DeKALB – DeKalb’s only wine bar and retail wine establishment will soon be opening in the downtown area.

Class VI, 214 E. Lincoln Highway, will have classic cocktails, a big wine selection including International and California wines, and beer from local Byers Brewing Company.

Tom Sherman, a 24 year army veteran, named the establishment “Class VI” in reference to the Army’s joke term for areas on bases where you can buy liquor.

Sherman has been living in DeKalb for 25 years with his wife and kids. He said he opened Class VI because of the lack of wine in the area.

“I got tired of driving to Binny’s in Geneva to get good wine,” Sherman said. “So I opened this place.”

In addition, Sherman said food will mainly be meat and cheese boards as well as appetizers.

“It’s all over the map,” Sherman said. “I’ve got, all the way from summer sausage from Wisconsin to smoked duck breast. I’m having fun composing four different boards to get started. We’re going to have a meat only board, a cheese only board and then two mixed ones.”

DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas confirmed the opening of the wine bar in an email to the Northern Star.

“Class VI is very welcome as it contributes to the variety of food choices that is growing in the downtown area, and is a veteran-owned business,” Nicklas said.

Sherman said Class VI is projected to open Friday pending a final inspection.