Happy Champagne Day!

Booze can be tricky for those of us trying to navigate the gluten free world. There are some things, however, that you can always count on. Wine and champagne are two of those things and as a big fan of both, this makes me happy.

New Year's Eve is just a few days away- a holiday I like to think of not so much about the beginning of a new year but about celebrating champagne and all its gloriousness. So here's to you, Champagne- thank you for all you've done for me in 2011.

Here are a few of my favorite bottles. I'm loath to spend much money on something that I can get nearly as good for less so these are all reasonably priced. Enjoy!

Gruet - Blanc de Noirs

My very favorite! Made from red grapes and bottled in New Mexico, of all places, this is a sparkling wine that I wouldn't dare mix with anything. It's fabulous all on its own. $13-15

Ah, Freixenet. The classic standby in a black bottle. Priced well and good on its own or with mixers. You really can't go wrong with a bottle of the Brut. $7-11

Imagine that there's a picture of a bottle of Cristalino right here. For some reason I just cannot get one to post. Cristalino Brut is super cheap (around $6 at Sherlock's) and perfect for recovery mimosas.

And if you're in the mood to splurge, this is my favorite mid-priced bubbly! Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee... usually $33-38.