Get $3 shipping on orders over $300 Shop now

Free wine advice online

0800 809 463 (M-T 8:30-7pm & F 8:30-5pm)

ICE, ICE, Baby!

Sparkling Wines for Christmas

Christmas in New Zealand? It's all about sunshine, good vibes and cool drinks. And what better way to celebrate than with ICE Sparkling wines? The bubble world has been flipped upside down with the latest trend in indulgent Sparkling wine - and trust us, it's here to stay.

Whether you're lounging on the beach, hosting a backyard BBQ or throwing the ultimate Christmas soiree, ICE sparkling wines from Veuve du Vernay, Moet & Chandon and Francois Montand will be your go-to to keep things light, fresh and undeniably chic.

So what's the buzz around ICE sparkling wine and why should it be the star of your festive table this year? Let's dive into the cool details.

What are ICE Sparkling wines?

Not all bubbles are created as equal, and ICE sparkling wines are the rebels of the sparkling wine world. Designed specifically to be enjoyed over ice, these wines break the traditional rules of how we usually consume bubbles. Most sparkling wines come with a strict "no ice" rule but ICE sparkling wines say yes, please! They're crafted with a slightly sweeter flavour profile to balance the dilution from the ice, making each sip a refreshing burst of summer-ready effervescence.

Where it all began

A sip of history

The concept of ICE sparkling wines may seem modern, but it's rooted in the long-standing tradition of wine evolution. Bubbles have always been about celebration, and with todays more laid back approach to luxury, it's no surprise that these wines were created to embrace our casual, warm-weather lifestyles.

It was Moet & Chandon that first launched Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial back in 2010. The goal? To capture the essence of summer with a sparkling wine that could be enjoyed in a more relaxed, outdoor setting. They wanted to give wine lovers a way to enjoy bubbly in hotter climates without compromising on flavour.

It was bold, it was daring and it totally changed the game. Following suit, French brands like Veuve du Vernay and Francois Montand introduced their own sparkling creations, keeping the trend alive and well. Today, ICE wines have become synonymous with summer sophistication.

Sip and relax

How to drink ICE

Let's talk about how to serve these beauties to perfection. The key is in the preparation, and luckily for you, it's super simple. You don't need to be a mixologist, but you can certainly look like one when you whip up the perfect glass of ICE sparkling wine for your guests.

Here's your step by step guide to the ultimate refreshing holiday sip.

Step 1: Chill the bottle

Before you lift a finger, get your ICE sparkling wine chilled. Pop it in the fridge or an ice bucket until it's cold but not frozen, the goal is to ensure that the wine itself has a refreshing crispness.

Step 2: Choose your glassware

Pick out a large wine glass or even a balloon glass. Why the large size? You want plenty of room for both the ice and bubbles to play together!

Step 3: Add the ice

This is where the magic happens. Toss in three large ice cubes (small ice cubes will melt too quick) to keep your wine cold without watering it down to fast.

Step 4: Pour generously

Slowly pour your ICE sparkling wine over the ice cubes. Watch as the bubbles dance and the wine cools immediately.

Step 5: Garnish like a pro

While the wine is delightful on its own, take it up a notch with fun garnishes. Try slices of citrus, mint sprigs or even a few frozen berries to add a touch of festive flair. Not only do they make your glass Instagram-worthy but they also bring out the fruity, fresh notes in the wine. Now, cheers to Christmas done right!

Popular ICE brands

Brands leading the charge

Veuve du Vernay

A crisp and lively French sparkling that sings with notes of white fruits, citrus and delicate bubbles. Both Veuve du Vernay ICE Rose and Burt are perfectly balanced with just the right sweetness, this one is designed to be poured over ice and sipped in the sun.

Moet & Chandon

Moet has jumped onboard the ICE trend with flair. Moet's ICE Imperial is known for its luxurious bubbles. This rich, fruity experience with bold flavours of tropical fruits and berries, complemented by a fresh hint of mint. It's truly indulgent in a glass.

Francois Montand

This traditional French sparkling wine bring finesse to the table with a light body and floral aromas. The ICE range is the perfect for a laid-back holiday afternoon and to have on hand for easy summer entertaining.

Image Our Difference

Shop ICE Sparkling Wines