Polish Divers Uncover Shipwrecked Champagne Bottles Dating Back 175 Years

A group of Polish divers uncovered a rare treasure last week when they found a 19th-century shipwreck filled with luxurious items, including numerous unopened bottles of champagne. 

The independent diving team, Baltictech, was exploring the Baltic Sea near the Swedish coast when they initially disregarded a sonar image as a typical fishing vessel. However, two determined divers chose to delve deeper, disappearing for nearly two hours before returning with news of an exceptional discovery. 

As per a announcement, the wreck contained porcelain, mineral water, and a remarkable quantity of champagne bottles. The mineral water brand, Selters, is especially fascinating as it was once seen as a regal potion and continues to be made today. While the champagne brand remains unknown, divers speculate it may have been intended for the dining tables of Stockholm or the royal court of St. Petersburg. 

baltictech.com

Leader of the team, Tomasz Stachura, shared his amazement at the discovery, saying, “I have been diving for 40 years, and it often happens that we find a bottle or two in a wreck, but to discover so much cargo, it’s a first for me.” 

Photo Credit: baltictech.com

Historians suggest the champagne was made between 1850 and 1867, potentially making it one of the oldest champagnes globally. The impeccable state of the bottles, preserved by the cold, dark depths of the Baltic Sea, has raised hopes that the champagne might still be consumable. 

This discovery has stirred enthusiasm among historians and champagne aficionados alike, as it could offer valuable insights into the sea trade and opulent products of the 19th century.

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