How to Open a Bottle of Sparkling Wine

Learning how to open sparkling wine properly ensures you avoid spills, sprays, and wastage. It also keeps everyone safe from an unexpected cork flying across the room! One common mistake is twisting the cork instead of the bottle – the key is to let the pressure do the work.

Follow our step-by-step guide to open your bottles of English sparkling wine like a professional and make the most of every glass.

How to Open Sparkling Wine Bottles in 5 Easy Steps

Most sparkling wines, including Bolney’s premium English sparkling wine, use natural cork as the wine stopper. Follow these steps to safely open a bottle of sparkling wine:

1. Remove the wire cage

Start by removing the foil or wire cage over the cork. Keep the bottle angled away from you and hold your thumb firmly on the cork as you loosen the cage. This prevents the cork from popping out unexpectedly due to built-up pressure.

2. Get the correct positioning

Hold the bottle at a slight angle, keeping it pointed away from yourself and others. One hand should be wrapped around the cork, the other at the base of the bottle.

3. Twist the bottle

Rather than turning the cork, twist the bottle gently. As the pressure eases, you’ll feel the cork start to loosen.

4. Ease the cork out

Once the cork begins to release, keep easing it slowly while listening for a gentle fizz. Upright the bottle when the cork is free – your sparkling wine is ready to pour.

How to Open Sparkling Wine With a Plastic Cork

Though quite rare, some English sparkling wines use synthetic or plastic corks, which behave slightly differently from natural cork. The method, however, is largely the same:

• Remove the foil or cage carefully while holding the cork
• Tilt the bottle, with one hand at the base and the other around the cork
• Twist the bottle slowly, not the cork
• Allow the pressure to ease gradually and gently remove the cork

How to Open Sparkling Wine Without a Corkscrew

You don’t need a corkscrew for sparkling wine. Using one can be dangerous, as it reduces control and increases the risk of the cork becoming a projectile. Stick to the twisting method for safety.

What to Do if a Sparkling Wine Cork is Stuck

If the cork is stubborn, run the neck of the bottle under warm (not hot) water for a few minutes. Test gently as the warmth can slightly ease the pressure. Avoid sudden temperature changes, which could make the wine fizz unexpectedly.

How to Serve Sparkling Wine

Opening a bottle is just the start – serving it correctly ensures the best flavour and experience.

Glass choice

Sparkling wine can be enjoyed in a variety of glass styles, such as flutes, tulip glasses, or coupes, and it really comes down to personal preference. Each is well-suited to this type of wine, helping to showcase its bubbles, enhance its aromas, and highlight its character. Whatever you choose, hold the stem rather than the bowl to keep the wine at the right temperature.

Temperature

The right temperature brings out the best in sparkling wine. Lighter wines, such as Cava or pétillant, are best served at 6–8°C (42–46°F) to highlight their freshness. Structured Bruts do well at 8–10°C (46–50°F), while premium or reserve sparkling wines, including English examples like Bolney Bubbly, reveal their full finesse at 10–12°C (50–53°F). Too cold and flavours are muted. Yet, too warm and bubbles lose their sparkle. Serving at the ideal temperature ensures every sip of sparkling wine delivers freshness, aroma, and effervescence.

Pouring

Start with a splash, let the bubbles settle, then pour until the glass is roughly two-thirds full.

Pairing English Sparkling Wine with Food

English sparkling wine pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Light, fruity styles work well with seafood, fresh cheeses, and salads, while richer, more complex wines complement roasted poultry or creamy desserts. Experimenting with pairings, or following one of our wine pairing guides, will help you discover the flavours that best enhance each bottle.

Common Mistakes When Opening Sparkling Wine

Avoid these errors to enjoy every bottle safely and fully:

• Twisting the cork instead of the bottle
• Shaking the bottle before opening
• Opening in the direction of people or fragile objects
• Pouring too quickly, which can lead to spillage and excessive foam

Experience English Sparkling Wine at Bolney Wine Estate

Sparkling wine is best enjoyed when opened with a bottle from our Sussex estate. Come and taste our award-winning English sparkling wines while seeing the winemaking process up close. Book a tour of Bolney Wine Estate and learn more about luxury English sparkling wine.

FAQs About How to Open Sparkling Wine

1. Can I open sparkling wine without making it fizz over?

Yes! The key is to twist the bottle, not the cork, and keep it at an angle away from you and others. Ease the cork out slowly to control the release of bubbles.

2. What’s the difference between English sparkling wine and Champagne?

English sparkling wine is made in England using the traditional method, just like Champagne, but often has a slightly fresher, fruitier character due to England’s cooler climate. It’s perfect for celebrating any occasion.

3. How do I open a sparkling wine bottle safely at a party?

Always hold the cork firmly with one hand and twist the bottle with the other. Keep the bottle angled away from people and objects. Using a napkin over the cork can add an extra layer of safety.

4. Can I shake a sparkling wine bottle before opening?

No – shaking increases the pressure and can make the cork pop violently. Keep your English sparkling wine still until you’re ready to open it.

5. How do I store sparkling wine after opening?

Use a sparkling wine stopper to keep bubbles in, and store the bottle upright in the fridge. Try to finish it within 1–3 days for the best flavour and fizz.

6. Can I reuse the cork for sparkling wine?

Yes, synthetic or natural corks can be reused with a proper stopper to maintain pressure and bubbles. Avoid simply placing the cork back without a stopper, as it won’t preserve the fizz.

7. Why is my sparkling wine cork hard to remove?

Corks can be tight due to bottle pressure or age. Running the neck under warm water for a few minutes and twisting gently can help ease it out safely.