D'vine Bistro & Wine Bar [October 2022]

I almost feel like a broken record saying this, but I do love learning about a new winery. My friends know this about me, and they are always letting me know when something new pops up, if I haven’t already learned about it. LOL!! Last week I mentioned divine intervention on several levels, so here we go… When I was a baby operating room nurse, I did my training [on the night shift] at Peninsula Regional Medical Center [PRMC] in Salisbury, MD. Long story short, one of the Charge Nurses on my shift was Carla Cook.

Carla has a son who lives in Mesa and was in town visiting, so naturally, she gave me a call so we could make plans to meet up for some quality wine time!! Since she did not have access to transportation, I found a winery close to her, [because y’all know I don’t mind a little road trip for a new wine adventure] picked her up, and we headed to the D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar!! Absolutely loved it!! Several levels of divine intervention going on here… a friend visiting from the East Coast is divine all in itself, but that we found the D’Vine Wine Bar and that just added another layer!!

You can see from the above photo how wonderful the wine service looks, and if I remember, it also tasted pretty darn good too. In fact, I liked it so much that I went back again to meet a [now] very good friend, who just so happens to be a travel operating room nurse like me!! I met her during my [then] current assignment at Valleywise Health Medical Center in downtown Phoenix. It is also known as “The Burn Center” and by its old name, “County,” to those who have been around awhile!! Haha!! Let me introduce you to Sherri Lee, who likes to remind me of the day we met…

I guess I was on vacation or in between contracts, but coming back after some time off, I walked right up to her and introduced myself. I then asked her if she was new because I didn’t recognize her name on the board, or something to that effect. You know, just being my usual self, and we clicked... simple as that!! I’m so very fortunate that she has become part of my tribe as well as a great wine friend, not to mention one of my favorite humans in general!! [see the last photo] She actually lives in Mesa, so after I found this place while hanging out with Carla, I knew I had to meet Sherri there. This is the third divine layer, plus check out this charcuterie board!!

D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar was opened in mid-2005 by Mark Nowicki. The bistro and wine bar soon became one of the East Valley's most popular food and drink [meaning wine] destinations. Mark is known for his wine knowledge and warm hospitality, just one of the reasons for D’Vine's success. He opened a sister wine bar in Chandler, but that location did not do as well, despite his long history as a restaurateur. As a result, Mark sadly closed things up and sold the location; the last I saw, it reopened as St. Amand Kitchen & Cocktails. Thankfully D'Vine Bistro and Wine Bar remains intact!!

Now, I am usually not one who does too much research or reading of reviews when I want to try a new place or thing of any kind. I know most people do not agree, but I feel like it will skew my thoughts and experience. I’ve always liked to make my own opinions, and in this case, I strongly disagree with some of the things I read when doing my research. I mean, that is what reviews really are, right? Someone else’s opinion? Plus, I feel sorry for someone who may miss out on something totally amazing because of a not-so-favorable review, so they didn't think it was worth trying.  

I’m super excited to write about next week’s wine bar. Wine with Wixy will be at Raven’s View Wine Bar up in Cave Creek!! I know I’ve told you previously that I don’t like to use the word “favorite” that I always say, “one of my favorites” BUT… Raven’s View is my legit favorite wine bar!! Come on back if you want to know why!!

P.S. Keep your eyes open for [many] more appearances from my girl Sherri!!

Cheers to you my wine loving friends, and TTFN!!