Feeling a little bit decadently feisty? Want to add some drama to your next bottle of bubbles? Mmm me too.
Why not take the top off your bottle with a ceremonial sabre? I know, it sounds deliciously wicked doesn’t it? And just a little bit thrilling. Which is how champagne really should be. It should be memorable, exciting and oh so indulgent. Otherwise you may as well drink soda water.
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is guaranteeing a ‘thrill and spill’ Champagne experience for those who want to up the ante while enjoying their next glass of bubbles.
In an unofficial toast to the brand’s fine French origins, the hotel is inviting guests to revisit the frothy art of ‘sabrage’ at its new Champagne bar of the same name (Sabrage) – a tradition reportedly made famous by that original feisty Frenchman, Napoleon.
According to folklore, Napoleon started the tradition by famously giving his officers bottles of champagne which as a gesture of celebration they would then be-head with their swords in dramatic decadence.
Any guest who purchases a bottle of the hotel’s signature Perrier Jouet Champagne served at Sabrage bar has the option to perform a thrilling sabrage personally with their bottle, guided by the hotel’s resident sabrage sword master who maintains and keeps the ceremonial sabre at hand.
Those who complete the experience will then be presented with a ‘sabrage diploma’ and provided with the cork in a take-home gift box as a keepsake – not to mention being able to enjoy the spoils of their decapped bottle of bubbles.
Sofitel’s Sabrage bar is selling Perrier Jouet from NZ$235 per bottle. The price includes the sabrage sabre experience.