Sparkling wine and oyster bar, Extra Brut, will open in Clayton

Fans of sparkling will soon have an oasis in which to imbibe a wide variety of bubbles. Extra Brut, a sparkling wine and oyster venue from the folks behind Louie’s Wine Dive, is set to debut at 16 S. Bemiston Ave., in Clayton on Friday, Aug. 4.

“It’s simple in a lot of ways, but with complex products,” said owner Whitney VinZant.

Patrons enter the space speakeasy-style via a nondescript entrance adjacent to Louie’s and tagged with the initials EB. After traversing a long hallway lit by vintage-inspired sconces, they’re ushered into the space itself, which seats approximately 55, including booths and communal tables. Light fixtures crafted from used wine barrels and custom glassware cabinets enhance the minimalist design aesthetic of the space, and a small stage in the corner will feature live music.

Extra Brut will only be open on Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. During the week, the space will serve as a private dining area for Louie’s.

Despite the under-the-radar entrance, advanced sommelier and corporate beverage director Patrick Olds said he hopes Extra Brut shows people sparkling wines aren’t just for special occasion.

“The environment, awesome as it is, is secondary,” said Olds. “The goal is getting really good juice in front of people and making it accessible.”

To this end, the beverages are limited to just sparkling wines – no spirits, no cocktails, no beer – and certified sommeliers will be on hand to help navigate the offerings.

The bar will have a list of approximately 60 variations, ranging from French Champagne to cremant to Spanish cava and Italian prosecco. A couple of by-the-glass offerings will be available, but Olds said the focus is sharing bottles.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.