How to Open a Bottle of Wine

Screwcap got you stumped? Cork stuck in? We've got you covered.

Let's identify how the bottle in front of you is closed.

That's going to determine how we approach it. The main culprits are regular cork, champagne cork, screwcap, or sometimes crown seal (like you'd see on a beer).

Of these, only a regular cork and crown seal require any form of equipment, the others you can use your bare hands!

Screw cap--red

Invented in Australia as way of making wine last longer and with less issues (eg cork taint etc), the screwcap is a simple, elegant way of sealing wine bottles that has taken off across the world.

To remove, simply grip the bottle with one hand and the cap with the other, and rotate the cap around until it clicks off.

Sometimes, rarely, you might see a small circle remaining over the wine. This is the inner seal of the screwcap that sometimes detaches. Just prise it off with your fingers - no harm done!

Crown seal--strawberry

The same as opening a bottle of beer, this closure is the least common. Just grab a beer opener and flip it underneath and apply pressure until it pops off.

We're banking on this closure becoming more popular for wine, due to its efficiency and value.

Champagne cork--cork

We've detailed how to open a bottle of sparkling wine, but it's a pretty easy thing once you've got the hang of it.

Remove the foil and loosen the cage. Hold the bottle with one hand and the cork with the other. Slowly twist the bottle (not the cork) and release the cork slowly.

Some people say the sound should resemble an angels fart....psssssht.

Regular cork--racy

Ahh the cork. Nemesis of many. And if you're stuck without a corkscrew.....ahhh the pain. As long as you have the right tool though, it shouldn't be intimidating! Stare that bottle down - show it who's boss! Use the small knife to cut away the foil. Cut under the big lip of the bottle, so you remove a decent amount. Flip out the screw and, with the bottle standing upright on a flat surface, insert the tip of the screw into as close to the centre of the cork as you can. Just push it in a little way, and then slowly twist the corkscrew to lower the screw into the cork. Once all the twists of the screw are in the cork, rest the lever arm on the side of the lip of the bottle.

Holding this in the place with one hand, use your other hand to leverage the main part of the corkscrew upwards. Half way through this process, adjust the lever arm to the second, halfway part, for better leverage. Smoothly pull the cork out of the bottle and enjoy the sweet taste of success!

About the Author

Banjo Harris Plane is the three-time winner Sommelier of the Year Australia and a certified advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He first cut his teeth in the wine industry working as a sommelier in Australia's best restaurants, before starting multiple businesses in the space of a few years... these included two restaurants, a wine import business and co-founding Good Pair Days!