What to look for when selecting the perfect corkscrew or wine opener ?

Soft machine brass corkscrew with cork

To gain access to a bottle of wine, a corkscrew is a necessary tool. There are various wine opening systems to choose from, including waiter’s corkscrews, cordless electric wine openers, endless worm corkscrews, lever-type systems, and two-prong wine openers. When selecting the right wine opener, consider the user, intended use and location, bottle type, and cork type.

What’s the best wine opener based on what it’ll be used for?

While all corkscrews and wine openers share the same goal of opening wine bottles, each model has its own unique characteristics that can greatly impact their effectiveness depending on their intended use. Choosing a corkscrew should be based on the purpose it will serve, whether it’s for personal use, occasional wine tasting, or intensive or professional use. Selecting the right wine accessory is important to ensure ease of use and an optimal wine-tasting experience.

Choosing the best corkscrew for professional use in restaurants

The waiter’s corkscrew, also known as the waiter’s wine key, is a versatile tool that includes a foil cutter and bottle opener, making it essential for catering professionals. This lightweight and compact corkscrew is perfect for table service and can be easily stored in a pocket. It is a must-have tool for sommeliers and waiters in restaurants and on terraces.


L’Atelier du Vin offers 3 different styles of waiter’s corkscrews, which can be personalized to make each model a unique wine tool to suit a range of atmospheres and preferences.

  • The Chef Sommelier wine opener features a traditional cut and an ebony and steel handle for a secure grip, offering elegance and authenticity.
  • The Garçon corkscrew has a slim and graceful design, allowing it to maneuver between tables effortlessly and discreetly open premium bottles. It’s available with chrome, black, or fine gold finishes, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship.
  • The Soft Machine corkscrew boasts a graceful curve that enhances the joy of opening and serving a fine bottle of wine. It comes in various styles, including stainless steel, solid brass, rosewood, and crystal, catering to different preferences.
  • Our cordless electric wine opener is an ideal choice for stylish and private settings. With surgical precision, this minimalist wine opener is a professional-grade tool.

To open a large number of bottles for an event

The lever corkscrew is the most efficient tool for quickly and safely opening a large number of wine bottles. This wine opening system is ideal for events with many guests, where bottles need to be opened quickly and continuously. The Oeno Motion lever corkscrew is a true workhorse in the kitchen, providing a simple push-and-pull operation that can open a bottle in just 2 seconds, allowing for rapid and stable opening without any sudden movements. This tool is perfect for caterers, restaurateurs, wine specialists, and estates that host large wine tastings or events.

Vertical lever corkscrew in 3 finishes

For an intimate wine tasting in a wine cellar-an oenology ritual

For opening a precious bottle or tasting fine wine in a wine cellar, both the two-prong wine opener and specialist lever corkscrew are excellent options. These corkscrews have a unique ability to transport you on a timeless journey and help reveal the secrets of a bottle.


L’Atelier du Vin’s signature Bilame two-prong corkscrew requires an experienced person to handle it, as it delicately removes the oldest and most fragile corks without causing damage.


For wine specialists, sommeliers, and passionate oenologists, the Oeno Motion lever corkscrew is the exceptional tool of choice that emphasizes the art of opening a precious bottle of fine wine.

For drinking good wine with family and friends on a daily basis

The wing corkscrew, also known as the “Charles de Gaulle” corkscrew in France because of its resemblance to the former French President’s victory gesture, is a reliable and user-friendly tool with its double lever and gear system. It is a wise investment for anyone who needs to open a bottle of wine quickly and easily. The Black Black double lever corkscrew can be placed upright on the family dining table or hung in the kitchen for easy access. If it gets lost, someone at the table might have a waiter’s corkscrew in their pocket.

What’s the best wine opener based on where it’ll be used?

L’Atelier du Vin’s wine openers are tailored for specific settings. Depending on where you plan to open your finest bottles, you can choose from their exceptional collection of corkscrews:

  • At home, a double lever or cordless electric corkscrew can be placed upright on the table or in the kitchen.
  • In a restaurant or café terrace, a waiter’s wine key or corkscrew can easily fit in a pocket for smooth table service.
  • In a wine cellar or private tasting room, lever corkscrews and two-prong openers are essential tools for creating moments of rare intensity.
  • For traveling or on-the-go, a waiter’s wine key or corkscrew is a convenient tool to enjoy a good vintage in any situation.

What’s the best wine opener to give as a gift?

To choose the ideal wine gift for a loved one, consider their preferences, tastes, and needs, whether for personal or professional use. Let me help you find the perfect corkscrew that fits the recipient’s personality and lifestyle.

Those who prefer new high-tech products and modern living spaces, and seek solutions that require minimal effort will appreciate the cordless electric wine opener, as it allows them to enjoy a good glass of wine without the need to open the bottle by hand.

Tire-bouchon électrique rechargeable avec écran digital

In contrast, the waiter’s corkscrew is ideal for those who value authenticity, manual labor, uncomplicated solutions, and genuine effort. Meanwhile, a double-lever wing corkscrew is a timeless classic and an excellent gift for parents or grandparents who enjoy sharing wine with family.

Your loved ones with refined tastes will appreciate the pared-back beauty and smooth ease of use of the endless worm corkscrew. A designer corkscrew with its distinctive style and original design will charm artists at heart, eccentric characters, or anyone who loves art and beautiful things.

For wine enthusiasts, an oenology gift box containing a lever corkscrew is an excellent gift idea, but a two-prong wine opener is a perfect alternative if the person already has a lever corkscrew.

Oeno Motion Collection - on bar picture 1

What’s the best wine opener based on the cork type it will be used for?

Wine specialists and sommeliers prefer using a two-prong corkscrew to open old bottles of wine or extract fragile or damaged corks, as it allows for a delicate approach. This type of corkscrew is ideal for premium corks or fragile, damaged corks.

Although other wine openers can still be effective, it’s best to steer clear of T-shaped corkscrews with full screws and electric corkscrews when dealing with old or valuable corks that are prone to breaking. For younger vintages with intact corks, the choice of corkscrew is up to personal preference.

Are you still unsure about which corkscrew to choose? If you’re undecided, trust your intuition to guide you towards the ideal option for the wine enthusiast, specialist or sommelier in you. L’Atelier du Vin, a French oenology specialist that has been crafting distinctive wine tools since 1926, offers a range of exceptional corkscrews and wine openers designed to enhance the enjoyment of wine and delve into its boundless world.