Don't let a simple cork opener come between you and a bottle of wine! There are many types of bottle openers, but most are relatively easy to use. The basic technique is to screw a metal spiral into the bottle's cork and then pull it outward. Wine keys and winged corkscrews take the most effort, but in a pinch a simple bottle opener or a travel bottle opener can also be used. Just remember to be gentle and you'll be pouring out in no time!
Using a Winged Corkscrew:
1. Lower the lever of the bottle opener. This type of wine corkscrew has two long levers (" wings ") located on either side of the center ring. Inside the ring is a long metal spiral (the "worm") controlled by a twistable pull ring at the top. First lower the wings toward the center ring. The worms should rise at the same time.
2. Place the center ring over the cork. The center ring is slightly wider than the opening of a standard wine bottle, so it should be easy to install. The wings should remain down. If the opening of your wine bottle is covered with foil, remove it first.
3. Turn the center tab clockwise. The sharp tips of the worms can pierce the wine cork opener. As you turn the tab, the worm will continue to snake its way into the cork. Continue turning gently until the wing is fully raised, facing the tab.
4. Fold the lever down. Grasp the lever with one or both hands and gently place it back onto the side of the corkscrew and bottle. When you press them, the corks start popping out like magic!
- If the cork does not come out completely, gently twist and rock it from side to side until it comes out completely.
- If you must remove the cork, use your free hand to hold the bottle in place. Don't forget to unscrew the cork from the worm before putting away the corkscrew.
