Please join us for the second annual ‘Open That Bottle of Virginia Wine’ on Saturday, March 27.

Regular readers may remember I announced the creation of the first ‘Open That Bottle of Virginia Wine Night’ last March to encourage Virginia wine enthusiasts to open that special bottle of local wine they’ve been holding on to while raising awareness local wines in the midst of the pandemic lockdown.

I borrowed this idea from Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, who wrote the highly acclaimed ‘Tastings’ column in The Wall Street Journal from 1998 to 2010. In 2000, the couple created Open That Bottle Night (OTBN), a global ‘celebration of friends, family and memories during which all of us finally drink that wine that is otherwise simply too special to open.’

Given the success of last year’s event and because wineries are still impacted by the pandemic, we’re doing it again this year (with a few modifications).

Like last year, I am partnering with the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office to host a virtual session with Bettina Ring, Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, and winemakers across the state. (An option for those not suffering Zoom fatigue)

This year, several wineries will have ‘Open That Bottle…’ tastings at their tasting room on the 27th (in addition to special packs available for purchase). I changed the name from ‘night’ to ‘day’ to account for the day-long celebration. We’ll also use a different hashtag this year to account for the change — #OpenVaWine.

Joining Open that Bottle of Virginia Wine Day 2021 is easy:

  1. Buy a bottle (or pack) of Virginia wine (or cider) and open on Saturday, March 27.  
  2. Post picture(s) online — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.  Share why you selected that particular bottle.  Use hashtag:   #OpenVAWine
  3. Enjoy the wine with a meal and family.
  4. Optional:  Join us on Zoom at 5pm for a tasting and discussion with winemakers. 

Please check back here on February 1 for a complete list of ‘Open That Bottle’ wine specials and packs. (WINERIES: If you have not got back to me with your specials and would like them listed, please email me.)

I hope you will consider joining us by purchasing one of the special packs or participating in one of the tastings on March 27 to support the local wine industry.

And, mark your calendars for Open Local Wine Night on April 11 hosted by Gina Shay and Lenn Thompson.

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