n the 17th century, Europeans rediscovered a technique that had been lost since the fall of the Roman empire: using corks to stop bottles. Instead of using the clay urns of Roman times, they now used glass bottles that could create a much better seal. This combination allowed wine makers to age their wines and create some of the first fine wines. It is believed that the idea for corkscrews came from the "worme", a tool used for cleaning out the inside of gun barrels. The first corkscrews were very basic in design. As the popularity of wine spread over Europe and into the New World, corkscrew makers made elaborately ornate tools to decorate the table and celebrate the occasion of wine opening. Wine enthusiasts and inventors since then have created many different mechanical devices in all shapes and sizes. You will find some of these interesting designs in our permanent collection at the Corkscrew Café.
n the 17th century, Europeans rediscovered a technique that had been lost since the fall of the Roman empire: using corks to stop bottles. Instead of using the clay urns of Roman times, they now used glass bottles that could create a much better seal. This combination allowed wine makers to age their wines and create some of the first fine wines. It is believed that the idea for corkscrews came from the "worme", a tool used for cleaning out the inside of gun barrels. The first corkscrews were very basic in design. As the popularity of wine spread over Europe and into the New World, corkscrew makers made elaborately ornate tools to decorate the table and celebrate the occasion of wine opening. Wine enthusiasts and inventors since then have created many different mechanical devices in all shapes and sizes. You will find some of these interesting designs in our permanent collection at the Corkscrew Café.