I've read a few posts about this in the past few years, but I don't remember a good solution. I've always strugged with this and fear that I would either break the bottle or stab myself. I realize that on some, you can just go through it with a corkscrew, but if this doesn't work, then what?

Yesterday, after using a sharp knife trying to cut the capsule off, I finally ended up with a technique that worked very well for me. I used a paring knife and at a 45 degree angle with the knife facing away from me, I started cutting like I was peeling an orange. I pushed the knife blade up to the glass, and when I finished, the place that I cut formed a thin line where I can see the glass. The top wax piece then comes off very easily.

Now I no longer dread opening wines with wax capsules.

Everyone has a way to injure themselves....

Wax capsule discussion

Thanks. I remember that thread and I tried all of those methods. Stealthman's method worked for me some of the time if the wax was not too tough. I can't believe that I came up with this method. it malkes opening these bottles fun.

Dunn still dips their Howell Mtn in wax; their just-received mailer had a blurb about holding the capsule over a candle to soften the wax, then slicing off the top like a warm cheese.