The Ultimate Guide to Open That Bottle Night
If you have a bottle of wine that you’ve been saving for a special occasion, but never found the right time to open it, you’re not alone. Many wine lovers have a stash of precious bottles that they keep for a “someday” that never comes. But what if you could turn any day into a celebration and enjoy those wines with the people you love? That’s the idea behind Open That Bottle Night, a global event that encourages wine enthusiasts to pop open their most cherished bottles and share them with friends and family.
What is Open That Bottle Night?
Open That Bottle Night was created in 2000 by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, two wine columnists for the Wall Street Journal. They noticed that many of their readers had questions about when to open their special wines, and they realized that there was no perfect answer.
The best time to open a bottle is when you feel like it, and when you have someone to share it with. So they proposed a simple solution: set aside one night each year to finally enjoy those wines that you’ve been saving for too long.
And thus, Open That Bottle Night was born—a night to celebrate the joy of wine, the power of memories, and the beauty of living in the present.
This year, Open That Bottle Night falls on February 24th, and it’s the perfect opportunity to uncork your most treasured wines and create new memories with your loved ones.
Whether you have a rare vintage, a sentimental gift, or a wine that reminds you of a special trip, let the bottle tell its story as you sip and savor it.
To make the most of your Open That Bottle Night experience, here are some tips from Riekie Viljoen, Brand Manager at FAT bastard, a wine brand that believes in living large and enjoying life to the fullest:
TIP #1 – Choosing wisely:
Don’t just pick any bottle from your collection—choose one that has a personal meaning or significance for you. It could be a wine that you received as a gift from someone special, a wine that you bought on a memorable trip, or a wine that you’ve been saving for a milestone or celebration.
Or it could be a wine that is aged in small oak barrels to add greater weight and complexity, like FAT bastard’s The Golden Reserve, a rich and elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
TIP #2 – Setting the mood:
Create a cosy and inviting atmosphere for your Open That Bottle Night celebration. Dim the lights, light some candles, and play your favourite music.
You can also prepare some delicious snacks or dishes to pair with your wine or order some takeout from your favourite restaurant. The important thing is to make yourself and your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
TIP #3 – Sharing the joy:
Open That Bottle Night is not a solo affair—it’s a social event that is best enjoyed with friends and family. Invite them to join you in the festivities and ask them to bring their own special bottles to share. You can also use video calls or social media to connect with your distant loved ones and toast to each other.
As you open your bottles, tell the stories behind them and why they are important to you. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn about each other and how much fun you can have.
Open That Bottle Night is more than just a night to drink wine—it’s a night to celebrate life and the people who make it worth living. So don’t let your special bottles gather dust in your cellar—open them up and enjoy them with the people who matter most to you. You’ll be glad you did.
It’s not about delicious wines. It’s about delicious experiences. May your life be filled with them.”
Dorothy Gaiter & John Brecher.