How Do You Use a Wine Opener? Five Common Types Explained [2026]

You have the bottle, you have something that looks like a wine opener, and then comes the awkward part: which bit moves first?

Most wine openers do the same job: they grip the cork and pull it out. Some need more strength. Others do most of the work for you.

Before you start, make sure the bottle actually has a cork. Screw caps are common on Australian wine and simply twist open. Do not use these openers on sparkling wine. For still wine with a cork, place the bottle on a steady surface and remove the foil from the top.

How Do You Use a T-Shaped Corkscrew?

This is the simple opener with a handle across the top. It works, but you need to pull the cork out using your own strength.

Put the point in the middle of the cork and turn the handle clockwise. Keep it straight as it goes in. Stop before the spiral goes through the bottom of the cork. Hold the bottle firmly, then pull the handle straight up, slowly.

If the cork will not move, do not swing the opener from side to side. That can break the cork. To be honest, I would choose a different opener if pulling is difficult for you.

How to use a T-shaped corkscrew: twist it into the centre of the cork, then pull straight up.

How Do You Use a Waiter’s Corkscrew?

This small folding opener is also called a wine key or waiter’s friend. You will often see it in restaurants. It can feel awkward the first time, but its two steps make pulling the cork much easier.

Use the small knife to cut the foil below the bottle rim, then fold the knife away. Put the spiral in the middle of the cork and turn it until only one turn is still visible. Rest the first, shorter step on the bottle rim and lift the handle. When the cork is halfway out, move to the second step and lift again.

A common mistake is trying to pull the cork out all at once. Use both steps. After a few bottles, it feels much easier than it sounds.

How Does a Winged Corkscrew Work?

This is the familiar opener with two arms that rise as you turn the top handle. It is a friendly option for beginners because the tool shows you what is happening.

Place the round base over the bottle neck. Turn the top handle clockwise so the spiral goes into the middle of the cork. The two arms will rise. When they are fully up, press them down together, slowly and evenly. The cork will rise as the arms come down.

Both wings need to move at the same time. Pressing one before the other can tilt the cork and make it break.

How Do You Use a Two-Prong Wine Opener?

A two-prong wine opener is also called an Ah-So. It has two thin metal sides and no spiral. It is useful for older bottles because it holds the cork from the outside instead of making a hole through it.

Remove the foil. Slide the longer metal side between the cork and the glass. Slide the shorter side in on the opposite side of the cork. Move the handle gently from side to side until both metal sides are almost all the way in. Turn the handle to loosen the cork, then turn and pull up slowly.

Take your time. If you push down too hard, the cork may fall into the bottle. I would practise on an ordinary bottle before using one on a special old wine.

How Do You Use an Electric Wine Opener?

An electric opener is usually the easiest choice if you do not want to pull by hand. Just make sure it is charged before you need it.

Remove the foil and put the bottle on a firm surface. Hold the opener straight over the middle of the cork. Press and hold the lower button. The opener will turn the spiral and pull out the cork. Lift the opener away, then press the upper button to release the cork.

Let the motor do the work. Do not push the opener sideways or force it down. And remember, do not use it on Champagne or other sparkling wine.

Which Wine Opener Is Easiest for a Beginner?

A winged corkscrew is easy to understand. An electric opener needs the least effort. A waiter’s corkscrew is small and useful once you get used to its two steps.

The T-shaped corkscrew works, but you have to pull it by hand. The two-prong opener is best for older corks that may break easily.

Whichever one you use, remember three things: start in the middle, keep the opener straight and slow down if the cork starts to break. You do not need a loud pop. You just want the cork out cleanly and the wine ready to pour.