Sparkling Wine Guide: How to Choose the Right Sparkling for Your Next Special Event
Planning a celebration? Here’s how to choose the perfect bottle of champagne or sparkling wine from your local wine store, plus expert picks from Brew Plus.
Celebrating Something Special? Don’t Just Grab Any Bottle
Whether you're planning a wedding toast, a milestone birthday, or just clinking glasses on a Friday night, the right bottle of sparkling wine can elevate the moment. But with so many choices on the shelf, and price tags ranging from $15 to $150, how do you know which one actually fits the occasion?
At Brew Plus, your local wine shop in Busselton, we help take the guesswork out of buying bubbles. From premium French champagne to crowd-pleasing Aussie sparklings, we stock a curated selection to suit every celebration, and every budget.
Before we dive in, a quick myth-buster: only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can be called champagne. Everything else, even high-end bottles from Western Australia, falls under the sparkling wine category. But don’t let that stop you. Some of the best drops come from closer to home, and this guide will show you exactly how to pick the right one.
You’ll learn:
The difference between champagne, prosecco, and Aussie sparkling
When to splurge (and when to save) based on your event
Our top local recommendations, from luxury toast-makers to value-driven gems
Tips for serving, storing, and even safely opening your bottle
Because every celebration deserves bubbles, and the perfect bottle is closer than you think.
Understanding the Sparkling Wine Spectrum
Not all bubbles are created equal, and knowing the difference between styles can help you match the right bottle to your occasion. Whether you’re shopping for an elegant wedding toast or something festive and fun, it pays to understand what’s inside the bottle (and where it comes from).
Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and Aussie Bubbles — What’s the Difference?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major sparkling wine styles you’ll come across in-store:
| Style | Origin | Taste Profile | How It’s Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champagne | Champagne region, France | Complex, dry, fine bubbles | Traditional Method (bottle fermentation) |
| Prosecco | Veneto, Italy | Light, fruity, off-dry | Tank Method (Charmat) |
| Cava | Spain (mainly Catalonia) | Crisp, citrusy, toasty | Traditional Method |
| Australian Sparkling | Various WA & national producers | Wide variety: crisp to rich | Mix of methods, often traditional |
Only wine from Champagne can legally use the name “champagne.” Everything else is sparkling wine, but that doesn’t mean it’s second best. West Aussie producers like Vasse Felix (Idée Fixe) and Howard Park create premium sparkling wines that rival French styles, with their own regional character.
Know Your Bubbles: Brut, Extra Dry, Rosé, and More
Once you’ve picked a region or style, it’s helpful to understand sweetness levels, they can seriously affect food pairing and crowd appeal.
| Label | Sugar Level | Taste Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brut Nature / Zero Dosage | Bone dry (0–3 g/L) | Crisp, minerally – best for ultra-dry lovers |
| Extra Brut | Very dry (0–6 g/L) | Clean and sharp |
| Brut | Dry (0–12 g/L) | Classic, crisp sparkling |
| Extra Dry | Off-dry (12–17 g/L) | Slightly sweet, very popular style |
| Demi-Sec | Medium sweet (32–50 g/L) | Best with dessert or cheese |
| Rosé (any level) | Varies | Often dry, with berry notes and light blush |
Rosé sparklings are especially popular for weddings and events, they add visual flair, broad appeal, and are often just as food-friendly as their white counterparts.
Understanding these styles means you can pick a bottle that matches your taste, your food, and your vibe, whether that’s crisp and elegant or fruity and fun.
Need help deciding? Ask the team at Brew Plus, we’ll help you pair bottles to your guest list, not just your menu.
When to Splurge and When to Save
Not every bottle of bubbles needs to break the bank, but some occasions deserve a little extra sparkle. Here’s how to decide when to invest in premium champagne and when a quality sparkling wine will do the job beautifully.
Choosing Sparkling for Weddings, Birthdays, and Other Events
When planning drinks for a celebration, it’s all about balance, between flavour, budget, and how you’ll be serving the wine.
Here’s when it’s worth spending more:
Toasts and speeches – These are the most photographed and memorable moments, so a top-tier bottle here makes an impact.
Small, intimate gatherings – With fewer people, you can offer something a little more special without stretching the budget.
Gifting or VIP guests – A premium bottle shows care and attention to detail, especially for hosts or milestone birthdays.
