How to Open Sparkling Wine Like a Sommelier

There’s something magical about opening a bottle of sparkling wine — the anticipation, the bubbles, the celebration. But if you’ve ever struggled with a cork that just won’t budge (or worse, flown across the room), you’re not alone. The good news? With the right technique, opening sparkling wine can be effortless, elegant, and safe.

Here’s how to open sparkling wine like a sommelier, so you can enjoy the moment with confidence.

Step 1: Chill Your Wine

Start by ensuring your bottle is properly chilled. Sparkling wine should be between 40–60°F before opening. Cold wine keeps the bubbles in check, reducing pressure and preventing a messy overflow when the cork comes out. A couple of hours in the fridge should do the trick.

Step 2: Remove the Foil and Loosen the Cage

Peel off the foil at the top of the bottle, then untwist the wire cage. Pro tip: always keep your thumb on the cork while you’re loosening the cage — the pressure inside the bottle can cause the cork to release unexpectedly. Once untwisted, you can leave the cage on the cork for a better grip.

Step 3: Hold at an Angle

Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pointing away from people, windows, or breakables. This angle helps minimize bubble loss and directs any force safely away.

Step 4: Twist the Bottle, Not the Cork

Here’s the sommelier’s secret: instead of pulling the cork, hold the cork firmly in one hand and gently twist the base of the bottle with the other. This gives you control and makes the cork easier to ease out.

Step 5: Listen for the Whisper

A true sign of skill is when the cork releases with a soft hiss, not a loud pop. That gentle sigh means you’ve opened the wine with care, preserving the bubbles and the wine’s finesse.

Step 6: Pour and Enjoy

Pour slowly, allowing the bubbles to rise gently without overflowing the glass. Then raise a toast — you’ve mastered the art of opening sparkling wine like a pro.

Bonus Step: Sabering Sparkling Wine (for the Bold and the Brave)

Feeling dramatic? Try sabering — the theatrical method of opening a bottle with a swift stroke of a blade. Traditionally done with a saber (or even the back of a chef’s knife), this technique is all about flair. Sabering should only be done with bottles made in the Méthode Champenoise, as these wines are built to withstand the higher internal pressure (around 5–6 atmospheres of pressure, or 70–90 PSI) that makes a clean break possible.

To saber sparkling wine:

1. Chill the bottle well. (Warm bottles can shatter.)
2. Remove the foil and cage.
3. Find the seam running up the side of the bottle — this is your target.
4. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pointing away from people and glass.
5. In one smooth motion, slide the dull edge of the blade up the seam toward the lip, striking firmly at the point where the neck meets the collar.
6. The top of the bottle — cork and glass lip together — will fly off cleanly, leaving your wine perfectly ready to pour.

⚠️ Safety note: Always saber outdoors and away from others. It’s showy and fun, but should only be done with care (and ideally, practice).

If you’re after the sparkle without the spectacle, stick to the sommelier method — but for a celebration worth remembering, a well-timed saber is sure to impress.

After the First Glass: Storing Your Wine

Not planning to finish the bottle right away? No problem. Sparkling wine can stay fresh for a few days if properly stored. We’ve put together a full guide here on how to rescue sparkling wine after opening, complete with tips and tools to keep your fizz alive.

At MAWBY, we believe every bottle of bubbles deserves to be opened with care and shared with joy. With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to open sparkling wine like a sommelier — whether it’s a festive celebration or just an ordinary Tuesday worth celebrating.