Tips

How to: Open a bottle of sparkling wine

By Halliday Wine Companion

9 Nov, 2022

In this series we share the tips and tricks for navigating the world of wine.

Here's your guide on how to open a bottle of sparkling wine like a pro.

Step 1:

Present the wine, label out, so your guests can see what they’re about to drink.

A bottle of Gilbert sparkling wine with the label on show


Step 2:

Remove the foil. Either pull the tag along the perforated line or use a wine knife to neatly cut the foil around the neck of the bottle, remove the top and discard it.

A bottle of Gilbert sparkling wine with the foil being removed from the neck of the bottle


Step 3:

Place your thumb over the cork and untwist the wire cage (the muselet). Keep your thumb firmly over the top of the cork/cage. 

The cage being removed from a bottle of sparkling wine


Step 4:

Hold the bottle at a 45° angle and twist the base of the bottle while holding the cork firmly.

A bottle of sparkling wine being held on an angle


Step 5:

Slowly remove the cork. Keep the bottle at a 45° angle for two seconds to allow pressure to escape.

The cork removed from a bottle of Gilbert sparkling wine


Step 6:

Pour and enjoy!

Three glasses of Gilbert sparkling wine being cheersed

This article appears in issue #67 of Halliday magazineBecome a member to receive the print publication as well as digital access.