Sparkling Wine Bottles: What Wineries & Beverage Producers Need to Know.

Choosing a bottle for sparkling wine, cider or another carbonated beverage involves more than simply finding the right shape. Because the contents are under pressure, the bottle itself needs to be designed specifically for the demands of a carbonated product.

From bottle strength and weight to closure type, size and presentation, choosing the right sparkling bottle can have an impact on production, transportation and how the finished product looks on the shelf.

Here are a few important things to consider when selecting sparkling glass bottles for your next production run.

Why Are Sparkling Wine Bottles Different?

Unlike standard still-wine bottles, sparkling bottles are designed to withstand internal pressure created by carbonation.

This typically means heavier glass, reinforced construction and bottle designs specifically engineered for pressure-intensive beverages. Using a bottle intended for still wine in a carbonated application is not interchangeable with using a properly rated sparkling bottle.

At Stoney Creek Glass, our sparkling collection includes European-made bottles designed for sparkling wine, cider and other carbonated beverages.

Bottle Strength and Carbonation Rating Matter

One of the first considerations should be the carbonation requirements of your product.

Different beverages and production methods can create different levels of internal pressure, which means producers should ensure the bottle they select is appropriate for their specific application.

Individual bottle specifications can include a carbonation rating alongside dimensions, weight and finish. For example, SCG's 750mL Mecano lists a carbonation rating of 6g/L at 20°C, while standard wine bottles in the catalogue may specifically state that they are not suitable for carbonated beverages.

If you're unsure which bottle is appropriate, this is an area where working with an experienced glass supplier can help before placing an order.

Consider the Bottle Size and Format

The traditional 750mL sparkling bottle may be the most familiar, but it isn't the only option available.

Depending on the beverage, target customer and branding, producers may want to consider different capacities and bottle profiles. SCG's current sparkling collection includes 330mL, 375mL, 500mL and 750mL formats, providing options for everything from smaller specialty beverages to traditional sparkling wine applications.

The bottle you choose should complement both the product inside and the way you intend to position it in the market.

Don't Overlook the Finish and Closure

Bottle finish is another important part of the selection process.

Different sparkling bottles can accommodate different closure systems, so the bottle and closure need to be considered together rather than independently. SCG's sparkling inventory currently includes options with 26mm Crown, 29mm Crown and BVS finishes, depending on the bottle.

Your filling and packaging process should also be considered when determining which configuration makes the most sense.

Think About Packaging and Production

The right bottle also needs to work with the realities of your operation.

Consider how the bottles will arrive, how they'll be stored, whether they'll work with your filling line and how finished products will be packaged and transported.

SCG's sparkling bottles arrive from Europe on bulk pallets, with options for in-house packaging into 6-, 12- or 24-pack cases depending on production requirements.

Planning these details before bottling day can help create a smoother production process.

Local Inventory Can Make Planning Easier

Bottle selection is only useful if the bottle you choose is actually available when you need it.

For Canadian wineries, cideries and beverage producers, sourcing from locally stocked inventory can reduce the uncertainty associated with long overseas lead times and allow production schedules to be planned around inventory that's already in Canada.

Stoney Creek Glass stocks its glass products locally in Hamilton, Ontario, serving beverage producers across Canada and the United States.

Find the Right Sparkling Bottle for Your Product

There isn't one sparkling bottle that's right for every beverage.

The ideal choice depends on your carbonation requirements, closure, production process, bottle size, branding and packaging needs.

Stoney Creek Glass carries a range of premium European sparkling bottles for wineries, cideries and beverage producers, with locally stocked inventory and support from an experienced team.

Browse Sparkling Bottles or contact Stoney Creek Glass to discuss the right bottle for your next production run.