The Best—and Worst—Ways to Open a Bottle of Wine Without a Corkscrew

We all know by now that not everything online is trustworthy. With the lines between "life hacks" and downright bad advice becoming increasingly blurred, this has never been more true. One of those internet searches that have led to a flood of questionable shortcuts? How to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew.

With so many bizarre suggestions circulating, we turned to a panel of three experts to clarify the truth: Doug Brickel, beverage director and partner at Cork & Kerry, as well as the owner of Cabezas y Colas Cocktails, a private event and consulting company; Hannah Selinger, certified sommelier and freelance lifestyle writer; and Alex Ortiz, a strategy and operations consultant and former full-time bartender.

Here are expert opinions on which tricks for opening a wine bottle without a corkscrew are worth remembering, and which ones will only lead to embarrassment with your friends and family—and could even ruin your entire day in the worst-case scenario.

The Most Reliable Way to Open a Wine Bottle

First off, it’s unanimous: all of our wine experts—and even this writer, once a fine dining server—highly recommend the affordable, pocket-sized waiter's corkscrew as the best tool for opening a wine bottle.

"I prefer the two-step ones because they feature two spots to rest the hinge on the bottle's lip. Depending on the bottle size and how deeply you insert the worm, this creates a smoother, more even pull," Brickel explains. This gradual motion decreases the risk of the cork breaking if it gets stuck halfway, and also eliminates the possibility of that unwanted "pop" that should never interrupt a quiet opening.

Two-step corkscrews come equipped with built-in foil cutters that neatly fold into the base. But if that tiny tool feels too complex, both bunny-ear lever types and electric models are also good options. Still, nothing beats spending the same amount of money on a few inexpensive wine keys from your nearby liquor store, costing less than $6 each, or a 4-pack from Amazon for just $13. You can keep one in your car, purse, or desk for unexpected parties—and to save you from some of these poor choices.

The Most Effective Ways to Open Wine Without a Corkscrew

Now that the PSA is out of the way: Is there a safe, dependable method to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew? Our experts reluctantly agree that there are two approaches. While far from ideal, and certainly not recommended for experimentation, these solutions may be your best option in a pinch.

Push the Cork In Instead of Pulling It Out

Using a blunt, narrow object like a wooden spoon's handle to push the cork in is the best of all the MacGyver-style solutions. "You can make it work in a pinch," says Selinger. "It does leave some debris behind, but it’s not the worst option." Ortiz even admitted that this was his go-to trick back in his college days.

However, Brickel offers a word of caution: "I would steer clear of this method with older or poorly-stored wine, as a dried-out cork could spoil the whole experience." And when pouring, Ortiz suggests you "ensure the cork floats sideways so it doesn’t obstruct the flow of wine."

Open Wine Using a Bike or Ball Pump

Another method they deem acceptable (with some reservations) is using a bike or ball pump. This involves inserting the pump needle into the cork and slowly, carefully injecting air into the bottle until the cork eventually rises. "This is actually very ingenious!" says Brickel. "Some high-end wine openers work by doing exactly this; air pressure can really be your ally."

The only catch here is the inevitable question: "Why would I have a bike pump but not a wine opener?!" Selinger humorously points out.

Less Recommended Ways to Open a Bottle of Wine Without a Corkscrew

While the push and pump techniques received positive feedback, the following methods were met with cautionary advice, urging you to exercise discretion and proceed carefully.

Open a Bottle of Wine Using a Screw and Hammer

The approach is simple: Screw a long screw into the cork and then remove it by pulling with the hammer's claw.

"This is basically how a waiter's corkscrew functions," Brickel says. "It uses torque and leverage to extract the cork." However, both he and Ortiz are concerned that pressing a hammer against the bottle's opening with too much force might cause it to break. "No one wants wine with a bit of glass in it!" Ortiz warns. While both are willing to give the method a try, Selinger is blunt: "This is a sure way to either get cork in your wine or injure yourself."

Open a Bottle of Wine with a Lighter or Kitchen Torch

The theory behind this method is that heat makes the air beneath the cork expand, building up pressure that pushes it out. While Brickel is somewhat open to this idea, Ortiz, a biochemist, is not convinced: "This is scientifically plausible, but there are many reasons why it's a bad idea," Ortiz states. "Wine bottles don't handle heat well. At best, it can alter the taste. Then there's the risk of burning yourself. And high heat can cause glass to break. Drinking glass isn't a safe choice."

The Absolute Worst Ways to Try Opening Wine

If the idea of using a kitchen torch seemed overly risky, just know that it's still considered safer than the following methods. Our experts firmly reject this set of "hacks" for opening wine without a corkscrew.

Never Open a Bottle of Wine with a Wire Hanger

The most universally rejected method is the wire hanger corkscrew, where you craft one from a clothes hanger. This falls into the "worst" category not due to safety concerns, but because it's ineffective. The issue lies with leverage—"It’d be tough to generate enough to open it smoothly," says Brickel. Also, its lack of strength contributes to the problem. As Ortiz explains, it's not strong enough to maintain its shape or sharp enough to penetrate the cork, even though getting it in might not be too difficult.

Never Use a Knife to Open a Bottle of Wine

Avoid using a key or serrated knife to force the cork out. As Brickel points out, "I wouldn't recommend this approach. I care about my fingers and yours, and stabbing a cork with a knife is a risky move. Please don't try it!"

Aside from the safety issues, it's also ineffective. Selinger explains, "This method usually fails and ends up ruining the cork." Ortiz agrees, adding, "Even if you manage to insert the knife or key without hurting yourself, it won’t have the grip needed to remove the cork smoothly—it'll fall apart, and nobody enjoys bits of cork in their wine."

Never Open a Wine Bottle Using a Shoe or Hitting It Against a Wall

Then, there’s the technique of smacking the bottle. All variations of this approach were criticized by our panel. The most common method involves wrapping the bottle in a towel and lightly hitting it against a wall. Selinger doesn’t mince words: "Don't do this. It's foolish." Ortiz adds, "Sure, people have succeeded with this method, but that doesn’t make it a smart or safe option."

He shares the same concerns about the method of wrapping the bottle in a towel, flipping it upside down, and then tapping it with the bottom of a shoe. "Striking bottles is a sure way to create vibrations that might lead to the glass breaking. Picture holding a bottle upside down while you hit it hard enough to eject the cork—it’s bound to slip from your grasp and shatter on the floor. If the cork pops out while the bottle is upside-down, gravity will claim all your wine."

At that moment, Selinger dryly advises, "Just drink a beer."

The Final Verdict

When you're in need of opening a bottle of wine without a corkscrew, our beverage experts recommend trying the push-in method if you are desperate. But the overwhelming advice is to simply purchase a waiter’s corkscrew. Even a few are far cheaper than an emergency room visit or hiring someone to professionally clean your carpet.

We’ll drink to that.