While there are many sparkling wines that go by the name of champagne, authentic champagne must be produced in the designated area of Champagne-Ardennes in France. There are a number of different champagne manufacturers, including big names like Moet & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, all of which are made from three main types of grape: Pinot noir, Chardonnay or Pinot Meunier.

There are specific laws protecting the growth of these grapes in selected plots. Several sparkling wines are available around the world, however. If sparkling wine is one of your favourite drinks, have a look at the champagne selection from Tesco to satisfy your love for fizz!

California leads the way in the United States for sparkling champagne-style wines. Visitors are invited to tour the Korbel California Champagne site, enjoy a 50-minute tour around the historic cellars and take a trip to the tasting room to follow up where you can sample their range, with selections of light, crisp Brut and the intense Korbel Rouge. Alternatively, Mumm Napa in the Napa Valley offers a delightful tasting tour out on the Oak Terrace, where refreshing misters keep you cool as you sample the great variety of vintages on offer.

In Italy, prosecco is seen as something of an alternative to champagne. Prosecco is produced in vineyards just north of Venice, and there are plenty of places throughout Italy to sample this delicious wine. Bar Alpino is situated in Valdobbiadene, Veneto, and offers visitors a hugely welcoming atmosphere to pop in and try out some of the wines. With food on offer too, you’ll be hard pressed not to have a great time here.

Osteria Senz’Oste is also worth a visit for its strange approach to service, if nothing else. Customers are trusted to serve themselves food as well as a bottle of prosecco from long fridges. Payment is then dropped into a wooden box on the counter – a must-see if you’re eager to witness this old style of restauranteering!

For traditionalists, however, there’s nowhere better than the true champagne region of France. Located in the northeast of the country, the area boasts some of the finest champagnes in the world. The methods of production date back centuries, the proof of which comes through in the taste. Enthusiasts can tour the cellars of all the major producers, usually with tasters offered at the end. You may wish to tie all your visits together and enjoy a different site for every day of your trip. A quick online search will provide results for a number of estates offering tours of champagne.