It’s been a long, stressful day and you’re ready to kick back and unwind with a glass of your favorite vino. As you begin opening the latest bottle you purchased for such an evening, the unthinkable happens: the cork breaks before you can pull it all out from the neck. This just isn’t your day, is it? Fortunately, there is a way you can redeem your night and still savor your wine, cork-free. Follow these steps to set things right:

Step 1: Assess the Damage

First, unscrew the corkscrew from the offending cork. Take a good look at the remainder of the cork. Is it mostly intact? Has it been pushed in too far? If the cork broke because of improper corkscrew usage, don’t fret – just proceed to the next step.

(If the cork happens to be pushed too far into the bottle, hang tight. We’ve got specific steps for you to follow in just a bit!)

Step 2: Try Again!

Let’s say a chunk of the cork broke off and stayed inside the neck. Try your best to reinsert the corkscrew into the cork once more. Then, slowly, gently, and steadily pull the corkscrew with the intact cork out of the bottle and voila! Crisis averted. Celebrate with a well-earned glass of wine, because your work is now finished!

If the Cork Winds up in the Bottle After All

Step 3: Grab a Filter and a Decanter

We won’t judge – sometimes corks will crumble or wind up going back into the bottle after all is said and done. Don’t despair. Instead, find a filter like an unwaxed, unbleached cheesecloth or coffee filter and get ready to work some magic. Place the filter over a decanter (or even a simple pitcher) and fasten it with a string or rubber band.

Step 4: Strain the Wine

Here’s your final step. Pour the wine – slowly – through the filter into the decanter. This will ensure that your wine will remain cork debris-free! Once you’ve finished, remove the filter and pour yourself some wine.

See? That wasn’t too bad. Don’t give yourself a hard time. Instead, celebrate your expertise and steady hand by savoring your hard-earned wine. Oh, and speaking of celebrating with delectable, just-can’t-beat-it wine, you should find your next favorite at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery! Check out our selection now and order yours today!