Decanter Bruntsfield Wine Bar

Decanter Wine Bar, Bruntsfield

At Decanter Winery and Dinery, in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh, Maria Chierchia believes wine should be fun. She tells Diana Thompson of Wine Events Scotland:

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she says. “We’re professionals, not pretentious, and we’re known for our humour as much as our wine list.”

Her list is:

“a playground for your palate - structured, stylish, and never boring,” featuring global classics and unexpected finds. Among her recommendations is Majella Sparkling Shiraz from Coonawarra, a bold, bottle-fermented wine full of dark fruits, spice, and complexity, “finished with a touch of vintage port which is what makes it extra special for me, impacts richness depth and complexity - try it and thank me later.”

She also champions Flagstone Pinotage from South Africa - hand-harvested, naturally fermented, and matured in oak - which she calls “rich, bold, balanced and outstanding,” perfect with venison or steak.

For Maria, wine is ultimately about connection: “to people, to place, to memory - maybe even a little dance.” She invites guests to join her for a tasting or simply drop in for a glass: “Good wine and great chat are always guaranteed.”