The Big Bubbly

After we party like it’s 1999, what wisdom will we carry with us into the next millennium? Make love, not war? Save the environment?

Who knows about that, but here’s one thing we can proudly carry into the future, the world’s largest champagne bottle. That’s right, the good folks at Korbel special ordered a 350-pound, 4-foot, 6-inch bottle (160 times bigger than usual) of champagne to help ring in 2000 at Times Square.

But wait, it gets better. Korbel is sending its huge bottle on a national tour accompanied by its very own cadre of “Celebration Experts.” Along with the huge hand-blown vat of bubbly crafted in Germany, the fun patrol will visit hundreds of U.S. cities and stage “practice parties.”

At these special events, a mock minute countdown will be held at 11:59 a.m. for those who need help with the concept when the big countdown comes. For atmosphere, Korbel’s celebration experts will supply confetti, streamers and lead a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne.”

The first practice party is slated for Jan. 5 in San Francisco. No date yet for Los Angeles, but stay tuned.