Uncork wine with finesse by keeping it simple

The only real barrier between you and the enjoyment of wine is the cork, a device that should have been abandoned long ago. Contrary to rumors, wine doesn't need to "breathe" through the cork: A screw cap is a better seal and less likely to fail. However, your date is not going to be impressed if you unscrew a lid, so here's how to uncork a wine bottle like a sommelier:

Keep it simple, but not too simple. You can purchase a variety of expensive uncorking contraptions that do the trick, but why let technology ruin the fun? The classic "waiter's corkscrew," the little folding device used in most restaurants, is easy, efficient and allows you to control the process. It contains a foil knife, a "worm" — the screw — and a lever.

You will want to invest in a sturdy, well-made piece, preferably crafted from stainless steel.

Remove the foil. The foil is the capsule that surrounds the neck of the bottle, and it may be made from a variety of materials, including tin and plastic. Unfold the small foil knife on the corkscrew and position the handle across the base of your fingers, with the blade facing your thumb. Holding the bottle in your other hand, bring the blade to the top of the ridge near the bottle's rim and firmly hold the bottle's neck with your thumb.

Twist the bottle a couple of times while you cut along the rim. Remove the foil, exposing the cork. Wipe the bottle with a clean napkin to clear away any cork or foil debris. Snap the foil knife back into the corkscrew handle.

Insert the worm. Unfold the worm and lever. Place the point of the worm in the center of the cork's top. Your approach should be perpendicular to the plane of the cork's top — no angles. Push and twist the worm. Stop one spiral short of the top of the worm.

Pull the cork. Seat the first notch of the lever on the bottle's rim and slowly lift the handle of the corkscrew. This action will raise the cork from the neck, often concluding with a soft pop. The bouquet fills the air, a perfect prelude to your meal.

Andrew Firestone is a sales and marketing executive at Firestone Vineyards.

Adapted from the book: "The Experts' Guide to 100 Things Everyone Should Know How to Do," created by Samantha Ettus. For more information, visit www.theexpertsguideto.com.