5 Ways To Open A Wine Bottle Without A Corkscrew

Corkscrews have a nasty habit of playing hide and seek on the days you need a glass of wine the most. The stress of every minute that passes as you and your wine bottle wonder what to do next just multiplies the number of glasses you’ll need to wind down. We’ve all been there. But there’s hope. Here are 5 ways to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew.

1.  Open it with your shoe

(Source: Mirror / Mirabeau Wine)

Yes, this is a real way to open a wine bottle. Remove the wrapping around the cork first, then place your bottle in the shoe. Give it a few good whacks against a (solid) wall, and watch the cork inch its way out. Voila! You may now proceed with chugging your wine in celebration.

2. Take a hammer to it

(Source: YouTube / Keeptubing M)]

Not in the way you’re thinking, although that would be one satisfying way to do it. But to avoid shattering the glass, you’ll also need a screw, which you’ll twist down into the cork. Then use the back of the hammer to yank out the screw and cork together. At this point it will be acceptable to insist all your friends refer to you as Bacchus.

3. Knife it

(Source: YouTube / CrazyRussianHacker)

(Source: YouTube / CrazyRussianHacker)

Grab a serrated knife and remove any foil covering. Stick the knife in near the edge of the cork and VERY carefully, start twisting. By pulling up and turning with the knife, the cork will begin to work its way out. When it’s a good bit out of the bottle, but not quite far enough to be pulled the rest of the way by hand, take the knife out and stick it in the side of the cork. Turn and twist until that sweet, velvety goodness flows free.

4. Pump it

(Source: YouTube / Kristy Kreme’s channel)

Should you find yourself stuck in a bike shop or your garage with a bottle of wine, as one often is, grab the nearest bicycle pump. Wedge the pump into the cork and use some good old fashioned physical and peer pressure to pop it right out of the bottle. This also just looks like a lot of fun.

5. String it

Using a screw driver, or any long, skinny, metal device, make a hole all the way through the cork. Then take a good sized piece of string or rope and tie a knot at the end. Shove that thing down through the hole in the cork, then yank it back out. This will force the cork out, if you’re strong enough. I can’t think of any better reason to start working out than to be able to open your wine bottle, especially in front of judgmental house guests.

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