Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and transporting a bottle by its handle from one surface to a second surface and for releasing the bottle at the second surface, the apparatus having a frame with four inwardly converging fingers, pivotally mounted to a frame. Spring loaded control rods hold the fingers in horizontal positions so that the distal ends of the fingers terminate adjacent to each other. The frame is moved downwardly over the bottle so that the distal ends of the fingers pass around the handle and then support the bottle by the handle as the frame lifts and transports the bottle from one surface to another. The rods are pneumatically released when the frame is to move away from the bottle, thereby enabling the fingers to release the handle of the bottle. In different orientations of the bottle, less than all of the fingers protrude beneath the handles for raising and transporting the bottle.