How to Maximize Profits on Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines

Backbar - How to Maximize Profits on Champagne and Other Sparkling Wines
// By Malika Wichner // , Dec 11, 2023

Topics: Liquor Cost

The holiday season is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than with some bubbly drinks? Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or just want to treat yourself, knowing how to pour champagne like a pro is essential. First, make sure your champagne is properly chilled, as this will enhance the taste and effervescence. Next, hold the glass at a slight angle and pour the champagne slowly down the side to preserve the bubbles. As the glass fills, gradually straighten it to create a beautiful cascade of bubbles.

 

Now, onto pricing. When it comes to champagne, the price can vary greatly depending on the brand and quality. It's important to consider your budget and the occasion when selecting a bottle. If you're looking for an affordable option, there are plenty of excellent sparkling wines that offer great value for money. On the other hand, if you're in the mood to splurge, there are luxurious champagne options that will impress even the most discerning palates.

 

 

Why Is It Important to Train Your Staff To Pour Champagne Correctly?

 

So, whether you're toasting to the new year or raising a glass to celebrate the holidays, these tips on pouring and pricing bubbly drinks will ensure you're well-prepared for a sparkling and memorable celebration.

 

Properly training your staff to pour champagne is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that your guests receive the best possible experience when enjoying a glass of bubbly. The way champagne is poured can greatly impact its taste and effervescence, and a poorly poured glass can detract from the overall enjoyment.

 

By training your staff to pour champagne like a pro, you are also demonstrating your commitment to excellence and attention to detail. This level of professionalism not only enhances the customer experience but also reflects positively on your establishment as a whole. Guests will appreciate the effort put into ensuring that every aspect of their dining or celebration experience is top-notch.

 

Properly poured champagne also helps to preserve the bubbles in the glass. By holding the glass at a slight angle and pouring slowly down the side, your staff can prevent excessive foaming and loss of carbonation. This ensures that each glass is filled with a beautiful cascade of bubbles, which adds to the visual appeal and overall enjoyment of the drink.

 

Additionally, training your staff to pour champagne properly can help you avoid unnecessary waste. Champagne is often associated with celebrations and special occasions, where it can be a more expensive option. By teaching your staff to pour in a controlled and precise manner, you can minimize spillage and ensure that you are making the most out of each bottle.

 

Overall, training your staff to properly pour champagne is an investment in providing a superior experience for your guests, showcasing your commitment to excellence, and minimizing waste. Whether it's a festive gathering or a special occasion, knowing that your staff is well-equipped to handle the art of pouring champagne will undoubtedly contribute to a sparkling and memorable celebration.

 

 

How to Price Champagne and Other Bubbly Drinks

 

When it comes to pricing bubbly drinks in a restaurant or bar, there are several factors that a manager should take into consideration. The goal is to strike a balance between profitability and offering fair pricing to customers.

 

Here are some considerations and equations that can help a manager determine the pricing for champagne by the glass and by the bottle:

 

1. Calculate the cost per bottle: Start by determining the cost of each bottle of champagne. This includes the wholesale price, any taxes or import duties, and any additional costs such as shipping or storage fees. Let's call this cost "C".

 

2. Determine the number of glasses per bottle: Next, calculate how many glasses you can pour from each bottle. This will depend on the size of the glasses you use. Let's assume you can pour 6 glasses per bottle.

 

3. Calculate the cost per glass: Divide the cost per bottle (C) by the number of glasses per bottle. This will give you the cost per glass. Let's call this cost "G".

 

G = C / Number of glasses per bottle

 

4. Determine the desired profit margin: Decide on the desired profit margin for each glass of champagne. This will depend on the restaurant or bar's pricing strategy and the market demand. Let's assume you want a 40% profit margin on each glass.

 

5. Calculate the selling price per glass: Multiply the cost per glass (G) by the desired profit margin percentage and add it to the cost per glass. This will give you the selling price per glass. Let's call this price "S".

 

S = G + (G x Desired profit margin)

 

6. Price per bottle: To determine the price per bottle, multiply the selling price per glass (S) by the number of glasses per bottle.

 

Price per bottle = S x Number of glasses per bottle

 

These equations provide a starting point for pricing champagne by the glass and by the bottle.

 

However, it's important to consider other factors such as the target market, competition, and overall pricing strategy. Additionally, keeping an eye on market trends and adjusting prices accordingly can help ensure that the pricing remains competitive and profitable.

 

Remember, pricing is a delicate balance, and it's essential to find the right price point that satisfies both the customers and the business's financial goals.

 

Want to learn more about how to price wine by the glass? Find out here. 

 

How to Correctly Pour Sparkling Wine

 

Properly training your bar or restaurant staff to pour champagne and other sparkling wines is essential for providing a superior experience to your guests. The way champagne is poured can greatly impact its taste, effervescence, and overall enjoyment. By teaching your staff the correct technique, such as holding the glass at a slight angle and pouring slowly down the side, you can ensure that each glass is filled with a beautiful cascade of bubbles. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the overall experience for your guests.

 

Additionally, training your staff to pour in a controlled and precise manner helps to preserve the bubbles in the glass and minimize waste. By demonstrating your commitment to excellence and attention to detail, you are showcasing your establishment as a place that values providing top-notch service. So, whether it's a festive gathering or a special occasion, knowing that your staff is well-equipped to handle the art of pouring champagne and sparkling wines will undoubtedly contribute to a sparkling and memorable celebration.

 

Pouring sparkling wine correctly is just as important as pouring champagne. Whether you're serving prosecco, cava, or any other type of sparkling wine, following the right technique can enhance the overall experience for your guests.

 

First, ensure that your sparkling wine is properly chilled. Just like with champagne, the ideal temperature for serving sparkling wine is around 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to preserve the flavors and effervescence of the wine.

 

Next, hold the glass at a slight angle, similar to the technique used for pouring champagne. Slowly pour the sparkling wine down the side of the glass to maintain the bubbles. As the glass fills, gradually straighten it to create a cascade of bubbles, just like you would with champagne.

 

It's important to pour sparkling wine gently and avoid vigorous pouring, as this can cause excessive foam and loss of carbonation. The bubbles in sparkling wine are what make it so delightful, so it's crucial to preserve them as much as possible.

Properly pouring sparkling wine also adds to the visual appeal of the drink. The cascading bubbles create an inviting and celebratory atmosphere, making your guests even more excited to indulge in their glass of bubbly.

 

Training your staff to pour sparkling wine correctly is just as important as training them to pour champagne. By ensuring that they understand the proper technique and attention to detail required, you're providing an exceptional experience for your guests.

 

In addition to the pouring technique, pricing sparkling wine follows a similar approach to champagne. Consider the cost per bottle, the number of glasses per bottle, and desired profit margins. These factors, along with market demand and competition, will help you determine the appropriate pricing strategy for sparkling wine in your establishment.

 

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Whether it's champagne or sparkling wine, the art of pouring is an essential skill that can elevate any celebration or dining experience. By mastering the technique and understanding the pricing considerations, you'll be able to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. Cheers to a sparkling celebration!

 

Malika Wichner

About the author, Malika Wichner

Malika is the Marketing Content Manager for Backbar. Prior to creating content to link industry professionals to Backbar she worked as a bartender and server in Chicago. She enjoys red wine or an IPA with a good book in her free time.

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