From a purely celebratory standpoint, there is no denying the fun aura associated with fizzy wines, especially when paired with a bouquet of flowers and a home-cooked meal for Mother's Day. This year, consider gifting a bottle of bubbly that suits your mom's taste. Here are three exceptional options hand-picked for the occasion.
Road 13 Select Harvest 2019 Old Vine Sparkling Chenin Blanc, B.C. ($45, available through the winery)
You don't have to look far to find top-notch sparkling wine. Local wineries are producing an ever-expanding selection of notable, fun bottles of bubbly. One of the most unique examples is Road 13's Sparkling Chenin Blanc. As the label attests, this traditional method sparkler is made from one of the oldest plots of Chenin Blanc in the province, originally planted in 1968. Hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, fermented, and left for a leisurely three years en tirage, the end result in the glass is deliciously toasty and fresh, with apple, pear skin, and nutty notes before a bracing and engaging finish.
Bottom line: A-. Great with canapés and a card game.
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Champagne, France ($79.99, #453084)
Of course, if only capital "C" sparkling wine will do for mom, then there is no other option but to head to the Champagne region of France. One classic option is Moët & Chandon's Brut Impérial, a timelessly elegant blend of the big three Champagne grapes: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. The wine's rich, creamy mid-palate is complemented by vivacious citrus notes, with an undercurrent of mineral meeting more citrus on a crisp yet lingering finish. This will go great with brunch, lunch, or dinner. Note that it also comes in 1.5L magnum size ($174.99, #47613) and demi-bottles ($48.99, #453076).
Bottom line: A-. Classic and elegant bubbly.
Medici Ermete Lambrusco Reggiano, Italy ($15.99 on sale until May 30, #249725)
Finally, for something a little different but still sparkling, consider Lambrusco. Maybe mom or the meal prefers red wine. Lambrusco fits the bill. Perhaps the celebration calls for out-of-the-box thinking. Another point for Lambrusco. This dense purple-black colored sparkler makes a statement in the glass while wafting aromas of berries and herbs. A tickle of fizz marks its tart entry before a fruity mid and a dry, effervescent finish. A bottle of this cheery, tangy Lambrusco Reggiano alongside a mixed grill on the barbecue with all the sides would make for a memorable Mother's Day meal.
Bottom line: B+. Change it up with sparkling red.
The Swirl: Top Drop Vancouver Terroir & Craft
The 2026 edition of Top Drop returns to Vancouver May 11-12. The annual wine tasting focused on terroir and craft brings a variety of events over two evenings. On Monday, May 11, a handful of wine parties are scheduled across Yaletown hot spots, from the outdoor Euro Plaza ($88) featuring all European wineries and plenty of pizza to Home Turf ($78) at Earls Loft. Then on May 12, The Main Event ($135) takes place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre and features more than 70 local and international terroir-focused wineries. For complete details and to secure tickets, visit topdrop.ca.
