You’ve probably seen it done in a movie or maybe at a party. Someone pulls out a giant, fancy knife to slice open a bottle of wine right in front of your eyes. This crowd pleasing activity is a great way to celebrate an event like a birthday, wedding, or if you're welcoming in the new year at midnight. Whatever the occasion, we’ve put together this step by step guide with Enrico Winery so you can blow your friends and family away on the next occasion you’re celebrating.
Must be Sparkling Wine
The first thing to note about sabrage is that it must be done with a sparkling bottle of the wine, not still. This is because sparkling wines are bottled under high pressure, which keeps the cork firmly in place. When the bottle is struck properly, the pressure helps propel the cork and a clean piece of glass off the bottle. If you were to try this with a still wine that is not pressurized, the force to propel the top off just wouldn’t be there. There is a good chance the wine bottle could shatter, spilling the wine everywhere and causing a big, glassy mess.
Chilled is Best
Chilling helps maintain the pressure wine is bottled under and minimizes the risk of the cork popping out unexpectedly when opened, especially during sabrage. It will also taste better, of course. Chilled wines also tend to pour much better. Warm wine can produce excessive foam, making it harder to serve and enjoy.
Use a Sharp Knife
If you don’t have a saber lying around, that’s okay. Although sabering can be done with many flat objects, sharp is best. Use the most sturdy, sharp, large knife you have. This will give you the best control for a clean saber.
Where to Stand
You’ll probably have an audience when sabering so it is important to make sure everyone is clear of the direction you’ll be sabering. The best photos and videos can be taken from either side of you anyways. Something else to consider is sabering towards a flat area where you can easily find the top once it’s off.
How to Hold the Bottle and Saber
Hold the bottle in your nondominant hand. You will need your dominant hand to have a strong and steady stroke. Keep the bottle angled slightly upward on a 30-45 degree angle. This will make it easiest to use the saber while ensuring minimal spillage.
Find the Seam
Once you are positioned in a clear space and holding the bottle, it’s time to find the seam. The seam of the bottle runs vertically and is the weakest point in the glass. This is your target!
Practice Strokes
Once you’re in position, take a few practice strokes from the curve of the bottle up to the lip. Remember that you’ll be aiming to hit the glass lip of the bottle, not the cork. You don’t have to use a ton of strength as the bottle is pressurized but your stroke will need to be steady and firm with follow through.
Time to Saber!
Once you have taken a couple of practice strokes, it’s time to saber! Have a 123 countdown to the final stroke. If you don’t get it the first time that’s okay. Just try again with confidence. The crowd will go wild!
After the Saber
Congratulations! You sabered your first bottle of wine! Some crucial safety tips to remember: do not drink from the bottle. It may seem great for a photo but the top of the bottle has sharp, exposed glass. Instead, take some photos holding the open wine and saber to save the memory. Make sure someone has carefully collected the top piece as it is sharp too and you wouldn’t want someone to cut themselves on it.
Finally, it’s time to pour the wine into glasses and share with your crew!
History of Sabrage
Did you know that sabrage dates back to the times of Napoleon Bonaparte? Soldiers in his army would use their sabers to open bottles of champagne as a way to celebrate victories. The practice quickly became a symbol of festivity and triumph.
Where can I try Sabering?
Join us for a wine or craft mix tour for your very own one on one sabering lesson at Enrico Winery in the Cowichan Valley. This is an optional activity included on our tours at Twofiveo Tour Co. It’s the cherry on the cake at the end of our tours. Perfect for celebrating a bachelorette, birthday party or just having a lovely day on tour with us!
Learn more about our sabering tours here:
Have you sabered a bottle of wine before? Let us know how your experience went in the comments below.
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