top of page

Edinburgh experts on wines worth discovering

  • Writer: Diana Thompson
    Diana Thompson
  • Jun 4
  • 2 min read

Diana Thompson of Wine Events Scotland continues her journey into the art of wine selection. For this issue, Diana interviewed three Edinburgh restaurant experts, each of whom shares two offbeat wines, along with perfect pairings to help you enjoy them at their best.


Meet This Issue’s Experts

Duncan Findlater – Owner of Smith & Gertrude

Jack Montgomery – Owner of Argile Restaurant

Stuart Skea – Sommelier at Lyla Restaurant


Duncan Findlater
Duncan Findlater

Duncan’s picks reflect character and charm, with a nod to comfort food.


  • Pip Blend – Clendenen Family Vintners (California)A vibrant red blend from the late Jim Clendenen’s family (of Au Bon Climat fame), named after his dog Pip. Warm, balanced, and full of California charm.


  • Momento Vineyards Grenache Blanc (South Africa)Crafted by Grenache-obsessed Marlise Niemann, this elegant European-style white has crisp apple notes, quince, blossom, a hint of buttered toast and more.


Pair with: Duncan suggests both wines with Smith & Gertrude’s signature Cheese Toastie, believing every wine pairs perfectly with grilled cheese - maybe try a glass of each alongside this classic.



Jack Montgomery
Jack Montgomery

Jack’s choices lean toward complexity and surprise, with wines that are as expressive as his food.


  • Reynald Héaulé, Pinot Gris "O" Macération (Loire)An orange wine that’s subtle and food-friendly. After 21 days on the skins, this Pinot Gris has a soft amber hue and layered complexity—an absolute standout which can convert non-orange wine lovers.


  • Château Tirecul la Gravière "Andréa" 2012 (Bergerac Sec)From a producer famed for sweet Monbazillac, this dry blend of Muscadelle and Semillon brings a touch of spice, gentle weight, and vibrant freshness.


Pair with:

  • The Pinot Gris shines with Argile’s raw day-boat squid, gently poached in a warm broth of turnip and grapefruit.

  • The Château Tirecul is beautifully matched with the signature parsnip baked in a coffee crust, served with smoked maple kombucha glaze and a rich parsnip and green coffee butter. 


Stuart Skea
Stuart Skea

Stuart’s wines speak of terroir and elegance - perfect companions to Michelin Starred Lyla’s sophisticated menu.


  • Borja Pérez Artífice Tinto 2021 (Tenerife) A vibrant Listán Negro from ungrafted vines. This organic, volcanic red is fresh, mineral, and textured, with notes of red fruits and dried herbs.


  • Domaine Goisot Chardonnay 2015 (Côtes d'Auxerre, Burgundy) This biodynamic Chardonnay is dazzling in its aromatic complexity and finesse, with the weight/weightlessness on the palate only truly great Burgundy achieves.



Pair with:

  • The Artífice Tinto pairs beautifully with Lyla’s quail, balancing the rich sauce and complementing elderberry and celeriac.

  • The Goisot Chardonnay shines with numerous dishes, from snacks to the richer turbot dish.



Apart from “try something new,” here’s some more good advice from this trio;


  • Duncan points out they’ve taken a decade refining their wine list, so enjoy looking through it – maybe enjoy a glass of wine whilst you do and talk to the wine-passionate team.


  • Jack says don't get too caught up in trying to identify the "perfect" pairing – choose a wine you'll enjoy instead of suffering for the sake of the pairing!  


  • Stuart reassures you that everything is good and for a reason!  Wines starting at £30 truly over-deliver in terms of price-quality ratio, whilst everything else is simply something that Stuart truly loves. 


bottom of page