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The return of the traditional sommelier corkscrew!

10/06/2025

Discover the authenticity and excellence of the sommelier corkscrew made from vine stock from Atelier Vieille Branche, located in Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine, in the heart of the Nantes vineyards in Pays de la Loire.

Specialists in handcrafting vine decorations, we are proud to present our exclusive collection of sommelier corkscrews, a must-have for wine lovers and professionals. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and professionals, our corkscrews combine aesthetics and functionality, meeting the needs of sommeliers, collectors, wine merchants, and wine lovers.

Located in the Pays de la Loire region, Atelier Vieille Branche also caters to wine lovers from France’s major wine-growing cities. Whether you’re from Bordeaux, Lyon, Bourgogne, Champagne, or elsewhere, our vine corkscrews will add a touch of elegance and authenticity to your wine-tasting experience.

Visit our showroom in Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine or explore our collection of corkscrews online. Treat yourself or your loved ones to a pure product of French winemaking tradition, combining natural beauty and artisanal excellence.

A range of corkscrews adapted to all needs

Our corkscrews, from the “TRADITION” and “PRESTIGE” ranges, are available in a variety of sizes, from 12 cm to over 30 cm, to fit all hand sizes. These traditional sommelier corkscrews, made from vine wood, are not only practical tools, but also collector’s items and perfect gifts for wine enthusiasts.

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Unique know-how in France

Our vine corkscrews are the result of artisanal, local, and environmentally friendly manufacturing. Each piece is unique, handcrafted from vine stocks meticulously selected for their quality and beauty. The stocks are treated with the greatest care: sandblasted to reveal the wood’s texture and steamed to ensure their longevity.

A local, environmentally friendly sommelier corkscrew production

At our Vieille Branche workshop, eco-responsibility and compliance with CSR standards are at the heart of our approach. By choosing a vine corkscrew, you support sustainable and responsible production, valuing local resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Do you know the history of the traditional wooden corkscrew?

The history of the traditional wooden corkscrew goes back several centuries, to when wine began to be produced in significant quantities in Europe, particularly in France. At that time, the corks used to seal bottles were often made of wood or cork.

The first corkscrews were simple and rudimentary, often made from locally available materials such as wood or metal. They were usually in the form of screws or rudimentary lever corkscrews.

Over time, corkscrews evolved to become more sophisticated. Wooden corkscrews, in particular, gained popularity due to their simplicity and effectiveness. These corkscrews typically consisted of a wooden handle attached to a metal rod with a screw at one end.

Its use became common practice in taverns and homes across Europe. Winemakers also became familiar with these tools and often included wooden corkscrews with their wine bottles.

They have continued to be used for centuries, spanning the ages and technological developments. Even with the advent of more modern and sophisticated corkscrews, many wine lovers still prefer to use wooden corkscrews for their traditional aesthetic, ease of use, and connection to the history of vines and wine.

Today, although wooden corkscrews are not as common as they once were, they remain a symbol of traditional craftsmanship and are often prized by collectors and wine lovers for their nostalgic value and timeless charm.

The manufacture of the vine corkscrew

Making a vine corkscrew is a process that combines craftsmanship and respect for the raw material. Here are the general steps for making a vine corkscrew:

Harvesting Vines
First, you must select and collect the vines directly from the vineyards. They generally come from abandoned vineyards. Choose them thick enough to be used as a corkscrew.
Wood Drying
Once the vines are harvested, they must be dried to remove moisture. Drying can take several weeks or months, depending on environmental conditions and the size of the vines.
Preparing the Wood
Once dry, they are ready to be worked. They are often stripped of their bark to reveal the hardwood underneath. Then, the wood is cut and shaped to create the shape of the corkscrew. This step can be done by hand or with specialized tools, such as saws and knives.
Creating the Screw
This part of the process involves creating the corkscrew screw. This typically requires the use of specialized machines or wood lathes to precisely carve the spiral that will remove the cork from the bottle. The easiest way is to purchase the screws directly from a supplier.
Finishing
Once the general shape of the corkscrew is achieved, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This may include sanding, smoothing the surfaces, and applying varnish or wax to protect the wood and give it a beautiful appearance. Our specialty is to leave the wood raw to highlight its noble character.
Assembly
Securing the screw remains the most delicate step because it must ensure strength and longevity.
Quality Control
Before being ready for sale or use, the vine corkscrew must undergo quality control to ensure it is functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
Once all these steps are completed, it is ready to be used to open your favorite bottles of wine, adding a touch of authenticity and rustic charm to the tasting experience.

The advantages of using a sommelier's corkscrew over a mechanical corkscrew

Using a wooden sommelier corkscrew has several advantages over a mechanical corkscrew:

Versatility
The sommelier’s corkscrew is often considered more versatile because it can be used to open a wide variety of wine bottles, including those with natural or synthetic corks, as well as older or fragile corks.
Compact size
It’s generally more compact, making it easy to carry and use on a daily basis. It’s often integrated into a pocket knife and may include other useful tools for wine lovers, such as a bottle opener.
Increased control
Sommeliers and wine merchants often prefer the double-lever corkscrew for its increased control when opening bottles. This type of corkscrew allows for gradual and precise cork removal, which is especially important for older wines where delicate handling is crucial to avoid debris entering the wine or tearing the cork.
Aesthetics and Tradition
Using a sommelier corkscrew can add a touch of elegance and tradition to the wine tasting experience, especially when wielded by an experienced sommelier.
Perceived Expertise
Its use can also help reinforce a wine lover’s image and competence, as it often implies a certain skill and knowledge of traditional wine serving practices.

However, it should be noted that the choice between a sommelier corkscrew and a mechanical corkscrew will often depend on the user’s personal preferences, as well as the specific context of use. Some may prefer the simplicity and ease of use of a mechanical one, while others will appreciate the tradition and increased control offered by the so-called “sommelier” corkscrew.

But who is the sommelier?

The sommelier profession is ideal for those with a passion for wine and gastronomy, a strong sense of customer service, and a constant desire to learn and discover.

A sommelier is an expert in wines and other alcoholic beverages whose primary role is to advise and serve customers in restaurants, hotels, or specialty bars. They play a key role in creating a memorable dining experience.

His main responsibilities

1 – Wine Selection and Management:

Select and purchase wines to build the restaurant’s cellar.
Establish partnerships with winegrowers and distributors.
Manage the wine cellar inventory.
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2 – Advice and customer service:

Advise customers on the choice of wines based on their tastes and the dishes ordered.
Serve wines professionally, including presentation, technique for uncorking a bottle with a sommelier corkscrew, decanting and tasting.

3 – Creation of the wine list:

Develop a varied and balanced wine list, including local and international wines.
Adapt the wine list to the seasons and the restaurant menus.

4 – Education and training:

Train dining room staff on wines, service techniques and tasting.
Organize wine tastings and events for customers and staff.

5 – Research and development:

Stay informed about trends and new developments in the world of wine.
Participate in tastings, trade shows and trips to wine regions.

His work environment

Types of establishments: gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, wine bars, wine shops, cruise lines, etc.
ypes of establishments: gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, wine bars, wine shops, cruise lines, etc.