PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Food and Entertaining
Drinks
Alcoholic Drinks
Wine
How to Use a Corkscrew to Open a Bottle of Wine Download Article Learn to open a wine bottle with a variety of tools Co-authored by Murphy Perng and Luke Smith, MFA
Last Updated: September 30, 2024 Fact Checked
Download Article
Using a Wine Key (Waiter’s Corkscrew)
|
Using a Winged Corkscrew
|
Using a Simple (Pocket) Corkscrew
|
Using a Mounted or Lever Corkscrew
|
Using Other Corkscrews
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Murphy Perng and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Murphy Perng is a Wine Consultant and the Founder and Host of Matter of Wine, a business that produces educational wine events, including team-building experiences, networking events, and private parties. Based in Los Angeles, California, Murphy has served as a Wine Educator for clients such as Google, Buzzfeed, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Equinox and been featured on National Geographic and The Somm Journal. Murphy possesses her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 Advanced Certification. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 646,002 times.
Don’t let a simple cork stand between you and a bottle of wine! There are several types of corkscrews, and most are simple and easy to use. The basic technique is to screw a metal spiral into the bottle's cork, then pull it outwards. We’ll show you how to use a wide array of corkscrews, from simple wine keys to counter-mounted levers.
Using a Waiter’s Corkscrew
Unfold and place the point of the corkscrew in the center of the cork, and twist the corkscrew clockwise until it’s almost entirely screwed in. Then fold the notched arm down onto the lip of the bottle, and pull the lever arm upward until the cork is removed.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 5:
Using a Wine Key (Waiter’s Corkscrew)
Download Article
1 Open the wine key and cut the foil off the top of the wine bottle. Unfold the wine key. You’ll notice a long, metal spiral, called the “worm,” and a flatter portion that serves as a lever. Some wine keys also have a short blade which you can use to cut through foil if a cork is covered in it. Use the point of the worm, or the included blade, to cut all the way around the foil of the bottle. Cut just under the bottle’s lip, then peel the foil away and discard it.[1]XResearch source
The spiral and lever parts will be folded into the wine key handle. Unfold them and your key is ready to use.
Wine keys are a great choice for an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and portable corkscrew.
2 Twist the worm down and clockwise into the cork. Poke the sharp tip of the worm down into the center of the cork. While applying slight downward pressure, gently twist it clockwise until only one spiral of the worm shows.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Fold the notched arm down against the lip of the bottle. The notched arm has 1 or 2 indentations on its sides. Bend this arm down so that one of these fits against the lip of the glass bottle, next to the cork. This will provide leverage to help you extract the cork.[3]XResearch source
On keys with 2 notches, use the upper notch first, then switch to the lower notch later if you need more leverage once the cork starts to rise out of the bottle.
4 Lift the key’s lever arm to remove the cork. Firmly but gently pull on the lever arm, which is opposite the notched arm. As you pull, the cork will lift out of the wine bottle, until it’s eventually completely removed. Twist the cork off the worm and discard it.[4]XResearch source
Use your other hand to hold the bottle in place as you pull the cork out.
Take your time. If you try to force the cork out, it may break before it is fully removed.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 5:
Using a Winged Corkscrew
Download Article
1 Lower the corkscrew’s levers and remove the foil around the cork. A winged corkscrew has 2 long levers (the “wings”) positioned on the sides of a center ring. Inside the ring there is a long metal spiral (the “worm”), controlled by a tab at the top that can be twisted. Start by lowering the wings toward the center ring. The worm will rise simultaneously.[5]XResearch source
Also, use a sharp object to cut the foil around the lip of the bottle, then remove it. Practice caution if you use the point of the worm to do this.
Winged corkscrews are fairly common and user-friendly, but are less portable than other small corkscrews.
2 Place the center ring over the cork. The center ring is just a little wider than the opening of a standard wine bottle, so it fits easily. Keep the wings down as you position the corkscrew.[6]XResearch source
It can help to first lift the wings, then position the worm in the center of the cork, then lower the wings again, which may result in a more precise uncorking.
