The 9 Best Sparkling Wines Under $30 to Buy Now

Sparkling wine by nature tends to cost a little more than still versions, or at least good sparkling does. But when the average bottle of actual Champagne is $50 in a store, it’s well worth noting that there are lots of great sparkling producers out there whose wines run roughly half that much.

I tasted through dozens of bottles from France, the United States, Spain, and beyond to land on the following nine winners, ranging in price from $18 to $28. Stock up on them for every holiday party need, then serve them to your friends and don’t mention the price … they’ll think you bought something twice as expensive, at least. (Except as noted, these are all non-vintage cuvées.)

Gratien & Meyer Crémant de Loire Brut ($18)

Crémant de Loire, the sparkling wine of France’s Loire Valley, has a history to rival Champagne’s, but prices that don’t. This very dry sparkler, with its hints of dried pineapple and toast, is a stellar deal. 

Bon Vivant Brut ($20)

A lively, fruity, happy-go-lucky sparkling wine made with 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, Bon Vivant’s basic California Brut cuvée, suggestive of red apples and a little grapefruit peel, is an ideal choice for large holiday parties and toasting, from Thanksgiving on through the season. 

2023 Avinyo Petillant vi d’Agulla ($24)

This unusual, very lightly sparkling wine from the cava producer Avinyo is an alternative to traditional sparkling wines — a spritzy blend of Muscat, Macabeo, and Xarel-lo, vividly aromatic, and perfect for drinking out of a porrón (now there’s a gift idea). 

2018 Juvé & Camps Reserva de la Familia Cava Gran Reserva Brut Nature ($25)

Juve y Camps is one of the great names in Cava, still family-owned after almost 250 years. Its golden-hued, flagship Reserva de la Familia, made from organic Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada grapes, suggests ripe apples, springtime flowers, and toasted nuts. It’s hard to resist.

Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence ($24)

Founded in 1981, Scharffenberger Cellars was early to the game in terms of Mendocino sparkling wine. Today it’s owned by Maison Louis Roederer of Champagne fame, and this brioche-scented, citrusy-savory sparkling wine draws on their lengthy experience. 

Langlois Crémant de Loire Brut Réserve ($25)

Langlois, owned by the Bollinger Champagne group, farms about 175 acres of vineyards in the Loire Valley. This is spot-on Crémant de Loire, made from 60% Chenin Blanc with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc; super-fresh, suggestive of toasted bread and lemon zest, with a minerally finish.

Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Réserve ($25)

Crémant is essentially the French term for traditional sparkling wines (the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle) that are not from Champagne. Alsace’s versions are well worth seeking out, like this green apple-y blend of 80% Pinot Blanc and 20% Pinot Auxerrois.

Domaine Bechtold Cremant d’Alsace Extra Brut ($26)

Pear, tangerine and golden apple flavors, woven together with a little savory spice note, define this excellent Crémant d’Alsace. It comes from a fourth-generation family-owned property west of Strasbourg, whose vineyards are farmed organically. 

J Winery California Cuvée ($28)

J Winery is one of the benchmark names in California sparkling. This, their most affordable cuvée, is not actually available at the winery itself, but is widely distributed throughout the U.S. Good thing, too — the toasty, fragrant mix of tropical and orchard fruit here is undeniably appealing.