The Easiest Ways to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew

Perhaps you've encountered this life scenario before: you find yourself with a wine bottle, yet no corkscrew. Dilemma! Do you forfeit the idea of drinking wine that evening because you didn't think to buy a screw-top bottle? Of course not! Instead, follow one of these creative ways to open wine bottles without a bottle opener.

How to use a shoe to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

• Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
• Insert the bottom of the bottle into a shoe — a trainer works great!
• Bang the sole of the shoe against a tree or another hard surface, like a wall, while carefully holding the bottle.
• Watch the cork pop out after a few bangs of the shoe (okay, it might be more than a few).

How to use a screwdriver to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

• Gather a screw, a screwdriver and a hammer.
• Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
• Use the screwdriver to twist the screw into the cork.
• Ply open the bottle by using the peen or claw of the hammer (the part meant to help remove a nail) to pluck the screw up and with it the cork. Bottoms up!

How to use a key to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

• Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
• Insert a key into the cork at an angle.
• Grab a towel to cushion your hand, and then, push the key into the cork as much as possible.
• Start to twist the key as you pull the cork out to free it. Cheers!

P.S. It seems almost anything sharp can free a wine cork, such as a wire hanger. Just a word of caution: No bottle of wine is worth injuring yourself to open it, so be careful!

How to use a bike pump to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

• Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
• Insert the needle of the bike pump into the cork.
• Keeping the top of the bottle away from your eyes and face, slowly pump the bottle with air and the cork will start to release up.

How to use a kitchen spoon to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew

• Remove the foil from the top of the bottle.
• Use the end of a wooden spoon to force the cork into the wine — but note this method works best with a rubber cork.
• Enjoy the fruits of your labour.