How to open a wine bottle like a pro?

Opening a bottle of wine may seem simple, but done incorrectly, it can break the cork, disturb the wine or ruin the moment. Whether you use a sommelier knife, a pump corkscrew, or find yourself without any tool, here are all the techniques to open a bottle of wine with ease and elegance.

The sommelier knife: the professional method

The sommelier knife is the reference tool in restaurants and among knowledgeable wine lovers. It consists of three parts: a serrated blade to cut the capsule, a spiral (worm) to pierce the cork, and a double lever to extract it effortlessly.

Here is how to proceed step by step:

Place the bottle on a stable surface, label facing your guests.
Cut the capsule below the neck ring using the serrated blade and remove it completely to expose the top of the cork.
Position the tip of the spiral at the center of the cork and twist gently, stopping at the second-to-last turn, do not go all the way through.
Rest the first notch of the lever on the bottle lip and lift firmly to extract two-thirds of the cork.
Switch to the second notch and lift again. Finish by gently pulling the cork out by hand, twisting slightly to avoid noise and splashing.

Other types of corkscrews

There are several alternatives to the sommelier knife depending on your preference:

The wing corkscrew (or butterfly) is the most common in households. Place the spiral in the center of the cork, twist the handle until fully inserted, then push down both arms to extract the cork in one motion.
The pump corkscrew works with air: insert the hollow needle through the cork into the bottle, then pump air to push the cork out gradually. Convenient, but not recommended for older wines with fragile corks.
The electric corkscrew simplifies everything: place it on the neck, press the button, and the cork is removed in seconds. Ideal for opening multiple bottles during a dinner.
The bottle opener is only for crown caps, typically used for craft beers, pét-nats and some experimental wines. It does not work with cork closures.

How to open a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine

Opening a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine follows a different technique, as the cork is held by a wire cage and under high pressure.

Remove the foil covering the cage.
Loosen the wire cage by untwisting the metal loop (six half-turns counterclockwise) without removing it, always keep your thumb on the cork.
Tilt the bottle at a 45° angle, holding it firmly with one hand at the base and the other on the cork and cage.
Slowly rotate the bottle (not the cork), controlling the pressure. The cork should release with a soft sigh, not a loud pop, this preserves the bubbles and avoids spills.

Never shake a bottle of champagne before opening it: internal pressure can reach 5 to 6 bars.

How to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew

No corkscrew available? Several backup methods exist depending on what you have on hand:

Using a knife and fork: Insert a sturdy kitchen knife into the cork while twisting, then gently pull while using leverage against the bottle neck. A fork can help as support.
Using a screw and screwdriver: Screw a long wood screw into the cork, leaving about 2 cm exposed, then use the screwdriver as a lever to pull it out.
Pushing the cork inside: As a last resort, use a pen or cylindrical object to gently push the cork into the bottle. This works, but the cork falls into the wine, decant immediately to retrieve it. Not recommended for wines with sediment.

For more tips, read our article on tips for opening a bottle of wine without a corkscrew.

Should you decant wine after opening?

Opening the bottle is sometimes only the first step. Some structured red wines, especially Bordeaux, Rhône wines or aged wines, benefit from decanting: pouring the wine into a carafe helps oxygenate tannins, soften the wine and reveal its aromas. Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the wine’s age and structure. Red wines that are young and fruit-driven can usually be served directly.

FAQ: opening a bottle of wine

What is the best way to open a bottle of wine?
The sommelier knife remains the most reliable and elegant method for still wines sealed with cork. It is compact, versatile and suitable for both home and restaurant use. For sparkling wines, the 45° bottle rotation technique is essential to control pressure.

How do you open a screw-cap bottle?
Screw caps (Stelvin) simply open by holding the bottle with one hand and twisting the cap counterclockwise with the other. No tool is required. Contrary to popular belief, screw caps do not indicate lower quality, many winemakers use them to better preserve freshness.

How do you avoid breaking the cork?
Corks usually break when the spiral is inserted too far or at an angle. Always stop at the second-to-last turn, keep it centered, and use the double lever in two steps instead of forcing it all at once.

What if the cork breaks?
If the cork crumbles, use a thin corkscrew to remove the remaining pieces. If fragments fall into the bottle, decant the wine through a cloth or coffee filter. The wine is still perfectly drinkable.

Should the bottle be upright or lying down before opening?
For cork-sealed still wines stored horizontally, stand the bottle upright 30 to 60 minutes before opening. This allows sediment to settle at the bottom. For champagne, keep it upright and chilled until serving.

Which corkscrew makes a good gift?
A high-quality sommelier knife in wood or brushed metal is always appreciated. For a more complete gift, a set including a corkscrew, stopper and drip ring is ideal. On Avenue des Vins, our wines from short supply chains are shipped directly from winemakers, pair a great bottle with the right tool to open it!