As easy as this sounds, you’d be surprised at how clueless some people really are. Opening a bottle of wine is something that not a lot of people know how to do properly, but it’s something that we will eventually experience, some more than others. The following guide will take you through the steps to properly open a bottle of wine.

Step 1.
The first thing you want to do is to get a good grip of the bottle. The last thing you want is for the bottle to slip out of your hands as you are trying to open it. That’s not very debonair.

Step 2.
Once you get a good grip, pull out the knife on the opener and start to cut the foil cover just under the lip of the bottle.

Step 3.
Place your thumb on the back of the neck of the bottle while you cut the foil on the front from left to right. Then, take the knife to the back of the neck and cut the remaining foil until both cuts meet. At this point you should have a straight cut around the neck of the bottle.

Step 4.
Use the knife to start peeling off the foil above the lip. If your cut was straight through, the foil should come off in one piece without a problem.

Step 5.
Push in the knife and pull out the screw (aka the worm). Take the screw from an angle and stick the tip of it into the center of the cork.

Step 7.
Once the screw tip is into the cork, straighten the opener and start to turn clockwise. Make sure to keep it straight because if the screw goes in at an angle, the cork may break upon opening.

Step 8.
Penetrate the screw all the way down while leaving a couple of inches left. Next, locate the 1st hinge on the wine opener and place it on the top of the bottle.

Step 9.
Hold the hinge tight to the bottle as you grab the opener with your other hand and pull up. If you are putting enough force, the cork will start to come out of the bottle.

Step 10.
Once half of the cork is exposed, you’ll also notice that you no longer have enough leverage using the 1st hinge. Switch to the 2nd hinge and continue to pull until the entire cork is about to come out.

Step 11.
At the very point when the cork is about to surface, use your hand to pull the cork out.

If there are any 101’s, tips or techniques you would like us to cover, let us know. You can email your suggestions to co@acqtaste.com.

Words by Chuck Ortiz
Photography by Greg Washington

If there’s one item that could potentially make or break your night, it’s the corkscrew.

What: Legnoart: Ghemme Grand Crue Sommelier Corkscrew
How Much: $ 115.00 CAD
Where: William Sonoma

Think about it, you’re about to embark on an evening of romantic conversation and much earned playing time. With each glass of fine wine you and your partner indulge, you set yourself up for success in more ways than one. Having the right tools in hand will make this endeavor that much more smooth. The Legnoart Ghemme Grand Crue Sommelier corkscrew will ensure just that. This perfectly crafted corkscrew will not only make you look like a pro but will allow you to feel like one too.

Legnoart is one of the most prominent Italian companies in the field of designed objects for the house, the kitchen and the wine cellar. Their hefty price tag can be justified based on the durability of the corkscrew. Unlike most generic corkscrews with their straight-lined body, the Legnoart’s specially designed contoured body allows for a comfortable grip. The beautifully crafted beech wood placed along the body is especially chosen for its durability, adding to the corkscrews protection during wear and tear. Lastly, its stainless steel levers worm and knife are made to fight rust and discoloration.

Gentlemen, its going to be a long night, with many bottles of wine to open. Do it right and with ease because you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

Words & Photography by Chuck Ortiz.