Published on February 22nd, 2024.
Open That Bottle Night
Celebrate this iconic night your venue’s way.
Get ready to pop the cork and savour the moment because Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) is just around the corner! Celebrated on the last Saturday of February every year, this special occasion is all about dusting off those cherished bottles of wine that you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
So why wait for that elusive perfect moment? Open That Bottle Night encourages you to uncork those fine wines you’ve been saving for a rainy day and enjoy them in good company. After all, life is too short to keep those bottles tucked away on a shelf.
History of Open That Bottle Night
Begun by the then-Wall Street Journal Wine Columnists John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter, the event has gone worldwide. Speaking to WineBid about the inspiration behind OTBN, they said:
“In 1998 when we started The Wall Street Journal “Tastings” column, the question we received most often was along these lines: “I have this bottle from my late father, or my wedding, or an auction, or a visit to the winery. When should I open it?” We always answered: This weekend – open it and celebrate the memories. We got that question so often we eventually said, OK, fine. Clearly it takes a village to open those bottles. So, we set one day when we could all screw up enough courage and will to do it together. We named it Open That Bottle Night. It happens on the last Saturday in February and it’s an international celebration of love, friendship and memories centred on wine.”
How to Choose the Bottle
Open That Bottle Night is more than just an opportunity to uncork a fine wine; it’s a celebration of memories waiting to be revisited. There’s something truly magical about that special bottle tucked away, waiting for the perfect moment to be enjoyed.
As you prepare a great meal and reach for that bottle, take a moment to let your senses guide you down memory lane. The sight of the label, the aroma as you pour a glass, and the taste as it dances on your palate all have the power to transport you back to moments in time that are etched in your heart.
Perhaps this OTBN-worthy wine is a recent purchase, chosen for its intriguing vintage or grape type. Or maybe it’s been patiently waiting in your collection, holding memories of a special occasion or a cherished trip to the winery.
Whatever the case may be, let the wine work its magic as you gather around the table with loved ones. Share stories, laugh, and create new memories that will be cherished for years to come. Because in the end, it’s not just about the wine itself, but the moments and memories it helps to create.
How to Get Involved
Be the ultimate catalyst for your customers’ wine enjoyment and inject some fun into their experience! Use #OTBN as a golden opportunity to host a Bring Your Own night, encouraging patrons to raid their personal wine cellars and share those special bottles they’ve been saving.
Inspire your staff to become storytellers, sharing their own personal wine adventures and anecdotes about the producers featured on your wine list. Let these stories breathe life into your establishment, fostering a vibrant and engaging atmosphere that keeps customers coming back for more.
By embracing #OTBN and fostering a culture of wine appreciation and enjoyment, you’ll not only create unforgettable experiences for your customers but also cultivate a loyal following that values the unique and memorable moments your business provides.
For all vintage wine enquiries, contact your DWUK Key Account Manager today.
Share this article
Click here to receive the latest and greatest promotions, new products, competitions and so much more straight to your inbox.
