That time of year, when we kick the old year out, and look forward to starting afresh the next year.

So it stands to reason, that alcohol often plays a big part for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

But what to drink? That’s the question.

Bisol Jeio Rose

From TheDrinkShop, this is a light rose prosecco.

A very light pink shade tells us that this is an easy to drink wine, that will also be refreshing.

Perfect as a pre-party tipple while you prepare for your New Year’s Eve celebrations.

A fruity and flowery bouquet, with a very delicate delivery.

It is also pretty inexpensive, so great for sharing with friends in the early evening, before heading off to the party.

Cremant d’Alsace Brut Sipp Mack Vins d’Alsace

From Vins Sipp Mack, this is a great, much cheaper substitute for a premium Champagne.

This is a full bodied Brut, with plenty of sparkle.

If you enjoy strong tasting Champagne, then this makes a great alternative for your pre-party drinks on New Year’s Eve.

It’s fruity and refreshing, but with a surprisingly alcoholic kick

Glyndwr Sparkling Rosé Brut

From the Waitrose Cellar, this is an astonishingly good German rose, with plenty of taste.

A very fruity bouquet, with a supportive taste delivery of fresh summer berries.

If you enjoy something a little special, and want to splash out a bit for your pre-party drinks on New Year’s Eve, then give this a try.

G D Vajra Langhe Bianco Rhein Riesling

Coming from TheDrinkShop, this is a very light, crisp Riesling.

Riesling has always been a great wine to enjoy if you are looking for something refreshing to sip, and keep down the alcohol intake.

This is a pale wine, much less full bodied than other white wines, making a good lightweight tipple for the early evening.

The long refreshing finish helps to slow down your drinking on New Year’s Eve.

Concha y Toro Trio Merlot

Again from TheDrinkShop, this is an inexpensive, yet entirely drinkable Merlot.

Another great light wine, this time for red wine drinkers.

Merlot is a good, solid choice for an early evening sipping wine on New Year’s Eve.

This one does not disappoint, all of the classic Merlot character, but at a great price.

Montemajone Chianti Classico Castello di Albola

From the Waitrose Cellar, this solid Chianti brings all of the taste of Tuscany to the party.

It won’t break the bank, as it is one of our least expensive wine selections so far.

It will please you though, with its typical Chianti Classico bouquet and the great body. Not too dry, with a fruity finish.

A great sipping wine, and perfect with finger food and bar snacks.

Quinta De Azevedo Vinho Verde

Almost everyone likes Vinho Verde, and this one from the Waitrose Cellar is cheap enough, that you can share several bottles with your friends.

This slight sparkle makes this a very refreshing wine.

Think apples and lemons, and you can’t go wrong.

One of the best budget wines on our list.

Valpolicella Superiore Doc Musella

This Valpolicella from Musella, is everything this Italian red should be.

A good, fresh wine, with plenty of fruity bouquet, but not too much body.

This makes it a very easy for people who do not usually opt for red wine to drink.

Only really semi-dry, so once again, this makes it easier to share.

Cuvée Des Vignerons Beaujolais

What better way to toast the New Year, than with a new wine?

This Beaujolais from the Waitrose Cellar, is very easy to drink, and can be appreciated by anyone who remotely enjoys drinking wine.

A fruity wine, and not too dry.

Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Rose

What a great New Year’s gift this is from TheDrinkShop.

When you give a gift of Moet & Chandon Champagne, you are telling somebody that they are important to you.

This great rose, adds a little twist, and a whole new flavour.

Taittinger NV Jeroboam in Black Box Champagne Gift Box

From TheDrinkShop, this is a premium Champagne gift.

When you receive a gift like this, you tend to keep it for many years, waiting for the perfect moment to enjoy it.

Knowing that as a premium quality Champagne, it will only get better with age

Chablis 1er Cru ‘Montmains’ Six Bottle Wine Gift in Wood

If you need to gift a large family, then why not give them a multi-bottle wine gift?

This easy to drink Chablis will be enjoyed by everyone, and it can be used as a standalone drink, or even better, drunk during family meals.

Chablis is a white wine that seems to work with many foods, so this is not only a great gift, it is a very versatile gift.

This one is from Majestic Wine, where you also can get it as a Single Bottle Wine Gift

Ayala Brut Majeur Nv

Before we move on to Champagne substitutes, here is an entirely affordable real Champagne from the TheDrinkShop.

It actually has won some awards, but you certainly shouldn’t be comparing it to Moet of Bollinger.

Rich and aromatic on the nose. well balanced on the palate, and it shows great finesse and complexity.

If you absolutely must have real Champagne, this is a low cost option.

Campo Viejo Cava

When it comes to finding a substitute for Champagne, Cava really is the go to wine.

A good cava is nearly as good as a mid-range Champagne, and at a much better price.

This selection from TheDrinkShop won’t stress your pockets, and it will make a great alternative to pop a cork on during New Year’s Eve.

San Leo Prosecco Brut

From the Waitrose Cellar, this great white prosecco makes a good alternative to Champagne.

A slightly fruiter bouquet than true Champagne, and without the flowers.

But the taste is great, and it is very refreshing. And don’t worry, once you give it a good shake, the cork will fly just as far as real Champagne when you pop it.