Opening red wine is very easy: If you don’t have a bottle opener, all you need is a paper clip.

While a paper clip might seem like an unlikely tool, it’s possible to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew using a paper clip, though it requires some finesse and patience. Here’s a general approach, but be warned, it’s not foolproof and can be messy:

The Paper Clip Method (Risky and Not Recommended):

Disclaimer: This method is not recommended as it poses a risk of breaking the cork into the wine, which can be difficult to remove, and also has a high chance of the wine spilling.

1. Straighten the Paper Clip:
   • Unbend the paper clip to create a straight, thin wire with a small hook or bend at the end.
2. Insert the Paper Clip:
   • Carefully push the straight end of the paper clip into the center of the cork.
   • Try to angle the paper clip slightly downward.
3. Hook and Pull:
   • Once the paper clip is inserted, try to maneuver the hooked or bent end under the bottom of the cork.
   • Gently pull upward. This might require multiple attempts and repositioning of the paper clip.
4. Repeat:
   • Continue to try and pull the cork out little by little. You may need to insert the paper clip at different angles and attempt to pull from different positions.

Why This Method Is Difficult and Risky:

• Cork Breakage: The cork is likely to break apart and crumble into the wine.
• Mess: Wine can easily spill during the process.
• Inefficiency: It can be very time-consuming and frustrating.
• Paper clip breakage: The paper clip can break within the cork.

Better Alternatives (If You Don’t Have a Corkscrew):

• Serrated Knife:
  • A serrated knife can be carefully inserted into the cork and twisted to pull it out.
• Screw and Hammer/Pliers:
  • Screw a long screw into the cork and use a hammer or pliers to pull it out.
• Pushing the Cork In (Last Resort):
  • If all else fails, you can carefully push the cork into the bottle. However, this will require you to filter the wine before serving.
• The Shoe Method (Use with Caution):
  • Place the wine bottle in a shoe, with the bottom of the bottle facing the heel.
  • Firmly hit the heel of the shoe against a wall. The pressure can slowly push the cork out. This can cause the bottle to break.

Recommendation:

• It’s always best to have a corkscrew on hand.
• If you find yourself without one, try the other alternatives mentioned above before resorting to the paper clip method.

Please be careful when attempting any of these methods to avoid injury or damage.