Freedom! If your wine bottles could talk, we’d imagine them yelling in chorus this weekend.

Dorothy Gaiter and John Brechter, a wife and husband duo of wine critics and journalists, started Open That Bottle Night in 2000, and it has since become an international celebration. Occurring annually on the last Saturday of February, it’s a night where we uncork those stashed-away bottles that we’ve been holding onto for “a special occasion.” This is the occasion!

Gaiter and Brechter wanted to create an event to open a significant bottle every year. This takes the anxiety away from wondering when to crack into those bottles we’ve all got gathering dust somewhere. It’s a welcome excuse to share in the wine drinking experience and to tell a story.

Don’t have any well-aged grapes at home? No worries! We’ve taken care of the waiting for you.

Our Cune Rioja Gran Reserva 2010 ($44) is a savory, elegant red from Northern Spain that’s been awfully patient over the past decade.

The Nicolas Joly Clos de la Bergerie Savenierres ($75) might be younger by comparison, but its combination of rich apples and waxy honey make for an earthy Chenin Blanc that would love to be enjoyed in a glass.

What story will you tell?

Tipsy is a woman-owned wine and spirits shop in New York City. We offer more than 200 varietals for every palate and budget, as well as artisanal gifts and glassware. In addition to our retail presence, we produce educational wine tastings for law firms, nonprofits, and companies of all sizes. Our team of women sommeliers is also available to lead wine tastings for private events, engagement parties and bridal showers. To book a tasting or order client gifts, email events@shoptipsy.com.