Murray loves new role at Cork Cellars

Nadean is a people person - and also a wine lover.

The combination sets her up perfectly for success as the new owner of Cork Cellars. The wine shop has developed a reputation as a destination for visitors and a gathering place for locals, and Murray intends to keep things that way.

"To me, Cork Cellars works," she said. "So I'm not going to mess with that."

Murray and her husband Rick formerly owned The Pony Express in Sisters. After selling the shop and battling cancer, Nadean realized that something important was missing in her life.

"I realized that I so missed my people in Sisters," she said. "I so missed my contact with people."

She started casting about for opportunities, but one idea prevailed above all others.

"I kind of started hunting around Sisters for something to do. I basically came to Emily (Pelletier) and said 'Why don't you sell me Cork Cellars?'"

Pelletier, who established the wine shop, was amenable to the idea and this summer found Murray behind the wine bar, once again enjoying the company of friends and strangers in Sisters.

Rick is working full-time at Ray's Food Place, but he pitches in about 20 hours a week filling in shifts and doing book work.

"Rick is my lifeline," Nadean said. "I couldn't do it without him."

A love of wine makes the new venture a good fit for the Murrays.

"Wine has been a hobby of ours for years, and this is really taking it to the next step," Nadean said.

She's very proud of the quality environment and stock she inherited from Pelletier.

"People come in from Portland and go back in the cellar and say, 'Wow! You've really got a great cellar!'"

Murray is quick to note that her wines run the range from rare vintages of interest to collectors and connoisseurs to values within the budget of most anyone.

Cork Cellars is located at 161A N. Elm St. in Sisters. For more information visit http://www.corkcellars.com.