2 things you need to know about corkscrews

Exploring the Origins of Wine Accessories

We are delving into the fascinating world of wine accessories by examining their origins. Let's start with an indispensable wine tool: the corkscrew.

1. Where Did the Corkscrew Come From?

Most people probably assume that the corkscrew is a purely French invention. However, its origins are actually British. The first patent for a corkscrew was filed in 1795 by the English Reverend Samuel Henshall, who invented a T-shaped screw and nut version (see image below). While this does not make him the inventor of the corkscrew (whose true origins remain unknown), historical evidence strongly supports the theory that the corkscrew was born in England.

2. Why Is It Nicknamed "General de Gaulle"?

"Do you have a General de Gaulle so I can open the bottle?" This somewhat strange question might sound familiar to some. In reality, a "General de Gaulle" refers to a corkscrew with a head and two large levers (or arms) as shown in the image above. The resemblance to a "little man" is quite apparent. The connection to Charles de Gaulle stems from the General's habit of raising his arms during public speeches, much like when he famously declared "I have understood you" in Algiers on June 4, 1958.

FAQ - Corkscrew

What are the different types of corkscrews?

The main types include the waiter's friend (or sommelier knife), the winged (butterfly) corkscrew with its two lever arms, the simple T-shaped model, the two-pronged Ah-So and electric corkscrews. They all work on the same principle: a worm, or helix, that screws into the cork to pull it out.

What is a waiter's friend corkscrew?

The waiter's friend, also called a sommelier knife or wine key, is a folding pocket model with a worm, a small blade to cut the foil and a lever that rests on the bottle neck. Its precision and compact size make it the tool of choice for professionals.

How do you open a wine bottle without a corkscrew?

A few backup methods exist, such as gently pushing the cork inward or using a long screw with pliers. These are emergency tricks only: a proper corkscrew remains the safest way to protect both the cork and the wine.

Which corkscrew should a beginner choose?

For occasional use, the winged (butterfly) corkscrew is the easiest, as the two arms lift the cork out with almost no effort. The waiter's friend takes a little more practice but becomes more versatile once you get the hang of it.

How do you use a winged corkscrew?

Center the worm on the cork, then turn until the two arms rise up. Press the arms back down and the cork slides gently out of the neck. Keep the worm straight so that it does not crumble the cork.