In today’s article, we give the definitive answer to this question, along with tips, advice and recommendations from the Wine Etiquette guide.

New Year’s Eve and Sparkling Wine: can you make a bang?

Let’s get straight to the key question of our article: yes, making a bang during the New Year’s toast is allowed. However, this is an exception.

Popping the cork with a bang is permitted only on this particular occasion, when the toast becomes a symbol of collective celebration, shared joy, and good wishes for the year ahead. In other words, New Year’s Eve is the only time when a “spectacular” bottle opening is not only tolerated but is actually part of the tradition, helping to create the magical atmosphere of midnight.

Can you open a bottle of sparkling wine with a bang?

If the question is asked in general terms, without reference to New Year’s Eve, the answer is different: no, a bottle of sparkling wine should not be opened with a bang. In other words, except for the specific situation of the New Year’s toast, on all other occasions, birthdays, dinners, parties, or various event, wine etiquette discourages opening sparkling wine with a bang by popping the cork.

Now we’ll explain why a bottle of sparkling wine shouldn’t be opened with a bang, and why it is, instead, allowed on New Year’s Eve.

Why should a bottle of sparkling wine be opened without a bang?

The noise that occurs when a sparkling wine cork is removed is caused by the carbon dioxide trapped in the bottle, which suddenly finds a way to escape and release all its pressure. This phenomenon can have negative effects on the wine and can be dangerous for the person opening the bottle and for anyone nearby.

Let’s go into detail. Opening a bottle of sparkling wine with a bang can cause:

• Loss of bubbles and perlage

The sudden release of carbon dioxide reduces the persistence of the bubbles.

• Alteration of the aromatic bouquet

The rapid escape of gas carries away aromatic and volatile components, diminishing the wine’s aromas and organoleptic characteristics.

• Absorption of external odors

The strong jet of gas can cause the wine to absorb odors from the surrounding environment, further altering its properties.

• Physical danger to people

The cork can reach high speeds, posing a risk to anyone nearby.

• Risk of accidents

Lamps, glasses, decorations, fragile objects and surfaces can be damaged.

• Noise disturbance

In settings such as restaurants or crowded places, the loud pop can be inappropriate and disturb other people.

If, instead, the release of carbon dioxide is controlled, replacing the bang with a gentle hiss, the wine’s organoleptic and aromatic characteristics are preserved, and, most importantly, the safety and comfort of others are ensured.

Why can you open a bottle of sparkling wine with a bang on New Year’s Eve?

On New Year’s Eve, the bang of sparkling wine is considered an exception for a number of symbolic, cultural and traditional reasons.

Specifically, popping the cork with a bang is allowed because:

• it has a symbolic value of breaking away from the past

The bang of sparkling wine is not just a loud or spectacular gesture, it carries strong symbolic meaning. It primarily represents a clear break from the past year, a way to leave behind difficulties, hardships and negative moments. The sudden noise marks a precise boundary between what has been and what is about to begin.

At the same time, the bang symbolizes energy, vitality and momentum toward the future: it is a gesture that expresses enthusiasm and confidence in the new year.

• it’s a well-established tradition

This is a widespread and well-established custom, rooted not only in popular tradition but also recognized in the rules of Etiquette as a special exception. While opening sparkling wine with a bang is normally discouraged, on New Year’s Eve this practice is tolerated because it is part of the traditional collective ritual of the midnight toast.

In other words, the bang is not seen as disrespectful or out of place; on the contrary, it is expected and acknowledged as a typical element of this celebration.

• it helps create a festive atmosphere

The bang of sparkling wine helps make the New Year’s toast a unique and particularly festive moment. This celebration is characterized by a shared sense of joy and a certain informality, different from other, more formal events or dinners.

The “spectacular” opening of the bottle, with the cork popping, is not just a theatrical gesture: it creates an atmosphere of collective joy, involves everyone present and amplifies the festive spirit.

In any case, it remains essential to take some precautions to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of all attendees.

How to ensure the safety of those around you when popping sparkling wine with a bang

We show you the precautions to take to open sparkling wine with a bang safely, while protecting the wine, the people and the objects around you. Read it carefully: following these guidelines is essential, because safety must always remain the top priority.

• Inform those around you

Before popping a bottle of sparkling wine, it’s essential to alert everyone present. This simple step allows those nearby to get ready and maintain a safe distance from the bottle’s neck. Guests can move away, protect fragile objects or pets and enjoy the moment without worries.

• Make sure everyone is at a safe distance

Ensure that people, pets and fragile objects are at a safe distance from the bottle’s neck and out of the cork’s trajectory. It’s best to have them stand behind the person opening the bottle, minimizing any risk and ensuring that the gesture remains both safe and festive.

• Always point the cork toward a clear space

When popping a bottle of sparkling wine, it’s essential to aim the cork toward an area free of people, pets or fragile objects. This simple precaution drastically reduces the risk of accidents and damage. In practice, before opening, always identify a safe corner or spot, so the opening becomes a spectacular yet fully controlled gesture.

• Avoid crowded or confined spaces

To safely pop a bottle of sparkling wine, it’s always recommended to do it in a spacious area or outdoors.

• Tilt the bottle at about 45°

When popping a bottle of sparkling wine, it’s essential to hold the bottle tilted at about 45° or slightly more. This simple measure directs the cork upward. Additionally, it allows the internal pressure to be released gradually, reducing the force with which the cork is expelled.