Winerak: Sparkling wine sales see spike prior to New Year’s Eve

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – It’s almost time to ring in the new year with the ball drop and a bottle of bubbly.

Champagne and other types of sparkling wine, like prosecco and brut, haven’t just seen a spike in sales for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Owner of the Winerak Mike Alfman says the beverages have been more popular in 2019.

“I think the category in general in sparkling wine increased so much just because people were trying it. And once they tried it, they like it. It’s fun, it’s relaxing, it’s easy to drink with some cheeses or fruit or some light fish or something like that. And it’s just really something fun to take to someone’s house on New Year’s Eve and say, ‘Hey, here’s a bottle of champagne. Let’s have a toast.'”

He says the liquor store and deli have more and more people coming in to try out the drink.

“Our busiest two weeks out of the year are Christmas week and New Year’s week. Especially the two days before each holiday. With New Year’s Eve coming up, we have a lot of people coming in, asking questions about sparkling wine and wondering what they should take to their party or take to the group they’re getting with. And we have a lot of choices here at the Winerak.”

The business also sells non-alcoholic beverages and encourages people who choose to celebrate to plan for a sober driver ahead of time.

The Winerak is open on New Year’s Eve from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.