How to Use a Screwpull Wine Opener

Opening a bottle of wine correctly adds to the presentation of a favorite vintage. Mastering the corkscrew and gaining confidence in using one, like many simple tasks, does require some skill. It is a skill that, once gained, will remain enjoyable for a lifetime full of many fine bottles of wine. Screwpull wine openers are available at most wine shops and online. Prices range from $20 to $100. One of the best-known brands is "The Rabbit," sold at many wine and cooking stores.

Things You'll Need

• Screwpull wine opener
• Wine

Instructions

1. Lift the top lever, opening the clamp section.

2. Clamp the opener to the neck of the bottle of wine.

3. Hold the bottle clamp firmly and rotate or squeeze down on the lever, using a firm, controlled motion.

4. Hold the bottom of the bottle and lift the entire device from the bottle with a firm motion when the controlling lever has closed. This motion removes the cork.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding a drop of liquid Teflon or graphite to your opening can help in penetrating a cork.

• These types of corkscrews are significantly heavier than more traditional devices, and they will tend to make bottles top heavy.

References

• "Collecting Wine;" James Halliday; 1998
• "The Story of Wine;" Hugh Johnson; 2004
• "Wine;" John Brewster; 2009

Resources

• Wine Accesories