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The Art of Sabrage

We have become masters at enjoying Champagne at The Milestone and our Sabrage experience is perfect for your occasion. The Art of Sabrage is a technique whereby a bottle of Champagne is opened with a sabre, a method that became popular in France during Napoleon’s reign. Napoleon is reported to have said 'Champagne! In victory one deserves it, in defeat one needs it.' The Art of Sabrage is certainly a tradition that we would like to keep alive.


We are honoured to be a member of the Confrérie du Sabre d’Or, an organisation that has continued through the years to promote this exuberant ritual. The experience costs £130 per person and includes a certificate from Confrérie du Sabre d’Or.

A ceremonial technique

Sabrage is the technique of opening a bottle with a sabre - a method which became popular in France when the armies of Napoleon celebrated their victories. Napoleon is known to have said "Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it." The blade travels up the neck of the bottle to break it away near the cork, leaving the main body of the bottle open and ready to pour.

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