It’s cold and snowy out there. Damn cold and snowy weather, so why not warm up with a Cider Buttered Rum made with Chic Choc Spiced Rum?
Chic Choc Spiced Rum, made in Canada, is produced with six indigenous spices, creating a fresh take on rum that features a spicy bouquet with nuances of sugar cane and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle peppery tone.
As the holiday season and other celebratory occasions approach, Champagne remains a timeless classic—but it’s no longer the only option for sparkling wine lovers. From unexpected regions to unique flavor profiles, a world of bubbles is waiting to be discovered. The below highlights 7 Champagne Alternatives–a regionally-diverse array of stunning sparkling wines from across the globe that rival Champagne in quality, taste and affordability.
Skip the Champagne: 7 Sparkling Substitutes Worth Toasting
Champagne has long been the essential toast of holidays and other special occasions, but the landscape of sparkling wine is evolving. Today’s breed of bubbles offers an exciting range of choices from nearly every corner of the wine-producing world. Regions across the globe are proving they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world-famous fizz, offering exciting alternatives for wine lovers ready to expand their horizons. And, as people’s tastes shift, so do their preferences for flavor profiles, sweetness levels and production methods, there are more new styles to discover as alternatives to Champagne.
Champagne is often enjoyed for its multi-layered aromas of fruit and brioche, finishing with a searing and elegant acidity. Yet, not all sparkling wines meet these lofty criteria, and some remarkable options exist that may surprise your palate and your wallet.
Corpinnat and Cava
It’s rare to see Cava and its innovative offshoot, Corpinnat, mentioned together, but these two Spanish sparkling wines share a commitment to quality. Corpinnat represents a collective of small, independent organic wineries that have opted out of the official Spanish quality hierarchy to craft sparkling wines that reflect their unique philosophies and practices. What sets Corpinnat apart from Cava is its stringent requirement that grapes must come from owned organic vineyards and be vinified on the winery’s premises. Each bottle must mature for a minimum of 18 months, surpassing Champagne’s minimum requirement by six months. Many producers opt for extended aging, with some wines maturing for 60 months or longer. This extended bottle maturation allows the wines to evolve from fresh fruity aromas into complex nutty and bread-like flavors, enriching the overall tasting experience. In contrast, Cava, while often perceived as more industrial, can also produce exceptional wines. Major producers like Freixenet and Codorniu dominate the market, leaving smaller-scale artisans with limited exposure. Like Corpinnat, Cava is primarily based on the indigenous grapes Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, which deliver a delicate, fruity profile with a light body.
The German and Austrian Powerhouses
Cool climates are renowned for producing wines with vibrant acidity—the backbone of sparkling wine. This principle underpins the German and Austrian passion for their sparkling creation, known as Sekt. In these countries, Riesling often takes center stage, although you may also encounter Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals that can rival high-end Champagnes. Germany and Austria pride themselves on their quality sparkling wines. Austria has recently launched a new Charta, establishing a hierarchy for “Sekt Austria.” This pyramid includes “Grosse Reserve” (big reserve), “Reserve,” and the foundational “Sekt Austria” quality, with aging requirements ranging from a minimum of 6 months on the lees to at least 36 months for the highest tier.
This commitment to quality has garnered increased interest from both tourists and consumers alike, prompting Austria to appoint Andreas Vitasek as their new sparkling wine ambassador. When exploring German Sekt, focus on renowned regions like Mosel, Rheingau, and Rheinhessen. Notable producers include Kallfelz, Barth, and Raumland. In Austria, look for high-end offerings from Bründlmayer, Loimer, and Domäne Wachau.
Crémant de Bourgogne
If you prefer to stay in France, consider heading south to Bourgogne. The region primarily produces sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with Aligoté providing a refreshing exception. Crémant de Bourgogne offers a lighter, fruit-driven experience, illustrating a frothy texture that dances on the palate—an excellent alternative to its more famous cousin.
