie
It feels good to be a little naughty, doesn’t it? HammerSky Vineyards 2011 Naughty Princess Innocent knows how to flirt from across a crowded room. A coy, complex nose boasts a bouquet full of Asian pear, star fruit, lemon, Thai basil, and fresh coconut—perfect paired with a fancy cheese, nut, and fruit plate (drizzle all that with honey and impress the heck out of your friends). Delight in a supple, silky mouthfeel that flows into lemon marmalade, honey, and white flower bliss. This wine may seem “innocent” from afar, but underneath a frisky minx wrapped in red lace underthings.
NYE Party Vibe: Old Hollywood glamour
On the iPod: Frank Sinatra
2. Backyard Casual
Hit the refresh button and dive into a clean slate with this crisp, light sparkling wine crafted by the fine folks at Opolo Winery. Crafted to please all palates, this easy-going bubbly is golden in color and full of pronounced ribbons of bubbles. Notes of peach and apple—universally beloved fruits—make this an irresistible no-brainer. Forget all the guesswork and go for the party-pleaser that always leaves an astounding first impression.
Tip: place bowls of fresh fruit next to a few bottles of Opolo Sparkling Wine and allow your guests to make their own creations. No fuss, all fun!
NYE Party Vibe: Casual backyard barbecue with shrimp skewers and plenty of lounging dogs
On the iPod: The Best of the Eagles
3. Dancing Queen
Let’s get this party started with Rabbit Hole’s BLING Sparkling Wines! Crank up the ‘90s jams and get grooving with a rainbow of well-priced sparklings aimed to energize your NYE spirits to new heights. With five funky flavors to choose from—Brut, Citron, Peach, Raspberry, and Pomegranate—you’ll be ringing in the New Year like a true rock star. Of course, each bodacious bottle is made only with natural flavors and all are imparted with just a hint of fruit—nothing too over-the-top. And that’s a good thing, because you WILL be going way over the top with décor (disco ball, natch), photo booth, and an entire table of old school candy. Did someone say Instagram photo opp?
NYE Party Vibe: Glow sticks, Ring Pops & metallic party hats
On the iPod: Ace of Base. On repeat.
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This blog was written by Hayley Thomas, food and wine writer for New Times and PasoRoblesWineries.net. You can reach her at hthomas@newtimesslo.com.