Opening wine correctly

Modern wine opener design leaves little room for error. But the artistry of opening a bottle still deserves attention. Even if you have a bottle with the increasingly popular screw top, you will want to open the wine properly as it adds to the enjoyment.

Before we get too far into the proper techniques of opening a bottle, let’s take a little look at the different openers on the market. This list could be exhaustive, so we’re only going to look at some of the handheld models since they can be used in the home, on the road or on a picnic. Each has its own unique character and capabilities.

The most popular method, of course, is the venerable corkscrew, or screw pull. Once the screw portion is driven a short distance into the cork, the spiral takes over and simple physics pulls the cork up as the corkscrew is turned down into the cork.

The Waiter’s Friend is another popular option. It is small and efficient and if you use it correctly, there’s less chance of breaking the cork compared to a corkscrew. Once the screw is inserted into the cork far enough, the lever is placed on the rim. An upward pull on the handle lifts the cork out. With a little practice, it looks effortless and that’s why a lot of waiters prefer to use it in restaurants. Plus, most have a small blade in the handle that can used to cut the foil.

The final option is the Butler’s Friend. The device gained its name from the fact that you can remove a cork without any visible trace that it was opened. This allowed the butler or servant to take a sip or two without being noticed. The Butler’s Friend has two pointed prongs, one longer than the other. These are slid down the sides of the cork and then the prongs are rocked back and forth using the handle. When the prongs reach inside the bottle, you simply pull up while twisting the handle.

When buying a wine opener, don’t get a cheap one. They break easily and often the screw portion isn’t sharp or made of strong enough steel. They will end up breaking the cork or fall apart on you. A good screw pull, Waiter’s Friend or Butler’s Friend can be purchased from any reputable wine shop or retailer.

Mastering the perfect opening

1. Use the cutter on the opener to remove enough of the metal foil so it doesn’t touch the wine.

2. Hold the opener straight and either twist the corkscrew through the cork or rock the prongs into the bottle.

3. Hold the bottle in one hand while you remove the opener with the cork attached to it.

4. Wrap a napkin or a wine collar around the neck to catch any spillage and you’re all ready to serve up your favorite wine.

If you are opening a bottle with the newer screw tops, remove the foil as in step one, then hold the bottle while you twist it with your free hand. Then follow step four and serve the wine just like always. Alternately, you can use the napkin to open the bottle, masking the fact that it’s a screw top.