A Fresh Start with Sparkling Wine
As the last of the Christmas lights fade and the Isle of Skye settles into its quiet winter rhythm, I find myself thinking about the year ahead. January always feels slower – a time to pause, reflect, and open something that reminds us that even small celebrations matter.
There’s something symbolic about the first pop of a cork in the New Year. It’s not just about raising a glass; it’s about gratitude and hope. Whether you’re toasting with family, marking a personal milestone, or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, a good sparkling wine turns the ordinary into something special.
And this is exactly what I love about wine. Every bottle I sell at Wine Guy on Skye has a story behind it – a winemaker, a vineyard, a sense of place. It’s never just about what’s in the glass; it’s about who and what brought it there.
Champagne Gonet – Timeless Elegance
If the New Year had a sound, it would be the soft sigh of Champagne Gonet being poured. This family-owned Champagne house, based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs, is known for precision and purity.
Their Blanc de Blancs is a favourite of mine – crisp, bright, and elegant, with flavours of lemon zest, green apple, and delicate brioche. It’s the kind of wine that wakes up the palate and whispers, “here’s to what comes next.”
I often open Gonet when I want to mark a quiet milestone – a family meal, a special dinner, or even the first evening of a new project. It reminds me that progress, however small, deserves to be celebrated.
Silverhand Estates – The English Spark That Surprises
A few years ago, few people believed English vineyards could produce world-class sparkling wine. Then came estates like Silverhand, and everything changed.
Located in Kent, Silverhand Estates benefits from the same chalky soils that define Champagne’s best vineyards. Their wines are vibrant and fresh, with notes of orchard fruit, citrus, and a soft floral touch.
I’ve poured Silverhand for guests who were amazed to discover they were drinking English wine. That surprise, followed by genuine appreciation, never gets old. It’s proof that great wine doesn’t have to travel far to impress.
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to try something new, start here. Silverhand’s wines have quiet confidence; a reminder that excellence doesn’t need to shout.
Ridgeview Winery – A Celebration of Craft and Community
Further north in Sussex, Ridgeview Winery continues to lead the charge for English sparkling wine. Their commitment to craft and community is remarkable. When you visit, you sense the pride that runs through everything they do, from vineyard to glass.
Their Bloomsbury blend brings crisp apple, brioche, and soft citrus, while the Fitzrovia Rosé shows gentle red berry flavours that pair beautifully with seafood or light desserts.
Ridgeview’s wines are what I like to pour when friends come round to share stories and plans for the months ahead. They embody connection — the reason we open wine in the first place.
New Year Reflections and Intentions
As we move into a new year, wine teaches us patience. Each bottle represents seasons, growth, and change. The vines rest in winter, preparing for the spring ahead. Maybe that’s something we can all take to heart: pause, appreciate, and look forward with quiet optimism.
I don’t make strict resolutions, but I do set intentions. This year, mine is to keep exploring, connecting, and sharing wines that matter, wines with purpose, craftsmanship, and personality.
Maybe yours is to discover something new, spend more time around the table with loved ones, or simply enjoy life’s smaller celebrations. Whatever it is, a good sparkling wine is a wonderful way to start.
Choosing the Right Sparkling Wine for the New Year
If you’re wondering which bottle to open first this year, think about the moment you want to create:
- Champagne Gonet: For timeless elegance and sophistication. https://www.champagne-gonet-sulcova.fr/en/champagnes/
- Silverhand Estates: For discovery and the joy of something unexpected. https://silverhandestate.com
- Ridgeview Winery: For togetherness and celebrating community. https://www.ridgeview.co.uk
There’s no single right choice — only the one that fits your mood and moment. That’s the beauty of wine: it reflects who we are and how we feel.
The Simple Joy of Sparkling Wine
The best wines are the ones that make you pause, to notice a flavour, a memory, or a feeling. Sparkling wines do that beautifully. They remind us that there’s always something worth celebrating, even on a quiet Tuesday night.
So perhaps add one more resolution this year: celebrate more often. Raise a glass not just to the big milestones, but to the everyday ones too.
Discover Sparkling Wines from Wine Guy on Skye
If you’d like to try these sparkling wines, from Champagne Gonet, Silverhand Estates, or Ridgeview Winery — you’ll find them all through Wine Guy on Skye. Each one has been chosen for its quality, story, and ability to bring a little joy to your table.
Visit www.wineguyonskye.com to explore the full range or get in touch if you’d like help choosing the perfect bottle for your next celebration.
Cheers to new beginnings — and to a year filled with discovery, connection, and a few great glasses of wine.