Open That Bottle Night: A Celebration of Wine and Memories

Ever find yourself saying “I’m saving this bottle for a special occasion” – only to have that bottle gather dust year after year?

You’re not alone.

That’s exactly why Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, former Wall Street Journal wine columnists, created Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) back in 2000.

Every last Saturday of February, wine lovers worldwide finally pop open those bottles they’ve been holding onto for far too long.

Why We Keep “Saving It for Later”

Let’s be honest – we’ve all been there.

Maybe it’s that wedding gift you’re still hanging onto, or that bottle you brought back from that amazing trip to Tuscany.

Perhaps it’s the last bottle from your grandfather’s collection.

Whatever makes it special, these wines often carry more memories than wine – and that’s exactly what makes them so hard to open.

The Simple Philosophy Behind It

Here’s what Gaiter and Brecher figured out: waiting for the “perfect moment” often means missing out entirely.

Their message was beautifully simple: “Special bottles should be opened when they mean something, not just when they’re ready to drink.”

How’s that for permission to celebrate?

Ready to Join In? Here’s How

The best part?

There are no complicated rules here.

Just pick that bottle you’ve been saving (you know the one), gather some friends or family, and share its story.

Whether it’s a fancy vintage or simply a bottle that makes you smile, OTBN is your perfect excuse to finally pull that cork.

It’s Gone Global!

What started as a wine column suggestion has turned into something amazing.

These days, wine lovers everywhere get in on the fun – hosting dinner parties, joining virtual tastings, and sharing their bottle stories on social media.

Even restaurants have jumped on board, with many offering special OTBN menus and dropping corkage fees for the night.

A Friendly Reminder About Wine

Here’s a little secret many wine collectors learn the hard way: sometimes waiting too long means missing the wine at its best.

OTBN gives us all the perfect reason to enjoy our special bottles while they’re still singing.

The Bottom Line

As Gaiter and Brecher love to remind us, “Life is too short to save a bottle forever.”

And isn’t that what it’s all about?

OTBN isn’t just about drinking wine – it’s about uncorking memories, sharing stories, and creating new moments worth remembering.

So go ahead, mark your calendar for the last Saturday in February.

That bottle isn’t getting any younger, and neither are we!