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The Bilame: an Unconventional Corkscrew… with a Vintage Twist
No screw, no lever – and yet, it uncorks with unmatched elegance. The Bilame fascinates, intrigues, and above all… honors fine wines. Designed to preserve what time has patiently shaped, it is more than a tool: it is a gesture, a memory, an art.
What is a Bilame?
The Bilame corkscrew is a unique tool designed to remove fragile corks without damaging them. It features two thin blades that slide down each side of the cork. No screw, no lever—just a precise, fluid, and silent motion. A delicate dance between glass, cork, and expert hand.
Especially valued for opening vintage wines, the Bilame preserves the often dry or fragile corks of fine vintages. It is appreciated by both discerning wine lovers and professional sommeliers. Each use is a tribute to patience and craftsmanship.
A French invention patented in 1949 by L’Atelier du Vin
In 1949, L’Atelier du Vin filed the patent for the Bilame, a corkscrew originally invented by the American Lucian Mumford in 1879.
In the post-war years, wine cellars were reopening, great bottles were returning to the table, and old corks reappeared—fragile, sometimes stubborn. A simple answer to a very specific problem.
Parisian sommeliers quickly embraced it. Rumor has it that in cafés, it was used to discreetly open a bottle and then replace the cork—without anyone noticing. Opened and poured… under the radar.
Why choose a Bilame?
- Ideal for older wines or fragile corks
- No risk of breaking the cork
- Essential sommelier tool for true connoisseurs
- Minimalist design, precise and effortless motion
- The silent ally of collectible bottles
In a word: the Bilame is a tool of mastery, not force. It stands out for its minimalism, its efficiency, and the nobility of its purpose. It does not impose itself on the bottle — it accompanies it.
How to use a Bilame corkscrew?
- Insert the longer blade first between the cork and the glass neck.
- Then slide the shorter blade in on the opposite side.
- Gently twist while slowly pulling upward.
The cork comes out… intact. And your wine can breathe in peace.
The Bilame in Action: Respecting the Wine with Every Move
In a vaulted cellar, by the flicker of candlelight, a collector reaches for a vintage bottle. The cork, slightly shrunken, appears fragile. He takes his Bilame, slides it in gently, without force. The cork rises—silent, nearly intact.
This gesture, inherited from the sommeliers of the past, becomes a ritual. More than just an accessory, the Bilame is an extension of the hand—and of the respect for wine.
The Bilame is to wine service what the quill is to writing: a tool of precision and respect.
– Georges Richard, CEO of L’Atelier du VinThe Bilame Through the Eyes of L’Atelier du Vin
At L’Atelier du Vin, we have turned the Bilame into a cult object. From the Classic edition to the Chrome, Nomad, and Craft versions, each model reflects our signature craftsmanship: refined materials, clean lines, and a focus on durability.
We don’t just make corkscrews — we craft cellar companions, instruments of emotion. The Bilame embodies our philosophy: every bottle deserves to be opened with care, with intention, and with style.
Our Bilame models, each with its own character
Bilame Classic
The original — the one that started it all. Made in France, its body is crafted from zamak, a durable alloy known for its strength. Here, it’s finished in a refined matte black coating, enhancing both its resistance and understated elegance. With its ergonomic handle and clean, raw design, it’s as pleasant to hold as it is to admire. This discreet companion for vintage bottles is a true symbol of L’Atelier du Vin’s craftsmanship.
Bilame Chrome
The same iconic gesture in a sophisticated chrome finish. This model combines strength, elegance, and ease of maintenance. Its smooth, reflective surface catches the light, turning every bottle opening into a visually refined moment — while preserving the Bilame’s signature precision and understated motion.
Bilame Nomad
Compact and elegant, it slips into a raw tawny leather case, naturally tanned and designed to develop a unique patina over time and through travel. The interior is lined with durable technical leather, protecting the tool and its two blades. The quality of the materials reflects the harmony between an ancestral gesture and a contemporary lifestyle.
Bilame Craft
Hand-assembled using noble materials, this artisanal gem combines raw zamac and hand-stitched Italian leather for a truly tactile elegance. The zamac body, dense and subtly patinated, gives it an authentic character and exceptional durability. Slipped into its natural Italian leather case, it develops a unique patina over time — the discreet companion of nomadic wine lovers. Ideal for discerning collectors, the Bilame Craft does more than open your bottles: it elevates the entire wine experience.
A perfect gift for wine lovers
Gifting a Bilame means offering much more than a corkscrew. It’s offering a ritual, a story, a gesture of precision. A premium oenological gift for lovers of rare wines, beautiful objects, and authentic moments. For the one who has everything… except perhaps the tool insiders quietly swear by.
And you, have you ever tried the Bilame? Turn every bottle opening into a connoisseur’s ritual. Honor your finest wines with a tool worthy of them.
