Imagine throwing a dinner party, and just before guests arrive you realize your corkscrew is missing. You don’t have a backup or time to grab a new one at the store. How will you open the bottle of red wine you saved for this very occasion without a corkscrew?
From shoes to house keys to torches, wine lovers across the nation have found creative wine opening hacks. Thankfully, there are many ways to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew. Take a look at the guide below for steps on how to use each wine opening method safely and efficiently.
How to Open a Wine Bottle Using Pressure
If you’re unsure how to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew, you’ve come to the right place. Applying pressure, such as with a shoe or a bike pump, is a safe and simple way to open a wine bottle when you find yourself in a pinch. Keep reading to learn more about alternative wine openers.
How to Open a Bottle of Wine With a Shoe
Place a thick towel around the bottom portion of the wine bottle. While holding the bottle upside down between your legs in a sitting position, hit the bottom with a shoe until the cork is almost out. At this point, you can pull the cork out by hand the rest of the way.
How to Open a Bottle of Wine With a Knife or Key
You can use a serrated knife or key to open a bottle of wine, and luckily most of us have these around the house. Push the key or serrated knife into the cork at a slight angle, and twist the object clockwise until the cork comes out of the bottle.
How to Open a Bottle of Wine With a Bike Pump
Push the bike pump needle through the cork so that the tip pokes through the end. Pump air into the bottle until the pressure pushes the cork out.
How to Open a Wine Bottle With a Screw and Hammer
Opening a wine bottle with a screw and a hammer isn’t for the faint of heart; this method requires some muscle and determination. Start by placing the screw into the cork, leaving only an inch poking out. Pull on the screw using the back part of a hammer until it exits the bottle.
How to Open a Wine Bottle With a Lighter
Direct the flame toward the portion of the wine bottle’s neck where the cork starts. The heat will slowly but surely move the cork up and out. This method is only intended for bottles of wine stored at room temperature. Applying heat to a chilled bottle could cause it to explode.
Is It Safe to Open a Bottle of Wine With a Lighter?
When done correctly, opening a wine bottle with a lighter can be done safely and easily. But as with any of the other methods, proceed with caution.
Trust The Wine Experts at WCG
If you find yourself without a corkscrew, no need to fear. The methods described above are safe and effective ways to get a cork out when you’re short on time and resources. However, if you’re still wary about using a serrated knife or a lighter to open your wine bottle, stock up on a few of our Deluxe Lever Action Corkscrews. That way you’ll have backup wine bottle openers the next time your corkscrew is misplaced.
Leave A Comment