How to Open a Bottle of Wine Like a Pro

There’s nothing worse than struggling to open a bottle of wine – whether the cork crumbles, the foil gets messy, or worse, you send wine splashing across the table. A well-opened bottle sets the tone for an enjoyable experience, whether you’re pouring for friends or just treating yourself. Here’s how to do it properly, with minimal fuss and maximum style.

STEP 1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT OPENER

There are a few different types of wine openers, but the most common (and arguably the best) is the waiter’s friend – a simple, compact corkscrew with a built-in foil cutter and a two-step lever for ease.

Other options include:
• Winged corkscrew – Easy to use, but can sometimes break fragile corks.
• Electric opener – Ideal for those who prefer a fuss-free approach, but lacks the charm of a traditional corkscrew.
• Ah-So opener – Designed for older wines with delicate corks, as it removes the cork without piercing it.

For everyday wines, a classic waiter’s friend is your best bet – it’s what the professionals use.

STEP 2: REMOVE THE FOIL CLEANLY

Before you even touch the cork, you need to remove the foil cap covering the top of the bottle. The easiest way to do this is:
1. Use the small knife on a waiter’s friend corkscrew to cut just below the lip of the bottle’s neck.
2. Make a smooth, clean cut all the way around.
3. Peel off the top of the foil and discard it.
4. Wipe the rim of the bottle with a clean cloth or napkin – this ensures no bits of foil or dust end up in your glass.

Tip: Some people remove the entire foil wrapper, but leaving the lower portion intact looks neater and more professional.

STEP 3: INSERT THE CORKSCREW PROPERLY

Now comes the crucial part – getting that cork out in one smooth move.
1. Position the corkscrew tip in the centre of the cork and press it in slightly to get a good start.
2. Twist the screw into the cork in a firm but controlled manner, ensuring it goes in straight.
3. Stop twisting when only one spiral remains visible – going too deep can break the cork.

STEP 4: LEVERAGE IT OUT SMOOTHLY

1. Use the first notch of your corkscrew’s lever against the bottle’s rim and pull the cork up halfway.
2. Switch to the second notch for more leverage and pull again.
3. Gently wiggle the cork out for the last part – don’t yank it, or you’ll risk spilling wine or breaking the cork.

If you’re using a winged corkscrew, the wings will rise as you twist – simply press them down evenly to extract the cork.

STEP 5: THE FINAL TOUCHES

Once the cork is out:
1. Check it – If it’s damp at the bottom, that’s a good sign the wine has been stored properly. If it’s dry, crumbly, or smells musty, the wine might be corked.
2. Wipe the bottle neck – This removes any stray cork dust or residue.
3. Give it a sniff – Some people like to smell the cork, but the best way to tell if a wine is in good condition is by actually tasting it.

BONUS: OPENING A STUBBORN CORK

If the cork breaks or gets stuck:
• Use a corkscrew with longer spirals to grip the remaining part and pull it out.
• If it’s really stuck, push the cork into the bottle and strain the wine through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

NOW, POUR & ENJOY!

With the hard part done, all that’s left is to pour and enjoy. And if you’re storing the wine for later, pop a proper wine stopper in to keep it fresh.

Did you know? 🍷

• Before bottles, wine was stored in amphorae
Amphorae are large clay jars used by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Glass bottles only became common in the 17th century.

• A standard wine cork is about 24mm wide
Wine bottle necks are slightly smaller to create a tight seal.

• Not all corks are made from cork!
Some wines now use synthetic corks or screw caps, which can actually help preserve freshness, especially for white and rosé wines.

• When a waiter asks you to taste the wine, it’s not about whether you like it!
It’s to check if the wine is corked or faulty – not to decide if it suits your preference.