Pulling Old Corks: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a wine lover, you know the struggle of opening a bottle of wine with an old or fragile cork. Luckily, the Durand Wine Opener is here to make the process safe and easy. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps of using the Durand Wine Opener, so you can enjoy your favorite vintage without any hassle.

Step 1: Screw HELIX into the Center of Cork

The first step in using the Durand Wine Opener is to screw the HELIX into the center of the cork until the STABILIZER BAR rests against the top of the cork or bottle. The HELIX is the metal screw that penetrates the cork, and the STABILIZER BAR is the horizontal bar that keeps the cork in place while you work.

To do this, hold the wine bottle steady and position the Durand Wine Opener on top of the cork. Then, twist the HELIX into the center of the cork using the handle. Keep twisting until the STABILIZER BAR rests against the top of the cork or bottle. Check out the video demonstration to see how it's done.

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Step 2: Insert the Blades on Either Side of the Stabilizer Bar

With the BLADES on either side of the STABILIZER BAR, insert the "long" blade first, then the "short" blade between the cork and bottle. The blades are the metal arms that slide down the sides of the cork, helping to loosen it from the bottle.

To do this, slide the "long" blade first between the cork and the bottle until it reaches the bottom. Then, slide the "short" blade down the other side of the cork until it also reaches the bottom. Watch the video demonstration to see how it's done.

 

Step 3: Work the Blades Down Between the Cork and Bottle

Next, work the blades down between the cork and bottle by pressing down alternately over each blade using the HANDLE. The HANDLE is the vertical arm that you grip to lower and raise the blades. Continue this "rocking" motion until the bottom of the HANDLE rests against the top of the STABILIZER BAR. This creates a fulcrum, which helps you remove the cork from the bottle.

To do this, grip the HANDLE with one hand and press down on one of the blades with the other hand. Then, press down on the other blade with the first hand while raising the other blade with the second hand. Keep alternating between the two blades in a rocking motion until the HANDLE rests against the top of the STABILIZER BAR. Check out the video demonstration to see how it's done.

Step 4: Twist and Pull Upward to Remove the Cork

Finally, hold the bottle securely with one hand and grasp the STABILIZER BAR and HANDLE together with the other hand. Twist and pull upward slowly while continuing to twist to remove the cork.

To do this, hold the bottle steady with one hand and grip the STABILIZER BAR and HANDLE together with the other hand. Then, twist and pull upward slowly while continuing to twist until the cork is removed from the bottle. Watch the video demonstration to see how it's done.

Additional Tips for Using the Durand Wine Opener

Even with the stability and support offered by the Durand Wine Opener, the oldest and most fragile corks may benefit from a little added care. You can use your fingers on the cork near the neck of the bottle to help "nurse" the cork during the later stages of removal.