Open That Bottle Night, celebrated each year on the last Saturday of February, is a reminder to stop saving special wines for “someday” and start sharing them now. Founded in 1999 by wine writers John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter, the tradition encourages meaningful connection through memorable bottles. This year, Stags’ Leap Winery invites you to celebrate with five inspired ways to gather, plus a winemaker-recommended Cabernet Sauvignon perfect for the occasion.
What Is Open That Bottle Night?
Open That Bottle Night has been celebrated annually since 1999, always on the last Saturday of February. Created by former Wall Street Journal wine columnists John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter, the idea was simple but powerful: open the bottles you have been saving and share them with people who matter.
What began as a personal ritual quickly became a global tradition embraced by wine lovers around the world. At its heart, Open That Bottle Night is about connection, storytelling, and creating memories rather than letting meaningful wines linger unopened.
Why Open That Bottle Night Matters at Stags’ Leap Winery
At Stags’ Leap Winery, every bottle is crafted to reflect the heritage, beauty, and timeless character of the Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. These wines are meant to be shared, discussed, and enjoyed in moments that bring people together.
Open That Bottle Night aligns naturally with this philosophy. It is not just about opening a great wine. It is about opening a moment, a conversation, and a shared experience that will be remembered long after the bottle is empty.
Five Ways to Celebrate Open That Bottle Night with Stags’ Leap
1. Host an Intimate Evening with Loved Ones
Invite close friends or family for a relaxed evening centered on conversation, laughter, and a thoughtfully chosen bottle. Keep the setting simple so the wine and the people take center stage.
2. Create a Wine-Inspired Culinary Journey
Plan a multi-course dinner designed to complement the elegance and structure of Stags’ Leap wines. Thoughtful pairings elevate both the food and the wine, turning dinner into an experience.
3. Add Mystery with a Blind Tasting
Cover the labels and invite guests to guess the varietal or vintage. A blind tasting adds intrigue and encourages deeper engagement with the wine in the glass.
4. Enjoy a Sunset Sip Under the Open Sky
Take the celebration outdoors with a wine picnic at golden hour. Fresh baguettes, artisanal cheeses, and a beautifully crafted bottle pair effortlessly with an open sky.
5. Pair Wine with a Nostalgic Film
Choose a classic film and enjoy it alongside your favorite Stags’ Leap wine. The combination of storytelling on screen and in the glass creates a cozy, memorable evening.
Winemaker Recommendation for Open That Bottle Night
According to Ludovic Dervin, General Manager and Senior Winemaker at Stags’ Leap Winery, Open That Bottle Night is the perfect occasion to open a standout vintage that captures both place and season.
I would open a bottle of the ‘The Leap’ Cabernet Sauvignon. The Leap is a selection of our best Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from the Stags’ Leap Winery Estate. It exemplifies the unique personality of the district, offering richness, depth, elegance, and finesse. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roasted lamb, hearty meat stews, cassoulet, or wild mushroom pizza. Cheers.
Open That Bottle Night at a Glance
• First celebrated: 1999
• Founders: John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter
• When: Last Saturday of February
• Purpose: Sharing meaningful wines with friends and family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Open That Bottle Night?
Open That Bottle Night is an annual celebration encouraging wine lovers to open and share special bottles they have been saving, rather than waiting for a perfect moment.
When is Open That Bottle Night celebrated?
It takes place every year on the last Saturday of February.
Who started Open That Bottle Night?
The tradition was founded in 1999 by wine writers John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter.
What wine should I open for Open That Bottle Night?
Choose a bottle with personal meaning or a standout vintage. A structured, age-worthy wine like Stags’ Leap Winery’s The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice.
