Over the last year, I’ve noticed a trend toward wine-focused happy hours at places such as Caveau Wine Bar [2], Sketch [3], Encore on Colfax [4], Lala’s Wine Bar + Pizzeria [5], the Wine Loft [6], and Tastes Wine Bar & Bistro [7]. The newest spot to uncork is Cellar Wine Bar [8] in Lower Highland, and its “social hour” (as they call it) ranks up there with the best.

From 5 to 7 p.m. nightly (but closed on Sundays), Cellar offers $5 or $10 pours from a selection of wines from France, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and California. While the savings aren’t huge, other features make up for it.

First, there’s the modern space, with a wall of windows overlooking 15^th Street. Second, there’s the hip, wine-savvy crowd. (The night I went, a Meetup group of wine lovers had taken over the place.) But the real draw—in addition to the wine—is the tasteful list of cheeses from the Truffle Cheese Shop [9], cured meats, and chocolates.

Order a small plate of the creamy La Tur, mild Grafton cheddar, and rich Bleu d'Auvergne, add in some savory fennel-cured pork salami, and finish it off with a plate of bittersweet chocolate-covered strawberries. (Bread, green and black olives, Marcona almonds, and fresh berries come with the order.) When put together, the tastes and textures will satisfy as if you’d eaten a regular meal.

FYI: While the offerings change weekly, the menu is getting an overhaul on November 1 to include tapas and other warm plates.

2556 15th St., 303-455-9463