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42 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2024 | Wine Club As the New Year approaches and many are toasting, we think of the word champagne. The word "champagne" is often misused to refer to any sparkling wine, or even other products (Miller - the champagne of beers). However, the name "champagne" is legally protected and can only be used for sparkling wines that meet strict criteria: Origin: The wine must be produced in the Champagne region of France Method: The wine must be made using the traditional method, called méthode Champenoise, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle Grapes: The wine must be made from grapes grown in specific parcels within the Champagne region Champagne is responsible for about only eight percent of worldwide sparkling wine production. Sparkling wines from other countries are often referred to by their local name or region, such as Prosecco, Franciacorta, Trent DOC, Oltrepo' Pavese Metodo Cassico, and Asti from Italy (the generic Italian term for sparkling wine being spumante), Espumante from Portugal, Cava from Spain, Sekt from Germany, Prezsgo from Hungary and Cap Classique from South Africa, etc. The history of producing quality sparkling wine in California can be traced to the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County where, in 1892, the Korbel brothers began producing sparkling wine according to the méthode champenoise. Because Korbel had a trademark on the word Champagne prior to 2006, legally they may still use the word champagne on their labels. And now onto the fun. According to the wine academics, the average bottle of sparkling wine contains enough carbon dioxide to potentially produce between 49 - 250 million bubbles! The Sun Lakes Wine Club continues to grow and we continue to learn, trying new things and expanding our palates. We have fun, learn and enjoy. The club will have six events in 2025 (yet to be determined) all starting at 6 pm, with the last event of the year being an end of the year dinner party in the Main Clubhouse. For information about joining the club please phone Steve Von Racjs at (951) 217-7225 or pick up a wine club application in the Main Clubhouse Lobby. We wish you all happy holidays and a happy new year. Cheers to all! To join the Dog Owners' Group, call or text Joan Burke at (310) 710-7611 with your name, phone number, and email address. We will add you to the mailing list and you will receive the monthly newsletter. The newsletter will give you interesting stories, fun dog facts, and best of all, the monthly activities and get togethers for the group. Stay in touch with the D.O.G. Newsletter Dog Owners