Cartizze: Prosecco’s Crown Jewel
In the northern Italian region of Veneto, the hill of Cartizze stands as Prosecco’s most revered site. Officially classified in 1969, its reputation as an exceptional origin stretches back more than two centuries. Rising to 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level, Cartizze encompasses just 108 hectares (280 acres). With land prices exceeding 1 million Euros per hectare, it rivals the world’s most expensive vineyard sites, including those in Burgundy. Ownership rarely changes hands, with plots typically passed down through families, underscoring the value placed on this unique terroir. The slopes of Cartizze are so steep that vineyard work must be done entirely by hand. In some areas, workers use sledges to transport grapes and tools, their efforts evoking comparisons to mountaineering. This challenging terroir, combined with the elevation and a predominance of old vines, produces Prosecco of remarkable intensity and character. Most wines from Cartizze are crafted in a ‘dry’ style, leaving a touch of residual sugar. This subtle sweetness enhances the vibrant fruitiness, while the crisp acidity keeps the wine beautifully balanced. The result is a Prosecco of elegance and finesse, ideal for those looking to celebrate with something truly special.
Moscato d’Asti: The Sweet Charm of Piedmont
In the heart of Piedmont, a region famed for Nebbiolo’s brooding intensity and wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, Moscato d’Asti offers a gentler, more unassuming charm. Made from the highly aromatic Muscat grape, this sparkling sweet wine is often overlooked in favor of its more prestigious neighbors but has a unique role in the region’s vinous identity. The defining features of Moscato d’Asti are its fragrant sweetness, low alcohol, and gentle spritz. This combination allows producers to fully explore the grape’s potential, highlighting its characteristic notes of orange blossom, ripe apricot, and honeyed peach. At just 5.5–7% ABV, it provides a light and refreshing contrast to the weightier wines often associated with Piedmont. Its flexibility at the table is a key strength. Moscato d’Asti can elevate desserts like white chocolate and candied fruits or pair beautifully with creamy and blue cheeses. For some, it even becomes the dessert, offering a delicately sweet conclusion to a meal without overwhelming the palate.
Cap Classique: South Africa’s Sparkling Star
For those who find Italian fruitiness is too exuberant, South Africa’s Cap Classique offers an elegant alternative. Introduced as a defined style in 1971, this sparkling wine is crafted in the traditional method, involving a secondary fermentation in the bottle. While the classification is relatively modern, the South African tradition of producing sparkling wines dates back over 360 years, firmly rooted in the country’s winemaking history. Cap Classique spends a minimum of 15 months on the lees, allowing delicate notes of brioche and hazelnut to develop.
However, the hallmark of South African sparkling wine remains its bright, fruit-driven profile, often leaning into flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and even tropical notes, rather than the pronounced toastiness typical of Champagne. Today, Cap Classique has earned its place among the world’s finest sparkling wines. Its ability to balance value and quality makes it an appealing choice for celebrations, offering a distinctive South African character without pretension. Whether as a centerpiece for an event or an unassuming companion to the moment, it stands ready to impress.
Tasmania: A Sparkling Island of Innovation
Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, lies around 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of the mainland, separated by the often-turbulent Bass Strait. Known for its pristine wilderness and cool climate, it is the nation’s most southerly and coolest wine region, home to a scattering of nearly 1,000 offshore islands. This remoteness has shaped its identity as a haven for eco-tourism and, increasingly, as a center for world-class sparkling wine. The island’s wine industry is small but tightly focused, with producers working collaboratively and sustainably. Biosecurity is paramount, and tourists are often barred from entering vineyards to prevent soil-borne pests or diseases inadvertently carried on footwear. Inter-planting with native vegetation, allowing certain ‘weeds’ to flourish, and preserving wildlife corridors reflect Tasmania’s dedication to environmental harmony. Tasmania’s cool climate is particularly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the cornerstone varieties of its sparkling wines. These wines are defined by their vivid fruit intensity, bracing acidity, and, in many cases, the nuanced autolytic complexity of toast and brioche. The sparkling wines often rival the quality of Champagne, though with a distinctive freshness and clarity born of the island’s maritime influence and clean air. Despite its small scale, Tasmanian sparkling wine is increasingly found on the shelves of fine wine retailers and the wine lists of high-end restaurants across the globe. Its ability to combine precision, elegance, and sustainability ensures Tasmania’s place among the leading sparkling wine regions of the world.
Emerging Regions
Beyond the traditional producers, numerous up-and-coming regions are crafting outstanding sparkling wines. The United Kingdom, Argentina, and cooler areas of California are all making their mark in the sparkling wine scene, offering fresh and innovative options for consumers looking to diversify their celebratory toast.
Champagne will long-remain a classic, of course, but it no longer holds an exclusive claim as the “must-have” sparkling wine for holidays and other special occasions. While this iconic bubbly is a favorite celebratory beverage for many, the world of wine offers a range of exciting alternatives that deserve due attention. For the Silo, Peter Douglas.
