NEW ORLEANS — Opening late summer 2018, Copper Vine by Brechtel Hospitality Group (BHG), will be downtown New Orleans’ first “wine pub” — a convivial gathering place where gastropub cuisine and neighborhood wine bar converge.
Located at 1009 Poydras Street in an historic space that once housed Maylie’s (opened in 1876 and one of New Orleans’ oldest restaurants), Copper Vine aims to democratize wine, making it accessible, easy and fun for guests.
Unlike traditional wine bars, which tend to cater to oenophiles and often seem intimidating, Copper Vine builds on the “pub” or “public house” philosophy — a relaxed, social establishment where friends and acquaintances gather to drink and/or enjoy a meal.
The wine program at Copper Vine will feature 30 familiar varietals on tap. Owner Kyle Brechtel, named one of Gambit Weekly’s “Top 40 under 40” and founder/President of BHG which also owns Fulton Alley and Bonfire Catering, elected to install a wine tap system to prevent many of the problems that come with traditional bottle service — no oxidation, no waste, faster service, and lower cost which means a win-win for both the guest and the environment.
Additional offerings include 20 glasses poured to reflect greater breadth with lesser-known wines from around the world. Although the offerings are robust, Copper Vine seeks to make the wine ordering process accessible, easy, and fun for guests whether or not they know the difference between a Bourdeaux and Burgundy. Copper Vine will also feature 8 local beers on tap, as well as a selection of classic cocktails and premium spirits.
For the food at Copper Vine, Brechtel has tapped Chef Mike Brewer to develop the menu and oversee culinary operations. A staple on the New Orleans restaurant scene since 1999, Brewer has worked for notable spots including Brennan's, Commander's Palace and his award-winning sandwich spot, The Sammich, where he took home the crown as the 2015 King of Louisiana Seafood.
The menu, designed with great consideration for the wine, will feature innovative interpretations of the casual cuisine synonymous with the pub experience, such as Murder Point oysters with pineapple-mint gelée, topped with Cajun caviar; duck confit flatbread with bacon jam, goat cheese and micro arugula; and short rib with parmesan flan.
Long before Copper Vine, 1009 Poydras was the home of Maylie’s, a fondly remembered New Orleans restaurant that opened in 1876. By the time it closed almost a century later, it was one of the oldest restaurants in the city and the building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Inspired by old New Orleans charm, but with a careful consideration for modern aesthetic, the 5,500 square feet indoor/outdoor space will feature open interiors; breezy fabrics; lush greenery and an array of seating options in the bar, dining area, courtyard and on the balcony. “Our goal is to create a fresh space that pays tribute to the legacy of this corner,” said Brechtel. "We're also adding something special to the social scene in this neighborhood, showing locals and tourists they can have a casual neighborhood experience without sacrificing quality and service. And it doesn't hurt that we have the only outdoor patio seating on Poydras."
Copper Vine is located at 1009 Poydras Street in New Orleans’ Central Business District, and will open to the public late summer 2018. For more information visit www.coppervinewinepub.com.
