There is speculations that Americans are starting to drink champagne just because they like it, and not necessarily because they have something to celebrate. [From Trends: You People Are Buying A Lot Of Champagne]
We’ve been drinking sparkling wine on a regular basis for years, it’s nice before a meal instead of wine. Also, flutes are smaller than wine glasses so having a glass of sparkling means you end up consuming less alcohol assuming you keep it at one. I’m not much of a fan of the dry brut style champagnes, much prefer the blanc de blancs or blanc de noirs, and very much enjoy Italian prosecco.
Some favorites that are always available at our house are the Domain Carneros Le Reve, J Vineyard’s Brut Rosé (which despite being a brut is fruit forward and soft), Mumm Napa’s Blanc de Noirs and DVX.