In the midst of all the wine tools and accessories on the market, the most basic and perhaps most important is the corkscrew. Big, small, short, and tall, there is a corkscrew in every size, shape, and color. Each corkscrew has its benefits and drawbacks that can either help or hinder the user. For example, while the leverage and stability of the Countertop Corkscrew makes opening wine very easy, it’s not the most practical for someone who is opening wine on the go, like a waiter.

For ease, mobility, and price, the traditional waiter’s style corkscrew, often called a “wine key,” is still one of the most popular styles. However, not all waiter’s corkscrews are created equal. Picking the best corkscrew, like picking a “best” wine, is up to personal choice. However, for those that are not aware, we would like to explain the benefits of the double hinged waiter’s corkscrew.

With most waiter’s corkscrews, there are two steps. First, the worm is twisted into the cork. Second, the lever is used to ease the cork out of the bottle. The double hinged corkscrew features a second hinge that makes this process much easier. For those who have difficulty with waiter’s style corkscrews, the double hinge could be your answer.

Typically, with a single hinged corkscrew, the user needs to make sure the worm is far enough into the cork that they have enough leverage to ease the cork all the way out. However, if you over twist the corkscrew, you will be unable to place the hinge on the lip of the bottle.

This is where the double hinge corkscrew becomes superior to the single hinge. Notice the middle hinge on the image below. To use the second hinge, insert the worm into the bottle like a normal waiter’s corkscrew. Instead of having to remove the cork in one motion, rest the middle hinge on the lip of the bottle. Use this hinge to ease the cork partially out of the bottle. After the cork is 1/3 to 1/2 of the way out, use the hinge at the end to EASILY remove the cork from the bottle.

While insignificant sounding at first, the two piece hinge makes opening wine twice as easy. To visualize the difference, consider going up a flight of stairs one step at a time. It’s controlled, easy, and you could probably do it with your eyes closed. Now consider trying to jump up five steps at a time. Which one of these routes to the top sounds easier and less likely to end with injury?  The same is true for opening wine—the double hinged corkscrew allows for a nice, 2-part removal that is akin to climbing one step at a time whereas the single corkscrew is the equivalent to taking the leap. If you have trouble with waiter’s style corkscrews, give the double hinge a try!

Proper storage is essential for getting the most out of your wine. Whether you have a cellar in your basement, or just a few bottles in the pantry, taking good care of your wine will allow you to get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of each bottle.

There are a few basics to remember when storing wine long term. First, make sure your wine is kept in a dark area. Too much exposure to light can be damaging to wine. This same effect is true for beer. Next, make sure the selected dark space is cool and climate regulated. Wine stored in an area that is too warm can be problematic. True Fabrications recommends avoiding kitchens, laundry rooms, or any other space that can be heated up by appliance usage.  While dark and cool is good for wine, make sure the storage space does not get too humid. Humidity can cause mold to grow, ruining the flavor of the wine. If you own an extensive cellar, consider a device that controls the humidity in the room. This will help to fight off mold growth.

Next, make sure your bottles with real corks are stored on their sides. Wines that are stored upright for long periods can be affected by dry corks. If a cork dries up, it can let too much oxygen into the bottle, ultimately causing the wine to go bad. Once you’ve found the ideal space, consider a way to store your wine. Try the Storvino Modular & Transportable Storage System to let your wine rest. These six-bottle, U.S.-made crates snap together and can either be stacked up to create a large rack, or taken apart to be used as six-bottle crates for easy transportation.

Once you’ve found a good place to store your wine, consider how you want to organize it. Make sure to keep notes as to what wine is being stored in your cellar. Keeping notes will allow you to enjoy each wine’s peak drinking window. Consider cellar tags for easy viewing and a program like Cellar Tracker to keep tabs of your wine. Cellar Tracker allows you to keep track of your collection, while giving you each wine’s optimum drinking window.

Whether your collection has 10 bottles or 10,000 bottles, storing your wine correctly is the best way to enjoy each bottle to its fullest.