By Manos Kentikelentis (Sommelier, Wine & Beverage Consultant, Founder of Wine Illusion Magazine)
On the spray-touched deck of a yacht cutting through the Aegean—where the horizon dissolves into infinity and the salt-tinged breeze whispers promises of adventure—one sound captures the moment: the pop of a champagne cork.
This is the unmistakable soundtrack of modern yachting culture. Sparkling wines have become the signature of sea-bound celebrations, honoring friendship, freedom, and the intoxicating joy of the open water. As 2026 unfurls its sails, bubbles are rising as the new icons of yacht life—transforming every voyage into a floating fête.
Why Sparkling Wines Belong at Sea
Picture this: your yacht glides toward a secluded cove at dusk. Laughter drifts through the warm air, mingling with the rhythm of the waves. In your hand, a flute of chilled bubbles catches the last of the fading sun—its crisp acidity slicing through the heat like the clean line of a yacht’s wake.
While prestige Champagnes remain the sovereigns of grand toasts, Prosecco, Crémant, and playfully unpretentious pét-nats are emerging as the contemporary stars of the sea. Effortless, vibrant, and endlessly versatile.
Selections for Every Horizon
Every bottle onboard must earn its place—offering not just a sip, but a moment. A memory. A perfect harmony with storage limits, guest profiles, and the rhythm of the itinerary.
Building the ideal onboard cellar is an art of balance and intention. Sparkling wine is the most adaptable style at sea, covering the full day’s palette: Brut for breezy afternoons, rosé for golden hour sails, and prestige cuvées for Monaco-inspired soirées beneath the stars.
Read more on: Skipper ONDECK #80