Peter Douglas, DipWSET, is a wine expert with the “VinoVoss”—anAI Sommelier smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system developed by BetterAI. VinoVoss picks the perfect wine every time, for any occasion courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence assist. Douglas is an experienced wine trade professional with a diverse background in the HORECA industry, specialist stores, purchasing, portfolio management, and general wine trade. He also possesses hands-on experience in winemaking, further enhancing his knowledge and understanding of the industry. Peter’s qualifications include the WSET-Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits, and currently, he is in Stage 2 of pursuing the most esteemed and prestigious title in the wine industry, Master of Wine. Peter’s expertise extends to consulting distributors and importers, as well as assisting in enhancing the wine portfolio of on-trade settings. Additionally, Peter serves as a wine agent, proficient in sourcing specific SKUs at favorable prices for clients’ portfolios.
A few months ago, In the heat of the summer this year, our friends at Kommando embarked on a journey to once again remake a South African Legend back in its home country. Today is one of their favorite days in the journey from being handcrafted in the original shops that made them in the Bush war, to being delivered to Canada and the USA. The boots have completed production and are being loaded up in South Africa & shipped to their warehouse.Due to the nature of the production of these boots taking a little while (and being worth every second) it’s now time to reserve yours ahead of the inevitable rush. It just occurred to me that there’s some of you who might not be familiar with these legendary boots. Fear not- read on….. Why do they say these new production boots are “Rare” so often? Truth be told, it’s not “Rare” in the traditional surplus collectible sense… but rare in terms of making it to market. Manufacturing pretty much anything in South Africa has been turbulent at best.The OG tan ‘Half Combat’ variant with their iconic ‘anti-track’ sole. Post-pandemic Inflation, rising materials costs, and an ongoing collapse of the power grid* in South Africa all makes these boots harder and harder to make. *The business that makes boots for kommando literally had to install solar panels at their facility so they could continue working through the rolling “load shedding” blackouts (Eco-Friendly Waxis anyone?) so production has slowed down to a once-a-year type of thing. But even then, every pair of boots sold is crucial to keeping the doors of these bootmakers open to future orders. In South Africa’s case of “why aren’t they using nuclear power again?”, due to horrific mismanagement, the nuclear facilities fell into disrepair and have mostly been replaced with greenhouse-gas emitting, inefficient coal plants that have resulted in economically devastating effects on their power grid. Go figure.
Waxis are among dozens of different types of desert boots and even South African desert boots, too. But believe us when we say they’re unlike anything else you’ll put on your feet. We’re the only place on the internet you’ll find the one true Waxis imported directly from South Africa to the USA. Especially the kind with that insane looking, flat-as-a-pancake-in-Florida anti-tracking sole…(more on that later) Regular imports of ‘half combat’ and ‘full combat’ boots keep this little slice of history alive, along with the same family business who made them during the Bush and Border Wars.
On the fence? Check out the nearly 500 reviews they’ve all gotten over the years. TL;DR, as long as you follow the size guide, it’s hard to go wrong with Waxis on your feet. But backing up once again, what’s a Waxi anyways? Why make them with super flat soles? Why would you wear a leather boot in arid climates anyways?The Short answer is that Waxis are a deceptively lightweight piece of footwear originally developed for the most elite special forces in all of Africa. They feature a wide toe box, a retro-style buckled upper, and the weirdest optional outsole you’ve ever seen…Take A Hike Through History “What if I want the long answer, Ivan?”Well, in that case, Let’s start from the top…LACE UP.Let’s start with the boot-camp basics: ‘Half combat’ Waxis were the brainchild of the SADF’s “Recces”, whom desired footwear capable of supreme athleticism & mobility. They’re breathable, lightweight, and flexible like a pair of tennis shoes, but with the robust leather of a proper combat boot. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. A “Grey’s Scout” in the Rhodesian Army pictured riding on horseback patrol with his standard-issue boots. No Gasoline, no problem apparently.