When it’s smart to save:
Large guest lists – Mid-range or local sparkling wines can still taste fantastic and stretch further per head.
Cocktail stations – If you’re mixing sparkling into spritzes or cocktails, a dry and affordable prosecco or brut is perfect.
Daytime or casual events – Fresh, easy-drinking styles are often more appreciated than complex champagnes in the sun.
Planning a wedding or party? The Brew Plus team can help tailor a sparkling selection to your guest list, menu, and style. We also offer event support and pre-ordering, so you’ll be celebration-ready with zero stress.
Brew Plus Recommends: Sparkling Wines for Every Occasion
From elegant French champagnes to top-tier Aussie sparklings, these are the bottles our team reaches for when quality and occasion matter. Whether you’re gifting, toasting, or just planning a beautiful gathering, we’ve got a sparkling option to match.
Our Go-To Premium Picks (Perfect for Gifting or Toasting)
These premium selections are ideal for making a statement, whether it’s at the head table or in a hand-delivered gift box.
| Bottle | Why We Love It | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Idée Fixe Blanc de Blanc 750ml | From the sparkling-focused house of Vasse Felix, this WA méthode traditionnelle wine is vibrant, refined, and layered — perfect for modern celebrations. | Margaret River, WA |
| La Cache Sparkling Rosé | Boutique, small-batch rosé bubbles crafted locally in the South West. Delicate red berry notes and a beautiful dry finish. | Margaret River, WA |
| Billecart-Salmon Réserve Brut 750ml | A classic French champagne with fine bubbles, balanced citrus, and a touch of brioche. Elegant, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for gifting. | Champagne, France |
Crowd-Pleasers Under $30
Looking to impress without overspending? These sparkling wines offer exceptional value and consistent quality, ideal for larger events, casual celebrations, or budget-conscious hosts.
| Bottle | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Howard Park Petit Brut NV | Elegant and dry, with crisp apple and citrus notes. A go-to West Aussie favourite. |
| Chandon Brut NV | Clean, crisp and widely loved — this Victorian sparkling is made using the traditional method, just like Champagne. |
| Flying Fish Cove Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay | Local, fruit-driven and great for daytime sipping — fantastic for garden parties or grazing tables. |
You’ll often find these on our weekly specials, great to stock up when entertaining.
Local Sparkling Wines from South West WA
Prefer to keep it WA? These local gems combine quality winemaking with unbeatable regional character.
| Bottle | Why It’s a Local Favourite |
|---|---|
| MadFish Prosecco 750ml | Fresh, lightly fruity, and a fun pick for spritzes or sunny celebrations. |
| Hay Shed Hill Chardonnay Pinot Noir NV | Crisp and structured with classic sparkling acidity. Great with seafood or cheese. |
| Swings & Roundabouts Cuvée Blanc NV | Bright, zesty, and versatile, a WA sparkling that suits any occasion. |
Support local and discover hidden gems at your neighbourhood wine store in Busselton.
Tips for Buying Champagne at a Local Wine Shop
Buying bubbles for a special event isn’t just about choosing the prettiest label, it’s about getting the right advice, understanding what’s in the bottle, and walking away with confidence. Here’s how to get the most from your visit to your local wine shop (like us at Brew Plus).
What to Ask Your Wine Specialist
Your local bottle shop team knows more than just what’s popular, we know what’s tasting great, what suits your event style, and what offers real value. Don’t be afraid to ask:
“What sweetness level is this?” (Brut, Extra Dry, etc.)
“Will this pair well with our food?” (Seafood, grazing boards, desserts)
“Is this bottle best for toasting or sipping throughout the night?”
“Do you have anything special in stock right now?” (e.g. limited editions or local finds)
At Brew Plus, we’re always happy to talk through flavour profiles, storage tips, and occasion-matching.
Why Local Stores (Like Brew Plus) Offer Better Advice
Unlike big chains, local wine shops take the time to:
Curate bottles based on local events, seasonal trends, and what our community actually drinks
Build direct relationships with WA producers, meaning better access to boutique and small-batch options
Provide personalised recommendations, not just push what’s on promo
You’ll also find regional bottles that don’t always hit supermarket shelves, like La Cache Rosé or Flying Fish Cove Sparkling, right here in Busselton.
