What is “Open That Bottle Night?” 8 Fun Ways to Celebrate
Updated: January 16, 2025
We all have those special bottles tucked away in our cellars or on a dusty shelf—bottles that we’ve been saving for that “perfect moment.” Well, guess what? Open That Bottle Night is all about celebrating those wines, right now. You don’t need to wait for an anniversary or a milestone to open something special. In fact, the whole point of this fun wine holiday is to embrace the idea that the bottle itself is the reason to celebrate.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to finally pop the cork on that bottle you’ve been hoarding, the answer is: Yes, it’s time! Let’s dive into what Open That Bottle Night is all about and how you can make this February tradition one to remember.
What is Open That Bottle Night?
Open That Bottle Night was born in 2000, thanks to wine journalists and married couple Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, who were behind the "Tastings" column for The Wall Street Journal. The idea behind the holiday was simple but brilliant: People often asked Dorothy and John when it was the right time to open a bottle of wine they had been holding onto. Instead of giving a standard answer, the couple decided to encourage wine drinkers to simply open the bottle instead of waiting for a special occasion. After all, every bottle tells a story—and sometimes the best reason to open a bottle is because it exists!
The concept took off and, today, Open That Bottle Night is celebrated every year on the last Saturday of February. It's a chance for wine lovers to celebrate those bottles they’ve been holding onto for far too long, whether it’s a bottle of Bordeaux, a rare vintage, or something sentimental. Dorothy and John even chronicled their own experiences with special wines in their book, Love by the Glass, sharing over 20 wines that made a lasting impression on them.
So, this February, grab your corkscrew and get ready to celebrate what could become your favorite wine holiday!
Eight Ways to Celebrate Open That Bottle Night
Now that you know the story behind this fantastic wine holiday, it's time to start planning your celebration. Here are eight fun and meaningful ways to celebrate:
1. Find the Oldest Bottle in Your Cellar and Uncork It
This is the perfect excuse to finally open that bottle you’ve been saving for a really special occasion (you know, the one you keep thinking “maybe next year” about). Whether it’s a Burgundy that’s been collecting dust for decades or a bottle from a vacation wine shop that you’ve been holding onto since your honeymoon, this is the time to pop it open. Check out our tips for opening older wines! Older wines can often have a bit of sediment (don’t worry, it’s just tartaric crystals—totally harmless), just be sure to decant it, but only let is sit for a few minutes before serving, as the exposure of a fragile, aged wine to oxygen can cause the wine to lose its aromas and flavors. Just let it breathe for a few minutes, then pour yourself a glass and toast to the memories.
2. Open Your Most Inexpensive Bottle
Who says you can only celebrate with expensive bottles? Dorothy and John’s very first wine together was a bottle of André Cold Duck (a low-cost sparkling wine), and it was special because it was their bottle. So, for a fun twist, pull out your most inexpensive bottle and celebrate the simplicity of it. Sometimes the best memories come from unassuming moments and, honestly, who needs a $500 bottle of wine to enjoy a great evening with friends? Cheers to the budget-friendly bottles!
3. Host a Small Get-Together and Ask Everyone to Bring That One Special Bottle
Open That Bottle Night is all about sharing special wines, so why not invite a few friends over and make it a group celebration? Have each person bring a bottle that means something to them—maybe it’s the first bottle they ever bought, or a wine from a trip they’ll never forget. There’s something so enjoyable about tasting wines that come with stories attached. Plus, it’s a great way to try wines you might not have picked out for yourself!
4. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone—Try a New Variety
Always reach for Cabernet Sauvignon? Why not try a Merlot? Always grab a Chardonnay? Maybe it's time to pop open a bottle of Viognier. Open That Bottle Night isn’t just about opening old favorites—it’s about exploring new ones too. Choose a wine that’s outside your usual rotation. You never know, you might fall in love with a new varietal. Plus, it’s a great excuse to expand your palate.
5. Experiment with a New Wine Region or Producer
Is your wine cellar full of California Cabernets? Why not mix things up with a bottle from South Africa, Australia, or Chile? There’s a whole world of wine beyond your typical favorites, and Open That Bottle Night is the perfect time to explore it. Pick up a bottle from an up-and-coming producer in Italy or France, or venture into a less common region to see what else is out there. It’s a fun way to broaden your wine horizons.
6. Go Back in Time with a Wine from a Significant Year
Nostalgia + wine = a perfect pairing. For a fun twist on Open That Bottle Night, grab a bottle from a year that holds personal significance. Maybe it’s the year you graduated, the year you met your spouse, or the year you started your wine collection. For example, if you’re feeling nostalgic about 2002, our 2002 Freemark Abbey Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon is a great pick. While you sip, reminisce about what was going on in your life at that time—what movies were you watching? What music were you listening to? Maybe you were jamming out to some Nickelback! It’s a great way to pair wine with memories.
7. A Toast with Bubbles Is Always a Good Idea
Is there anything more celebratory than bubbles? Pop open a bottle of sparkling wine, such as our brut rosé, and let the fizz add that extra special touch to your evening. Sparkling wines—whether they’re from France (Champagne), Italy (Prosecco), or your favorite local producer—are always a fun way to start or end a celebration. Plus, the bubbles have a way of making everything feel more festive. Raise a glass and toast to good friends, good wine, and unforgettable moments.
8. Share Your Bottle with the World on Social Media
Don’t forget to share your Open That Bottle Night moments on social media with the hashtags #OpenThatBottleNight and #OTBN. Whether it’s a photo of your corked bottle, your wine-filled glass, or a group shot with friends, social media is a great way to connect with other wine lovers around the world. Plus, it’s a fun way to see how others are celebrating and which bottles they’re uncorking. Cheers to sharing the love of wine!
Celebrate with Wine, Anytime
Open That Bottle Night is all about celebrating wine, creating memories, and sharing great bottles with those who appreciate them. Whether you’re opening a treasured bottle you’ve been saving or uncorking something new, this day is a reminder that every bottle has a story—and every bottle deserves to be celebrated. So why wait? Go ahead, open that bottle, and make some new memories with the wines you love.
And if you're looking for that perfect bottle to add to your collection or a special wine for the occasion, yourwinestore.com has you covered. Buy wine online with ease and have your favorite bottles delivered right to your door—just in time for your celebration. Cheers to great wine, great company, and unforgettable moments!