Shopping for the Celebration

Your best bet in a wine shop is to find someone you trust, then shop with them regularly so that they get an idea of your taste, your budget, and your level of adventurousness. In case you need an introduction, below is a list of trustworthy folks. There are many other good wine people in town, but I wanted to give you an idea of what these top-notch sellers are tipping as the best sparkling wines this season.

Store / Person to talk to / Bargain / What they will be drinking on New Year's:

Austin Wine Merchant / John Roegnik / Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, $42.50 / Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, $42.50

Central Market North / Seth Pollard / Laurent Perrier Brut, $32.99 / Aubry Rosé Brut, $48.89

Grape Vine Market / Steve Savina / Bollinger Special Cuvée, $39.99 / Milan Terres de Noel Blanc de Blancs, $77.99

Spec's / Nathan Rose / Marques de Gelida Cava 2002, $11.49 / Champagne Comte Audoin de Dampierre "Cuvée des Ambassadeurs," $34.50

Twin Liquors on Bee Caves Road / Russell Smith / Bouvet Rosé, $13.99 / Duval–Leroy Paris Bottle Brut, $31.99

Vino Vino / Jerry Reid / Jean-Claude Thevenet Blanc de Blancs, $25 / A. Margaine Brut Rosé, $44

Whip In / Dipak Topiwala / François Montand, $10.99 / François Montand, $10.99

Wiggy's on Sixth Street / Al Gilhousen / Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs d'Ay, $39.99 / Gaston Chiquet Blanc de Blancs d'Ay, $39.99

World Market on Brodie / Tim Martin / Nicolas Feuillatte Brut, $24.99 / Perrier-Jouet Fleur, $129.99