How to Perform Sabrage

Opening a bottle of sparkling wine with a sabre always makes an impression. It is a striking moment at any celebration and one of the most festive ways to open a bottle. But is it difficult? In practice, no. From our experience, sabrage is not difficult as long as you follow a few important rules.

We often begin tastings by opening a bottle with a sabre, and when the correct technique is used, it is a safe and reliable ritual. Below you will find a clear step-by-step guide.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Remove the foil and wire cage.
   Remove the foil, the wire cage and any remaining wrapping from the neck of the bottle. Some people skip this step, but doing so increases the risk of failure.
2. Choose a safe location.
   Sabrage is safer outdoors whenever possible. The cork and the ring of glass are released with force, so always make sure the bottle is pointed toward a safe, open space and never toward a person, window or fragile object.
3. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle.
   Hold the bottle in your non-dominant hand at an upward angle of approximately 45 degrees. Keep your arm extended and stable.
4. Find the seam of the bottle.
   Every bottle has a vertical seam running along the neck. This is the line the sabre should follow.
5. Practice the movement first.
   Place the sabre on the neck of the bottle and gently slide it along the seam a few times. This helps you feel the correct line and angle before making the final movement.
6. Perform the sabrage motion.
   This is the key moment. Keep the sabre at an angle of about 45 degrees to the bottle, not completely flat. Then make one long, smooth and controlled movement along the seam toward the lip of the bottle. Do not stop at the top — follow through with the full movement of your arm. A short tap is not enough; a flowing motion works best. You do not need excessive force.

What to Expect

If sabrage is performed correctly, the cork will release together with the top ring of glass. There is usually no need to worry about glass splinters entering the bottle. Because of the pressure inside, any tiny particles are generally pushed outward with the sparkling wine.

Keep in mind that a small amount of sparkling wine will also spray out when the bottle opens. This is perfectly normal and part of the ritual.

Safety Tips

• Always point the bottle away from people and objects.
• Preferably perform sabrage outdoors or in a spacious area.
• Use a well-chilled bottle of sparkling wine.
• Keep your arm extended and your movement smooth and controlled.
• Do not use excessive force.

Enjoy the moment, follow the technique carefully, and sabrage can become a memorable part of any celebration.