My Champagne Sabering Moments

Champagne sabering is a signature evening ritual at The Legendry St. Regis Hotels around the world in addition to a few other daily evening rituals. It is an evening event where a bottle of champagne is sliced open with a sword (Saber) & served to the gathered guests of the hotel. The guests are invited to witness & take part in the Ritual. Usually it’s done in the Hotel's main Bar, Lounge or in a place that is suitable for the hotel guests to gather.

Champagne sabering has been there for a very long time since the colonial kings & royals demonstrated at any special events such as ushering in of the New Year, Lunar New Year celebrations, crowning ceremonies, rich weddings.

This tradition was adopted by John Jacob Astor IV the owner of St Regis Hotels when he opened the first St. Regis in New York in the early 1900s. Today St Regis has perfected this tradition as one of its Signature Rituals that signifies the brand for its age-old association with Exclusivity, Luxury, Opulence, Glamour, Culture of Style & Celebration.

Usually the beverage director, or some other skilled employee of the hotel, opens a bottle of champagne with a sword (saber). Performing this ritual each evening welcoming the Evening & bringing closure to the day, bringing the wining & dining activities across the Hotel.

I was the Butler Service Manager & later on as The Manager of The Manhattan Bar at The Iconic St Regis Sadiyat. Island I was privileged to do the honors for over 160 bottles in two years. The audio is not very good but I still cherish the Experience, Education Support & Learnings I gained at The St Regis Sadiyat. Island Abu Dhabi an Iconic Hotel that won numerus awards for its unapparelled service & world class facilities.