There is nothing like popping a bottle of bubbles to celebrate. But as an academic drinker, there are a couple more reasons why I enjoy Champagne so much. People don’t think of champagne as a wine, but it is and it comes from the region of Champagne, and it's gone through several transformations since its origin. Here are the latest champagne collaborations that I am so excited to try this New Year. 1. Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose Designed by Ambush The Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rose Designed by AMBUSH. This wine marks the first time in 152 years that the champagne house has partnered to redesign the label of their classic imperial wine. The choice to work with AMBUSH and Yoon was driven by mutual values of pioneering spirit and craftsmanship. The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay with a portion of back vintage wines blended in. In the glass, the wine is complex and well structured with notes of apple, strawberries, raspberry, and pomegranate with a touch of vanilla and brown sugar and hints of mint. On the palate, you will find this wine is smooth and rich with a refreshing and succulent finish. 2. Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012 Now let’s get into some vintage wine with the Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2012, Creators Edition with Yayoi Kusama, the amazing Japanese contemporary artist, you might be familiar with here Infinity Mirror Room at the AGO. Vintage Champagne means that all the grapes used to make this wine are from the same year. So there is no reserve wine in this bottle. The wine is a blend of majority Pinot noir with a touch of Chardonnay, and the La Grande Dame wine was always made as a tribute to the widow Clicquot so it is great to see the partnership with Yayoi Kusama another trailblazing woman. In the glass you are probably getting notes of Jasmine, honeysuckle, apple, pear, peach, all complemented by almond, dried fruits and nutty notes. On the palate, this is a wine with a silky texture, elegance, and a lot of character, very vibrant! 3. Dom Pérignon Lady Gaga Creators Edition Brut Champagne 2010 Finally, we have our oldest wine of the day the Dom Pérignon Lady Gaga Creators Edition Brut Champagne 2010. Dom Pérignon only makes vintage wine and the Champagne house has been inspired by so many. Lady Gaga inspired creativity, freedom and power which is what sparked this redesign collaboration. There are beautiful aromas of green mango, melon, tart pineapple, orange zest, and floral notes of jasmine and lilac. On the palate, this wine is full and deep with a generous feel and a charismatic finish.  

[bc_video video_id="6287363046001" account_id="2226196965001" player_id="rkljM4WDEg"] The only thing I love more than shopping for meaningful gifts is wrapping them! I’ve got three ways to make every gift *almost* too pretty to open! 1. Wax Seals I have become obsessed with wax seals so I thought it would be pretty to wrap a gift like an envelope and then seal it with a holiday-themed seal. Step 1: First, cut the paper to size. I am using this stunning paper from Minted,  fold and tape in place as you go, and then it’s time to seal it! I found this stunning Canadian company based in BC called Artisaire. They have everything you need to create wax seals the traditional way. Step 2:You have two options for heating the wax. I went with using a glue gun, but you can also heat wax beads in this spoon as well. Heat it on low heat and spread in a larger shape than the seal. Step 3: Then press the seal in place to create the design. Tip: If you want the look with less effort, Artisaire also has these premade seals to stick in place in a selection of colours and designs.   2. Wrapping Becomes the Bag I am not a fan of store-bought gift bags but I do like making them from the paper you may have around the house. This is great for gifts that are an unusual shape, or mini ones for gift cards. To make one: Step 1: Measure the paper around the item to make sure it’s big enough, fold across, fold up the bottom. Step 2: Fold the bottom to close it and tape it in place, pop item in, fold down the top. Step 3: Use a hole punch to add holes, add ribbon and tie in a bow. 3. Japanese Style of Wrapping We are ending on the easiest (but still very pretty) idea: using Furoshiki. The Japanese style of wrapping uses square pieces of fabric. For this, all you do is:

• Take a piece of fabric and tie it around the box.
• Add embellishments like greenery.

This is great with holiday-themed fabrics, a rich velvet, or a really pretty tea towel.