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Devine Fairytale

A Magical Lifestyle Blog and Theme Park Travel Expert

Categories: Lifestyle, Seasonal, Winter

Highly Rated Sparkling Wines to Pop on New Year’s Eve

NYE sparkling wines champagne ABC Fine Wines and Spirits

Sparkling wine is a New Year’s Eve essential, full stop. It’s the ultimate celebratory drink to pop and pour as you welcome the coming year. Whether you’re celebrating with your closest friends, family members or a few thousand strangers in Times Square – raising a glass of bubbly is a must.

But before you go sleuthing through wine shelves for the best sparkling wine, consider this – there are thousands of different labels and styles out there. How do you find the best wine for your New Year’s Eve festivities?

Thankfully, our friends at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits have taken the guesswork out of your shopping this year. They polled their team of wine experts to pin down the best bubbly picks for your New Year’s Eve bash. Check out these top 90+ rated sparkling wine selections for New Year’s Eve toasting, sipping and celebrating.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve

: Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve

ABC’s wine experts started out strong and swanky with their first New Year’s Eve pick: Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve is one of the most awarded Champagnes in the world. The label has earned over 20 industry medals since 2012 and pulled a 97 rating from Decanter. This wine is the pick for New Year’s Eve.

If the ratings and recognitions don’t impress you, the flavors and mouthfeel will. This reserve rosé is rooted in Reims Champagne-making tradition and expresses with a trio of ripe berries and whipped cream on the palate. The extended aging helps produce a delicate, yet lively effervescence, resulting in an elegant, voluptuous Champagne.

Charles Mignon Cuvée Comte de Marne Grand Cru Brut Champagne

Charles Mignon’s Grand Cru Brut Champagne

Next on the list, the experts opted for a Grand Cru selection for celebratory sipping. This designation, meaning “great growth,” indicates the highest quality terroir and promises a sensational drinking experience. A Grand Cru wine is vinified from grapes grown in the most ideal conditions, from the amount of sunlight to the age of vines and the depth of the roots, along with strict growing and fermenting practices. All environmental elements must be in harmony to earn this sought-after status and the wine must also pass a 20-point blind tasting quality test.

Charles Mignon’s Grand Cru Brut Champagne is a striking representation of this recognition with a rich texture, delicate flavor and crisp finish. This prestigious (93 points from Wine Enthusiast) Champagne is a black-tie choice for your evening.

Haton Noble Vintage Brut Champagne

Haton Noble Vintage Brut Champagne

Wine expert Janessa Schuster revealed that all of ABC’s knowledgeable wine experts, herself included, concur that you won’t find a better vintage Champagne for under $50 than Haton Noble Vintage Brut Champagne.

She added that Haton is a value vintage Champagne that doesn’t compromise on quality or integrity. Haton is a famed and family-run Champagne house in the Marne Valley of France. If you geek out over wine regions, this is a name to drink, Janessa shared. You’ll find peach, apricot and plum aromas that lead to dry fruits and almond on the palate. The quality for the price point is phenomenal. A must-pop for New Year’s Eve!

Moutard Cuvée des 6 Cépage Limited Edition

Moutard Cuvée des 6 Cépage Limited Edition

This wine could make the list for its exquisite golden bottle alone, but the juice inside is also unparalleled. Beyond the aesthetics, the Champagne itself is one-of-a-kind, which makes it an ideal choice for midnight toasting. It is made with six grapes (versus the traditional three) and uses two almost extinct varieties: petit meslier and arbane. These rare grapes contribute to the Champagne’s complexity which many other producers have tried to recreate with their own cuvées. Imitation truly is the best form of flattery!

Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Brut

Veuve Ambal Crémant de Bourgogne Brut

The first sparkling wine selection on the list is an absolute stunner. Veuve’s Crémant de Bourgogne Brut is not only highly-rated, but value-driven. This is the perfect label to purchase if you need several bottles for your New Year’s Eve fun.

