The Ariel Blanc and a white zinfandel typically sell for about $4; the cabernet, $1 higher, and a champagne-style sparkling wine will soon hit the market for $7 or $8.

If he left before the dinner... but then he wouldn't have a chance to sample this champagne-style wine, and he was determined to.

Three Italian restaurants will be serving a much-praised, new champagne-style sparkling wine from British Columbia on New Year's Eve.