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Edinburgh Wine Experts - the people behind the pours
- Diana Thompson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
From refined tasting menus to relaxed bar service, Edinburgh’s wine scene is as diverse as its venues. Diana Thompson of Wine Events Scotland spoke to three hospitality professionals inviting them to share their approach to creating the perfect wine list - each with their own philosophy, palate, and personality.
Seoridh Fraser – Heron Restaurant
General Manager & Beverage Director
At Heron, Seoridh Fraser has built a wine list that is “easy to navigate but encourages people to try new things. The selection has evolved organically around Chef Sam Yorke’s cooking, designed to harmonise with the kitchen as much as to please both classicists and modernists alike.”
Seoridh highlights two personal favourites. The 2017 Silvaner Glebkalk Erste Lage “Sultzfelder-Sonneberg” by Luckert from Germany is, he says, “a masterclass in generosity and elegance,” offering tropical fruit, vibrant acidity, and a cleansing mineral finish. His second choice, the 2022 Cannonau di Sardegna by Antonella Corda, is a refined Sardinian red with bright cherry fruit, refreshing acidity, and gentle tannins.
He pairs the Silvaner with “Saint Brides in duck sauce, finished with white currant and lovage alongside beetroots and wild mushrooms,” while the Cannonau shines with “loin of lamb in lamb jus with carrots, tonka bean, and green olives drizzled with fig leaf oil.”
His advice? “Drink what you enjoy! And if you’re feeling adventurous, have a chat with the sommelier - there’s always a hidden gem waiting to be found.”
Maria Chierchia – Decanter Winery and Dinery
Manageress
At Decanter Winery and Dinery, Maria Chierchia believes wine should be fun. “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.”
Niall Dewer & Colin Dunlop – Capital Theatres
Front of House & Bar Managers
At Edinburgh’s Capital Theatres, the wine list is designed for ease and enjoyment. “Safe and approachable,” says Colin Dunlop, “but full of great options for any show night.”
Colin recommends the Organic Mureda Tempranillo/Syrah, “a vibrant red perfect for sharing before a performance,” and the Château Routas Rosé, a Provençal classic bursting with peach and watermelon.
His colleague Niall Dewer opts for the Chilean Viognier, “floral and aromatic with lychee and peach,” and the Pinot Noir, “nice and fruity – a light wine but bursting with flavours of cherries and raspberry with a touch of spice.”
Their pairing philosophy is theatrical: Dunlop recommends the bold Mureda as a preshow drink before a thought-provoking drama such as To Kill a Mockingbird. Meanwhile the Château Routas Rosé is a great pairing for Scottish Ballet’s Starstruck. Their advice? “Don’t be afraid to try something new - and preorder your interval drinks so you can enjoy a chat over a glass of something nice rather than spending the time queueing.”
From Heron’s sophistication to Decanter’s playful spirit and Capital Theatres’ easy charm, Edinburgh’s wine professionals share one common belief: great wine is best enjoyed in good company - preferably with conversation, curiosity, and a touch of adventure.
Diana Thompson runs Wine Events Scotland and is a wine educator and communicator
