This coming Saturday, February 22, Stephen and Sylvia Taplin will pop open a 2002 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon for Open That Bottle Night. 2002 is a special year for them, as it is the year that they met. They weren’t making their own wine then, but the producer that this wine is from was using grapes from Taplin Vineyard, so they are excited to share this special bottle and think about how far they have come since they acquired it.

Open That Bottle Night is an annual celebration held on the last Saturday of February. It was started in 1999 by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, two esteemed wine columnists, who wanted to encourage people to finally uncork those bottles they’ve been saving for “someday.” The idea is simple: stop waiting for the perfect moment—create it instead.

The History Behind OTBN

Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, both long-time journalists and wine enthusiasts, spent years writing about the cultural and personal significance of wine. As the authors of Tastings, a popular wine column in The Wall Street Journal, they frequently received letters from readers who regretted never opening bottles that held sentimental value. Recognizing a shared hesitation among wine lovers to uncork meaningful bottles, they launched OTBN as a way to inspire people to enjoy those special wines while they still could. Over the years, OTBN has gained a global following and become popular on social media, with people around the world coming together to celebrate the event in their own unique ways.

Why You Should Participate

At Taplin we believe that wine, like life, is meant to be enjoyed! Too often, we wait for milestones or grand occasions to indulge in the special things we’ve been holding onto. OTBN serves as a reminder that the best time to celebrate is now.

How to Celebrate Open That Bottle Night

There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate, but here are some ideas to make the night extra special with a bottle of Taplin wine:

1. Gather Loved Ones – Share the moment with family and friends. Wine is best enjoyed in good company!
2. Pair It with a Great Meal – Cook something delicious to complement your bottle. Start by checking out more of our recipes and pairing suggestions in the Recent Updates section of our website, or choose a favorite recipe of your own.
3. Share the Story – Every bottle has a story. Whether it was a wedding gift, a purchase from a special trip to Napa Valley, or an exciting find at your local wine store, take the time to reminisce, reflect, and tell the story behind the bottle with those you are drinking it with.
4. Make It an Annual Tradition – Life is too short to let good wine go to waste. Mark your calendar for OTBN each year!
5. Share Online – Post about what you open on Open That Bottle Night and tag us on Instagram! We’d love to see what you bring out of your cellar to share with your loved ones.

It’s More Than Just Wine

At its core, OTBN isn’t just about wine—it’s about connection, nostalgia, and making memories. It’s a night to embrace joy, gratitude, and the people who make life meaningful, and we would be honored if you open a bottle of Taplin that night.

So, if you’ve been holding onto that special bottle, waiting for the “perfect” moment—this is it. Pop the cork, pour a glass, and toast to the memories you’ll create. Cheers to Open That Bottle Night!