Plus cheap activities to pair with them.

If you’re looking to wine + dine your S.O. (or Mom), Cola’s got plenty of options. But don’t worry – we’re not talking $500K Cabernet. We’re talkin’ bubbly + cheese plates under $20.

The Vista

🍷 Gervais & Vine | Two wine tastings (of four wines each: two white, two red) plus complimentary small cheese plates = $20

When + where | every Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. / 620 Gervais St.

Why | Patio weather has finally arrived in Cola – and we’ll gladly chill out on Gervais & Vine’s porch as the server pours us four total red + white varieties. Don't forget to bring your dog + enjoy the live music. Pro tip: If you’re thirsty for a full glass, ask for the Robert Mondavi Chardonnay – it’s aged in a bourbon barrel.

Activity | Before or after, take an art stroll – see the gallery at Richland Library Main, the classic Gong on Lincoln St., the newly, local-art-wrapped electric boxes throughout the Vista, the new mural off Lady St., the Cola skyline mural at Aloft + the Lincoln St. Tunnel. (free)

Five Points

🍷 Cellar On Greene | Two glasses of half-off champagne ($4-5.50/glass) + one cheese plate ($12) = ~$20

When + where | every Tuesday, 5-10 p.m. / 2001 Greene St. Suite D

Why | Champagne Tuesdays at Cellar on Greene is a Cola happy-hour-into-happy-evening classic. Pro tip: If you want to stay for dinner, we’re a fan of their three-courses-for-$27 deal. Get the seared poundcake for dessert.

Activity | Make you way down Greene St., stop to admire the fountain, then ‘round the corner on Saluda towards Drip Coffee for some record browsing in their back room. Depending on the night, either Drip or Delaney’s (next door) may have live music. (free)

Main Street

🍷 The Aristocrat | One wine tasting (of three themed wines; $5-12/tasting) + cheese board ($12) = ~$17

When + where | Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. ($5 tastings) + Fridays, 6 p.m.-midnight ($12 tastings) / 1001 Washington St.

Why | The latest wine bar on the downtown scene does not disappoint with weekly tastings of wines from around the world – like Rosés + Italian Reds. Pro tip: Check their Facebook for scheduled tastings + fundraiser events.

Activity | Walk a few blocks to Columbia Museum of Art to see the newest exhibit – works by famed artist Henri Matisse. ($6/person = $12) Or count how many things are covered in neon yarn from the #YarnBombingofColumbia, all the way down Main. (free)

Forest Acres

🍷 Tazza Kitchen | Two glasses of house red, white, prosecco or rosé ($5/glass) + one cast iron goat cheese ($7.50) = $17.50

When + where | Mon.-Fri. happy hour, 4:30-6:30 p.m. / 4840 Forest Dr. Suite 20

Why | The outdoor fire pit + string lights make us feel fancy, but the prices fit our budget. We plan to cozy up beside the flames with a glass of cab all season long.

Activity | Get a post-wine + cheese coffee from Starbucks ($5/each) and bring a book + sweater to share, then settle side-by-side into one of Trenholm Plaza’s comfy outdoor chairs. ($10) Or drive over to the Trenholm Road United Methodist pumpkin patch to browse + each buy a mini. ($1/each = $2)

Devine Street

🍷 Henry’s | Bottle of wine ($13) + free cheese puffs = $13

When + where | every Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m. / 2865 Devine St.

Why | Okay, this one might be stretching it – but cheese puffs (a.k.a. my favorite childhood [and adulthood] snack) + discounted wine (only on Sundays) is truly a match made in heaven. And possibly the best Sunday scaries medicine of all time.

Activity | Walk down to Emily Douglass Park and string up an Eno in one of the trees to read or listen to music (or watch Netflix, TBH) – or just monkey around on the playground. (free)

As a broke college student, I’m obviously no connoisseur of fine wines. But I’d trade in my Franzia boxed wine + Laughing Cow cheese for some happy hour rosé and goat cheese any day.

And all for under $20? I’ve shamelessly spent more on a meal at Cookout.

Happy sippin’,

- Anjali

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