‘If I was blindfolded, I’d never guess this was £8.50,’ says Hitchcock – and that tells you everything you need to know. One of her go-to favourites, this organic cava (available from Waitrose) is often on offer and consistently over-delivers. Made in the same way as Champagne, it’s a brilliant, easygoing alternative, with smooth bubbles and delicate flavours of lemon, apple, white blossom and brioche. 

‘If you see “Crémant de Limoux” on the label, you’re in for a treat,’ says Hitchcock. From one of the world’s oldest sparkling wine regions in southern France, this rosé has a softer, sunnier style thanks to the warmer climate. Hitchcock recommends it as a budget-friendly alternative to rosé Champagne, with vibrant citrus, cherry, cranberry and red apple balanced by a creamy texture. At £10, it’s hard to beat. 

‘You would never guess this was £15,’ says Hitchcock of this South African sparkling, often described as the country’s answer to Champagne. Made using the traditional method and aged on the lees for 18 months, it delivers fine, creamy bubbles and classic biscuity notes. Riper flavours of grey apple, lemon and honeydew melon reflect the warmer climate, finished with a subtle sea-salt minerality. It’s available at Majestic, among others.

‘This is festive luxury on a budget,’ says Hitchcock of this elegant Crémant de Loire from Bollinger-owned Langlois (available at Majestic). Aged for 24 months and made from a classic Loire blend, it offers impressive concentration, with flavours of lemon, grapefruit, yellow apple, peach and almond croissant. A fresh mineral finish gives it the kind of polish you’d expect from a far pricier bottle. 

‘English sparkling is the new Champagne,’ says Hitchcock – and this is a great-value way to get involved. Made from a classic Champagne grape and aged for 60 months on the lees, it’s crisp yet smooth, with fine bubbles and bright acidity. Expect fresh citrus, honeyed apple, white peach and subtle toasty, buttery notes, plus a pleasingly long finish. Available from Asda.

Hitchcock calls this ‘one of the best alternatives to a rosé Champagne’ and an old favourite of hers. From Limoux in France, it’s made with Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, delivering a fresh, elegant style. Look for crisp green apple alongside raspberry and peach, with a gentle hint of brioche. Available at Waitrose.

Aged for four years, this South African rosé delivers ‘incredible depth and structure for the price’, says Hitchcock. Elegant and expressive, it combines creamy bubbles with juicy acidity and layers of strawberry, raspberry and pink grapefruit. Rich notes of brioche, biscuit and toasted bread make it feel far more expensive than its £17 price tag (currently down to £14 at Waitrose). 

‘This is probably the best hidden gem on the list,’ says Hitchcock. From Chile, it’s made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and aged on the lees for over four years, giving it serious Champagne-like complexity. Dry, refreshing and rich, it shows lemon, ripe apple and apricot, followed by creamy, bready notes and a stony minerality. Available at Laithwaites.

Made by former Ruinart head winemaker Jean Philippe Moulin, this is, according to Hitchcock, outstanding value. As a Blanc de Blancs, it’s all about elegance, with fine bubbles and crisp green apple and citrus up front. It then opens into peach, baked apple pie, honeysuckle and buttery croissants. Available from Naked Wines. 

At £65, this is Hitchcock’s pick for maximum festive impact. Hugely respected by experts and a gold medal winner, it focuses on red grapes for a rounder texture and deeper flavour. Aged for around three years, it’s dry and refined, with creamy bubbles and notes of green and red apple, cranberry, almond and spiced French toast – and, as Hitchcock says, ‘most importantly, it’s English’.