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Liputan6.com, Jakarta How to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew? This question comes up more often than you think. Many people find themselves in situations where they have a good bottle of wine but no wine opener. Maybe you forgot to bring one to a picnic, or perhaps you moved to a new home and cannot find your corkscrew.
The good news is that you do not need to give up on enjoying your wine. There are many creative ways to open a wine bottle using common household items. These methods have helped wine lovers around the world when they needed them most.
In this article, we will show you how to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew using eight different methods. Each method uses items you probably have at home right now. We gathered these guides from various sources, Monday (11/8/2025).
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How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew
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1. Use a Screw and Hammer
This method is one of the safest ways to open wine without a proper wine opener. You need a long screw, a screwdriver, and a hammer. This technique works well because it copies how a real corkscrew functions.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Find a long screw (at least 2 inches long works best)
2. Use the screwdriver to screw it into the cork
3. Leave about one inch of the screw showing above the cork
4. Take the back part of the hammer (not the hitting part)
5. Hook the hammer under the screw head
6. Pull the cork out slowly and steadily
7. Clean any small pieces of cork that may fall
2. Push the Cork Inside with a Wooden Spoon
Sometimes the easiest solution is to push the cork into the bottle instead of pulling it out. This method works well when you need to open wine quickly. You can use the handle of a wooden spoon or any similar blunt object.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Remove any foil covering from the bottle top
2. Take a wooden spoon with a long handle
3. Place the handle on top of the cork
4. Push down firmly and steadily
5. Keep pushing until the cork falls into the wine
6. Pour the wine through a strainer to remove cork pieces
7. Use a clean cloth to wipe the bottle neck
3. Use a Shoe to Bang the Cork Out
The shoe method is a popular way to open wine bottles when you have no tools. This technique uses force and vibration to move the cork out slowly. Choose a shoe with good padding to protect the bottle.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Wrap the bottom of the wine bottle in a thick towel
2. Place the wrapped bottle inside a sturdy shoe
3. Hold the bottle firmly in the shoe
4. Bang the shoe against a solid wall gently
5. Hit the wall many times with light force
6. Stop when the cork starts to come out
7. Pull the cork out with your hands when you can grab it
4. Create a Hook with a Wire Hanger
A wire clothes hanger can become a useful tool for opening wine. You need to bend the hanger into a hook shape. This method requires some patience but works very well when done correctly.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Take a wire clothes hanger and straighten it
2. Bend one end to make a small hook (about 30 degrees)
3. Push the straight end down into the bottle next to the cork
4. Move the wire down until the hook is under the cork
5. Turn the wire 90 degrees so the hook catches the cork bottom
6. Pull the wire up slowly and steadily
7. Use pliers if you need more grip on the wire
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How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew
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5. Twist with a Key
Using a key is another simple method for opening wine bottles. This technique works best with strong metal keys. Be careful not to use your only car key in case it breaks during the process.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a strong key (preferably one you have copies of)
2. Push the key into the cork at a 45-degree angle
3. Insert most of the key into the cork
4. Start twisting the key while pulling upward
5. Turn the key in small circles to loosen the cork
6. Continue until the cork starts moving up
7. Pull the cork out completely when it becomes loose
6. Use a Bike Pump
A bike pump with a needle attachment can help you open wine bottles using air pressure. This method works by forcing air into the bottle, which pushes the cork out. Make sure to pump carefully to avoid breaking the bottle.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Get a bike pump with a thin needle attachment
2. Push the needle through the cork completely
3. Make sure the needle reaches the air space in the bottle
4. Pump air into the bottle slowly
5. Watch as the cork starts to move up
6. Stop pumping when the cork is almost out
7. Pull the cork out by hand
7. Cut with a Serrated Knife
A serrated knife can help you remove a cork by cutting and twisting. This method requires careful handling since you are working with a sharp blade. Choose a knife that fits well in your hand for better control.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Select a serrated knife (bread knives work well)
2. Insert the blade into the cork at a 45-degree angle
3. Push about half the blade into the cork
4. Twist the knife gently while pulling upward
5. Move the knife in small circles to loosen the cork
6. Continue twisting until the cork comes out
7. Be very careful to avoid cutting yourself
8. Apply Heat to the Bottle Neck
Heat can help push the cork out by expanding the air inside the bottle. You can use a lighter or other heat source for this method. This technique requires caution to avoid breaking the glass or burning yourself.
Step-by-step guide:
1. Make sure the bottle is at room temperature (not cold)
2. Use a lighter or small torch
3. Apply heat to the neck of the bottle just below the cork
4. Heat the area for 30-60 seconds
5. Watch as the cork starts to move upward
6. Remove the heat source when the cork begins moving
7. Let the bottle cool before handling