Quick Answer

To use a wing-style wine opener, center the corkscrew over the cork, twist it straight in until the arms begin to lift, then push down the arms to pull the cork out cleanly.

Why the Wing-Style Design Works

A wing-style opener like the Public Goods Wine Opener uses twin arms to provide steady leverage, making it easier to remove a cork without twisting or pulling at an angle. This design reduces the risk of cork breakage and is more forgiving for beginners than a straight pull or waiter's corkscrew.

The solid, lead-free metal construction gives it enough weight and balance to stay centered while you twist, which is the most common cause of cork crumbling—starting off-center.

What to Avoid Before You Start

Don't twist the bottle instead of the opener. Keep the bottle steady on a flat surface and rotate the opener's handle. Twisting the bottle can break the cork or cause wine to spill.

Also avoid pushing the corkscrew all the way through the cork. Stop when only one or two threads are visible above the cork. Going too deep can push cork bits into the wine.

Step-by-Step: How to Open a Wine Bottle with a Wing-Style Opener

  1. Remove the foil capsule: Cut or peel away the foil covering the top of the bottle, exposing the cork. Wipe the top of the cork with a clean cloth to remove any dust or mold. If the foil is stubborn, use the small blade on a waiter's corkscrew or a foil cutter. Avoid using the corkscrew itself to pierce the foil.
  2. Center the corkscrew on the cork: Place the tip of the corkscrew directly in the center of the cork. Hold the bottle steady with your other hand. Twist the handle clockwise, keeping the corkscrew perpendicular to the top of the bottle. A common mistake is starting off-center. This can cause the cork to break or tilt. If you feel resistance, check your angle and adjust.
  3. Twist until the arms begin to lift: Continue twisting until the two side arms start to rise upward. This usually happens when the corkscrew is about two-thirds of the way into the cork. Stop twisting at this point. Do not twist all the way through the cork. Over-twisting can push cork crumbs into the wine or make the cork harder to pull.
  4. Push down the arms to extract the cork: Place the two side arms against the rim of the bottle. Press down evenly on both arms. The leverage will pull the cork upward. Keep pressing until the cork is fully out. If the cork starts to slip or the arms don't move smoothly, stop and check that the arms are seated evenly on the bottle rim. Uneven pressure can crack the cork.
  5. Remove the cork from the corkscrew: Twist the cork counterclockwise off the corkscrew. If it's stuck, gently wiggle it while twisting. Discard the cork and foil. If the cork breaks and part remains in the bottle, use a gentle twisting motion with the corkscrew to re-engage the broken piece. Alternatively, push the remaining cork into the bottle and pour through a strainer.

What You'll Need

  • Wine Opener: A wing-style wine opener crafted from solid, lead-free metal with a balanced, functional form. The corkscrew turns smoothly into the cork, while the twin arms provide steady leverage for clean removal. The balanced weight helps you center the corkscrew easily, and the twin arms give you controlled leverage to avoid cork breakage.

    Wine Opener

    Wine Opener