New Year's Eve: 5 sparkling wines to make your party fizz

Picture this: it's New Year's Eve. It's midnight. You're surrounded by friends, family, and that special someone to plant a big smooch on.

So what's missing from this picture?

If you ask On The Coast's Master of Wine, Barbara Philip, it's a fine bottle of sparkling wine.

"I wholly endorse the tradition of ringing in the New Year with sparkling wine," she told On The Coast guest host Laura Lynch.

"If you are having a small get-together, I recommend enjoying one nice bottle. If there is a crowd, why not use this as an opportunity to try a range of delicious bubblies?"

Here are some of Philip's picks for great wine to help you welcome the new year.

See Ya Later Ranch "SYL"Brut. Okanagan Valley. $16.99

"Ripe stone fruit, apple and buttered toast notes make the nose of this sparkling wine rich and appetizing. It spends three years aging on its lees in the bottle and delivers incredible complexity for the price. Try it with a main course, like a roasted chicken or duck."

Santero Asti. Piedmont. Italy. $16.99

"Softly sweet with flavours of peach, vanilla bean, pear and white flowers, this Asti is new to the market. The bubbles are creamy and would match well with any fruit or cream dessert."

Cuve Barcelona Ros. Cava. Spain. $19.99

"In its beautiful package this makes a nice hostess gift if you are heading to a friend's for dinner. The wine is dry and crisp with cherry skin and floral flavours. Try it with smoked salmon."

Gruet Blanc de Noirs. New Mexico.USA. $26.79

"Gruet has a cult following for its top notch, traditionally-made sparkling wines from New Mexico. There is a small amount in B.C. right now so I recommend seeking it out for a real treat. It is made from 75 per centPinot Noir and 25 per cent Chardonnay."

Baron Fuente Brut Millesime. Champagne. France.$52.99

"For the price, this is excellent vintage champagne with the robust buttered toast, yeast and dried apple character you would expect. You could drink it with almost anythingfrom the appetizer through the cheese course or save it for the midnight toast."

To hear the full interview, click the audio labelled:5 sparkling wines to make your New Year's party fizz