Wine

How to Open Wine & Champagne

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December 29, 2011
7 Comments

It's almost New Year's, which means it's time for a refresher course.

A&M demonstrate the safest, sure-fire way to get the wine and bubbly flowing (without putting anyone's eyes out) -- techniques worth a toast themselves. Watch below for just one of 40 photo and video techniques demonstrated in the Food52 Holiday Recipe and Survival Guide.

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7 Comments

Don
Don December 14, 2013
Completely incorrect and improper ways of opening in and actions n her statements:
1) She is not peeling/removing the label , she is removing the foil.
2) One should always have a towel covering or thumb on the "bubbly"cork during the entire process....I have witnessed too many unexpected corks/explosions even during removal of the wire cage to the bottle or sitting there idly.
 
teenytiny
teenytiny January 2, 2012
I felt I had to clarify what video I was referring to when writing my comment as there were several to choose from. My issue WAS NOT, NEVER WAS about a pregnant woman opening or possibly drinking Champagne...it was about the way the Champagne was opened. I've seen a few Champagne accidents in my profession (one of which was when a Champagne bottle was pointed at another person after the cage was removed!) and just assuming the cork isn't going to blow because it didn't come off after the cage was removed does not mean it won't!! The cork can fly at any time and from my experience I would rather be safe than sorry. Sorry if that isn't the spirit of this blog. Happy New Year!!
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. January 2, 2012
I appreciate the clarification -- and I think you make a fair point about the dangers even if the cork stayed in while removing the cage. Thanks for writing back, and happy New Year to you, as well!
 
teenytiny
teenytiny January 1, 2012
The video of the pregnant woman opening a bottle of Champagne is rather alarming. Incorrect opening of Champagne corks is one of the most common holiday-related eye hazards, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In the video she takes the cage off the cork, doesn't keep a thumb on the uncaged cork and points the cork at the other woman. As it leaves the bottle, a champagne cork can fly up to 50 miles per hour, generating a force powerful enough to shatter glass!! Imagine what that can do to an eye!
She also twisted the cork to get it out. No. Twist the bottle and there should never be a POP!!
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. January 1, 2012
While we appreciate you pointing out the hazards of Champagne corks, your note feels contrary to the spirit of our site. Why shouldn't someone who is pregnant be able to open a bottle of Champagne? Merrill never said she was going to drink it. (I did drink that bubbly post filming, but I'm not pregnant!). We pointed out that you need to keep your thumb on the cage and cork in case the cork is ready to blow. Once she determined that it was not, she let it sit. This is standard procedure. Also, Merrill twists the cork to open; I twist the bottle when I do it. Both are acceptable.
 
aargersi
aargersi December 29, 2011
I will say again - the app gave me (finally!) a beautifully carved Thanksgiving turkey. Are you going to push updates for more holidays? How be be all romanitcal, how to dye an Easter Egg, how to survive your own birthday, etc??
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. December 29, 2011
Yes -- we'd love for it to be a year-round holiday app. So glad you've found it helpful!