Sparkling wines produced outside of the region of Champagne are known as Crémant wines and are labeled by region. Crémant de Bourgogne sparkling wines are the most like true Champagne and boast aromas of apple, grapefruit and pear. They are made from the same grapes, grown in closest proximity to Champagne, and vinified using the same fermentation methods while costing less. Janessa shares that no bottle of Champagne is going to be less than $30, but you can find a comparable Crémant under that price point.

If you are looking to save on several bottles – Veuve Ambal is fruity, floral and a fantastic choice to fill your flutes.

Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco

Cleto Chiarli Vecchia Modena Lambrusco

The experts had to include a wild card in honor of 2023. Let’s hope it brings the best for us all!

This lambrusco is distinctive in flavor, fizz and bottling. Unlike traditional lambrusco, which is sweet, Cleto Chiarli’s wine is very dry. It is a red frizzante (semi-sparkling wine) and vinified entirely from the Lambrusco di Sorbana grape. Janessa shares that this wine is a personal favorite of hers and that it brings a bright, Rainier cherry flavor.

The dark glass and unique metal closure add to the wine’s character as well. This label is lovely and offers a unique drinking experience if you are looking to pop something different this New Year’s Eve. Just remember that this non-conventional closure is best popped with a butter knife. Don’t let the clip intimidate you; it is so worth it!

Collalto Prosecco Superior Brut

Collalto Prosecco Superior Brut

Collalto’s Italian prosecco is a crowd-pleasing sparkling wine styled for celebration. It’s well-balanced and the bubbles are light, but plentiful—just right for toasting to upcoming prosperities.

This sparkling wine is made in Conegliano Valdobbiadene, the most recognized and revered prosecco producing region in the world. There, the land and winemaking practices are honored, and that care is reflected in the quality of the wine. It’s an easy sipping sparkler made with 100% Glera grapes with a light body and crisp finish. Each bottle is full of tiny bubbles, giving it a delicate mouthfeel that’ll make you want to pop a second bottle.

Graham Beck Brut Rosé

Graham Beck Brut Rosé

This next pick captures that feeling of anticipation that only a new year can bring. Graham Beck Brut Rosé is fresh, lively and invigorating. The experts share that it can easily stand toe-to-toe with any Champagne thanks to the extended time the wine spends on the lees, resulting in a richness in flavor and added complexity.

Despite it being in a dark glass bottle, this wine is a beautiful, blush pink color. The Graham Beck Brut Rosé delivers subtle crushed red berry flavors, livened by acidity. It’s brisk, yet delicate on the palate, making it the ideal wine to sip as the clock ticks toward midnight.

Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée

Moutard Brut Grande Cuvée

This 100% pinot noir Champagne is the budget bottle you’ll want to toast with, especially if you are popping bottles on the hour, by the hour. Moutard’s Grande Cuvée has been eagerly received with a 91-rating from Wine Spectator. Janessa shares that this Champagne is made in a style that is extremely palatable and offers easy sipping flavors to pour for all your friends. It has a zippy acidity with flavors of apple, citrus and spice. This wine has the profile of a pricey bottle at a party-friendly price.

Treveri Blanc de Blanc Brut

Treveri Blanc de Blanc Brut

Treveri Cellars rounds out the list with a dynamic wine from Yakami Valley, Washington. Treveri does one thing, and they do it very well: sparkling wine. Their blanc de blanc is one of their most acclaimed selections and a value choice for celebrating with intriguing flavors of citrus and spice. This family-run sparkling house is guided by a husband and wife team who specialize in sparkling winemaking. Their wines are a smart grab if you are looking for both quality and affordability.

Ready to get the best bubbly before the ball drop? Visit your local ABC store to grab some of these highly-rated sparkling picks or shop their full selection of Champagne and sparkling wines online.

Categories: Lifestyle, Seasonal, Winter

Holiday HO-HO-HO Giveaway Hop

The holiday season is officially here and I am excited to welcome you to the Holiday Ho Ho Ho Giveaway Hop! I am teaming up with some other bloggers to share some wonderful giveaways with you to spread some Christmas cheer.

