Find a towel and a smooth wall. Wrap the base of the bottle in a towel. Hold the bottle horizontally and proceed to rhythmically pound it base-first against the wall. Be firm, not violent. As the wine sloshes forward with each impact, it will squeeze into the neck of the bottle, creating a primitive water hammer. The cork will eventually be driven out far enough that you can grab it and finish the job manually.
(For yet another unorthodox way to open a bottle, see "How to Open a Beer When You Don't Have a Bottle Opener".)
Return to the Best Bars in America
Curious about organic wines? Check out Organic and Biodynamic Wines