Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011“Let’s create something unique… let’s imagine our wine list differently. It should speak to the story of wine, the terroir that births it, the people that shape it. The list should be handcrafted and do justice to the wine and winemakers it represents.”
One year ago, armed with little more than a few creative minds and a palette for wine, we began a three month project of revamping, expanding, and recreating our wine program at Quiessence. What ensued involved tasting hundreds of wines, visits to wineries, meetings with wine makers, and countless late nights debating which Oregon pinot fit the perfect flavor profile. Hours of time got poured into writing content for our wine list, researching wine makers, and hand sketching drawings. When the wine list was finished, sewn together and stamped with our hand carved “Q” stamp, we created something we were truly proud of: a beautiful American wine list with nearly 150 offerings including, for the first time, over 25 different Arizona wines. Earlier this year, we proudly submitted our wine list to Wine Spectator to be judged for an Award of Excellence, and in their current edition, Quiessence received its first award. I’m proud and humbled to work around such a group of talented individuals that have poured their heart and soul into Quiessence over the years, constantly reaching for excellence. Most of all I am thankful to our loyal guests and diners who have supported our endeavors over the years. We have a great new season ahead of us and we look forward to seeing you soon at Quiessence.
Chef Greg


We can’t make this drink fast enough here at Quiessence. Guests have described it as a “farm in a cup.” Head to the market for fresh basil and make this summer sipper at home.
Nicole Whittington has been serving Quiessence and Morning Glory Guests for over 3 years. She shares some of her thoughts here…


