HowHow To Open a Bottle of Wine: Tips and Tricks
Su Jin Kim
If your bottle has a screw cap, and you’re reading this article, then we’re sorry to say that you’re probably beyond our help. But if your bottle has a cork underneath foil wrapping, then this article is for you!
1. Corkscrew / Wine Key
Use the short serrated blade to cut off the foil at the top lip of the bottle (two horizontal strokes around the lip should do it), remove the foil, insert the screw in the middle of the cork, and use the hinges to lever the cork up, as seen in the video below.
And for the love of God, stay away from winged corkscrew wine openers! They are the worst.

2. Other Gadgets (Ah-So, Rabbit, Coravin)
Let us start off by saying, most of these gadgets are fun to have, awesome to receive as gifts, but probably not worth the cost of purchasing for yourself.
You’ll notice that one prong is slightly longer than the other. Insert that end down the side of the cork first, followed by the other end, wiggling if necessary. And instead of pulling straight out, turn and pull simultaneously, as demonstrated by this video:
3. Sparkling Wines
If you happen to have a saber, you can use that to open a sparkling wine bottle, as well.
4. The Infamous “Shoe Method”
First, you’ll need a shoe. Sneakers or other types of soft-soled shoes work best.
Second, remove the foil from the bottle.
Third, place the bottom of the bottle inside the shoe, such that it’s perpendicular with the shoe (it should look like it’s standing in the shoe).
Fourth, take the shoe and bottle and strike the sole of the shoe against a wall or other vertical surface. The cork should slowly be pushed out of the bottle after each strike. Once it’s protruding enough, you can either pull it out by hand or use pliers to pluck it out.
5. Methods We *DON’T RECOMMEND*
We also DON’T recommend pushing the cork inside the bottle, and we DON’T recommend using household keys or items you might find in your toolshed, especially if they’re rusty or have been used previously.