Shopping Last-Minute? What’s Usually in Stock
Need a bottle in a hurry? These sparkling styles are reliably on the shelf at Brew Plus:
Chandon Brut NV – A safe, quality all-rounder
Howard Park Jeté – Local and loved
MadFish Prosecco – Great for mixing or casual sipping
Tip: If you're shopping for a larger event or wedding, we recommend calling ahead or visiting early so we can help you secure quantities and suggest smart pairings.
Serving & Storing Champagne Like a Pro
You’ve chosen the perfect bottle, now it’s time to serve it in style. Whether you’re planning a wedding, brunch, or just Friday night bubbles with friends, these tips will help you preserve flavour, impress guests, and avoid any last-minute fizz fails.
Ideal Chill Time and Glassware
Temperature matters. Serve your champagne or sparkling wine at 6–10°C (fridge cold, but not icy). Too warm, and the bubbles go flat. Too cold, and the flavours get muted.
| Type | Ideal Chill Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Champagne / Méthode Traditionelle | 3–4 hours in fridge | Can also sit in an ice bucket for 30 mins |
| Prosecco / Light Sparkling | 2–3 hours in fridge | Don’t overchill, you’ll lose the aromatics |
Glassware tip:
While flutes look fancy, tulip-shaped glasses (wider bowl, narrow top) are actually better for aroma and taste. They let the wine breathe a little — without losing bubbles too fast.
How to Open a Bottle Safely
Popping corks can be fun, but they can also go flying (or worse, spill your wine). Here’s the safe way to do it:
Chill the bottle properly – Pressure is higher when warm.
Remove the foil and loosen the cage, keeping your thumb on top.
Hold the base firmly and twist the bottle, not the cork.
Let the cork release with a quiet hiss, not a loud bang.
Bonus tip: Open slowly over a towel or sink if you’re nervous, especially indoors or in formalwear.
What to Do with Leftovers (If There Are Any)
Got half a bottle left? Don’t let it go to waste.
Use a sparkling wine stopper to keep it fizzy in the fridge for 1–2 days.
No stopper? Cover tightly with cling wrap and rubber band — not perfect, but better than nothing.
Leftover bubbles? Use them in cocktails like mimosas, Aperol spritz, or sparkling sangria the next day.
Planning ahead? Ask our team about mini bottles or split sizes, ideal when you want a toast without leftovers.
Make Your Celebration Sparkle with the Right Bottle
From big weddings to quiet moments worth toasting, there’s a perfect bottle of bubbles for every celebration, and finding it is easier than you think.
By understanding the difference between champagne and sparkling wine, knowing when to splurge and when to save, and choosing based on taste and occasion (not just price), you’ll always be ready to pour something memorable.
At Brew Plus, your trusted wine shop in Busselton, we’re here to make the decision easy. We stock a carefully chosen range of premium champagne, local sparkling wine, and budget-friendly party picks, plus, our team genuinely loves helping people find the right drop for their occasion.
Planning an event? Ask us about:
Tailored recommendations for your guest list and menu
Pre-ordering for weddings and parties
Delivery options and bulk discounts
What’s on special this week
Whether you're celebrating with five people or fifty, we’ll help you find bubbles that make it feel special, without the stress.
Stop by Brew Plus in West Busselton, explore our current special offers, or get in touch for expert advice.
FAQs: Your Sparkling Wine Questions, Answered
Is champagne the same as sparkling wine?
Not quite. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine made only in the Champagne region of France using the traditional method. Sparkling wines made elsewhere, including Australia, can’t legally be called champagne, even if they’re made the same way.
Where can I buy affordable champagne near me?
If you’re in the South West, head to Brew Plus in West Busselton. We stock a curated range of French champagne and Australian sparkling wines at a variety of price points, with expert advice included.
What sparkling wine is best for weddings?
It depends on your guest list, budget, and style, but local favourites include:
Idée Fixe Blanc de Blanc (for premium toasts)
Chandon Brut NV (classic and versatile)
Flying Fish Cove Sparkling (great local value)
Want help choosing? Talk to the Brew Plus team for event-ready recommendations.
Can I get event drinks delivered from Brew Plus?
We offer event ordering and support for weddings, birthdays, and functions, including pre-orders, local delivery options, and bulk advice. Contact us early to make sure we can meet your needs.
