Although we are all accustomed to corkscrews not many people seem to know where they come from nor who invented them. Before corkscrews were invented wine used to be stored in clay amphoras and later in wooden barrels. Advances in the glass technology allowed the production of glasses with long and relatively thin bottlenecks.

It seems that the first patent for a corkscrew dates back to the beginning of the 18th century and was registered to an Englishman. Since then, many more patents followed which were presenting a new innovation or a new design. The commonly known single lever corkscrew dates back in the 19th century.

The great variety of corkscrews available in the market. They are not just a practical device but can be a creative piece of art, sold for some considerably high amount of money. Some of the most expensive ones can be sold for us much as $70,000 and it is a cross between a Swiss Army knife and ring puzzles that can be found in novelty shops. The cost has been considerably increased by the 18 carat gold coating. The rest is made out of 52 pieces of aviation titanium.

Even though it is one of the most valuable wine accessories,others seem to make it without it! Many people have been in a situation that there’s no corkscrew around to open that great red Rioja bottle and enjoy that great dinner. The most popular alternatives are the screw technique where a screw has to get into the cork to be pulled by a pair of pliers, and the push technique where the cork has to be pushed inside the bottle with a screwdriver. The last method which is not highly recommended due to its risks is about hitting the bottom against a wall so pressure will be generated inside the bottle. That would eventually force the cork out but is not highly recommended as the bottle can break.