It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with a bottle of sparkling wine?

Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just want to treat yourself, opening a bottle of bubbly can be a fun and exciting experience. But before you go popping corks like a pro, let's dive into the art of opening a bottle of sparkling wine this Christmas.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound sparkling wine skills!

Why is Opening a Bottle of Sparkling Wine Different?

Opening a bottle of sparkling wine is not your average twist-and-pop situation. The pressure inside a bottle of bubbly is no joke, so it requires a bit of finesse to avoid any sparkling wine disasters (on some bottles, it's the equivalent pressure to a London bus tyre!)

But fear not, we're here to guide you through the process step-by-step.

Gather your Sparkling Wine & Tools

Before you embark on your sparkling wine adventure, make sure you have the necessary tools at your disposal.

You'll need:

• your hands
• a bottle of sparkling wine (obviously)
• a towel or napkin (to catch any spills but also errant corks)
• (You can also use a sparkling wine key)
  
  

Chill, but DON'T SHAKE!

Now that you have everything you need, it's time to get your bottle of sparkling wine ready for the grand opening.

Start by chilling the bottle in the fridge for a few hours; the ideal serving temperature for Champagne is around 8°C-13°C.

While it may be tempting to give the bottle a little shake to speed up the chilling process, trust us, it's not worth the risk of a sparkling wine explosion. Plus, you don't want to end up with a glass of bubbly foam instead of a delicious drink.

Remove the Foil and Loosen the Cage

Once your bottle is chilled to perfection, it's time to get down to business.

Start by removing the foil or capsule that covers the top of the bottle. This will expose the wire cage that keeps the cork in place.

Be very careful: do not point the bottle or cork at your face or anyone else!

Place the towel/napkin over the cage, with your thumb on top. From the time the wire cage is loosened, that cork could fly out at any point.

Gently untwist the wire cage and remove it - keeping your thump over the cork at all times.

Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle

Now comes the fun part – it's time to open the bottle!

Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pointing away from yourself and any innocent bystanders. This angle will help control the flow of the sparkling wine and minimize the risk of spillage. Remember, we want to enjoy the wine, not wear it!

Twist, not Pop

With a firm grip on the bottle with one hand and the cork with the other, gently twist the bottle - not the cork(!) - while holding the cork in place.

Slowly and steadily, you'll feel the cork start to loosen. Keep twisting until you hear a satisfying "pop" - that's the sound of success!

Toast, sip, and enjoy!

Congratulations, you've successfully opened a bottle of sparkling wine like a pro!

Now it's time to pour, toast to good times, and enjoy every delightful sip.

Remember, sparkling wine is meant to be savoured and shared, so gather your loved ones, raise your glasses, and let the festivities begin.

Cheers to a sparkling Christmas!

-

Our recommendations for bubbles of the festive season include: 

For the traditionalist: A rich and wonderful glass from Germar Breton (Champagne, France)

For something local: The crisp and fresh bubbles of Roebuck Estates (West Sussex, England)

For something a little different: Our "champagne method" sparklers from Australia, South Africa & New Zealand will all prove a treat!

(Opening a bottle of sparkling wine can be a bit tricky, so please proceed with caution. Never point the bottle at yourself or anyone else while the cork is in and the cage is off. If you're not feeling confident, don't hesitate to ask for help. We're all in this together and don't want to waste a drop! It's better to be safe than sorry, and we want your holiday celebrations to be filled with joy, not sparkling wine mishaps.)