Turquoise Wine Bar [January 2023]

Remember how I've told you in the past that my wine friends are always telling me about new places they've seen? Well, one of my wine tribe, Aimee Aldous, pictured in the photo below with me, and Deb Flanagan [also part of the same wine tribe] told me about driving by this new wine bar. I looked it up, found the name, and tried to wait for her to be able to go with me. Honestly, I think I visited many times until it finally worked out for us to be there at the same time!! This photo below was taken at a little wine festival Turquoise hosted in their parking lot… it was so much fun!!

I loved Turquoise Wine Bar from the first moment I walked in and have taken many friends back to taste wine with me. [As you'll see from the photos!!] It was opened in late 2022 by neighbors Jen Sinconis, who has a background in brand development, and Laura Hernandez, who has years of experience in finance and retail development. When they started hanging out, they realized that they couldn’t find a place that offered great wine with a welcoming and fun atmosphere. This gave them the vision to start their own wine bar where guests could taste boutique wines and feel at home while doing it.

As I mentioned, I have visited Turquoise more than a few times, including the little wine festival above, a wine club—I mean book club—discussion, [haha] and many meetings of the minds with my wine friends and/or a group of friends [as seen above]. I met up with my awesome swing shift co-workers from Thunderbird after work. You have seen them several times before, but let me introduce the whole gang: Jenny, Itzy, me, Sierra, and Katie! So, you see, Jen and Laura’s goal of creating a space to connect, gather, and build community is a big hit. I have always felt at home while drinking wine here!

The girls expanded Turquoise Wine Bar to Peoria in late 2023. They actually took over the space for Winery 101. This was the place I wrote about that was in the industrial park where we get our taxes done, where I was infamous for my purchased bottles falling through the bottom of the carrier and crashing on the floor… ugh!! They closed briefly in 2024 to remodel and rebrand, then had a grand opening with a paint and sip. I loved the invitation… "If you HEAR a VOICE within you SAY 'you cannot paint' then by all MEANS PAINT, and that voice WILL be silenced." VINCENT VAN GOGH #SipAndPaint

My good friend Katrina [whom I have talked about before] from Banner Thunderbird went with me to this event; you can see our paint palettes above. You can also see the mini charcuterie board we ordered. We painted a beautiful landscape of the Arizona sunset with a saguaro and, of course, I added Franc!! [IYKYK] Unfortunately, even after rebranding the Peoria store, they had trouble maintaining long-term viability and ended up closing this location in 2026. Thankfully, the Glendale wine bar is still going strong because their food is so good!! [including the champagne cupcakes!!] Below you see a photo of Katrina and me meeting up after a hard day of work.

The name Turquoise has a deep meaning and represents all aspects of a good life. It symbolizes the native Southwestern culture, including water, sky, rain, and abundance. Interestingly enough, even though Turquoise Wine Bar was started as a single, homegrown neighborhood spot, it is now growing into a franchise chain. [In case anyone is interested in starting their own wine bar!] There are currently 2 locations, with another 11 franchise deals signed and on the table. The concept is that each location is locally owned but follows a blueprint for the Turquoise Wine Bar brand. The focus is on boutique wine, bistro pairing, and community events. I'm so interested!!

Please let me introduce you to another new [to the blog] friend of mine Chelsi Salvatore and Shadow, one of her beautiful German Shepherds in the photo above. I first met Chelsi on an assignment when I was at CISH [Core Institute Specialty Hospital] about 10 years ago. I did a blog about other co-workers from CISH a few years back. [Chelsi didn’t attend because she was going to have her first baby!!] We have actually hung out many times before, but this is our first time at a winery!! We love Turquoise Wine Bar, and it has turned into our go-to place for catching up and drinking wine!!

So, I'm sure you've heard the saying before "do you want some cheese to go with that wine!?" Well, yes... yes we do and you can see Wine with Wixy in process of making this very cheese next week!!

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