How Can I Open a Bottle of Wine Without an Opener?

Using a corkscrew isn't the only way to open a wine bottle

Having a bottle of wine without a corkscrew or similar wine opener is like a safe without a key or combination. Heading to your local liquor store or six pack shop to acquire a corkscrew or different type of alcohol is not the only remedy to such a problem. A few hardware tools make for the perfect homemade corkscrew, a wine opener that extracts the cork without causing any damage to the bottle or inserting the cork into the wine.

Things You'll Need

• Medium to large screw with large head
• Screwdriver
• Hammer (optional)
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Remove the wrapping at the top of the bottle to expose the bottle's cork.

2. Insert the screw into the center of the top of the cork. Pound the screw gently into the cork using the screwdriver or a hammer, if necessary.

3. Twist the screw into the cork with the screwdriver so that roughly half the screw is inserted into the cork.

4. Place the wine bottle in between your thighs, knees or feet. Use whichever method is more comfortable. Tilt the bottle slightly away from you so that you don't accidentally hit yourself while extracting the cork.

5. Open the pliers, and close them around the top of the screw. Pull upward until the cork is roughly halfway out of the bottle. Then, grab the cork with your hands to fully remove it.

References

• "Debra Master of Wine"; How to Open a Wine Bottle without a Corkscrew; Debra Meiburg; November 2009