The Easiest Ways to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew

Red wine being poured into the glass at the table
Getty | Xsandra

Perhaps you've encountered this life scenario before: you find yourself with a wine bottle, yet no corkscrew. Dilemma! Do you forfeit the idea of drinking wine that evening because you didn't think to buy a screw-top bottle? Of course not! Instead, follow one of these creative ways to open wine bottles without a bottle opener.

How to use a shoe to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

  • Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
  • Insert the bottom of the bottle into a shoe — a sneaker works great!
  • Bang the sole of the shoe against a tree or another hard surface, like a wall, while carefully holding the bottle.
  • Watch the cork pop out after a few bangs of the shoe (okay, it might be more than a few).

How to use a screwdriver to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

  • Gather a screw, a screwdriver and a hammer.
  • Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
  • Use the screwdriver to twist the screw into the cork.
  • Ply open the bottle by using the peen or claw of the hammer (the part meant to help remove a nail) to pluck the screw up and with it the cork. Bottoms up!

How to use a key to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

  • Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
  • Insert a key into the cork at an angle.
  • Grab a towel to cushion your hand, and then, push the key into the cork as much as possible.
  • Start to twist the key as you pull the cork out to free it. Cheers!

P.S. It seems almost anything sharp can free a wine cork, such as a wire hanger. Just a word of caution: No bottle of wine is worth injuring yourself to open it, so be careful!

How to use a bike pump to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

  • Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
  • Insert the needle of the bike pump into the cork.
  • Keeping the top of the bottle away from your eyes and face, slowly pump the bottle with air and the cork will start to release up.

How to use a kitchen spoon to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

  • Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
  • Use the end of a wooden spoon to force the cork into the wine — but note this method works best with a rubber cork.
  • Enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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