Did anyone "saber" any Champagne?

Peter, what the hell was that kind of event — all bottles but one are still full?

Peter, is that a nightcap you are wearing?!!

Peter, what the hell was that kind of event — all bottles but one are still full?

It was the 10th birthday celebration on Moreson Winery (in Franschhoek, South Africa)

All the wines supplied for the sabrage were rejects, having failed quality checks (not all sediment having been removed). Thus we had an unlimited number of bottles to practise techniques with.

And an unlimited amount of good wine to drink

Its a Moreson bandana -- all the men were fitted with them on arrival. The woman at the right has hers around her neck.

Thank you, Peter, this is a very valid explanation!

Btw, a question as to a correct "sabrage": Does one take off the wire cage or not?

Thank you, Peter, this is a very valid explanation!

Btw, a question as to a correct "sabrage": Does one take off the wire cage or not?

I removed the cage -- I didn't need it to get a grip on the cork.

Thanks!

Thank you, Peter, this is a very valid explanation!

Btw, a question as to a correct "sabrage": Does one take off the wire cage or not?

Yes--take the wire cage off. If you have really good technique, it shouldn't manage very much, but if your strike is in any way a bit off, you'll need all the help you can get--including absence of the wire cage.

-Paul W.