Wine openers and corkscrews to try in 2026
Opening a wine bottle should be hassle free, seeing as it is the first step to enjoying wine. As a wine drinker, the chances of you having a preference for a particular wine opener are high but it doesn’t hurt to try something new. We have tested and reviewed the best openers for wine bottles to help you find your new favorite, one that matches your lifestyle. Let’s jump in!
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Best corkscrews and wine openers to buy online
Buffalo Horn Sommelier Corkscrew from Laguiole, France
RBT Tabletop Corkscrew
L’Atelier Oeno Motion Wood & Black Corkscrew
RBT Champagne Saber
RBT Lever Corkscrew
Vertical Rabbit Corkscrew in Graphite
The Rabbit Rabbit Original Leverpull Corkscrew
RBT Wing Corkscrew
Viski Admiral Heavyweight Corkscrew with Ebony Wood Handle
Robert Mondavi Two Prong Wine Opener
The list above brings together the top wine openers and corkscrews featured across trusted retailers, curated through expert testing and real customer feedback to highlight the tools that truly perform.
The different types of wine openers
Waiter’s corkscrew, winged, ‘Ah So’, lever and air pressure pump are a few of the different types of wine openers available. Each option comes with its pros, cons and unique use cases. Follow along as we consider the different types of openers for wine bottles and what they do.
The Waiter’s corkscrew is also known as the wine key or the sommelier’s knife; one of the most popular choices for wine openers. It looks like a pocket knife and is very easy to move around. To use a wine key, simply screw it into the top of the wine cork, position the fulcrum on the corner of the bottle’s lip and use leverage to pull the cork out. Many designs come with a small hinged knife blade attached to the handle end for use as a foil cutter.
Viski Warren Signature Waiter’s Corkscrew
The Winged corkscrew, sometimes called a butterfly corkscrew or cork extractor, looks like a little person. It has two levers (or wings) on either side of the worm and to use it, all you have to do is twist the worm into the cork, apply pressure on both wings by pushing them down and voila, the cork pops out!
L’Atelier du Vin Classic Wing Corkscrew
The Lever or “rabbit” corkscrew looks bulky but it is pretty easy to use. Grip the neck of your bottle of wine with the pair of handles, ensuring that the lever is up while you do this. Then press down the lever, so the worm enters the cork, pulling it up to extract it with ease.
Rabbit 6 Piece Lever Corkscrew & Tool Kit
The Ah So wine bottle opener, also known as the butler’s friend or twin prong cork puller, is a great choice for removing delicate old corks. It works by inserting the prongs between the cork and the bottle neck, holding it tightly as you twist the cork out. The Ah So wine opener doesn’t damage the stopper while tugging it out, making it possible to replace it after tasting the wine.
L’Atelier du Vin Bilame (Ah-So)
A Standing wine opener, or tabletop opener, sits atop the table or a counter, where it is used to open wine bottles effortlessly. To use a standing wine opener, place the base of the opener over the bottle neck, firmly squeeze the clamp or handle, then pull down the lever and then back up to tug out the cork.
RBT Tabletop Corkscrew
The Air Pressure wine bottle opener, also known as the air pump wine opener, uses air pressure to remove corks from bottles. It works by inserting a needle through the cork, which forces air into the bottle. This raises the pressure within the bottle, causing the cork to be expelled. It is faster and easier to use than most traditional corkscrews, ideal for people with reduced grip strength.
BergHOFF 6Pc Air Pressure Wine Opener
Electric wine openers or automatic wine openers are the easiest and quickest solution to open a wine bottle, ejecting corks at the touch of a button. They work by using a small motor to rotate a screw into the cork and then pulling it out. They may be powered by rechargeable batteries or standard disposable batteries.
