When you pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne, it flies off at more than 50 miles per hour! If you, or someone standing near you gets hit in the eye, it can result in a devastating injury. Take the following steps to avoid this fairly common injury:
- Chill the bottle to at least 45 degrees F before opening. The cork of a warm bottle is more likely to pop unexpectedly.
- Do not shake the bottle. Shaking increases the speed at which the cork leaves the bottle.
- When opening the bottle, hold down the cork with the palm of your hand while removing the wire hood.
- Point the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and any bystanders.
- Place a towel over the top and the bottle and grasp the cork.
- Firmly twist the bottle while holding the cork to break the seal. Keep holding the cork while twisting the bottle and continue doing so until the cork is almost out of the neck. Maintain slightly downward pressure on the cork as it breaks free from the bottle.
- Never use a corkscrew to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.
