How to Open a Bottle of Wine Properly
One of the most satisfying parts of the wine industry is getting to pop the cork when it’s time to enjoy a new bottle. With the advancement of technology and clever designs, wine openers now come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of features that make opening a bottle a breeze. But the design you choose really comes down to personal preference. Some people like the $1.99 corkscrew from the wine section of any store, while others prefer a rechargeable electric model that takes all the effort away from the person opening the bottle. There’s no single correct wine opener, they should all get the bottle open.
The opener I’m most familiar with is the wine key, also known as the waiter’s corkscrew. It includes a small serrated blade that makes it easy to remove the capsule and expose the cork, and an easy two-step design that removes the cork in one piece with minimal effort. Here’s how to properly open a wine bottle using this opener.
Step 1: Cutting the Foil
Using the serrated tool, cut away the foil to expose the cork. You can cut at either lip of the bottle, just make sure to cut it as cleanly as possible. Not all bottles have foil, so you might be able to skip this step.
Step 2: Screwing Into the Cork
Set the bottle at a 45 degree angle if opening it in the air, or place it on a table. Using the screw, twist into the cork until it’s firmly in place with a single notch still exposed. The screw should slide gently into the cork, don’t force it or you risk damaging it.
Step 3: First Hinge
Place the upper lever on the lip of the bottle, holding it firmly in place with one hand so it can’t slip off the neck. Gently pull up on the lever and the cork with the other hand, and it will begin to rise out of the bottle.
Step 4: Second Hinge
Once the cork has risen as far as it can with the first lever, place the second lever on the lip of the bottle and pull the cork the rest of the way out.
Step 5: Enjoy!
The only logical fifth step is to pour yourself a glass and celebrate successfully uncorking the bottle. Now you’re a pro!
There are so many enjoyable parts of drinking wine, and being able to properly uncork a bottle is definitely one of them. Try this method on one of AJA Vineyards’ many delicious wines. Thank you so much for your support, and we hope you have another week of happy tastings.
So why didn’t we use an electric opener? Well, like we said, that’s a matter of personal preference for our proprietor!
“There are many devices that can pull corks out, but the wine key is always the safest bet. It’s the easiest to clean, the cheapest to purchase, the best to keep in random places around the house, and when I’m not using it for wine, the knife really helps me open up new cases of wine!”
Amanda Greenbaum
Cheers,
Braden