7 Creative Ways to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew

We've all been there—you're ready to unwind with a bottle of wine, only to realize there's no corkscrew in sight. Don't worry, your wine night isn’t over yet! Here are seven clever, tried-and-true ways to open a wine bottle when you're in a pinch.

1. Use a Shoe (Yes, Really!)

Place the bottle inside a sturdy shoe with a flat sole. Holding the shoe and bottle together, gently but firmly hit the bottom of the shoe against a wall. The impact will gradually push the cork out. Once it's partway out, pull it the rest of the way with your hands. Be careful—go slow to avoid breaking the bottle.

2. Push It In
If you don’t mind the cork ending up inside the bottle, use the handle of a wooden spoon or similar blunt object to push it all the way in. It might splash a bit, so do it over a sink or with a towel handy. This method works best with synthetic corks.

3. Screw and Hammer Method
Grab a long screw and twist it into the cork using a screwdriver. Leave about an inch sticking out. Then, using the back of a hammer (or even pliers), pull the screw—and the cork—out like you're removing a nail.

4. Heat the Bottle

Cork stuck tight? Heating the air beneath it can cause expansion and push it out. Use a blowtorch or lighter to heat the neck of the bottle (below the cork) slowly. This can cause the cork to pop out on its own. Be extremely cautious—do not overheat or use near flammable items.

5. Use a Bike Pump with a Needle
Insert a needle (from a bike pump or air pump) all the way through the cork. Pump air in slowly. The pressure will push the cork up and eventually out. This is surprisingly effective if done carefully.

6. Knife Twist
Insert a small serrated knife or pocket knife into the cork at an angle. Twist the knife while gently pulling upward, like you would with a corkscrew. It might take some muscle, but it can work in a pinch.

7. String and Knot Trick
Push the cork into the bottle. Then tie a knot at one end of a long piece of string and slide it into the bottle past the cork. Tilt the bottle to position the knot below the cork, then pull up on the string to catch and remove the cork. A bit tricky, but a fun party trick!

Final Tip:
Always be cautious and patient—these hacks are handy but can be dangerous if rushed. Use protective gear when needed and never attempt these methods with sparkling wines