Though you gotta have bubbles, there's no rule that says that Champagne is required to ring in the New Year. Rather, the imperative is to open something which has a cork that pops and to drink something refreshing and bubbly at 12:01 January 1. So, why not save the money that you would have spent on Champagne and instead buy yourself something nice to kick off 2010. In that spirit, here's three picks from local stores that will get you a loud cork and a mouthful of delicious sparkling wine. Cheers!

• Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs '06 -- Schramsberg, which is based in Napa, often bests Champagne in blind tastings. This is one delicious, classy wine and the price it's being offered at Bevo is a steal. This one is creamy and rich in the mouth. $25.99
• Sorelle Bronca Prosecco -- This is one of the very best Proseccos around, and one of the best sparkling wines of Italy. Far more nuanced and complex than your garden variety Prosecco, this one will appeal to wine geeks as much as it will to bubble freaks. $16.99
• Domaine Laurens Crémant de Limoux -- French bubbles not from the north, which is where Champagne is, but from the south in the land of sun and relaxation. This wine--made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Mauzac is clean, floral and simply delicious. $20