The history of Vina Enoteca

History

Stanford Barn History Location of Vina Enoteca

Vina Enoteca is located at the historic Stanford Barn in Palo Alto. The barn was built over a period of two years, from 1886-1888. Its original design was as a winery for the surrounding vineyards. The first floor was devoted to cellarage, the second floor was a fermenting room, and the third floor was for crushing grapes. Grapes were carried up to the third floor by a chain elevator. The juice and skins were taken by chutes to the second floor. The new wine was then pumped to the first floor into aging tanks. The machinery for these operations was run by a steam engine housed in the small brick building (current home of Tootsies as the Stanford Barn) just a few steps away. The high-quality aged wines were sold under the Palo Alto trademark and also were in easy access to Stanford’s dining tables.

Stanford saw wine as a positive factor in the promotion of health, relaxation, and temperance. “Its general use among the people as a beverage in the family, on the dining table, is beneficial.”

Today, Vina Enoteca’s modern décor and lighting accent the rustic barn’s historic brickwork and wooden beams. The restaurants’ concept is viewed through an Italian lens focused on fresh made pasta, pizza and bread comprised of traditional Italian favorites and modern interpretations executed to the highest standards. Our Italian and surrounding region wine program and house crafted cocktails compliment the cuisine, bringing a refined European taste to the heart of Silicon Valley.

Buon Appetito!