Take a First Look Inside Copper Vine, the Wine Tavern the New Orleans CBD Deserves

Copper Vine, hospitality entrepreneur Kyle Brechtel’s new CBD wine-pub, will open its doors to an airy, dapper redo of its historic landmark building very soon, bringing with it a menu from Michael Brewer that raises the bar for wine taverns, as well as over 30 wines on tap.

Copper Vine represents more than a business venture for Brechtel, but the realization of a personal dream. Brechtel used to occupy an apartment across the street; daily he fantasized about transforming the then dark gem that had housed iconic Maylie’s restaurant for 110 years into a vibrant, bright spot that would cater to the area’s burgeoning residential population.

“There’s a lot of me in this project,” he says. “I wanted to make the kind of neighborhood place that I’d want to go to night after night.”

Copper Vine’s look begins with a strong statement in the form of a contemporary 30-seat corner patio with sea blue paint, cushy benches, half walls, and a lush array of hanging plants and wisteria recalling the profuse vines that once graced the front Maylie’s. All this defines an organic vibe in contrast the concrete surrounds, while dappled street views feed off Poydras’ kinetic energy. Overhead steel beams hint at enclosure without sealing off the space. Architect Jennie West of Studio West and landscape architect Wes Michaels of Spackman, Mossop, and Michaels designed the exterior space together.

Brandt Vicknair

Inside, a dynamic, multi-layered space handsomely contrasts the historic building’s original details with modern finishes. Downstairs, a restored 24-foot long bar, likely as old as the building itself, anchors the room and has been outfitted with copper taps for wine and a sleek white stone countertop. Classic New Orleans features such as soaring ceilings and a wall of windowed french doors offer a vintage backdrop for steel blue tufted banquettes and decidedly more modern leatherette stools and high tables.

Brandt Vicknair/Copper Vine

Taking a cue from the tavern’s name, West added some subtle copper touches throughout the space. Local art subtly underscores a New Orleans theme.

Brandt Vicknair

Upstairs offers flexibility with an overflow dining room replete with swaths of deep blue wainscoting, plus two petite private rooms separated by pocket doors that can be used individually or opened to accommodate mid-sized groups. Floor to ceiling windows overlook a street side balcony. “It’s a space that can scale up, or scale down depending on need,” says Brechtel. “For a restaurant, that’s a beautiful thing.”

Brandt Vicknair/Copper Vine

Brandt Vicknair

Brandt Vicknair

Brandt Vicknair

• Copper Vine’s Opening Menu Raises the Bar for Wine Taverns [ENOLA]
• The CBD Is Getting a New Wine Pub With 30 Wines on Tap and a Patio [ENOLA]
• The CBD Is Getting a New Wine Pub With 30 Wines on Tap and a Patio [ENOLA]
• Do You Remember Maylie’s Restaurant? [NOLA.COM]
• All Copper Vine Coverage [ENOLA]
• All CBD Restaurant Coverage [ENOLA]
• All Coming Attractions Coverage [ENOLA]
• All Eater New Orleans Interiors/Design Coverage [ENOLA]