Rabbit Automatic Electric Corkscrew in Silver
Summary of wine opener types
| Opener Type | Functionality | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter’s Corkscrew | Twists the worm into the cork, then uses the fulcrum and handle to pull the cork out. | Similar to a pocket knife, it is compact in size and easily storable, requiring hand strength while using it. |
| Winged Corkscrew | Twist the worm into the cork until the wings rise, then press the wings down together to lift the cork out. | Designed with wings on both sides for easy cork removal. |
| Lever Corkscrew | Clamp onto the bottle neck, pull the lever to insert the worm, push the lever back to extract the cork. | A clamp and lever mechanism is used to pull the cork out. |
| Ah So Wine Opener | Insert prongs between cork and bottle neck, rock gently down, twist, and pull upward. | Ideal for removing old and delicate corks. |
| Electric Wine Opener | Press the button to insert and remove the cork or to release it after removal. | It may be rechargeable or work with disposable batteries, removing corks automatically with one touch operation. |
Fancy wine openers to add to your collection
Going the extra mile to get a fancy wine opener assures you of elegance and ease of use. These luxurious corkscrews were designed with specialised features to minimize the effort you put into opening your wine bottles. This could be in the form of a high quality waiter’s corkscrew or an ‘Ah So’ that prevents your vintage corks from crumbling. We have curated a selection of luxurious wine openers, tested on multiple wine bottles, with the assurance of offering you a smooth and controlled experience.
Chateau Laguiole Classic Snake Wood Luxury Wine Opener
Laguiole En Aubrac Sommelier Waiter’s Corkscrew
Alessi Anna G. Corkscrew
The Durand® Wine Opener
Wine Enthusiast Legacy Corkscrew
How to choose the best wine opener
Whether you’re an experienced sommelier or casual wine drinker, there are several factors to keep in mind when shopping for the best wine opener. Below, you will find our tips to guide you in making the perfect choice of corkscrew for your preferences and needs.
- Consider the durability of the wine opener. Keep an eye out for high quality materials like stainless steel or other high grade alloys that ensure the opener lasts longer, especially if it is to be used frequently.
- Make sure to choose a corkscrew that is convenient and easy for you to use. It should be comfortable to grip, requiring very little finger strength.
- Go for a corkscrew that suits your needs. For a hands-on experience where you’re in control of the opening ritual, select a waiter’s corkscrew or lever corkscrew. If you need to open several bottles often, or you have limited hand strength, you might want to consider an electric wine bottle opener.
- Ensure that you consider the design and appearance of the wine opener, so that it is not only functional but also matches the aesthetic of your space seamlessly.
- Assess the type of wine bottles you’d be opening before purchasing a corkscrew. Standard bottles with natural or synthetic corks can easily be opened with winged corkscrews, but if you’re a collector of vintage bottles, we recommend a two pronged “ah so” opener to reduce the risk of damage.
Beginners’ guide on how to use a wine opener
First time opening a wine bottle on your own and you’re nervous about getting it wrong? We’ve got you! Here are our simple tips on how to use a wine opener with ease:
- Using the built in foil cutter on your wine bottle opener, cut the foil just below the bottom lip of the bottle’s neck using the built in foil cutter. Then, peel it off and set it aside.
- Insert the tip of the corkscrew’s worm at the center of the top of the cork. Hold it and twist clockwise until only about one curl is visible.
- Fold down the upper lever on the corkscrew, rest its notch on the bottle’s lip and slowly pull it up to lift the cork.
- After the first pull, move the lever to its lower notch, rest it once again on the lip of the bottle and pull up the handle to fully remove the cork.
- Finally, you can twist the worm off the cork manually.
Congratulations, you just opened your first bottle of wine!
Our tip: as a beginner, try to invest in a high quality, easy to use opener, as it will last longer and make every bottle easier to open.
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FAQs Wine openers
How to clean a wine opener?
In order to clean a wine opener properly, wash it with warm water and soap and dry it carefully before storing it in order to prevent rust. Electric wine openers don’t need water; rather, before starting the cleaning process, unplug it and then wipe the external casing with a soft cloth and dry it thoroughly.
How to use a standing wine opener?
