The Wall Street Journal’s tag team tasters Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher (they’re actually married) had a very good idea a few years ago. They recognized that one of the problems with buying a very fine wine is that there’s a real danger that you’ll never feel there’s an occasion “worthy” of it. So they decided to declare the last Saturday in February Open That Bottle Night.

The idea is that you have a nice dinner, either at home or in a restaurant, and open a pricey, special bottle you’ve been cellaring. In cities around the US, people now participate and it really is a good idea for a lousy time of year.

You need to be a subscriber to get into the Wall Street Journal’s site, but to get a flavour of the evening, just Google Open That Bottle Night. Then get down to your cellar and dig out that prize bottle...