3 Turn the center tab clockwise. The sharp tip of the worm will pierce the cork. As you turn the tab, the worm will continue to wind its way into the cork, and the wings will rise. Keep turning gently until the wings are raised all the way up toward the tab.[7]XResearch source
4 Fold the levers back down. Grasp the levers with one or both hands and gently lower them back towards the sides of the corkscrew and the bottle. As you push them down, the cork will start to lift up and out. Satisfying![8]XResearch source If the cork doesn’t come quite all the way out, gently twist and rock it side to side until it is fully removed. Enjoy your wine!
Use your free hand to hold the bottle in place if you have to pull the cork out at all.
Don’t forget to unscrew the cork from the worm before putting your corkscrew away.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 5:
Using a Simple (Pocket) Corkscrew
Download Article
1 Assemble the corkscrew and remove the foil from the cork. The simplest corkscrews are “T” shaped, just a spiral metal “worm” with a handle attached at the top. Travel corkscrews, however, often have a worm with a plastic handle capped by a sheath that narrows at one end. Pull the sheath away, then slide it into the base of the corkscrew to make a handle.[9]XResearch source
Before you start, use a sharp object to cut the foil around the lip of the bottle, then remove it. Exercise caution if you use the point of the worm to do this.
The handles of some simple corkscrews will fold down against the worm. If yours is like this, just raise them upwards until the tool resembles a “T” shape.
Pocket corkscrews are the most portable, but require a little more elbow grease than other types.
2 Screw the worm into the center of the cork. Hold the bottle securely in one hand. With the other, position the sharp tip of the worm in the center of the cork and gently but firmly twist it clockwise, applying downward pressure as you do.[10]XResearch source Keep screwing it in until only the last turn of the worm sticks out of the cork.
3 Pull the cork out. Grasp the “T” shaped handle, and slowly pull upwards to remove the cork. Gently pull, twist, and rock the cork from side to side until it comes all the way out. Then serve![11]XResearch source
Take your free hand and hold the bottle at the neck as you pull the cork out.
Unscrew the cork from the worm after removing it.
Remove the sheath from the hole and place it back over the worm when you are done if you are using a travel corkscrew.
Advertisement Method 4 Method 4 of 5:
Using a Mounted or Lever Corkscrew
Download Article
1 Clamp or mount the corkscrew onto a solid countertop. Many old-school, mounted lever corkscrews are clamp-mounted. Unscrew the clamp, then position it around the lip of a solid, sturdy countertop. Then twist and tighten the clamp until the corkscrew is stable and doesn’t move.[12]XResearch source
Some mounted corkscrews must be screwed onto a surface. If this is the case, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount your corkscrew, as methods vary by model.
Mounted corkscrews are a great option for businesses or restaurants that need to open many bottles, but are the most expensive and least portable option.
2 Remove the cork foil and insert the nozzle into the corkscrew opening. Use a sharp object to cut the foil just around the bottle’s lip, then peel away the foil. Then, insert the bottle’s mouth up and into the corkscrew’s opening.[13]XResearch source
Insert the bottle as far as it will go, and hold it there with 1 hand.
Some models of mounted corkscrew provide a clamp to keep the bottle in place.
3 Work the lever to remove the cork. Some mounted corkscrews operate by pulling the lever down, then back up. Others operate simply by pulling the lever up and over the device. Operate the lever with a firm hand, and do your best to operate it in one smooth motion.[14]XResearch source
After, reverse the lever to release the cork.
Some models allow you to re-cork a bottle by reinserting the bottle into the corkscrew and reversing the lever.
Advertisement Method 5 Method 5 of 5:
Using Other Corkscrews
Download Article
1 Cork extractor A cork extractor is a handy tool for removing corks without damaging them. To use one, remove the foil from around the cork. Then, squeeze the prongs of the extractor together and slip them around the cork, on either side, so that they’re wedged between the cork and the nozzle. Rock the cork extractor from side to side while pushing down.[15]XResearch source
Once the extractor is as far down the cork as possible, hold the bottle with one hand and twist and pull the extractor with the other, until the cork is removed.
Work the extractor down slowly. Going too quickly or pushing too hard may push the cork into the bottle.
2 Continuous corkscrew A continuous corkscrew takes all the levers out of the equation. To use one, remove the foil from the bottle’s nozzle, then place the worm of the corkscrew in the center of the cork. Then, just turn the handle counterclockwise continuously until the worm works into the bottle and is pulled out.[16]XResearch source
Turn the handle counterclockwise to free the cork from the corkscrew.
