How to Properly Open and Serve Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is all about celebration—whether you’re toasting a special occasion or just enjoying a lovely evening, there’s something magical about popping open a bottle. But if you’re not careful, opening sparkling wine can quickly turn into an accident involving spills or, even worse, a runaway cork. Let’s walk through the steps to properly open and serve sparkling wine, so every bottle can be enjoyed with ease and elegance.

Step 1: Chill the Wine

The first and most crucial step to serving sparkling wine is making sure it’s properly chilled. Sparkling wine should be served at around 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C). If it’s too warm, you risk the cork flying off prematurely, while too cold can mute the delicate flavors. To chill the bottle, place it in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours or in a bucket filled with ice and water for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Remove the Foil and Cage

Next, gently remove the foil wrapper from the top of the bottle. Underneath, you’ll find a wire cage securing the cork. Keep your thumb on top of the cork at all times during this process to avoid any unexpected pops. Untwist the wire loop, which usually requires about six twists, and carefully loosen the cage while still keeping a firm grip on the cork.

Step 3: Properly Open the Bottle

Here’s where the magic happens! Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, pointing away from people, pets, or anything fragile. While keeping your thumb on the cork, grip the cork firmly and turn the bottle, not the cork. Turning the bottle instead of the cork gives you more control, making it less likely for the cork to shoot off wildly. You’re aiming for a gentle hiss as the cork is released, not a loud pop.

Step 4: Pouring with Elegance

Once the bottle is open, it’s time to pour. Use sparkling wine flutes or tulip-shaped glasses for the best experience—these glass shapes help preserve the bubbles and showcase the wine’s aroma. Pour a small amount into each glass first, allowing the initial foam to subside, then continue to fill until the glass is about two-thirds full. This ensures a beautiful presentation and keeps the wine from overflowing.

Step 5: Serve at the Right Temperature

Sparkling wine should stay chilled while being served. If you’re taking your time enjoying the bottle, keep it in an ice bucket to maintain the ideal serving temperature. No one likes flat, warm bubbles, so keeping it cool is key to making sure each glass is as refreshing as the first.

Bonus Tips for Enjoying Sparkling Wine

• Avoid Shaking: Sparkling wine is under pressure, and shaking can cause too much foaming, wasting your wine and making a mess.

• Glassware Matters: Although flutes are popular, tulip glasses are also a great option as they allow the aromas to develop more fully.

• Skip the Spoon Myth: Ever heard the trick of putting a spoon in the neck of an open bottle to keep it fizzy? Unfortunately, that doesn’t really work. Instead, use a sparkling wine stopper to keep it fresh for up to a couple of days.

Enjoy Every Bubble

Opening and Serving Sparkling Wine

Properly opening and serving sparkling wine is all about keeping it safe, elegant, and delicious. By following these steps, you’ll be sure to enjoy every sparkling sip without any mishaps. Whether it’s a celebration or just a simple evening treat, knowing how to open and serve sparkling wine properly makes the experience all the more enjoyable. Cheers to mastering the art of bubbly!