When the evening is perfect… but the corkscrew has vanished
The guests have arrived. The table is set. The bottle is in your hand — the right one, chosen with care. And the corkscrew is nowhere to be found.
It happens more often than we'd like to admit. And no, it isn't a disaster.
There are alternative ways — some clever, some creative, one or two downright spectacular — to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew. We've gathered six: one for every situation, one for every kind of evening.
1. With a key: the improvised corkscrew
The simplest and quickest method. All you need is a sturdy key — your house key will do just fine.
- Push the key into the cork at an angle of about 45°
- Turn it slowly, without forcing it
- The cork will start to rise along with the key
With a little patience, the cork comes out almost by itself. It isn't elegant, but it works.
2. With a screw and pliers: the DIY method
The most reliable of the do-it-yourself options — and the tools are available in almost any home.
- Drive a screw into the centre of the cork, almost all the way in
- Use pliers or a fork as a lever under the head of the screw
- Pull the cork out slowly, with a steady motion
It takes a few tools, but it's the method closest to a real corkscrew. Guaranteed result.
3. With a lighter: physics to the rescue
This method relies on a basic principle: heat expands air, and the expanding air pushes the cork outwards.
- Heat the neck of the bottle with a lighter, moving it in a circle
- Wait a few seconds: the air inside will start to expand
- The cork will gradually rise until you can pull it out
⚠️ It works best with natural cork stoppers. Not recommended with synthetic materials, which may react unpredictably to heat.
4. With a shoe: the spectacular method
The one people remember. The one your guests will talk about.
- Wrap the bottle in a thick cloth to protect it
- Put the bottom of the bottle into a sturdy shoe (with a rigid sole)
- Tap the sole against a wall, gently but rhythmically
- The cork will gradually work its way up — pull it out once it's far enough
It takes a bit of practice and the right amount of confidence. But when it works, the effect is memorable.
5. With a spoon: the direct method
The quickest solution — and the least theatrical.
- Place the handle of a spoon on the cork
- Push down firmly
- The cork will drop into the bottle
It always works, but it has a downside: the cork ends up in the wine and may slightly affect the tasting experience. Use it as a last resort.
6. With a bicycle pump: the wow method
The cleverest of all — and the most satisfying when it works.
- Push the pump needle through the cork, into the air pocket between the cork and the wine
- Slowly pump air into the bottle
- The building pressure will push the cork out by itself, almost automatically
⚠️ Be careful not to pump too fast: the pressure needs to build up gradually.
Wow effect guaranteed. And a story to tell.
The real final tip
Six methods, six different stories. They all work — some better than others, some with more style.
But the most honest advice we can give you is also the simplest: always keep a corkscrew within reach. Ideally next to the bottle you've chosen for the evening.
And if you can't find it this time either — well, at least now you know what to do.
Salude e trigu — Colline del Vento