Place the bottle on a flat surface and position the standing opener over the cork. Push the lever or handle down to insert the screw into the cork, then lift the lever to extract the cork smoothly. Release the cork from the screw as instructed by the manufacturer. These standing wine openers make removing corks effortless, even for beginners, while keeping the bottle stable.
How long will the wine opener last?
A high quality wine opener may last for ages. To make it last as long as possible, make sure to clean it regularly and store it properly. For the best results, buy a durable wine opener crafted from high quality stainless steel and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for its use and care.
Is a corkscrew the same as a wine opener?
No, the corkscrew is not the same as a wine opener. The main difference between a wine opener and a corkscrew is in the terms themselves: a corkscrew is a tool specifically designed to remove cork from wine bottles, whereas “wine opener” is used as a broader term that unites all types of wine openers. In short, not all the wine openers are corkscrews, but all corkscrews are wine openers.
Is a fancy wine opener a good gift idea?
Yes, a fancy wine opener is a good gift idea for anyone who enjoys wine. It’s not only practical, but also some of the wine openers can be personalized for a more personal touch. A wine opener makes every bottle opening process effortless and enjoyable. It’s an ideal gift for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, or any other special occasions.
Can a wine opener remove broken or damaged corks?
Yes, most of the wine openers can remove broken or damaged corks. Take into consideration how the cork is damaged and that way, you will be able to choose the best wine opener for it. As an example, for a partially remaining cork, you can try angling a traditional corkscrew into the cork and slowly twisting to ease it out without effort.
What material is the wine bottle opener made of?
There are various materials that the wine bottle opener might be made of; additionally, different parts of the corkscrew might be made from different materials. The corkscrew or worm is usually made of stainless steel for strength and rust resistance, while the handle and body can be made from metal, wood, or high quality plastic for comfort and style.
How to open a wine bottle with a wine opener?
To open a wine bottle with a wine opener, the first step is to cut the foil with the serrated foil cutter. After the wine is ready for serving, you will just need to insert the corkscrew in the cork, twist it and extract the cork from the bottle. We recommend a waiter’s corkscrew for ease of use.
What is the best corkscrew and wine opener?
The best corkscrew and wine opener, according to our tested and reviewed list, is the Buffalo Horn Sommelier Corkscrew from Laguiole, France. It is the ultimate collectible item, handcrafted in an elegant combination of art and practicality. Some of our other top rated wine openers include the RBT TableTop Corkscrew and Oeno Motion Wood & Black Corkscrew by L’Atelier du Vin.
What are the wine bottle opener types?
Common wine bottle opener types include the waiter’s corkscrew, the winged wine bottle opener, lever corkscrew, ‘Ah so’ cork puller, standing wine opener and the electric opener. Each type comes with its unique feature; for instance, the ‘Ah so’ cork puller can easily open fragile corks without crumbling them, while the standing wine opener offers convenience and stability with how easily it can be mounted.
Which wine opener uses pressure?
The wine opener that works with pressure is the air pressure wine opener. It is also called the air pump opener, pushing the cork out of the bottle by pumping in air. To use one, you insert a needle through the cork, which injects air into the bottle and builds up the pressure until the cork pops out. It doesn’t require a lot of twisting or pulling and it is ideal for people with weaker grips or wrist pain.
Where can I get a personalized or branded wine opener?
To get a personalized or branded wine opener, check out options on online sites or wine opener vendors near you. Personalized wine openers are a unique and practical gift idea for your loved ones and sommeliers you know. It is a way to add your personal touch and attach sentimental value to an item they will use often.
Where can I buy the best rated wine bottle openers?
You can buy the best rated wine bottle openers at wine stores near you or on online sites. For an expert guide to help you choose the perfect options, check out our list of the top 10 best corkscrews and wine openers. The Buffalo Horn Sommelier Corkscrew from Laguiole, France, sits at the top of this list, an elegant blend of functionality and top tier artistry and precision.
