Champagne Shortages Jeopardizing Toasts This New Years Eve

Those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve may have to swap out their champagne for Boosie Juice, as bottles of bubbly are now becoming harder to find in the U.S.

As with many products and food items, champagne is the latest victim of global supply chain disruptions. On Wednesday, Wine Spectator senior editor Alison Napjus said that finding some bubbly to bring in the new year maybe a difficult task. She called the shortage the “perfect storm” before the annual partying holiday.

Multiple companies have attributed the shortage to higher logistics-related costs, lack of truck drivers, and shipping delays. While many may see this as a surprise, the wine and spirits industry knew that a champagne crisis was nearing months ago.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine also gave a grim realization that the shortage will likely plague drinkers for several years.

Climate change has also played a major role in the champagne drought. Champagne regions experienced unprecedented heat in March, which scorched vines. Then unusually freezing temperatures froze the vines. The summer months brought torrential rains, which created mildew on the already battered vines. The crop this year is expected to be the weakest in decades.

If you do get your hands on a bottle of champagne to bring in 2022, expect to pay more than you usually would. Michael Bilello, senior vice president of communications and marketing of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America confirmed earlier in December that consumers would begin to feel a dent in their pockets when purchasing alcohol.