How To Use A Corkscrew

An expensive bottle of wine requires the right care and the right tool to open it. The corkscrew was specifically designed for carefully opening wine bottles without affecting their shelf life, ensuring that every sip is fresh and enjoyable. There are different types of corkscrews available in the market for different wine bottles. If you’re someone new to handling a corkscrew, we’ve got you covered. Read our guide on how to use a corkscrew and it’s a matter of time before you’ll start feeling like a pro.

How To Use A Corkscrew- Types And Steps

1. Winged Corkscrew

A winged corkscrew is one of the most popular ones among the other corkscrews. Anyone can identify a winged corkscrew by its design. It has arms or wings on both sides, making it easier to remove the synthetic corks from the bottle. This corkscrew is designed in such a way that while opening bottles, you don’t have to worry about the angle. The best part is that you can use this tool to open different wine bottles, irrespective of the bottle’s shape and size. Just avoid using them for an aged bottle and the rest of it should be fine. The steps to use the corkscrew are as follows:

How To Use A Winged Corkscrew

1. Start by cutting the foil around the bottleneck.
2. The corkscrew is soft, so don’t put too much pressure and insert the spiral in the middle (the worm) of the cork.
3. Then, twist the lever so that the worm is inserted in the cork. Continue twisting the lever until the wings are uplifted.
4. Now, push the wings together and turn the handle of the corkscrew in an anticlockwise direction.
5. Bravo! Your cork is safely out and your wine is all ready to be poured.

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2. Waiter Corkscrew

The waiter’s corkscrew is portable and mainly used by staff working in bars and restaurants. It’ll fit perfectly in your pocket and can be your travel buddy as well. There’s a lever in the corkscrew which makes it convenient to pull the cork out. Though it’s easier to use on a bottle, before experimenting with it on an expensive wine bottle, you need to know the right technique. We’re sure you don’t want pieces of cork floating around in your wine. So, here is a guide on how to use the waiter corkscrew if you’re a beginner.

How To Use A Waiter’s Corkscrew

1. Start by removing the foil around the bottleneck. You can use a foil cutter or knife for that.
2. Once you’re done with cutting the foil, insert the worm in the cork. Make sure to place the worm in the exact center and twist the corkscrew.
3. Now place the lever notch on the lip of the wine bottle while maintaining a grip. Remove the cork halfway out of the bottle, and lever the handle up.
4. Move the second lever notch to the tip of the bottle and gently pull the rest of the cork out of the bottle.

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3. Two-Pronged Corkscrew

A two-pronged corkscrew is nothing but a simple device made up of two parallel prongs and a handle that fits perfectly in the space between the neck of the bottle and the cork. This corkscrew is widely regarded as the best on the market. Without damaging the cork, the corkscrew helps separate the cork from the mouth of the bottle. Here are the steps for using a two-pronged cork, which is best for removing old corks.

How To Use A Two-Pronged Corkscrew

1. Start by inserting the longest prong between the cork till it comes in contact with the shorter side of the prong.
2. Now slightly tilt the corkscrew back, so the shorter side of the prong slides in easily between the cork and the inner side of the neck of the bottle.
3. Make sure that both prongs are 180 degrees apart from each other. 
4. Now rotate the corkscrew back and forth and insert the prongs into the bottle until the handle hit the top of the cork.
5. Once the prongs are all the way in, pull it right up, and voila! The cork is out of your wine bottle.

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4. Electric Corkscrew

An electric corkscrew is specially designed to make your life easier. It literally takes no effort and just pulls the cork out within seconds. It’s powered by batteries that are either built-in or replaceable in nature. Usually, electric corkscrews fall on the expensive side as but hey, if you need it, the convenience makes it all worth it. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to using the electric corkscrew.

How To Use An Electric Corkscrew

1. It’s electric in nature and is constructed to do all the work for you.
2. Just simply remove the foil from the bottle.
3. Now, place the corkscrew on the bottle top and make sure it’s placed vertically.
4. Simply turn on the button and see how swiftly it gets the job done.

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5. Lever Corkscrew

Lever corkscrews are one of the most versatile corkscrews in the market. It has a gripping handle that adjusts to the neck of the bottle and allows the cork to be easily pulled through. This tool is useful for all wine lovers, and the best part is that it can even remove stubborn and stuck cork. If you’re interested in knowing how to use a lever corkscrew, here are the steps:

How To Use A Lever Corkscrew

1. Remove the foil from the bottle.
2. Place the lever on top of your wine bottle and make sure the lever is placed in an up position.
3. With the help of your hands, hold the jaw on the bottle and push the lever down with the other hand to insert the worm into the cork.
4. Once the lever is all the way in, you just simply need to pull the cork out.

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6. Two-Step Corkscrew

Also known as a twist-and-pull corkscrew, the two-step corkscrew is an identical twin to the waiter’s corkscrew. This corkscrew is popular in the beverage industry and can be frequently seen in bars and restaurants. It is pocket-friendly and has all the tools you need to open a bottle properly and in the correct manner. Here are the steps for using a two-step corkscrew:

How To Use A Two-Step Corkscrew

1. Start by opening the lid of the bottle with the help of the corkscrew. Use the tip of the knife in a circular motion by dragging it around the neck of the bottle. 
2. Now, place the tip of the screw on the cork and slightly askew.
3. Keep twisting the screw and make sure the tip goes exactly in the middle. 
4. now, continue the twisting work by placing the hinge of the screw on the bottle’s lip.
5. Leave it once the cork is halfway pulled and follow the same process for the second hinge as well.
6. Once the hinge is moved from the lip of the bottle the cork is out easily.

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Summing Up

We hope this article has helped you know how to use a corkscrew and learn the difference between different types of corkscrews. Now, why wait for the right moment to shine in the limelight? Instead, throw a wine party and impress your friends by flaunting your skills.

FAQs

How Many Times Should You Turn The Corkscrew To Open The Bottle?

The correct way to open the wine bottle is by inserting a screw in the center of the cork, rotating the corkscrew in six half turns and then levering the cork out slowly.

Which Corkscrew Is Easiest To Use?

A lever corkscrew is one of the easiest corkscrews to use for opening a wine bottle.

Why Do You Turn The Bottle And Not The Cork?

Instead of twisting the cork, you twist the bottle as the cork gives a grip, helping to hold the bottle firmly. And by not twisting the cork, you prevent a mishap from happening, as, with the pressure of the fizz in the bottle, the cork might tend to fly across the room.

What Is The Difference Between A Wine Key And A Corkscrew?

The only difference between a wine key and a corkscrew is that the corkscrew has two arms that help in lifting and pulling while twisting the cork, while the wine key has a small knife to lift the cork.

Does All Wine Need A Corkscrew?

Yes, mostly all wine bottles need a corkscrew, like champagne.

What Is The Knife On A Corkscrew For?

The knife on the corkscrew is used for turning the corkscrew and pulling the cork from the bottle.

What Happens If You Don’t Cork Wine?

If you don’t use a cork to seal the wine bottle, eventually the drink will start losing the flavors and aromas, flattening the taste of the wine as well.