diff --git a/plugins/cli/sidetag_cli.py b/plugins/cli/sidetag_cli.py
index c9729d75..e1192875 100644
--- a/plugins/cli/sidetag_cli.py
+++ b/plugins/cli/sidetag_cli.py
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ def handle_add_sidetag(options, session, args):
     activate_session(session, options)
 
     try:
-        tag = session.createSideTag(basetag)
+        tag = session.createSideTag(opts.basetag)
     except koji.ActionNotAllowed:
         parser.error(_("Policy violation"))