The Rhodesian bush War saw a lot of boots on the ground action. We have an entire write-up you can read here on exactly what lead up to the Rhodesian Bush War. It’s just about the furthest thing from a clear-cut conflict that there is, and we do our best to give you the most accurate background possible. During the logistical nightmare that was their counter-insurgency, Rhodies used whatever equipment they could get their hands on. And an important piece was their trademark double-buckled combat boots, made by none other than “Bata”, the country’s specialists in footwear of all kinds. The lace guard’s design was passed down by WW2 combat boot forefathers, which worked pretty great in the terrain & ecology European soldiers saw.But Sub-Saharan Africa is much, much harsher.
The terrain in South Africa, Angola, and Namibia proved extremely challenging for the SADF, and all their equipment had to be built to hold up to it. From Sand dunes to rocky mountainsides, whatever you wore was put through the gauntlet. Africa’s savannahs and deserts made for an entirely different kind of warfare, so entirely different equipment was needed to match.
Rhodesian Selous Scouts and SADF Recces were almost always on the move, frequently rucking marathons. With so much ground to cover, mobility was their top priority. Traditional leather boots were too hot, too stiff, and too heavy. Many soldiers resorted to wearing hi-top trainer shoes made primarily by “Bata” nicknamed “takkies.” A Rhodesian “Selous Scout” With his trusty takkies. From the dirt on his legs and the mismatching socks you can tell it was probably an eventful patrol.
A cartoony guide about Rhodesian footwear. You can see the double-buckled army boots and takkies made by ‘Bata’ — another piece of South African footwear Kommando brought back late last year…Takkies tend to do the trick in a pinch. Kommando are working with Bata directly to continue making these legends to their original specs and bring them to Canada and the USA. Both the hi-tops and low-tops are seen all over historical photos of Rhodesian Light Infantrymen, and they have an entire historical rabbit hole on their own if you want to read more… about the Hockey Sneakers.
South African Bata ‘Takkie’ Hockey Sneakers “It Works In A Pinch” just wasn’t enough for the South Africans, who faced dire odds in their border conflicts. The trusty “Takkies” more than delivered on mobility, but they were essentially Converse high-tops from the 60’s. Soles delaminated, laces tore, and uppers ripped clean open. Soldiers needed an intermediate solution. A flexible, breathable boot that ran like a sneaker, but was durable enough for war. The answer to that? — The Waxi Boot. Made of thin leather, the Waxi Boot was flexible and fast. But unlike takkies, it offered more protection and a truly rugged outsole. …A boot that takes everything you know about stiff & stuffy combat boots and throws it right out the window.It was an instant hit with the Recces. They did inform the design after all.
A SADF group is seen discussing an operation, with the two lads in front notably sporting tan anti-track Waxi Boots. Judging by the frustrated fellow on the right, this photo was likely candid. The Waxi’s extra-wide toe box was another important departure from orthodox combat boots. Feet naturally swell over the course of long hikes, and extra room in front prevents chafing, discomfort, and assists airflow.
Looks can be deceiving. From this angle, you can really see the width of the Waxi. I’m not joking when I say the toe box is quite roomy! Make sure to check the sizing chart before you place an order with Kommando
Another famed feature of these boots is the optional flat ‘anti-track’ sole — Like the rest of the boot’s design, that feature came from a very specific set of needs. The open terrain, soft soil, and exposed ground of the African Bush is a tracker’s dream. The Recces needed a way to conceal troop movement. Originally a popular field modification, the anti-track sole was created by sanding the tread off boots and sneakers. The original iterations were crude and unreliable. But you can see how the Waxi boot filled a perfect “happy medium” between custom-sole jungle boots and sanded down sneakers.
This shoddy field modification had severe downsides. Original rudimentary anti-track shoes only lasted a few sorties before the soles wore through completely. And many wearers disliked the ergonomics of a ‘heel-less’ boot. Eventually word got back to our manufacturer, and custom molds were made.
