Cheers! This week is Champagne Week! If you were looking for an excuse to pop open that bottle of bubbly, I think this is a good one. But be sure to enjoy true French Champagne, which is made from grapes grown northeast of Paris, around Epernay and the historic cathedral city of Reims. Many people use "Champagne" as a general term for any sparkling wine, but there is nothing like the real thing.

From The Office of Champagne, USA:

Celebrate Champagne Week!

July 8 - 14, 2007

Office of Champagne, USA invites you to join us in a week-long celebration of a one-of-a-kind bubbly. The goal of Champagne Week is to further educate and excite American wine enthusiasts about true Champagne. While there are many fine sparkling wines around the world - including the United States - only those produced in the Champagne region of France can bear the Champagne name.

Champagne is not only the quintessential wine of celebrations, but a wine for everyday occasions. During Champagne Week and beyond, we urge you to discover the magic of the bubbles. Don't just wait for that special moment, CREATE it - serve Champagne at home with dinner, attend a Champagne tasting in your area, order a flute at your favorite restaurant or bar.

So whether you serve it with strawberries, oysters, caviar, or quiche... or even if you're just drinking a glass while soaking up the sun, enjoy!