Champagne! In victory one deserves it and in defeat one needs it!
~ Napoleon Bonaparte

For those who have done it, there’s a great sense of achievement. For those that haven’t yet tried it, there’s a sense of trepidation. For those thinking about it, there’s a hesitation in case they end up with a shard of glass in their drink.

We’re talking about sabering of course – the art of opening a bottle of bubbly with a sharp sword.

In advance of the Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne and Bubbly Festival happening on May 18 & May 19 at the Inanda Polo Club in Sandton, herewith a history of sabering and a guide on how to do it right!

According to various legends, we owe this grand gesture to Napoleon and his army of Hussars, a stylish bunch of light mounted infantry who rode into battle with sabres in hand. Legend has it that townspeople would throw them bottles of Champagne after the battle was over.

When you’re amped on adrenaline there’s no time to waste twisting off the cap and uncorking the bottle like a commoner, so the Hussars took to liberating the bubbles by slicing off the tops of the bottles.

Some even say Bonaparte’s troops used their sabering prowess to impress Madame Clicquot, the young widow who had inherited her husband’s Champagne house when she was twenty-seven. The Hussars are a thing of the past, but today there’s a formal group in France, the Confrerie du Sabre d’Or (Brotherhood of the Golden Sword), dedicated to the art of sabrage and enjoyment of Champagne. Members take things very seriously, wearing gold and green bowler hats with Musketeer-style capes.

But enough with the history and more about how to master the art of sabrage.

First get a bottle of bubbly – whether it be a bottle of locally produced Cap Classique or a bottle of expensive French Champagne (Cava and Prosecco don’t work as well because they have much less pressure inside).

Next, choose your weapon – you can use a true sabre, a knock-off imitation one or even a good old kitchen knife. Just make sure that whatever you use – it’s very sharp!

Put the bottle in the freezer or insert the neck into a bucket of ice for 15-20 minutes. A cold bottle breaks easier and helps you lose less bubbly on impact.

Remove the foil and the cage completely, then find the seam that runs from top to bottom.

Hold the bottle at a 30-45 degree angle with one hand cupped underneath. Stick your thumb in the punt (the indent in the bottom of the bottle), with your forefingers extending toward the neck. Don’t wrap your hand around the bottle unless you want to lose a finger or two!

Rest the blade flat across the seam, with the blunt back edge facing the cork. Run the blade along the seam of the bottle very gently a few times, then pull the knife slowly back along the seam toward your body, apply some pressure and quickly thrust it back up the seam toward the bottle’s lip. You don’t need to use all your strength here, but a flick of the wrist as you hit the collar can help.

The neck should snap off with a clean break, but for peace of mind, check for shards of glass in and around the bottle before you pour and take that first sip!

Now that you know how it’s done you should get a few bottles of bubbly and try it yourself. With the festival coming up, there’s no better way to impress family and friends and get them cheering you on like a rock star!

Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival Event Details:

An Exclusive Evening:

  • Date: Friday 17 May 2024
  • Time: 18h00 – 22h00
  • Venue: Inanda Polo Club
  • Dress code: Sophisticated chic.
  • Tickets: Available from Webtickets

Your ticket includes:

  • Welcome glass of Cap Classique: As you step into our elegant venue, be greeted with a sparkling toast to the evening ahead.
  • Bubbly Tastings: Immerse yourself in a sensory journey, sampling the full spectrum of bubbles on display. From delicate prosecco to bold Cap Classique & elegant Champagnes, your palate will dance.
  • Harvest table & bowl food: Our culinary artisans from By Word of Mouth have curated a feast for the senses.
  • Meet the winemaker: For Cap Classique enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity. Engage with the master behind the magic, learning about the artistry & passion that goes into each bottle.
  • Live music by Veronique Lalouette: Her soulful melodies will serenade you as the sun dips below the horizon. A soundtrack for your memories.
  • DJ & Saxophonist: As the night unfolds, our live DJ and talented Saxophonist will keep the rhythm alive. Dance, sway, and lose yourself in the music.
  • Opulent décor: Every detail has been meticulously crafted. From crystal chandeliers to velvet drapes, our ambiance whispers elegance.
  • Limited guest list: We believe in intimacy. Only 350 guests will share this magical evening. And as a token of our appreciation, each guest will receive a thank-you gift: a two-bottle pack of award-winning Cap Classique.

Secure your Exclusive spot now. Tickets for Friday 17 May 2024 at R2250 per person are available from Webtickets. This is more than an event; it’s a celebration of life’s effervescence.

A Saturday of Bubbles:

  • Date: Saturday 18 May 2024
  • Time: 11h00 – 16h00
  • Venue: Inanda Polo Club
  • Dress code: Sophisticated floral chic.
  • Tickets: Available from Webtickets

If you prefer a daytime soiree, then book tickets for Saturday, May 18, and enjoy a superb afternoon surrounded by all things bubbly as you immerse yourself in a sensory journey, sampling delicate Italian Proseccos, bold South African Cap Classiques and elegant champagnes from France.

Immerse yourself in a sensory journey, sampling the bubbles on display. Tickets include: a crystal glass and 15 tasting coupons, and

  • Live music by Veronique Lalouette: Her soulful melodies will serenade you.
  • DJ & Saxophonist: Live DJ and talented Saxophonist will keep the rhythm alive.
  • Limited guest list: Only 850 guests.

Tickets for The Johannesburg Cap Classique & Champagne Festival on Saturday 18 May 2024 cost R450pp, and include entry to the venue, a souvenir branded glass and 10 tasting coupons, and are available from Webtickets. More bubbly will be available to purchase at the event. Hospitality areas for 40 pax available on request.

Bubbly producers that will have stands at the festival include: Amari, Anthonij Rupert Wyne (L’Ormarins), Bon Courage Estate, Boschendal, Graham Beck, Imvula Wines, JC le Roux, Khulu Fine Wine, Kleine Zalze Wines, Nanola Wines, Perdeberg Wines, Pongracz, Taittinger, Ultimate Provence, Veuve de Vernay, Villiera Wines and WCellar, with more brands to be announced over the coming weeks.