How to Open a Bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Wine

Moet et Chandon

The Correct Way to Open Your Bottle of Bubbly

We show you how to open your bottle without hitting anyone with a flying cork! The last thing we need is someone getting hurt and that precious liquid being sprayed everywhere. That’s the preserve of Motor Racing podiums.

The opening sound should be a “whisper”- not even a loud pop.

• ​The bottle should be well chilled.
• At least three hours in the fridge is required.
• You can speed the chilling by using an ice bucket holding ice and water.
• Remove the foil from the bottle top. You can use the blade of a Waiters Friend for this.
• Place your thumb over the top of the cork.
• Undo the wire cage. About six turns will be needed.
• Hold the cork in the palm of your hand. You may like to use a towel as well.
• Keep the bottle at a 45 degree angle, this helps spread the pressure more evenly.
• Turn the bottle- not the cork until you feel the cork being released and hear that gentle hiss.

Opening a Sparkling Wine

Image courtesy of “A Glass of Bubbly” magazine.

See How Professionals Do It in This Video

This WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) 3 minute video is aimed at restaurant professionals. A lot of it is to do with wine service but the central section shows the bottle opening methods discussed here.

Wset Three Minute Videos . Wine Styles and Regions