How To Open Corkscrew Wine

Nothing can ruin a fine evening faster than struggling to open a bottle of wine with a corkscrew, especially when the anticipation of a perfectly paired wine with your meal or the perfect toast at a celebration is on the line. Fear not, fellow wine enthusiasts, we've got your back! In this article, we'll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to open corkscrew wine bottles like a pro, so you can impress your guests and enjoy your wine without any hassle.

Choosing the Right Corkscrew

Before attempting to open a bottle, make sure you have the right tool on hand. There are various types of corkscrews available on the market, including:

• Waiter's Friend (also known as a Wine Key)
• Winged Corkscrew
• Lever-Action Corkscrew
• Electric Corkscrew

For this guide, we will mainly focus on the Waiter's Friend and Winged Corkscrew as they are the most common and easy to use.

Waiter's Friend (Wine Key)

The Waiter's Friend is a popular choice among professionals and wine enthusiasts alike. It's small, portable, and has a two-step lever system to help ease the cork out of the bottle gently.

Winged Corkscrew

The Winged Corkscrew is a classic option that's great for beginners. It features a set of wings on either side that are raised as the screw penetrates the cork and then lowered to extract it effortlessly.

Opening a Corkscrew Wine Bottle

Step 1: Remove the Foil

Use a foil cutter or the small blade on your Waiter's Friend to cut the foil around the lip of the bottle. Gently remove the foil to expose the cork.

Step 2: Prepare the Corkscrew

With your preferred corkscrew in hand, ensure that the screw (also called a worm) is extended and ready for insertion.

Step 3: Insert the Corkscrew

For the Waiter's Friend,

1. Center the tip of the worm on the cork.
2. Gently twist the corkscrew into the cork, leaving the last 1-2 spirals exposed.

For the Winged Corkscrew,

1. Place the circular guide of the corkscrew on the neck of the bottle, ensuring it is centered over the cork.
2. Hold the corkscrew in place while twisting the handle clockwise to drive the worm into the cork.

Step 4: Remove the Cork

For the Waiter's Friend,

1. Once the worm is fully inserted, place the first step of the lever on the lip of the bottle.
2. Lift the handle to gently pry the cork up, then move the lever to the second step and continue until the cork is fully extracted.

For the Winged Corkscrew,

1. As the worm is inserted, the wings on the corkscrew should rise.
2. Once fully inserted, firmly press the wings down, drawing the cork out of the bottle.

How To Open Corkscrew Wine Example:

Picture this: You're hosting a dinner party for your artsy friends, and you've selected a stunning bottle of red wine to accompany the meal. You've followed the steps above and flawlessly opened the wine with confidence, impressing your guests with your expertise. Now, you can raise a glass and toast to the good times ahead.

Now that you're an expert at opening corkscrew wine bottles, you can fully enjoy the world of wines and the countless experiences that come alongside them. If you found this guide helpful, don't forget to share it with your fellow wine lovers and explore the many other informative and engaging guides on Black Wine Club. Cheers!