The best wine opener makes uncorking a bottle effortless, whether you’re opening an everyday favourite or a special vintage. But with so many corkscrews, lever openers and high-tech wine preservation systems available, which ones are actually worth buying?
We asked five wine professionals, including sommeliers and restaurant experts, to share the tools they rely on most. From an affordable waiter’s corkscrew to professional tools designed for delicate vintage corks, these are the wine openers they recommend.
What to Look for in a Wine Opener
For a traditional waiter’s corkscrew, wine professional Molly Matelski, co-founder and president of Mmmm…Enjoy. Wines, recommends looking for a sharp, slightly curved foil cutter and a sturdy double-hinged lever. The lever should sit securely against the bottle’s rim, allowing you to ease the cork out in two stages without excessive force or risk of breakage.
The 5 Best Wine Openers, According to the Pros
Best for Everyday Use
Pulltap's Classic 500 Corkscrew
There’s a reason Pulltap’s Classic is a favourite among wine professionals. Roxan Bourdelais, co-owner and dining room manager at Quebec City’s Tanière3, once opened around 500 bottles a week using his. He praises its durability, efficiency and affordable price. The compact design features a double-hinged lever that helps remove corks smoothly and with less effort.
Pro tip: Bourdelais recommends twisting the screw all the way in before pulling to help prevent broken corks.
Best for Effortless Opening
OXO Vertical Lever Corkscrew
When there’s a party to host and several bottles to open, Molly Matelski reaches for a vertical lever corkscrew. Her pick is OXO’s easy-to-use model, which removes corks in two simple motions. With a removable foil cutter and an extra non-stick screw, it’s a practical choice for anyone who wants to uncork wine without the fuss.
Best for Enjoying Wine by the Glass
coravin TIMEless Three System
What if you could enjoy a glass of wine without removing the cork? That’s the appeal of the Coravin system, recommended by Paolo Baraldi, hospitality manager at Sansonina and Zenato wineries in Italy’s Veneto region. Used during guided tastings, the system allows wine to be poured through a needle while argon gas helps protect what’s left in the bottle from oxidation. It’s an investment for wine lovers who want to enjoy special bottles one glass at a time.
Best for Vintage Wines
THE DURAND
Older bottles call for a gentler touch, particularly when corks have become fragile with age. Quentin Mereu, manager and sommelier at Toronto’s Restaurant Lucie, recommends The Durand, a specialized tool that combines a traditional corkscrew with the two-pronged design of an ah-so opener. Working together, they help extract delicate corks intact, making it an invaluable addition to any serious wine collector’s toolkit.
Best Luxury Corkscrew
Forge de Laguiole Sommelier Knife
For Elina Dakanali, wine director at Greece’s Canaves Collection, a good corkscrew is something worth keeping. While she carries a reliable Pulltap’s in her pocket, at home she prefers a French-made Forge de Laguiole sommelier knife purchased nearly a decade ago. Handmade in France in collaboration with professional sommeliers, these corkscrews feature a five-turn spiral and sturdy metal lever. Beautifully crafted – often out of luxe materials like olivewood or horn tip – they’re a wine accessory that feels as special as the bottles it opens.
The Best Wine Openers to Give as Gifts
A good wine opener is one of those gifts that wine lovers will actually use. For someone building their home bar, the Pulltap’s Classic is an affordable essential, while the OXO Vertical Lever Corkscrew makes a practical gift for anyone who loves entertaining. Looking for something more special? The beautifully crafted Forge de Laguiole sommelier knife is a keepsake-worthy choice, while The Durand is a thoughtful gift for collectors of vintage wines. And for anyone who enjoys discovering exceptional bottles one glass at a time, the Coravin Timeless system is a worthwhile splurge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Openers
- What is the best type of wine opener?
- For everyday use, a double-hinged waiter’s corkscrew is a favourite among sommeliers. It’s compact, affordable and provides good control when removing corks. The Pulltap’s Classic is a popular professional choice, while a lever-style opener may be easier for beginners.
- What is the best wine opener for old or fragile corks?
- The Durand is specifically designed for removing delicate corks from older bottles. It combines a traditional corkscrew with a two-pronged opener to help extract fragile corks without breaking them. It’s particularly useful for wine collectors who regularly open vintage bottles.
- How do you open a wine bottle without breaking the cork?
- How do you open a wine bottle without breaking the cork?
Start by positioning the corkscrew in the centre of the cork and twisting it in carefully. Use steady, gentle pressure when lifting rather than pulling abruptly. A double-hinged corkscrew allows you to remove the cork in two stages, reducing the risk of breakage.
