D'Vine Wine and Visitor Guide, serving Amador County, Calaveras County, El Dorado County, Placer County, Nevada County, San Joaquin County, Alameda County, Clarksburg and Delta region, Northern Sierra, Lodi Wine Region and Livermore Wine Region

Fox Barrel Cider Company	Ground Restaurant
Greenhorn Creek Golf Resort	Wine School Aboard the Delta King
Robert Mondavi - Ambassador of America Wine and Wine Country Icon	The Essence of Australia
Bonham Label Company	Wine Tasting 101
Wine Education Semillon	Culinary Corner
Past Issues

SAVOR WINE, FOOD AND PLEASURE AT

VINA MODA WINERY

"By Fran Benavidez"

Wine loving Socrates said it best, when he blurted, “Good wines bring everyone together.” If that fearless philosopher were alive today, he’d certainly be revving up for a road trip to Vina Moda, downtown Murphy’s delicious new winery and tasting room.

Perched at the edge of historic Main Street, the tasting room is housed in a century-old barn, originally home to the main feed store for Calaveras County. Notably, The Vina Moda facility is the site of the oldest bonded winery in the county, as well as the only working winery on Murphy’s Main Street.

Upon entering the tasting room, a massive concrete tasting bar commands a wine sipper’s attention. Resembling an artful slice of a single colossal geode complete with gleaming crystals, the inspired countertop appears as though it was discovered in the nearby hills of historic Gold Country. However, thanks to the creative designs of co-owner Kirsten Vader, no precious stones were harmed in the construction of the bar.

Hailing from an interior design background, Kirsten foresaw a design scheme of what was to come even before entering the wine business with her husband, Nathan. “I would taste my husband’s wine and I would sketch and draw from drinking his wines.”

Vader’s contemporary-meets-rural touches are everywhere, from the cool and inviting urban décor to the handcrafted business stationery sent to their valued wine club members. “My wife’s design is probably the most balanced design I’ve ever seen,” smiles husband and winemaker Nathan Vader, adding “She took a hundred year-old barn and turned it into a modern, unique place, but she kept the old, charming, rustic look to it. Quality and balance is the most unique thing.”

Vader crafted his skills by starting out at the bottom of the wine barrel as a cellar rat and working his way through the ranks. The thoughtful winemaker perfected his skills by taking enology courses at UC Davis while studying under the skillful tutelage of a few old school winemakers who shared their 30 years experience in the trade. When opportunity came knocking, Vader was fully prepared to charter a first-class production facility.