It’s a popular tradition to pop open a bottle of bubbly in celebration of a birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation, promotion, you name it -- but that doesn't mean Champagne should be reserved for a special occasion.

There’s no denying that opening a bottle of Sparkling is a commitment; as many of us know, that sparkling doesn't hold up for long. So what to do when you just want to drink some bubbles by yourself, have a couple bottles circling the table, or have a casual glass to sip?

Here are some top tips for preserving Champagne, Cava, Prosecco or Sparkling wine, even after opening…

1. Temperature

Champagne likes a consistent and stable environment, which means keeping the bottles at a constant temperature and humidity level.

It’s a great idea to use a wine refrigerator specifically designated for Champagne that’s kept to a temperature of 8-10°C. Keeping Champagne in a regular refrigerator is bad, as the constant opening and shutting of the fridge door will disturb the bubbles. Kitchens in general are not an ideal place to store Champagnes, due to the ever-changing temperature when cooking.

2. Storage

If you are storing your Champagne for just a few weeks, then it can be stored upright. However, if you plan to store it for longer than a month, it should be kept on its side in a wine rack, cellar or wine fridge. If stored upright for a long period of time, you run the risk of the cork drying out and having a difficult time opening the bottle.

Also, Strong light can damage a wine’s flavours and aromas and lead to discolouration. Sparkling wines are particularly susceptible to the negative effects of light. That’s why you’ll find Champagnes or Cavas generally sold in dark bottles. Be sure to house your bottles in an enclosed storage area with little to no light exposure.

3. After Opening

The greatest threat of all to Sparkling wines is oxidation, which occurs when your opened bottle of Champagne has been left open for too long, causing it to lose its fizz and become vinegary.

How to keep this from occurring? A Champagne Preservation system, such as Coravin Sparkling, will allow you to preserve the crisp and efferevencant flavour of your Sparkling Wine, Champagne or Cava for up to 4 weeks. This means you can pour yourself a glass of bubbly tonight, store the remaining bottle to share with friends the following week, and be rest-assured that the flavour and sparkle is kept intact.

Keep in mind: Champagnes are ready to be consumed as soon as they are sold and therefore do not necessarily benefit from additional ageing. As a rule, non-vintage Champagnes can be kept for three to four years, and vintage cuvées for five to ten years.