3 Electric corkscrew Electric corkscrews take all the work out of opening a bottle. Just remove the foil from the cork, then place the opening of the electric corkscrew directly over the cork. Once positioned, press the “down” button to screw the worm into the cork, then press the “up” button to remove the cork.[17]XResearch source
Press the “down” button again to free the cork from the corkscrew.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Can I store wine after drinking half the bottle? Community Answer Yes! Just put the cork back in and screw it down with the corkscrew. It works great. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Read Video Transcript
Tips
Most Swiss army knives have a basic corkscrew on them, which makes them handy for opening bottles while out and about. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
6 Ways to Open a Wine Bottle5 Simple Tricks to Rescue Wine and Whiskey from Broken Corks8 Awesome Ways to Open a Bottle of Wine without Using a CorkscrewHow to Open a Bottle Without a Bottle OpenerHow to Remove a Bottlecap with a KeyHow toOpen a Beer BottleHow toOpen a Wine Bottle with a ShoeHow toUse a Manual Can OpenerHow toOpen a Champagne BottleHow toRemove an Alcohol Bottle StopperHow toOpen a Beer Bottle with a LighterHow toUse a Swiss Army KnifeHow toServe WinesHow toCut a Cigar Without a Cutter Advertisement
Co-authored by: Murphy Perng Certified Wine Consultant This article was co-authored by Murphy Perng and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Murphy Perng is a Wine Consultant and the Founder and Host of Matter of Wine, a business that produces educational wine events, including team-building experiences, networking events, and private parties. Based in Los Angeles, California, Murphy has served as a Wine Educator for clients such as Google, Buzzfeed, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Equinox and been featured on National Geographic and The Somm Journal. Murphy possesses her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 Advanced Certification. This article has been viewed 646,002 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 31Updated: September 30, 2024 Views: 646,002 Categories: Featured Articles | Kitchen Utensils | WineArticle SummaryX
To use a corkscrew, hold the handle and screw the spiral metal “worm” clockwise into the cork. Then, slowly pull upward until the cork is all the way out. If you’re using a winged corkscrew, position its center ring over the cork with the 2 long levers, or “wings,” down against the center ring. Then, turn the tab at the top of the corkscrew clockwise, which will screw the worm that’s inside the center ring into the cork. As the worm goes in, watch the wings of your corkscrew. When they’re all the way up toward the tab, push them back down to pull out the cork. To learn how to use a wine key to uncork your bottle, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Portuguese German French Russian Dutch Czech Chinese Indonesian Thai Korean Vietnamese Japanese Italian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 646,002 times.
Reader Success Stories
Marilyn Sliwa
Jan 2, 2018
"I didn't know whether to turn clockwise or anti-clockwise and had trouble getting the coil deep enough into the cork. I pressed it into the cork with more strength and knew I was turning it in the right direction - then I saw cork rising out of bottle. Hadn't opened a bottle of wine for years so forgot what to do. Thank you so much for having this video to help me! Really appreciate it."..." more Rated this article:
Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Murphy Perng Certified Wine Consultant Click a star to vote Co-authors: 31Updated: September 30, 2024 Views: 646,002
Marilyn Sliwa
Jan 2, 2018
"I didn't know whether to turn clockwise or anti-clockwise and had trouble getting the coil deep enough into the cork. I pressed it into the cork with more strength and knew I was turning it in the right direction - then I saw cork rising out of bottle. Hadn't opened a bottle of wine for years so forgot what to do. Thank you so much for having this video to help me! Really appreciate it."..." more Rated this article: Share yours!
