4 Ways to Open a Wine Bottle if Your Pop is Difficult to Remove

The Art of Opening a Bottle of Wine: A Guide for Wine Enthusiasts

We all love a good glass of wine. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, the satisfaction of opening a bottle and savoring its contents is unmatched. But let’s face it, opening a wine bottle can sometimes be a daunting task. Luckily, we’re here to provide you with the best ways to open a bottle of wine and avoid any embarrassing mishaps.

The Pleasures of Wine

If you contributed to the 1.1 billion gallons of wine consumed in the U.S. during 2021 alone, we’re right there with you. Wine is not just a delicious beverage, but it can also be good for you. Packed with antioxidants, wine pairs well with various types of food. So, whether you’re enjoying a fancy dinner or just ordering take-out, wine is often the perfect companion.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Wine Opener

While some quick and dirty methods of opening a wine bottle may seem efficient, using a proper tool with a corkscrew is the safest and cleanest method. So, put away those makeshift bottle-opening techniques and invest in a reliable wine opener. We’ve listed four of our favorite options below, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

The 4 Best Ways to Open a Wine Bottle

1. Wine Key

A wine key, also known as a “waiter’s friend” corkscrew, is one of the easiest and most efficient wine openers available. Its slim and portable design, along with its affordable price, make it a popular choice among wine enthusiasts. The wine key consists of a foil cutter, a lever, and a spiral metal corkscrew, affectionately called the “worm.”

To open a wine bottle properly with a wine key, follow these steps:

Use the foil cutter to remove the foil cap from the top of the bottle.
Insert the corkscrew or “worm” into the center of the cork, twisting it clockwise. Insert it until only one screw spiral is visible.
Rest the metal arm lever on the top lip of the wine bottle. Pull the handle up to remove the cork, using the lever for leverage.

Note: Be cautious not to insert the corkscrew too far into the cork, as it may cause the cork to break or fall into the wine.

Our recommended wine key: HiCoup Wine Opener

2. Wing Corkscrew

The wing corkscrew, also known as the twin lever corkscrew, is another popular choice among wine enthusiasts. It often comes with a built-in bottle opener, making it a multifunctional tool. Unlike the wine key, it does not have a foil cutter.

To open a wine bottle with a wing corkscrew, follow these steps:

Remove the foil with a foil cutter or knife (be extra careful!).
Insert the corkscrew into the center of the cork, rotating it clockwise while keeping the “arms” down. As you insert the corkscrew, the winged arms will rise.
Once the arms have lifted up, use both hands to pull the arms down to either side and lift the cork.

Our recommended wing corkscrew: Rabbit Bar Tools Classic Wing Corkscrew

3. Electric Wine Opener

For those seeking convenience and speed, an electric wine opener is the way to go. These openers quickly remove the cork, leaving no room for error or bits of cork in your wine. Electric wine openers are particularly useful for individuals with arthritis, carpal tunnel, or limited hand mobility. However, keep in mind that they require charging and more storage space compared to traditional corkscrews.

To open a wine bottle with an electric wine opener, follow these general steps (refer to the user manual for specific instructions):

Ensure the electric wine opener is charged. Remove the foil using the included foil cutter.
Place the corkscrew into the center of the cork and push the button to start the opener. Release the corkscrew and hold the wine bottle steady with your other hand.
Remove the cork based on the model’s instructions. Some models require pressing another button for cork removal.

Our recommended electric wine opener: Secura Electric Wine Opener

4. Reverse Corkscrew Method

Although there are various scrappy methods circulating on the internet for opening a wine bottle without a corkscrew, we strongly discourage them due to safety concerns. The reverse corkscrew method, however, provides a safer alternative.

To open a wine bottle using the reverse corkscrew method, follow these steps:

Remove the foil from the top of the bottle and firmly hold the bottle’s neck.
Apply pressure to the cork using the handle of a wooden spoon, pushing it back into the bottle.
Alternatively, tap the top of the spoon with a rubber mallet or rolling pin, ensuring someone else holds the bottle steady.
Keep tapping until the cork is fully floating in the bottle but no longer blocking the wine.

Note: The reverse corkscrew method is not suitable for older wines, as their corks tend to crumble more easily. In such cases, strain the wine through a coffee filter before consuming.

Tips for Safe Bottle Opening

While opening a bottle of wine is generally a straightforward process, accidents can happen. Adhering to these tips will minimize the risk of injury and glass breakage:

Use a proper corkscrew rather than makeshift methods.
Avoid applying heat or using a knife to open a wine bottle.
Steer clear of “banging” methods that involve hitting the bottle against a wall or using a shoe.
Always wrap the wine bottle with a towel while gripping it to protect your hand from accidental glass breakage.

Storing Opened Wine

If you have the impressive ability to resist finishing a bottle of wine, you’ll want to ensure it stays fresh for future enjoyment. Here are some useful tips for storing opened wine:

Cover the cork with wax paper before reinserting it into the bottle. This helps the cork slide back in more easily.
Invest in wine stoppers to create a tighter seal. They are inexpensive, reusable, and readily available.
Store opened wines in a wine fridge, but if you don’t have one, a regular fridge works well too (yes, even for red wines).
On average, opened wines can last between 3 to 5 days if properly resealed and stored.

The Joy of Wine

Now that you know the art of opening a bottle of wine and the essential tips for storing it, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy it to the fullest. However, don’t stop there! We have some genius ways to use leftover wine, like fertilizing plants or making refreshing frozen wine pops. So, go ahead, indulge in the joy of wine, and explore all the possibilities it has to offer.

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