How to Use a Corkscrew

Don't let a stubborn cork prevent you from enjoying your wine! Corkscrews come in different types, but most are easy to use. The basic technique involves twisting the metal spiral into the cork and pulling it out. The winged corkscrew and the traditional corkscrew are the most user-friendly, though other simpler models are also quite effective. Just be gentle, and you'll soon have your wine ready to enjoy!

Open the corkscrew. This tool consists of several parts. You'll notice a long metal spiral and a straight lever that helps you remove the cork. Depending on the model, the corkscrew may also have a small knife for cutting the foil covering the cork.

• The metal spiral and lever are typically folded into the handle of the corkscrew. Be sure to unfold them before use.

Twist the spiral into the cork. Insert the sharp tip of the spiral into the cork, slightly off-center. Gently twist the corkscrew clockwise until only one metal loop remains visible. Usually, you'll twist it about six and a half turns.

• If necessary, use the knife or pointed end of the spiral to cut the foil wrapping around the cork first.

Place the lever against the bottle’s lip. The lever of the corkscrew has two indentations on its sides. Position it so these indentations fit neatly against the bottle's lip, next to the cork. This positioning will create the right angle to help pull the cork out.

Shake and twist to remove the cork. Gently rock the corkscrew back and forth while pulling the handle upwards. You can stabilize the bottle by holding the lever’s end with your other hand. Pull the cork out and enjoy your wine!

• Keep the bottle steady with your other hand as you pull the cork out.
• Be gentle. If you pull too forcefully, the bottle might break before the cork comes out.
• Remember to remove the cork from the spiral, then fold the corkscrew back and store it away.

Lower the wings of the corkscrew. This type of corkscrew features two long wings on either side of the center cap. Inside the cap, there's a long metal spiral, which is operated by twisting the top spindle. Start by lowering the wings towards the cap. As you do this, the spiral will simultaneously retract into the cap.

Place the cap of the corkscrew over the cork. The cap will be slightly larger than the opening of a standard wine bottle, so it will fit easily. At this point, the wings will be folded down.

• If the bottle's neck is wrapped in foil, peel it off first.

Twist the handle clockwise. The sharp tip of the spiral will penetrate the cork. As you twist the handle, the spiral will continue to sink deeper into the cork. Keep turning gently until the wings rise fully towards the handle.

Fold the wings back down. Using one or both hands, gently fold the wings back down along the sides of the corkscrew. As you push the wings down, the cork will be easily pulled up. If the cork doesn't come out completely, gently twist and rock the corkscrew to pull it free. Now you're ready to pour and enjoy!

• Use your other hand to steady the bottle if you need to fully remove the cork.
• Don't forget to remove the cork from the spiral before putting the corkscrew away.

Open the corkscrew if needed. The simplest type of corkscrew is shaped like a 'T,' with a metal spiral and a handle attached on top. However, travel-sized corkscrews often have two parts: a metal spiral, a plastic handle, and a cover for the spiral. Before use, remove the cover from the spiral.

• Some simple corkscrews feature handles that fold along the spiral. If yours has this design, unfold the handle so it forms the 'T' shape.

Slide the cap onto the handle if you're using a travel corkscrew. The plastic handle at one end of the spiral will have a round hole that matches the diameter of the handle. Slide the cap over this hole until it stops. The corkscrew will now resemble a 'T' shape.

Twist the spiral into the cork. Insert the sharp tip of the spiral slightly off-center into the cork, and gently twist it clockwise. Keep turning until only the final loop of the spiral is visible above the cork.

Pull the cork out. Grasp the 'T' handle and gently pull the cork out. Twist and rock the cork back and forth as you pull to ease it out. Now you're ready to pour your wine!

• Use your other hand to stabilize the bottle while you pull the cork.
• Remove the cork from the spiral once the bottle is open.
• If using a travel corkscrew, replace the cap over the spiral after use.