This allowed the sneakily-soled boot to be produced and fielded in much greater numbers. An early example of one of the one-off Anti-Track Boots the Recces commissioned. These weren’t ever produced in large numbers, and aren’t quite up to par with Waxis. The factory anti-track sole uses a gummy low-durometer* rubber to increase traction and incorporates a sloping ‘heel rise’ for comfort.*The easiest way to define durometer is the “softness” of the rubber. Low durometer, softer rubber is stickier and still allows for normal use without the world becoming a slip-n-slide. Not recommended for winter, but still grippy enough in the other 3 seasons. While certainly not as popular as the ‘lugged’ logger-style sole, all Waxis have the option of anti-track soles if you’re feeling adventurous…Order your Boots With all the weirdness that puts these apart, what really makes these more special than the typical combat boot is the love & passion that goes into them. These come all the way from South Africa, made by one of the original businesses who made them back in the bush war, keeping this narrow slice of history alive and well. And the more time goes on, the harder it is for us to get these made for you. The indefinite future of Waxis makes them all the more “rare”. Now’s your last shot at getting them with a little bit off the top and without the extra cortisol rush to your monkey DNA when everyone’s trying to get a pair on “Ready To Ship” day. With just a little bit of transit time to wait now, I promise they’ll be worth it. (just read the hundreds of reviews)
The 1970s was an unforgettable decade for racing, design, and craftsmanship, particularly in the automotive world. Sports cars of the time, especially the Porsche 911, stood as symbols of precision, speed, and elegance. Inspired by this golden era, Ferro & Company introduces the Time Master 70’s — a timepiece that captures the spirit of the 1970s, designed for those who appreciate the beauty of both classic cars and fine watches.
Note- prices are in USD.
A Fusion of Precision and Heritage
Much like the legendary Porsche models of the 1970s, the Time Master 70’s is a perfect blend of bold design and engineering excellence. Drawing inspiration from the sleek dashboards and smooth curves of 70s sports cars, this watch embodies the timeless style and craftsmanship of the era. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a collector of fine watches, the Time Master 70’s offers a link to the past, with modern reliability.
39 mm Brushed Stainless Steel 316L Case: Built to last, the case reflects the robust yet elegant design of classic sports cars.
47 mm Lug to Lug: A comfortable fit for everyday wear.
20 mm Lugs: Compatible with various straps for personalization.
10.4 mm thick (Japan MVT) / 11 mm thick (Swiss MVT): Slim enough for versatility, substantial enough to make an impression.
Flat Sapphire Crystal with A/R Coating: Scratch-resistant and designed to reduce glare, ensuring clear readability.
Movement: Choose between the reliable Japan Miyota 9039 Automatic or the precise Swiss ETA 2824-2 Automatic .
6 mm Screw-down Crown: Ensures water resistance and durability.
10 ATM (100-meter Water Resistance): Built to withstand the elements, perfect for daily adventures.
20 mm 316L Stainless Steel Bracelets with On-the-Fly 6-click internal micro-adjust system: Offers unparalleled comfort and ease of adjustment.
Super Luminova BGW9 Lume hour indices with Super Luminova Orange hands: High visibility in low-light conditions, just like the gauges on a race car’s dashboard.
Inspired by 1970s Automotive Excellence
For Porsche enthusiasts & other supercars from the era, the Time Master 70’s offers more than just a timekeeping function. Its design is inspired by the sleek lines and elegant simplicity of 70s sports car models. The clean dial mirrors the precision instruments found in the cockpits of vintage sports cars, while the bold, luminous hour indices ensure visibility reminiscent of race car dashboards.
1973 Dodge Charger dashboard.
Just as a Porsche 911 is a symbol of balance between design and power, the Time Master 70’s reflects the same ethos—perfectly balancing functionality and aesthetics. The precision of the Swiss ETA 2824 or Japan Miyota 9039 movement mirrors the finely-tuned engines that defined an era of automotive glory.
Limited edition
The Time Master 70’s is quickly becoming a collector’s item, with only limited units remaining. This limited-edition watch is nearly sold out! If you’re looking to own a piece of 1970s-inspired heritage, now is the time to act . With shipments scheduled for mid-October, this is your last chance to secure your Time Master 70’s.
Ready for the Open Road?
Whether you’re behind the wheel of a classic car or simply enjoying your everyday adventures, the Time Master 70’s is your ultimate companion. With its striking design and precision engineering, it’s more than just a watch—it’s a tribute to the elegance and excitement of the 1970s racing era.
Don’t miss the opportunity to own a timepiece inspired by a legacy of speed, craftsmanship, and timeless style. Order your Time Master 70’s today! The time Master watches will ship by mid October.
It’s cold and snowy out there. Damn cold and snowy weather, so why not warm up with a Cider Buttered Rum made with Chic Choc Spiced Rum? 
Due to the nature of the production of these boots taking a little while (and being worth every second) it’s now time to reserve yours ahead of the inevitable rush. It just occurred to me that there’s some of you who might not be familiar with these legendary boots. Fear not- read on…..
Well, in that case, Let’s start from the top… LACE UP.