Updated January 2, 2022: The winner of this giveaway has been contacted and their items have been sent.

See below all of the different ways you can enter to win in the Holiday Giveaway Hop!

three wrapped christmas presents for the holiday ho ho ho giveaway hop

Entries will be open from December 9 – 30, 2022. Make sure to get your entries in for a chance to win.

I will be giving away a $20 Amazon gift card and my New Year Goal Planner download to one lucky winner!

Enter the Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway winner will be selected randomly through Rafflecopter. Winner will be contacted by email to confirm they’ve won.

Enter to Win Some Other Great Items

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

If you need some Christmas gift ideas, be sure to check out these gift guides:

  • Hallmark Gift Guide
  • Disney Gift Guide
  • Gift Guide for Her
  • Gift Guide for Him

Categories: Lifestyle, Seasonal, Winter

Gift Guide for Her

More holiday shopping help is here! Some of these items in this gift guide are my longtime favorites and others are on my own Christmas wish list. Let me know what you’re asking Santa for this year!

Take a look at this Gift Guide for Her to get some gift giving inspiration for the women in your life this holiday season. You will surely find some great ideas!

Gift Guide for Her collage of female gift ideas for Christmas

  • Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer – Get the salon blowout at home with this tool. I’ve had this for a few years now and absolutely love it!
  • Sugarfina Holiday Candy – I am a big fan of Sugarfina candy! We’ve gotten their advent calendar before and it does not disappoint. They have so many great holiday gift items.
  • Tula Rose Glow & Get It – This eye balm hydrates, cools, and reduces lines and wrinkles. It is a miracle worker.
  • Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace – This is a beautiful necklace, it’s one that goes with just about any outfit. My favorite every day accessory!
  • Reduce Tumbler – It’s easy to stay hydrated with this tumbler. The handle makes it easy to carry around with you and it will fit in your car cupholder too to take on the go.
  • The Home Edit Life – The Home Edit is amazing to follow on Instagram for laughs and organization inspiration; so is their Netflix show (Get Organized with The Home Edit). This is their latest book to get your life organized.
  • The Original Makeup Eraser Perfect Pigment Set – I swear by this for removing my makeup. It works SO well and everything washes out easily. Just add water! I love this little set; it’s perfect for taking on trips too.
  • Vera Bradley Plush Throw Blanket – Vera Bradley has the softest, coziest blankets. I think we have one in almost every room of our house. Use code DEVINEFAIRYTALE to save on your Vera Bradley order!
  • UGG Slippers – These slide-on UGG slippers are the best for around the house. I work from home and my husband likes to keep our house pretty chilly so I slip into these every morning. Super comfortable!
  • Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser – The ultimate home fragrance device. You control the scents from your phone and they have so many popular fragrances available to pair with the device.
  • Stoney Clover Classic Fanny Pack – Fanny packs (or belt bags) have really made a comeback. They are super convenient for running errands, traveling, and more. Definitely a staple to have!
  • Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Tin – For the girl who loves to cook! This beautiful tin is the perfect place to collect her favorite recipes.
  • Capri Blue Volcano Candle – My FAVORITE CANDLE OF ALL TIME. Seriously. Get one for yourself too and thank me later!
  • Little Words Project Bracelets – These inspiring bracelets are absolutely beautiful. Motivational messages on your wrist and the perfect reminder to keep pushing forward. Use code DEVINE to save on your Little Words Project order!
  • Statement Headbands – Add some fun to any outfit with these pearl headbands. Plus, they’re affordable too!
  • Skincare Mini Fridge – Some skincare, like the Tula eye balm, is even better when it’s stored somewhere cool. With a mini fridge just for skincare, it doesn’t have to take up room in your refrigerator.

