How to Use a Wine Opener: Detailed Guides for 6 Corkscrews

Got a few wine openers in your kitchen but no idea how to use them?

At Wine Turtle we’ve tried most varieties and are here to give you the breakdown of each one – from how to use each kind of wine opener, which are worth purchasing, and important things you should know.

Whether you want to use an electric corkscrew or wine key we’ll give you everything you need to know, including tips, tricks and a video to show you how it’s done.

Just select the wine opener you're looking to use below.

Rabbit Style Wine Openers

When it comes to sheer ease of use rabbit style wine openers are probably the way to go. With their sturdy design, beautiful presentation, and ease of use, they are the easiest wine openers to use. Yes, even easier than electric openers (we’ll get to that later).

How to Use a Rabbit Wine Opener

Rabbit style wine openers consist of a clamp that goes around the bottle and a lever that controls the worm or spiral. To use a rabbit style wine opener follow three simple steps:

1. Position the lever so that the worm is up and clamp the handles around the neck of the bottle.
2. Move the lever up, the worm will penetrate the cork, and then down, the cork will be extracted
3. Clamp the cork (which is impaled on the worm) and move the lever up and down again to remove the cork from the worm

It’s that easy! And it works every time. The worms, or spirals, are generally coated with Teflon or another non stick material and a good wine opener will come with a replacement spiral for when it starts to be more difficult to use. Most come with a foil cutter, or have one built into the clamps.

Rabbit wine openers are a little more expensive but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and you get quick, easy extraction every time. With the additional foil cutter and worm, you’re essentially getting two openers for the cost of one and they are often packaged beautifully so they make a nice gift or look good on your bar.

Tips For Using A Rabbit Style Wine Opener

• Make sure to fully extend the lever allowing it to reset. Otherwise you will end up pushing the cork down into the bottle (and ending up with a wine stain on your kitchen ceiling)
• Pay attention to the ease with which the worm inserts into the cork. If it starts to get very difficult, replace the worm!
• Always read the directions that comes with your device – each will have brand and model specific tips and tricks!