How to Open a Bottle of Wine Without a Corkscrew

A nice glass of wine can be a part of our daily lives. Whether you are having dinner, enjoying a movie or game night with friends, snuggling up with a good book, taking a bath, or just chatting with loved ones, a glass of wine tastes great and can help you kick back and enjoy the experience.

Unlike exotic cocktails, drinking wine doesn't require a recipe or even ice. All you need is a bottle and a corkscrew. But what happens when you realize you don't have a corkscrew handy? You might think that you're out of luck, but fear not, Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, NJ, is here to save the day with some simple methods you can try in a pinch.

No Corkscrew? No Problem

There are a few things to consider before trying to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew. First, above all else, you want to make sure you don't chip or break the bottle, which can be both messy and dangerous. Additionally, avoid a method that will result in the cork shedding and crumbling into your wine. With that said, there are several ways to go about it, without needing special tools or taking much risk. These include:

Pushing the Cork In

This one is pretty straightforward. Simply take a thin, blunt object (the handle of a spoon, for example) and shove the cork down inside the bottle. It is best to only choose this option if you plan to finish the bottle right away, as the cork could begin to crumble. To be safe, you can use a strainer when pouring to prevent any cork pieces from getting into your glass.

Sharp Objects

Grab a durable key, serrated knife, or even a pair of scissors for this trick. Slide the pointed end into the cork at an angle until it is firmly within the cork. Then simply lift and twist the cork simultaneously. It's best to do this slowly to prevent potential injury. You can even begin to bend downward when using a key for extra leverage. Just make sure your tool of choice isn't old, or it may break.

Screw, Screwdriver, and Hammer

While this method is simple and safe, it does require some effort. First, find a long screw and use a screwdriver to screw it down into the cork. Leave about an inch of the screw sticking out and try not to screw through the cork – or cork pieces will drop into your wine. Then, using the back side of a hammer, pry the screw out. It is a bit strenuous, but the cork should come out little by little.

Thinking Outside the Box

If these methods above just won't work for you, there are other, unique ways to get that pesky cork out. Try these tricks instead:

Bike Pump

This method seems like a science experiment, but it is rather simple and effective. Grab a bike pump with a needle and press the needle into the cork. Make sure the tip is entirely through the cork and begin pumping slowly. As air builds up in the bottle, the pressure will force the cork up and out. Just make sure not to pump too fast, or the pressure may cause the bottle to break.

Heat It Up

For this method, you'll need a lighter or a blowtorch. You'll need to add heat to the neck, just below the cork. Much like the bike-pump option, this will create force beneath the cork, causing it to push upward. It is important that you don't try this with a chilled bottle, however, as the temperature changes may cause it to explode.

String

Grab a piece of thick string and tie a figure-eight knot at one end. Then, using a thin screwdriver or pair of scissors, push the knotted end down past the cork. Once below the cork, tilt the bottle and pull on the other end of the string. The cork should ease its way out.

Find Wine and More at Joe Canal's

Visit Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, NJ, to see our selection of wine, including well-known brands such as Barefoot, Yellow Tail, Sutter Home, and Beringer. We also have plenty of spirits, beer, and more. We offer local delivery, ship products within the state, and can even send wine to Washington, D.C., and Florida. Check out our selection, or contact us and let our friendly and knowledgeable team get you the answers you need.