Need other gift ideas? Check out these gift guides:

  • Hallmark Gift Guide
  • Disney Gift Guide
  • Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide
  • Gift Guide for Him

Categories: Lifestyle, Seasonal, Winter

6 Tips To Stay Under Your Christmas Budget

It’s that time of the year again! The season when we all get to celebrate with our loved ones. And what better way to celebrate than with a little bit of shopping? However, spending too much this Christmas can be an expensive affair if you aren’t careful. It is important that you keep a eye on your spending so you don’t dig a hole in your pocket. Here are some budget-friendly tips that will help you make it through this festive season without emptying your wallet and stay under your Christmas budget.

US bills in front of decorated Christmas Tree stay under budget this christmas

Plan Ahead

When you plan ahead, you know what’s on your list and what you need to buy. And the best thing about that is you can set a budget for each item on your list. So, before going shopping this holiday season, make sure that you have a rough idea of what it is you want to buy and how much it will cost. Remember, planning ahead is the key to making sure that your Christmas shopping doesn’t turn into a financial disaster.

Shop Smart

If you are a first-time Christmas shopper, it is important that you research and shop smart. If you know your budget beforehand, you can pick and choose what to buy without going overboard. Once you have done your homework, head to the malls on the first day of the sales. On big sale days, retailers will be crowded with people who have either been at work all day or are just coming home from work so there will be more customers looking for bargains and fewer customers looking for high priced items. You may also try online shopping because it is usually cheaper than buying in stores or malls. And you can score extra discounts that way! The thing about retail sales is that they sell very quickly so you should get a headstart on items you’ve had your eye on while you still can grab them. There might be something similar that works just as well but try to get what you came there for.

Be Flexible

If you want to make sure that your budget keeps up with your spending, then it is important to be flexible. This means that you should always keep in mind that things may not go as planned. You can end up having a lot more shopping than you would have thought and this is where being flexibility comes in. If you decide to be flexible, then you need to be able to adjust accordingly and prioritize what is most important on your list.

Be Self-Disciplined

As with any budget, self-discipline is a crucial factor. It can be difficult to resist the temptation of purchasing things that you want and need, but it’s important to remember why you are spending in the first place. Do not just buy something because it is cheap or at a deep discount. Instead, find items that are worth your money and will be of use to you or whoever you are buying the gift for.

Celebrate With Friends And Family

Have a party with your friends and family where you can have a worry-free time. You don’t have to spend a fortune buying gifts for everyone if you simply make the effort to celebrate with your loved ones. It is also important that you invest in something special for yourself this Christmas. Buy yourself something small and personal that you would love to enjoy on Christmas Day. This could be anything from a new book or movie to a new pair of shoes or even just something as simple as spending some quality time with the ones you love.

Use Technology To Track Spending

There are many apps that can help you keep tabs on your spending this Christmas. One of the best ways to stay under budget is to use technology to track your spending. Apps like Mint allow you to monitor your spending and set budgets for various purchases and categories. Alerts will notify you when you’re about to exceed your budget, so you can adjust accordingly!

Enjoy the holidays this year and stick to that budget! You will thank yourself in the new year.

Categories: Disney, Seasonal, Theme Parks, Winter

Visiting the Disney Parks and Resorts at Christmas

The holidays are here and if you’re a Disney lover, then you’ll want to check out the Disney Parks and Resorts at Christmas time. There is so much to do that it’ll be hard to list it all in one place. Celebrating Christmas at Disney World is magical no matter where you are on the property. Here is a quick list of what you can do and see that will be extra magical because of the upcoming holiday season. Should you spend your Christmas vacation at Disney? Let’s find out! 

Disney Christmas Hot Chocolate Martini at Epcot visiting the Disney Parks and Resorts at Christmas

Magic Kingdom

Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom Train Station Christmas Decorations

You already know that Magic Kingdom is the best place to be for all of the Christmas festivities. You can book reservations for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and watch the fireworks celebration, view the Christmas parade, and the special live entertainment and characters. 

Disney Christmas Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Frame Photo

Just remember that this Christmas party requires an extra admission ticket. Aside from Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you can also check out the castle projections, seasonal décor, and the limited time treats like the holiday inspired food located all over Magic Kingdom. 

