FORGE DE LAGUIOLE
Forge de Laguiole is a prestigious French manufacturer renowned for handcrafted knives, sommelier corkscrews and wine accessories made in the village of Laguiole in Aubrac, France. Combining traditional craftsmanship with elegant contemporary design, the brand has become internationally recognised for wine tools created for sommeliers, collectors and lovers of fine craftsmanship.
Founded in 1987, Forge de Laguiole was established with the objective of restoring knife-making to Laguiole itself. Its distinctive manufacture was designed by French architect and designer Philippe Starck, bringing production back to the village closely associated with the celebrated Laguiole knife tradition.
The Forge de Laguiole Sommelier is among the house's most recognisable creations. Designed as a professional wine tool, it combines a corkscrew, bottle-opening mechanism and integrated blade within an elegant handcrafted form. Attention to ergonomics and leverage makes the sommelier suitable for opening fine and mature bottles where controlled cork extraction is particularly important.
Materials are an essential part of the Forge de Laguiole identity. Depending on the model, handles may feature natural woods, horn and other carefully selected materials, creating individual variations in grain, colour and texture. Stainless steel components provide strength and durability, while extensive hand-finishing gives each piece its characteristic refinement.
Production combines traditional handcraft with specialised manufacturing processes. Skilled artisans undertake numerous stages of shaping, assembly, adjustment and polishing at the Laguiole workshop, preserving techniques associated with the region while maintaining the precision expected of a premium contemporary wine accessory.
Forge de Laguiole has also collaborated with prominent designers and creative figures, bringing contemporary interpretations to its traditional forms. These collaborations reinforce the brand's distinctive position at the intersection of French craftsmanship, functional design and wine culture.
For sommeliers and wine enthusiasts, a Forge de Laguiole corkscrew is more than a practical bottle opener. Its combination of tactile natural materials, thoughtful engineering and French artisanal heritage makes it equally suited to professional service, home cellars and gifting.
The brand's connection to Laguiole is particularly important. The term Laguiole describes a style and tradition rather than simply one manufacturer, while Forge de Laguiole distinguishes itself through production in its own manufacture in the village of Laguiole. This provenance is central to the identity and craftsmanship of the brand.
Whether selecting a professional sommelier corkscrew or a beautifully finished wine accessory, Forge de Laguiole offers a distinctive combination of practicality, longevity and French design.
Shop Forge de Laguiole online at Wine More Cellars Australia. Discover handcrafted French sommelier corkscrews and premium wine accessories with Australia-wide shipping.
