Method A - The Quiet Plop :

The most important thing to bear in mind is that there is a certain amount of carbon dioxide in a bot of sparkling wine which causes considerable pressure to build up in the bottle, therefore the cork if released inappropriately can lead to at least the loss of an eye.

How to:

1. You'll find that the top of most champagne bottles is covered by this thin foil. First step is to take out a knife and neatly make a thin cut around the base of the cap, thus freeing the foil.
2. Secondly you may have observed the wire cage which encases the cork and holds it back. Very carefully twist the loop of the wire cage and keep twisting until the loop is freed off the bottle. At all times keep a gentle hold on the cork.
3. Next hold the bottle at a 45 degree angle (sketch of champagne bottle at 45 degree angle) and rotate the bottle while holding the cork firm. Theoretically this is supposed to be done gently but firmly. After a period of time you'll find that the cork pops out gently. That process undertaken, now pour a little wine into each glass and let the bubbles settle before coming back and pouring the rest

Method B - The Flying Cork :

This is guaranteed to please relatives by marriage and may partially make up for the fact that the apple of their eye is marrying a guy running a liquor site. Follow Method A till step 3. The fundamental differences is that now instead of quietly removing the cork with the bottle at an angle, make sure the bottle mouth is facing the ceiling (i.e. straight-up) and propel the cork out with your thumb of the hand holding the cork. The result is very gratifying.