Disney Christmas Jingle Cruise Holiday Sign at Magic Kingdom

Some rides, like Jungle Cruise, have holiday overlays. A few are only available during the Christmas party, but all guests can ride the Jingle Cruise during the holidays!

Epcot

This year, make sure you stop by Epcot to experience the holiday magic happening here! If you’ve ever wanted to experience the holiday magic that happens all over the world, then Epcot is where you belong. 

Disney Christmas Festival of the Holidays at Epcot

The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays presented by AdventHealth is a big one this year. You can also experience the Candlelight Processional with celebrity guest narrators, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Holiday Remix, and the performances around World Showcase. This includes the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs, Las Posadas with Mariachi Cobre, the Chinese Lion Dance, and holiday storytellers.

Disney Christmas Festival of the Holidays at Epcot Passport
Disney Christmas Candlelight Processional at Epcot Festival of the Holidays

The festival also features several special food booths throughout the World Showcase where you can sample festive holiday treats for a limited time.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is its own special place to be around the holidays. Each night the Hollywood Tower Hotel will have holiday projections. 

Disney Christmas Hollywood Studios Echo Lake Decorations

Don’t miss out on the Santa Claus Motorcade, where you can catch Santa riding in his red convertible. 

You don’t want to miss the For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. It has a special holiday addition that you can’t see any other time of the year!

There is just so much to do, where do you begin? I know! Make sure you start by looking at the dazzling holiday décor that is literally everywhere. Hollywood Studios features the cutest vintage decorations. Even Gertie gets in the spirit of the season! Toy Story Land has special decorations too and the characters have spruced up holiday outfits too.

Disney Christmas Toy Story Land Christmas Ornaments Decorations

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

If you’re wanting to experience Disney first hand, then Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park is where you want to be! 

Disney Christmas Santa Floatilla at Animal Kingdom

The biggest event happening at Animal Kingdom is the Santa Claus Festive Flotilla. You can also see tons of shimmer and sparkle at the Tree of Life Awakenings: Holiday Edition. 

Find the Merry Menagerie in Discovery Island with artisan-sculpted puppets of arctic animals—like penguins, reindeer, foxes and polar bears.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

You can find Santa Claus in his beachwear at Blizzard Beach this holiday season. Pose and take photos with him and his sleigh and look out for the snow falling (or “snoap” … soap that looks like snow!) in select locations throughout the water park.

Make sure to try out some of the seasonal items on the menu, like the Peppermint Milkshake and Orange Bird Santa Cone during your visit.

Disney Springs

A visit to Disney Springs over the holidays is a must! Visit at night for the most magical experience. You’ll find special entertainment such as live music, DJs, stilt walkers, and more. You can even get in a visit with Mr. Claus himself.

The main attraction is definitely the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll presented by AdventHealth. You can discover Christmas around every corner, as you come across a collection of elaborately decorated Christmas trees throughout the neighborhoods of Disney Springs. There are so many fun themed trees for you to find! You can even see a magical snowfall in the evenings.

Disney Christmas Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail
Disney Christmas Disney Springs Christmas Tree with Snowfall

You’ll find special holiday treats at places like Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar, Amorette’s Patisserie, Marketplace Snacks, and more.

What’s happening at the Disney Resorts at Christmas?

If you love to see the decorations at Christmas then you need to check out the resorts, They all go all out for Christmas. These are the best Disney Resorts at Christmas:

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Hotel
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club
  • Disney’s Yacht Club

Be sure to check out the special gingerbread decorations, like the life size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort and other gingerbread designs throughout some of the other deluxe resorts.

Disney Christmas Grand Floridian Resort Gingerbread House
Disney Christmas Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel

Is Disney at Christmas worth it?

Most Disney lovers would agree that checking out Disney World around Christmas is a good thing to do. Seeing all of the special displays and décor is well worth the money spent and creates special memories.

Make sure you get out to see all of the Christmas decorations before Disney starts taking them down in early January. Have you ever been to the Disney Parks and resorts at Christmas? What did you think?

Disney Christmas Chip and Dale in Santa Hats and Scarves

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