Wine corks have plagued wine drinkers since the 17th century. Opening a bottle of wine can be intimidating for novices and experts alike. But the truth is, it’s not nearly as hard as you think.
So don’t be nervous! We’ll show you how to open a bottle of wine safely in this guide. Read on if you’re ready to become a wine-bottle pro.
How to Open a Bottle of Wine With a Corkscrew
First things first: make sure you’re using the right tool for the job. Different bottles require different corkscrews, so make sure you have the appropriate one before attempting any opening techniques. The waiter’s corkscrew is a popular choice.
Now that everything’s laid out in front of you, let’s get down to business!
Hold your bottle steady with one hand while inserting your chosen corkscrew into its cork with the other hand. Don’t go too deep! You only want to get the point of the corkscrew in far enough to catch on a piece of cork.
Then, twist clockwise (or counterclockwise depending on what kind of corkscrew you’re using). The screw should move down slowly until you feel resistance. This means you’ve hit the bottom of the cork!
You’ll need to pull out your corkscrew now, so give it a gentle tug upward. The cork should come right out with little effort on your part.
All that’s left is to add a wine aerator and pour yourself a big glass.
How to Open a Bottle of Wine With a Knife
Of course, this method’s not ideal for opening a wine bottle, but it’s great if you’re in a pinch. A serrated blade works best for this method.
Insert the blade into the cork and twist it firmly. The cork should begin to spin around and then come out easily.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll get this on the first try. If it doesn’t work, try again. And if that doesn’t work, you may have to resort to using another method.
How to Open a Wine Bottle With Your Shoe
This technique is by far the most outlandish, but it’s more effective than using a plain old knife. You need a strong shoe with a high heel that can stand up to the task.
Place the heel on top of the cork while holding firm on the bottle. Next, push down with all your might onto the top of your shoe.
If this isn’t working, ask a friend to hold the bottle for you. That way, you can press the shoe down using your foot instead.
When done correctly, you’ll hear a distinct pop. This indicates that the heel has penetrated far enough. With a bit of twisting and turning, the cork should pop right out.
Enjoy Your Wine Like a True Connoisseur
There you have it! That’s how to open a bottle of wine.
Some of these methods might be a little unconventional, but they’re all equally effective and fun to do. Next time you want to impress your friends with your sommelier-like skills, try one of these methods.
You can learn more cool tips in the foods and culinary section on our blog. If you like this article, check out some of our others! We have a wide variety of content for people who love food, wine, and entertaining.
