Bottles, Stories, and Stroller Parking

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Welcome to Highland Fine Wine

Standing tall at the heart of Morningside Village, Highland Fine Wine has been part of the neighborhood for over 13 years, but the story of its building goes back much further. “Way back when in the 1940s, this was part of an A&P grocery store,” says Owner Nick Salpekar. “I actually had a client walk in here and say he worked in that grocery store in 1945 when he was 16 years old.” 

Since then, the space has gone through many lives, including boutiques and art galleries, before becoming home of the wine shop the community knows and loves today. 

Unlike big-box stores, Highland Fine Wine is run by a small team of sommeliers who curate the shelves with the eye of a restaurant buyer. The focus is on smaller, family-owned estates, about 60% international and 40% domestic, meaning you’ll find bottles here that tell a story. And with one of the largest free parking lots in the area, it’s as easy to pop in for a bottle on a weeknight as it is to stock up for a celebration.

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The Neighborhood’s Wine Cellar

Highland Fine Wine’s goal is to be a true “third space” for the neighborhood. Every Saturday afternoon from 3–5 pm, the shop hosts free walk-up wine tastings. No RSVP required! Parents roll in with strollers, neighbors meet up to catch up, and the staff knows most customers by name. “There have been many times my wife and I showed up and ran into good friends without even coordinating schedules,” says longtime regular David Hicks.

From remembering their regulars’ favorite bottles to running orders out to cars when kids are napping in the backseat, the Highland Fine Wine team is a truly good neighbor. Nick adds, “Sometimes the spouse will come and say, ‘It’s under my wife’s name, just pick out what she usually gets.’ We know, and we’ve got it ready.”

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Curated for Every Occasion

Whether you’re building your own collection, selecting the perfect pairing for a dinner party, or hunting for a thoughtful gift for a friend with particular tastes, Highland Fine Wine makes it easy. Their team is highly skilled at helping you curate selections for your party and estimating just how many bottles will suit the occasion and group. 

Shopping small comes with more perks: if you’re after a particular bottle, Highland Fine Wine can place a custom order, often with no minimums. Pro tip: subscribe to their newsletter for first access to limited releases and exclusive discounts! 

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Meet the Highland Half Case

If there’s one thing Highland Fine Wine is known for, it’s the Highland Half Case. For $85, customers can take home six hand-selected bottles that change at the start of every month. It’s not a subscription, but many locals treat it like one, returning monthly to see what’s new.

The Half Case is also the centerpiece of those Saturday tastings. Each week, guests can sample a red and white from the sommelier’s monthly selection, along with a few extras from the shop. It’s an easy way to discover new wines while staying well-stocked at home.

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Inside the Sommelier’s Selection

So what goes into choosing the six bottles each month? Corbin Gleason, one of the shop’s sommeliers, says it’s all about thoughtfulness and balance. “Seasonality is the main thing. Nobody wants full-bodied wines when it’s warm, and nobody wants something super light and watery when it’s cold,” he explains. That means crisp, citrusy whites in the summer, richer reds in the winter, and always a sparkling option in December.

The mix often includes familiar varietals like Pinot Noir or Cabernet alongside more adventurous picks, such as Bonarda from Argentina or an under-the-radar Portuguese red.

Even labels are part of the consideration. “People consume first with their eyes,” Corbin explains. “A bottle doesn’t need to be a work of art, but it should feel inviting on the table. And while value is key, storytelling matters too.” Corbin loves being able to share the history, like a 1,200-year-old estate behind one of his favorite Super Tuscans.

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Stock Up, Sip Well, Stay Curious

From thoughtfully curated shelves and patented tasting cards to high-end events with winemakers and sommeliers, the team is passionate about sharing knowledge and helping customers discover something new. Stop by on a Saturday, sample what’s in this month’s Highland Half Case, and see for yourself why locals keep coming back! 

Business Hours

Mon-Sat: 11 am-8 pm

Sun: 12:30-5:00 pm

Location: 1402-6 North Highland Ave NE 

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