Here’s How To Open A Wine Bottle If You Don’t Have A Corkscrew

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With a whole heap of holidays coming up in the next few weeks, we are entering prime gift-giving season.

And we aren't just talking presents wrapped beautifully under the tree

Wine is one of the simplest and most universally appreciated gestures out there, and most of us stick to this tried-and-true path for gift-giving.

Unfortunately, there is one tiny problem with giving wine as a gift: You often find yourself without a corkscrew!

Sure, you have one in your kitchen at home, but up at the ski cabin you're renting, or in the hotel room you booked for visiting family?

Fortunately, there's an incredibly easy solution to this seemingly unsolvable problem.

Should you ever find yourself with a bottle of wine and nothing to open it with, just see if there are a few basic hardware supplies around.

With a hammer and a single longish screw — screwdriver optional — you are all set to crack open a bottle and get the party started!

Check it out below.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

First things first: You'll need to assemble your materials.

No matter where you find yourself, it's likely that there are a few tools around — many people even keep a tool kit in the car, and vacation rentals will usually have the basics.

For this hack, all you need is a long screw — three inches or so is ideal — and a hammer. Your life will be a little easier if you can find a screwdriver too.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Most importantly, you'll need a sealed bottle of wine.

Whether you got it as a gift, or you simply stopped to pick up a bottle or two to enjoy, there's not much more frustrating than a bottle you just can't open.

Fortunately, we're about to crack the code, so get started by removing the foil or plastic around the top of the bottle.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Once the cork is exposed, grab your screw.

Start working the tip of the screw into the soft cork material, twisting gently.

You can actually twist the whole screw in this way, just turning it by hand.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

However, it's a lot easier if you have a screwdriver.

Just fit the screwdriver to the head of the screw and begin twisting it clockwise, the same way you would if you were putting it into plaster or wood.

You can even use an electric drill, but we recommend a manual technique to keep the cork from shredding so much that there's nothing for the screw to grip.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Once you have the screw about two-thirds of the way into the cork, you can stop.

You want the screw to be deeply embedded enough that it's grabbing the cork securely, but not too submerged.

If the screw head is lying flush against the cork, you've gone too far, and will need to unscrew it a bit.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

For the next step, you are going to use the forked back of the hammer, the same way you would use it to remove a nail from a wall.

Lever the forked part underneath the head of the screw.

Make sure the screw is tight against the "V" of the hammer.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Now simply lever the hammer forward and pull!

The cork should come up with the screw and pop free!

If you feel like the cork might crumble, try to pull it slowly but steadily out to make sure it comes out clean and doesn't break.

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Janine Ngai for LittleThings

Last but not least, the most fun step of them all — pour yourself a glass of wine! You earned it.

There's nothing better than a reward after hard work, so your glass of wine will taste all the sweeter!

Enjoy, and don't forget to SHARE this simple hack with friends and family!

Rebecca Endicott