Best Port tong Guide 2025

Port wine is a popular fortified wine from Portugal that is known for its rich flavor and sweetness.

Often served as a dessert wine, Port wine is usually enjoyed after a meal and is a great way to end a lovely dinner. However, opening a bottle of Port wine can be a daunting task, especially if you do not have the right tools. In this article, we will discuss how to open a bottle of Port wine using a port-tong.

Typical Port Tongs from Taylors Fladgate

What is a port-tong?

A port-tong is a big, metal implement that is specifically designed to open bottles of Port wine. It is also known as a port tongs or port pliers. The tool consists of two curved arms that come together to grip the neck of the bottle. The port-tong is heated and applied to the neck of the bottle to melt the wax seal, allowing the cork to be removed without damaging the cork or the bottle.

Steps to open a bottle of Portwine using a port-tong:

1. Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

   1. To open a bottle of Port wine using a port-tong, you will need the following tools:

      1. A port tong

      2. A gas stove, fireplace or other heat source

      3. A clean cloth or napkin with some cold water or ice

      4. The bottle of Port wine (Vintage)

2. Step 2: Heat the port tong

   Place the port-tong in the flame of a fireplace or other heat source. Hold the tool in the flame until it becomes red hot (the metal). This part of the process takes most of the time as it’s hard metal that you need to really heat up.

3. Step 3: Grip the bottle

   Hold the bottle of Port wine by the base and use the port tong to grip the neck of the bottle. The two arms of the port tong should be positioned below the end of the cork, just above the liquid inside the bottle of Port wine.

4. Step 4: Heat the neck of the bottle

   Using the port tong, apply heat to the neck of the bottle, just beneath the cork. Move the tool around the neck of the bottle to heat the entire seal. The heat will make the glass heat up and preparing it for the next step.

5. Step 5: Remove the cork

   Once the glass is hot enough, use a wet towel (cold) to unlock the glass neck from the bottle. Be careful for any glass vibers - there shouldn’t be any if you do it properly.

6. Step 6: Enjoy your Portwine!

Once the neck has been removed, pour the Portwine into a caraf, with a filter, to prevent any resedue falling into the karaf. Now let the wine breath and serve at the table.

Tips for opening a bottle of Portwine with a port-tong:

• Make sure the port-tong is hot enough to so the glass will pop smoothly when holding the neck with the port tong.

• Be gentle when removing the cork to avoid breaking it or damaging the bottle.

So, opening a bottle of Portwine with a port-tong can be a fun and magical process with the right tool and techniques. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently open a bottle of Portwine and enjoy its delicious flavors. And yes, this will WOW you guests, and make a lasting impression at the dinner table.