How to Store and Protect Your Wine Opener

Keep It in a Dry Place

Humidity is one of the main risks to the longevity of your wine opener. Even stainless steel, while corrosion-resistant, can react to extended exposure to moisture — especially around the screw mechanism or folding axis.

After using your corkscrew, wipe it with a dry cloth. Avoid leaving it on a wet counter or near a sink. If your corkscrew has a wooden or horn handle, avoid long exposure to damp air or sealed plastic containers, which can cause warping or degradation.

Recommended places to store your corkscrew include:

• A dry drawer lined with fabric
• Inside its leather pouch
• On a wooden tray or in a wine cellar box (as long as the humidity is controlled)

Clean It Properly After Use

Even with minimal use, wine and cork residues can build up on the worm or foil cutter. Cleaning is essential — but it must be done with care:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the tool after every use
• If needed, slightly dampen the cloth for stubborn stains — then dry thoroughly
• Do not soak the corkscrew or wash it in the dishwasher
• Avoid abrasive materials or solvents that can affect the polish or engraving

→ Internal link: How to Maintain and Clean a Laguiole Corkscrew

Avoid Leaving It on the Table After Opening

During tastings or meals, many people leave their wine opener on the table, near a wet bottle or glass. Over time, this habit can cause stains on the blade or worm, especially if wine drips onto the steel and isn’t wiped off immediately.

Once you’ve opened the bottle, return the corkscrew to its case or to a dedicated napkin — just like you would with a fine knife. This small gesture preserves the tool’s finish and protects the blade’s edge and the worm’s tip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced wine lovers sometimes damage their corkscrews through minor oversights. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Storing it wet: Always dry thoroughly after use to prevent oxidation and wood swelling.
• Forgetting the case: A drawer filled with cutlery can easily scratch the finish or dull the blade.
• Using harsh cleaners: Metal polish or abrasives can remove engraving or dull the satin finish.
• Leaving it open: An open blade or worm can bend over time or injure someone during storage.

Travel and On-the-Go Use

If you’re traveling — whether for a wine tour, a countryside picnic, or a professional tasting — your corkscrew deserves the same care as your best bottle. Laguiole corkscrews fit easily into luggage or wine carrier sets, especially when stored in a form-fitted pouch.

For safety, always fold the worm and blade back fully before placing the corkscrew in your bag. Never transport it loose among bottles or glassware. And don’t forget: sommelier corkscrews are not allowed in carry-on luggage on flights — only in checked bags.

A leather pouch adds sophistication and security for sommeliers and enthusiasts on the move.

For Collectors: How to Store Prestige Models

If you own one of our premium corkscrews — with chiseled liners, sage leaf engraving, Damascus steel, or mammoth ivory — proper storage becomes a matter of preservation. These are pieces that are as collectible as they are functional.

Store these in a lined case or box with foam padding, away from heat and UV light. Avoid exposing rare materials like ivory or horn to rapid temperature changes. Once or twice a year, open and inspect the tool to verify that all components remain clean, smooth, and intact.

These pieces are often given as legacy gifts — storing them with care ensures their story continues. (→ what makes laguiole en aubrac corkscrew collectible)