How to Cork a Wine Bottle Without a Corker?

When you want to enjoy a bottle of wine it’s imperative that you have a way to get it open. A waiter’s corkscrew is a common tool to use for this, but did you know that there are other ways for you to open wine bottles if you don’t have one? In this short article, we discuss a few simple ways you can cork a wine bottle without a corker. 

What is a Corkscrew? 

This is an instrument that consists of a metal spiral that ends at a sharp point on one end and a handle on the other end which is used to take corks out of bottles. Using this is the most traditional and reliable way to get the top of the wine bottle open. These tools have been specifically designed to fit inside a champagne cork and remove them from the top of the bottle with minimal effort. 

Opening a Wine Bottle Without a Corker

Luckily, there are different ways to open bottles of wine even if you don’t have a corkscrew at home.

Using a Blunt Object 

Even without a proper wine opener, you can remove a cork by simply pushing it to the neck of the bottle. To do this, you need to find a tool or object that’s blunt at the end to try and push the end of the cork inside. No matter what item you use, you’ll need to ensure that it’s clean and won’t damage your cork. 

Using a Steak Knife

You can also a wine bottle by using a steak knife or serrated knife. However, you need to ensure that it’s sharp and that you handle it carefully.  

Working the Lip of Bottle

This is an easy way to open a wine bottle if you can’t find a corkscrew; simply put the lip of the bottle onto a sturdy surface then push down on the cork and wait for it to pop off. To help you with a tight cork, put a rubber band over the neck of your bottle for a tight seal. Doing this will help to prevent spills from leaking out before the cork comes off.   

Using the Shoe Method 

Here’s another one of the alternative ways to open a wine bottle, all you need is enough space to place your shoe on top of the cork. Next, use a small knife in between the glass and the cork while you push down with your hand on the shoe until it pops out.  

Using a Wooden Spoon

A great way to open a wine bottle is to use the handle of a wooden spoon. Just put the handle on an angle above the cork and put some pressure on it until you feel some resistance. This will cause the cork to come out of the bottle neck. 

Opt for Screw Caps 

You can always look for wine bottles that come with screw caps or ones that can be twisted off. These are becoming more and more popular with winemakers since they’re so convenient. With these kinds of bottles, you just have to twist their caps off and enjoy your wine. 

Using the Base of the Bottle

This is a great way to open wine bottles without access to a corkscrew and is possibly the easiest way to do it. All you have to do is hit the base of the bottle over a hard surface. Make sure that you have a good aim and go for a flat surface such as concrete to avoid making a mess.  

Using a Wine Corker

This easy-to-use tool provides one of the best ways to remove and replace the original corks from your wine bottles. Just insert your corker over the cork and then push it using all of your strength all the way up until your bottle opens.  

Using a Pair of Pliers

One of the more effective ways to open a wine bottle is to use a pair of pliers. With the right kind of tools, you won’t have to worry about damaging the glass or cork, so be sure to use a thick-handled pair with a wide grip. Get started by inserting them into the neck of your bottle, and pulling it out as you grip the cork tightly. 

Using a Bike Pump

If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive way to get the cork out of your wine bottle, this might be worth a shot. Just place the nozzle from the bike pump into your cork and start pumping air inside the bottle. While you’re pumping, you’ll notice that the cork will rise slowly thanks to the added air pressure until it comes off eventually. 

Using the Back of a Hammer

This is probably the safest method for opening your wine bottle when you don’t have a corkscrew. To get started, take the handle of your hammer and put it over the cork’s edge. Ensure that you have enough leverage then exert a bit of pressure to help force the cork to come out. 

Using a Coffee Filter

One of the best practices for opening a bottle of wine when you don’t have any useful tools is using a coffee filter. Begin by taking a regular-size coffee filter and then wetting it with water. Next, put it on top of the cork and then press it down, which should be all you need to pop the cork out.  

Using the Screw Method 

Using a long screw will need some skill and patience but it should be no problem once you have the right technique and tool at hand. Start by getting a long screw with the right length so that the screw’s head can reach the top of your bottle. Then use an electric drill to make a small hole at the middle of the cork then twist it until your cork comes out. 

Using a Plastic Wrap

The best thing you can use to open your wine bottle when you’re on a budget is a plastic wrap. All you need is a piece of plastic wrap to place over the cork, then use your thumb to push on the side of the cork while on a 45-degree angle until the pressure starts to build up. Doing this should be enough to make the cork come out. 

Using a Winged Corkscrew

Maybe you have one of these useful tools, which is a great alternative to a regular corkscrew. This is one of the simple tricks you can use for people who may not have enough corks to work with when using a regular corkscrew. This model has two wings on both sides to help you grip the cork better and apply enough pressure to help you break the seal and then pull it out. 

Using a Vacuum Seal

Another good way to open a wine bottle without the use of tools is through a vacuum seal. Using this key method will involve pushing your cork into the neck of your bottle through a vacuum seal with the use of your hands. This will take some patience and practice but once you’re able to master it, this will be one of your most-used techniques when it comes to opening wine bottles when you don’t have special tools to work with.   

Using a Wine Rack

This is one of the more convenient ways to open wine bottles when you don’t have a corkscrew to work with. Using this method, the cork can be removed easily but pushing it from the center of the cork using the weight of the bottle. However, this technique is best used on unopened bottles since this can be hard to do with bottles that are already opened.  

Using the Neck of the Wine Bottle

This is a good option if you’re looking for an easy way to get your wine bottle open if you don’t have access to a corkscrew. It doesn’t require any additional tools; just place your bottle against flat, hard surface such as a table or wall then use your palm to push the cork down until it comes off. Make sure that you move slowly and carefully — you wouldn’t want your dark glass bottle to break. 

How to Keep Your Wine After Opening It

Now that you know how to open your wine, you may want to know how to preserve it as well. You wouldn’t want air to get inside your wine bottle since this will ruin the flavor; thankfully, you can get the most out of your wine through the ways of preservation we share below. 

Using a Wine Stopper

A wine stopper was specifically designed to replace natural corks by providing an airtight seal on your wine bottle, keeping the contents flavorful and fresh. These will come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials such as stainless steel and plastic.  

Replacing the Cork 

If you’ve lost the original cork, you can also look for a replacement such as saran wrap, rubber band, or a paper towel. Remember, no matter how you replace your cork, be sure to re-cork it properly by placing it back on the bottle in the same manner you took it off. 

Refrigerate Your Bottle 

Always place your leftover wine into the fridge after opening it to make sure it lasts a few days longer. Storing wine at colder temperatures such as 55°F will work best and never store it on the side once it’s been opened. Whether your wine is stored in the refrigerator or on a rack, it should always be placed upright. 

Keep it Away from Light and Heat

Never keep your wine in direct heat or light — aim for a dark place or a cool place that has relative humidity at room temperature. A dark and cold fridge is the ideal place for wine because any place with sunlight or fluorescent bulbs will make your wine age faster and expire quickly. Don’t store your wine in places where the temperature is over 70°F — don’t keep wine of any kind near windows. 

Conclusion 

Next time you want to open your wine bottle but find that you don’t have a corkscrew, you can rest easy knowing that there are many simple yet effective ways to do so. However, you can always use a screw top as your last resort, where you replace the cork using a metal cap similar to the one found on soft drinks. It’s also best for you to remember that wine ages once it’s opened, so be sure to put it somewhere cool to help extend its life.

Sources 

• Sarahscoop.com
• Newair.com
• Pinotsquirrel.com