Story behind New Year's champagne tradition
Why do people drink champagne on holidays (photo: Freepik.com)
New Year's celebrations are associated with many traditions, but one of the brightest is the toast with a glass of champagne under the chiming clock. But why has this sparkling drink long become a symbol of festive atmosphere and luxury?
RBC-Ukraine explains how the tradition of drinking champagne on New Year's Eve originated and shares a few interesting facts about it.
Origins of champagne: History of sparkling wine
Champagne originates from the French region of champagne, where sparkling wine was first produced in the 17th century. Wines from this region gained special status due to their bubbles, which were initially seen as a flaw.
Only later did the method of producing sparkling wine, developed by monk Pierre Pérignon, become popular worldwide. Champagne quickly became the drink of kings and aristocrats, symbolizing luxury and festivity.
At the time, it was served only at ceremonial events, emphasizing its uniqueness. Even today, champagne is a symbol of status and refined taste.
How champagne became drink of celebrations
Sparkling wine has been associated with celebrations since the time of the French royal courts. In the 19th century, champagne began to be actively marketed as a drink for special moments. It was consumed at weddings, grand balls, and holidays, gradually becoming included in New Year's celebrations.
The symbolism of the bubbles rising upwards is associated with new hopes and desires, making champagne perfect for ringing in the New Year. Moreover, sparkling wine is convenient to open at the climax — the stroke of midnight. This is what made champagne an indispensable part of holiday events.
The tradition of drinking champagne on special occasions comes from the French aristocracy (photo: Freepik.com)
Why champagne is associated with luxury
Champagne has always been considered an elite drink due to its complexity of production and the region's high status. Sparkling wine was sold in luxurious bottles, and advertising campaigns emphasized its uniqueness. Today, this association with luxury remains, even as the drink has become more accessible.
This is why a glass of champagne adds sophistication and solemnity to the celebration. Moreover, its sparkling bubbles and golden color remind us of wealth and joy. Even budget champagne can create a festive atmosphere.
Tradition of New Year's Champagne: From Europe to World
The tradition of drinking champagne on New Year's Eve began to spread across Europe in the 19th century. In the Russian Empire, this custom appeared during the reign of the Tsars, who appreciated French wines. Over time, this tradition spread to other countries due to the popularity of European culture.
Today, a glass of champagne at midnight has become an integral part of New Year's celebrations worldwide. Even in countries where New Year is celebrated according to a different calendar, sparkling wine remains popular. This unites people from different cultures in a festive atmosphere.
Champagne is associated with joy and celebration (photo: Freepik.com)
Fun facts about champagne
- Each bottle of champagne contains about 49 million bubbles.
- The most expensive champagne in the world costs over $2 million per bottle.
- There is a tradition of opening champagne with a "pop," which was initiated by French Hussars.
- To preserve its flavor, champagne should be chilled to a temperature of 6-9°C.
- The Champagne region has the exclusive right to call its sparkling wine "champagne."
- Some bottles of champagne can age for decades, preserving unique flavor properties.
- Opening a bottle at a 45-degree angle helps prevent excess gas loss.
