The act of sabering—a tradition often accompanied by awe and anticipation—stems from a blend of history, skill, and sheer drama. When Scott White sabered his first bottle of Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs at the celebratory evening of his anniversary week, he carried on a tradition that dates back centuries. As Scott expertly removed the cork with a flourish, he set the stage for Dima Semenski and Brian Toung, both of whom followed his lead and celebrated their own first successful sabering of sparkling wine.

Champagne! In victory, one deserves it; in defeat, one needs it

Napoleon Bonaparte

A Brief History of Sabering

Sabering finds its roots in Napoleonic France. After the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte and his cavalry celebrated victories by sabering bottles of champagne—a natural choice, as champagne’s association with celebration and triumph was already well-established. The use of a saber was both a convenient and symbolic choice for the soldiers, who found it easy to remove the cork while on horseback. Napoleon himself famously declared, “Champagne! In victory, one deserves it; in defeat, one needs it,” forever tying champagne with the joy and valor of his forces.

The Technique of Sabering

While sabering may seem like a dramatic display, it relies on the interplay between physics and precise technique rather than brute strength. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Select the Right Bottle: Sabering works best with sparkling wines under high pressure, like champagne or quality California sparkling wines such as Domaine Carneros. The pressure inside (typically around 90 psi) helps to launch the cork cleanly when struck correctly.
2. Chill the Bottle: A cold bottle is critical, as it helps to create a clean break. Ideally, the bottle should be chilled to around 45°F (7°C). I actually prefer the bottle to be chilled between 38°F and 45°F before immersing it inverted into an ice bath for about 30 minutes prior to sabering. The cold temperature prevents shattering by making the glass more brittle.
3. Find the Seam: Every bottle has seams running vertically along opposite sides. The seam is a structural weakness, making it the ideal place to strike. Aligning the saber with the seam improves the likelihood of a smooth, even break.
4. Prepare Your Saber: A proper saber has a blunt edge, though any heavy, blunt object (such as a chef’s knife) can work in a pinch. The key lies in a confident, smooth motion rather than a sharp edge.
5. Angle the Bottle and Saber: Hold the bottle at a slight upward angle (around 45°) to keep the cork from ejecting downward. Position the saber just above the base of the bottle and prepare to slide it smoothly along the seam towards the neck.
6. The Saber Strike: In a single fluid motion, slide the saber up the seam and hit the bottle’s lip where the neck meets the cork. The strike should be decisive but controlled. If done correctly, the cork and a small ring of glass should break away cleanly.
7. Celebrate Responsibly: After the bottle has been sabered, the pour typically begins immediately. The rush of bubbles ensures that any loose glass is forced away from the neck.

An Evening of Celebration: Scott’s First Sabering Experience

At the Domaine Carneros sparkling wine kick-off party in the suite at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Scott’s first attempt at sabering marked a special moment. With his affinity for California wines, particularly those from the Napa region, Domaine Carneros was the perfect choice to ring in his anniversary celebration. Domaine Carneros Blanc de Blancs, known for its elegance and nuanced expression, sabered beautifully under Scott’s confident guidance.

Scott’s demonstration inspired others, and soon Dima Semenski and Brian Toung followed suit, each achieving a clean break on their very first attempts. The trio’s successes underscored the power of skill, confidence, and a well-chilled bottle. Together, their sabering added an unforgettable touch to the evening, each sabered bottle a testament to the shared joy and expertise that sparkled as brightly as the wine itself.

To those bold enough to take up the saber, to the friends and family who cheer them on, and to the sparkle that flows from every victorious strike—may we always have the courage to embrace tradition with flair, to celebrate with gusto, and to cherish the thrill of every new endeavor. Here’s to bravery, bubbles, and the memories we make with each daring attempt. Santé!

Gregory Dean, SOMM&SOMM

Sabering Today: A Timeless Tradition

The tradition of sabering continues to enchant as a thrilling way to celebrate any occasion. Whether at a professional gathering or an intimate celebration, sabering has retained its power to elevate a moment into something truly memorable. As Scott, Dima, and Brian discovered, there is a camaraderie in sharing this time-honored ritual, bringing people together to toast the past and future with a perfectly sabered bottle of sparkling wine. Santé! 🥂