Few tools have accompanied wine as faithfully as the corkscrew. At first glance, it may seem a simple object, but its evolution reflects centuries of culture, engineering and passion. From its origins in the 17th century to today’s sophisticated luxury pieces, the corkscrew has been the key to unique sensory experiences. At Crusoe TreasureBodega Crusoe Treasure, where every bottle conceals a submerged treasure, this small instrument takes on even greater significance: it is the first point of contact between the wine and the person about to discover it.
From Bullets to Bottles: The Origins of the Corkscrew
Although today we associate the corkscrew with the pleasure of opening a fine wine, its roots have more to do with warfare than with grapes. The earliest models were inspired by military tools used to extract bullets lodged in cannon barrels. This steel spiral design—known as a “worm”—was adopted by 17th-century winemakers to solve a similar problem: removing the cork without breaking it or damaging the wine.
The first patented corkscrew, created by the Reverend Samuel Henshall in 1795, introduced a small washer that limited how far the worm penetrated the cork. Since then, it has continued to evolve.
A Timeline of Ingenuity: The Evolution of the Corkscrew
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17th century – The first rudimentary metal models emerge in England.
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1795 – The first functional design in history, a precursor to modern models, is patented.
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19th century – Iconic models such as the double-lever corkscrew and the “waiter’s friend” appear.
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20th century – Innovation gathers pace: electric, vertical-lever and compressed-air models…
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21st century – The corkscrew is reinvented as an object of design, luxury and precision.
At Bodega Crusoe Treasure Crusoe Treasure, although the opening process begins with carefully removing the wax from the underwater seal, the heart of the ritual remains the same: a trusted corkscrew opens the way to an unforgettable experience.
Curiosities and Legendary Pieces
The fascination with corkscrews has given rise to collections of thousands of pieces, exhibitions and even world records. Did you know that there is a corkscrew more than 2 metres tall? Or that some are made of gold or ivory, or decorated with diamonds?
Among the most expensive are:
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Laguiole en Aubrac with diamonds – more than $50,000 for its handcrafted design and fine materials.
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Victorian corkscrews – unique pieces auctioned for tens of thousands of dollars.
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Thomas Bramwell collector’s models (18th century) – selling for more than $30,000.
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Limited-edition Château Laguiole corkscrew – a symbol of distinction among sommeliers.
Corkscrews and the Experience Crusoe Treasure
Opening a bottle Crusoe Treasure is about much more than uncorking wine. It is unveiling a chapter of an underwater journey, opening a story safeguarded by the sea. Our corks, carefully selected to withstand extreme conditions, preserve the wine perfectly until the moment of opening. After carefully breaking the wax, any quality corkscrew grants access to that special moment when the ocean meets the glass.
A Tool with Soul
The corkscrew has become much more than a practical utensil. It is a symbol of opening, ritual and contained emotion. In every home, every cellar and every special gathering, a corkscrew waits to fulfil its purpose: to release the soul of the wine. And in the case of Crusoe Treasure, to release a treasure that has matured beneath the sea, in silence, in balance with nature.
What type of corkscrew do you use to open your wine treasures? Classic, modern or collectible?