Open That Bottle Night

That Bottle Isn't Getting Any Younger

We all have one. That bottle tucked away on the shelf, in the back of the closet, or carefully positioned in the wine rack where nobody will accidentally grab it on a Tuesday. The one you're saving for "the right moment."

Here's the thing - that moment has a date now. Saturday, February 28, at 7:30 PM. Right here at EJ's Wine Shop in the Historic Millwork District.

What Is Open That Bottle Night?

Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) is an international tradition that has been held every year since 1999. It was started by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, who wrote "Tastings," the beloved wine column for The Wall Street Journal. During their years writing the column, the question they heard more than any other was: "I have this really special bottle – when should I open it?"

Their answer was always the same: this weekend. Open it and celebrate the memories.

But they realized that sometimes people need a little push. So they created OTBN - a worldwide event on the last Saturday of February, where wine lovers everywhere finally open that bottle they've been holding onto.

It's not about having the most expensive wine or the most impressive vintage. It's about the story. The memory. The reason you've been hanging onto that bottle in the first place.

How It Works

This part is simple. You bring a bottle. Any bottle. The one your aunt brought back from Tuscany. The one you grabbed on your honeymoon. The one your neighbor gave you that you've been "meaning to try" for three years. There are no wrong answers here.

Each person shares the story behind their bottle - where it came from, who gave it to you, and why you've been saving it. Then we open it up and share the wine with everyone at the event.

That's it. Good stories. Good wine. Good people. No sommelier certification required.

The Details

• When: Saturday, February 28 – 7:30 PM
• Where: EJ's Wine Shop, Historic Millwork District, Dubuque, Iowa
• Cost: $10 per person (covers food)
• What to bring: That bottle you've been saving

A Night That's Bigger Than Dubuque

Here's something worth knowing - while we're sharing bottles and stories in the Millwork District, people all around the globe are doing the exact same thing. OTBN is celebrated in living rooms, wine bars, and restaurants on every continent (well, maybe not Antarctica - but give it time). There's something kind of wonderful about knowing you're part of a worldwide moment, all because two wine writers told people to stop waiting and start drinking.

Want to Know More?

For the full history of Open That Bottle Night, a quick Google search will take you down a very enjoyable rabbit hole. You can also check out EJ's Wine Shop on Facebook for updates, or pick up this month's Julien's Journal and check out John Donovan's wine column - John's a regular here at EJ's and always has something worth reading.

So, What's Your Bottle?

Maybe it's a bottle of Bordeaux from a trip you almost didn't take. Maybe it's a bottle of Champagne that's been waiting for news that already came and went. Maybe it's something you grabbed at a gas station in Napa, and it has a surprisingly good story behind it.

Whatever it is, this is your night. Stop saving it. Start sharing it.

We'll see you on February 28.

– Carl