The wine tasting ritual is enriched by a variety of wine accessories, including foil cutters, aerators, decanters, glasses, vacuum pumps, stoppers, and more. However, the most important tool among all of them, for both beginners and experts, is the corkscrew.
The corkscrew has a long history, dating back to the 17th century when glass bottles and corks were introduced to the wine industry. Since then, the bottle opener has evolved into a diverse range of opening mechanisms and unique designs. Some of these antique corkscrews are still in use and highly valued by wine connoisseurs and collectors.
L’Atelier du Vin, formerly known as Sanbri, has been crafting wine tools with unwavering passion since 1926. In addition to creating contemporary corkscrews, we restore old bottle openers, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of oenology. Our corkscrew designs blend beauty and functionality, with ergonomics being the top priority for enhancing the wine tasting experience.
Cultivating the Art of Making Timeless Wine Tools from 1926 to Today
Designing a wine tool requires attention to every detail. Whether it is used for opening or closing a bottle, storing, preparing, serving, or tasting wine, each tool has a crucial role in creating the best possible conditions for wine tasting. At L’Atelier du Vin, our designers and engineers work together every year to create new tools and refine previous models. Our goal is to provide wine accessories that are both ergonomic and visually appealing, and as easy to use as they are pleasing to the senses.
A Geographical and Chronological Account of the Corkscrew in the West in the 17th and 18th Century by Marc Ouvrard
Marc Ouvrard’s book, “Le tire-bouchon aux XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles – Chrono-géographie d’une révolution en Occident,” is a remarkable account of the history of the corkscrew, from its invention around 1630 to the first official patent application in 1795 by Samuel Henshall. As the president of the renowned French Corkscrew Club (CFTB) and an expert in the field of wine, Ouvrard takes the reader on a fascinating journey in search of the first historical and geographical evidence of this legendary wine tool. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including travel journals, court songs, paintings, and old dictionaries, he traces the corkscrew’s origins and evolution over time. Ouvrard’s work is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of wine and the tools used to open it.
From the Restoration of Old Corkscrews to the Creation of Contemporary Wine Tools
Our continuous communication with the individuals of the wine industry including winegrowers, merchants, collectors, sommeliers, and oenologists worldwide allows us to discover exceptional collector’s items. The corkscrews that were once ordinary have developed into remarkable tools over time, exhibiting exceptional design. Each discovery is a precious gem, showcasing original opening mechanisms, unique materials, and intricate details with refined finishing. We cherish each find with utmost care.
The Pleasure of Giving New Life to Vintage Corkscrews
L’Atelier du Vin employs an ancient savoir-faire to restore old corkscrews and give them a new life. Our master craftsmen carefully renovate each bottle opener, which includes polishing and sanding, repairing the opening mechanism, and replacing the handle, all while maintaining the original character of the corkscrew. We deeply respect the authenticity of each model and never alter it in any way during the restoration process.
An Endless Source of Inspiration to Create Contemporary Bottle Openers
L’Atelier du Vin draws inspiration from antique bottle openers that have proven themselves to be robust and ergonomic in order to create new models of corkscrews that are both timeless and reliable. Each year, we refine and innovate the visual and technical aspects of our wine tool collection, striving for the perfect balance between beauty and function. The simplicity of use and smoothness with which the mechanism opens the bottle reveal the beauty of a rare corkscrew. This has been demonstrated by numerous generations of bottle openers, allowing us to explore different methods of extracting a cork throughout the ages, culminating in the present day with clever designs and efficient mechanism