How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Winged Corkscrew Opener

There are a few types of corkscrew bottle openers, including the simple corkscrew, waiter's corkscrew, winged corkscrew, and even fancier rabbit-type and automatic openers. This 'how to' focuses on the winged corkscrew.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Corked bottle of wine
• Winged corkscrew opener
• Wine glass

1. 
   Winged Corkscrew - Wings Down

   Get to know your corkscrew! Before you begin, familiarize yourself with your winged corkscrew's anatomy and mechanics. If you're already friendly, move on to Step 2.
   
   WINGS: The winged corkscrew consists of two wings on either side, which can be positioned up and down. Connected to the corkscrew, these wings act as a lever and are used to lift out the cork. When positioned up, the corkscrew is exposed at the bottom of the opener. Positioned down, the corkscrew is retracted into the 'body' of the opener. Once inside the cork of the bottle, it is this retraction of the wings that actually removes the cork.
   
   TOP OPENER: Located between the two wings is a top bottle opener. The bottle opener rotates, causing the corkscrew to twist both clockwise and counter-clockwise. CORKSCREW: Lastly, the corkscrew itself is located at the bottom of the opener. It is centered within a round mouth (BOTTOM MOUTH) which rests on top of the bottle neck.

2. 
   Winged Corkscrew - Wings Up

   Insert the Corkscrew - Pull up the WINGS on both sides and grasp them with one hand to expose the corkscrew.
   
   Insert the tip of the CORKSCREW into the center of the bottle's cork and pierce. Let go of the WINGS and return them to a downward position. At the same time, use your other hand to grasp the BOTTOM MOUTH of the opener AND the mouth of the bottle itself. Since the tip of the corkscrew is inserted, you should be able to easily grasp both.

3. Twist, Twist, Twist - Maintain your grip on the BOTTOM MOUTH and bottle, and use your free hand to apply downward pressure to the TOP OPENER and twist in a clockwise motion. This will drive the corkscrew into the cork and cause the wings to ascend on both sides. Continue to twist until the wings are fully raised.

4. 

   Uncork the Bottle - Set the bottle upright on a stable surface and pull down on both WINGS to extract the cork. Anchor the bottle with one hand, then grasp the opener and WINGS and pull out the cork. The cork should extract rather easily. Pour your wine and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Prep your bottle by removing any foil labeling before you attempt to insert the corkscrew.
• If your corkscrew has a slightly curved tip insert it into the cork at a slight angle before you begin twisting.

[serenity-now]

on 8/25/2009 ahhh vino sounds wonderful

[2dogs3eyes]

on 8/22/2009 I'm getting to know my corkscrew... we're doing a dinner and movie tonight.