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How to Remove a Stubborn Cork with Ease

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Ask any sommelier, and they’ll likely tell you that opening wine is an artform — especially when you’ve got a cork that’s stuck in your wine bottle. Try as we might, there are some wine toppers that won’t give, no matter how much muscle we put into it. Luckily, there are a few easy tricks of the help coax them out of their hiding place — just in time for all those holiday toasts! 

When you’re trying to open a bottle of wine, but the cork just won’t budge, try this in-a-pinch save: Run the neck of the bottle under very hot water for 30 seconds, holding the bottle at an angle so the cork stays dry. The heat will cause the glass to expand slightly — just enough to loosen the cork. 

From there, all you’ll have to do is give the cork one final tug with your wine opener — but not just any opener will do. Vino aficionados will want to invest in one of the best wine openers on the market. 

For those who prefer the old-school, tactical approach of a corkscrew opener, your best bet, hands down, is the Code38 P-Type Light ($395, Wine Enthusiast). Before you balk at the price, hear us out: This semi-professional tool is not your average wine opener. Designed by ex aircraft engineer Jeff Toering, this thing is touted by some of the best in the business as being the crème de la crème of corkscrews. 

Code38

Amazon

“I wanted to create something that you’d love and keep forever,” Toering explains on his site. 

It stands out for the pack due in large part to its tough, high-end parts — Code38 sources über-fine helixes (screws) from France and come in either stainless steel or near-indestructible titanium versions ($625, Wine Enthusiast), which are meant to last you a lifetime and match the beauty and quality of the expensive wine bottles they will regularly open.

These openers are also equipped with a straight-edge knife that can be opened with one hand, are super lightweight, and offer superb leverage. 

Rabbit

Bloomingdale’s

If you have dexterity issues or merely prefer simplicity, an electric wine opener, like this Rabbit RBT electric corkscrew ($99, Bloomingdale’s), may be better suited for you. This high-tech model from the first company to introduce electric corkscrew openers to the masses opens bottles seamlessly regardless of cork type. It’s got a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for up to 30 minutes and a limited one year manufacturer’s warranty that will ensure things are in good working order. Did we mention it also just so happens to be one of Oprah Winfrey’s favorite things of 2019

Armed with the proper tips and tools for removing a stuck wine cork, you’ll be well on your way to beverage bliss. All that’s left to do is pour yourself a glass and enjoy! 

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