Quizzes & Games
What Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Harry Potter Wand QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
6 Ways to Open a Wine Bottle5 Simple Tricks to Rescue Wine and Whiskey from Broken Corks8 Awesome Ways to Open a Bottle of Wine without Using a CorkscrewHow to Open a Bottle Without a Bottle Opener
Featured Articles
200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy BetterHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me Quiz
Trending Articles
Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How Much Do I Mog Quiz
Featured Articles
15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More115+ Brain Teasers For Adults & Kids (With Answers!)When Will I Get My First Kiss Quiz17 Believable Excuses to Miss Class At the Last Minute
Featured Articles
How to Speed Up Your Slow-Performing Mobile DataHow to Get a Nice BodyIce Cream Personality TestHow toDress for WinterNicknames for Your Girlfriend: 125+ Funny, Sweet & Clever IdeasHow to Give Someone a Great Gift
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
How toMake OutAm I a Furry QuizAm I Annoying QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat Does “Cracked” Mean in Slang?What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Quizzes & Games
What Fruit Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake QuizEmoji TestTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GamePlayIQ TestTake Quiz
Categories
Food and Entertaining
Drinks
Alcoholic Drinks
Wine
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Learn to open a wine bottle with a variety of tools Co-authored by Murphy Perng and Luke Smith, MFA 
How to Open a Bottle Without a Bottle Opener 
How toOpen a Beer Bottle 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Murphy Perng Certified Wine Consultant This article was co-authored by Murphy Perng and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Murphy Perng is a Wine Consultant and the Founder and Host of Matter of Wine, a business that produces educational wine events, including team-building experiences, networking events, and private parties. Based in Los Angeles, California, Murphy has served as a Wine Educator for clients such as Google, Buzzfeed, Tiktok, Snapchat, and Equinox and been featured on National Geographic and The Somm Journal. Murphy possesses her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 3 Advanced Certification. This article has been viewed 646,002 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 31 Updated: September 30, 2024 Views: 646,002 Categories: Featured Articles | Kitchen Utensils | Wine Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz 
650 
1 Open the wine key and cut the foil off the top of the wine bottle. Unfold the wine key. You’ll notice a long, metal spiral, called the “worm,” and a flatter portion that serves as a lever. Some wine keys also have a short blade which you can use to cut through foil if a cork is covered in it. Use the point of the worm, or the included blade, to cut all the way around the foil of the bottle. Cut just under the bottle’s lip, then peel the foil away and discard it.[1] 
2 Twist the worm down and clockwise into the cork. Poke the sharp tip of the worm down into the center of the cork. While applying slight downward pressure, gently twist it clockwise until only one spiral of the worm shows.[2] Advertisement 
1 Lower the corkscrew’s levers and remove the foil around the cork. A winged corkscrew has 2 long levers (the “wings”) positioned on the sides of a center ring. Inside the ring there is a long metal spiral (the “worm”), controlled by a tab at the top that can be twisted. Start by lowering the wings toward the center ring. The worm will rise simultaneously.[5] 
1 Assemble the corkscrew and remove the foil from the cork. The simplest corkscrews are “T” shaped, just a spiral metal “worm” with a handle attached at the top. Travel corkscrews, however, often have a worm with a plastic handle capped by a sheath that narrows at one end. Pull the sheath away, then slide it into the base of the corkscrew to make a handle.[9] 
1 Clamp or mount the corkscrew onto a solid countertop. Many old-school, mounted lever corkscrews are clamp-mounted. Unscrew the clamp, then position it around the lip of a solid, sturdy countertop. Then twist and tighten the clamp until the corkscrew is stable and doesn’t move.[12] 
2 Remove the cork foil and insert the nozzle into the corkscrew opening. Use a sharp object to cut the foil just around the bottle’s lip, then peel away the foil. Then, insert the bottle’s mouth up and into the corkscrew’s opening.[13] 
3 Work the lever to remove the cork. Some mounted corkscrews operate by pulling the lever down, then back up. Others operate simply by pulling the lever up and over the device. Operate the lever with a firm hand, and do your best to operate it in one smooth motion.[14] 
1 Cork extractor A cork extractor is a handy tool for removing corks without damaging them. To use one, remove the foil from around the cork. Then, squeeze the prongs of the extractor together and slip them around the cork, on either side, so that they’re wedged between the cork and the nozzle. Rock the cork extractor from side to side while pushing down.[15] 
2 Continuous corkscrew A continuous corkscrew takes all the levers out of the equation. To use one, remove the foil from the bottle’s nozzle, then place the worm of the corkscrew in the center of the cork. Then, just turn the handle counterclockwise continuously until the worm works into the bottle and is pulled out.[16] 
3 Electric corkscrew Electric corkscrews take all the work out of opening a bottle. Just remove the foil from the cork, then place the opening of the electric corkscrew directly over the cork. Once positioned, press the “down” button to screw the worm into the cork, then press the “up” button to remove the cork.[17] 
Community Answer Yes! Just put the cork back in and screw it down with the corkscrew. It works great. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 9 
Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.