Bucks &amp; Oxon


<p>If your wine order is more stuck-in-a-rut than sommelier-chic, we’ve got just the woman to unstick it. Enter&nbsp;<em>Margriet Vandezande-Crump</em>, the certified sommelier and flavour-whisperer behind the award-winning wine list at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thegreyhoundbeaconsfield.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greyhound Beaconsfield</a>&nbsp;– a chic, contemporary dining spot with Michelin accolades and serious insider cred.</p>



<p>Margriet’s here to gently prise that Malbec out of your mitt and nudge you towards something a bit more thrilling. Whether you’re clinging to your rosé like it’s a floatation device or always defaulting to Prosecco (no judgement), she’s got fresh, food-friendly and surprisingly affordable swaps to elevate your glass and your dinner. We sat down with Margriet to chat about her upbringing, what it takes to build a standout list, and the buzzy bottles you&nbsp;<em>should</em>&nbsp;be ordering.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Untitled-design-159.png" alt="Margriet Smoor The Greyhound Beaconsfield" class="wp-image-191950" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Untitled-design-159.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Untitled-design-159-800x800.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Untitled-design-159-400x400.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Untitled-design-159-500x500.png 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-about-how-you-became-interested-in-wine-how-did-that-develop">Tell us about how you became interested in wine, how did that develop?</h4>



<p>My interest in wine really stems from my family&nbsp;–&nbsp;we’re true&nbsp;Bourgondiërs, passionate about&nbsp;food and wine.&nbsp;Growing up, our holidays were often spent in France, exploring different wine&nbsp;regions like the Loire, Cahors, and Cognac. Those trips planted the seed early on.</p>



<p>Later, while studying&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;management, I took my first formal wine course, which sparked a&nbsp;deeper curiosity. When I was working at Trinity in Clapham, London, I&nbsp;had the opportunity to take the&nbsp;WSET Level 2 qualification, and I found that the more I learned, the more I wanted to know .Wine is such a vast and fascinating world.</p>



<p>During my time at Pétrus, I went on to complete&nbsp;WSET Level 3, and I’m now awaiting the&nbsp;results of my&nbsp;diploma. Along the way, I’ve also become a certified sommelier through the&nbsp;Court of Master Sommeliers. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m still learning&nbsp;every day.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Greyhound-Inn-Beaconsfield-1000x667.jpg" alt="exterior of Greyhound Inn" class="wp-image-189638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Greyhound-Inn-Beaconsfield-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Greyhound-Inn-Beaconsfield-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Greyhound-Inn-Beaconsfield-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Greyhound-Inn-Beaconsfield.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-describe-the-wine-menu-at-the-greyhound-what-can-diners-expect">Describe the wine menu at The Greyhound – what can diners expect?</h4>



<p>I hope it’s a&nbsp;thoughtful selection from across the&nbsp;globe, showcasing a wide range of grape varieties and price points. Whether you&#8217;re looking&nbsp;for something classic or a bit more adventurous, there&#8217;s something for every palate.</p>



<p>We also like to keep things dynamic&nbsp;–&nbsp;when&nbsp;new dishes are introduced on the tasting menu,&nbsp;we often select specific wines to pair with them. These wines are sometimes added just for that dish and may be removed once the menu changes. It keeps the wine list exciting and&nbsp;evolving, though it can be a challenge to stay on top of! But ultimately, it’s all about creating the best possible pairing experience for our guests.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-of-us-go-for-safe-choices-with-wines-can-you-suggest-something-similar-but-a-bit-more-off-the-beaten-track-instead-of-the-usual-sauvignon-blanc-whispering-angel-rose-malbec-prosecco">Many of us go for safe choices with wines. Can you suggest something similar but a bit more off the beaten track instead of the usual Sauvignon Blanc/ Whispering Angel rosé/ Malbec /Prosecco?</h4>



<p>Instead of <em>Sauvignon Blanc, </em>try <strong>Verdejo</strong> from Rueda in Spain, it is also fresh, zesty, and citrus-driven,&nbsp;or a&nbsp;Xarel-lo&nbsp;from&nbsp;Spain,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;also a key grape in Cava&nbsp;–&nbsp;crisp,&nbsp;fresh white wines that can range from light and zesty to&nbsp;more textured and complex.</p>



<p>Rather than a Whispering Angel-style Rosé, try a <strong>Corsican&nbsp;rosé</strong> – the wines have elegance&nbsp;and&nbsp;are refreshing and fruity.</p>



<p>As a replacement for Malbec, I’d suggest <strong>Touriga&nbsp;Nacional</strong> from the Douro in Portugal, it’s Portugal’s flagship red grape where it plays&nbsp;a key role in&nbsp;port and&nbsp;dry red wines. Dark&nbsp;fruit, expressive and rich in style with a lovely depth of flavour.</p>



<p>And as a step up&nbsp;from&nbsp;Prosecco, I highly recommend&nbsp;<strong>Trentodoc</strong> from the Trentino region of Italy. The&nbsp;wines are crafted in the&nbsp;traditional method rather than the tank method with&nbsp;Prosecco. It combines&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;freshness with refined complexity.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="960" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/viognier.jpeg" alt="2017 Viognier from Barboursville in Virginia, USA" class="wp-image-191939" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/viognier.jpeg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/viognier-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/viognier-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/viognier-400x267.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-a-great-wine-that-feels-like-a-treat-but-won-t-break-the-bank">What’s a great wine that feels like a treat but won’t break the bank?</h4>



<p><strong>2017 Viognier from Barboursville in Virginia, USA</strong>. It has the typical complex aromas of&nbsp;peach, apricot,&nbsp;nectarine, honeysuckle and orange blossom, but the age adds complexity-like spice and almonds. Great for food pairings or just to enjoy on its own.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-you-recommend-something-i-d-never-think-to-try-but-will-love-if-i-like-sancerre">Can you recommend something I’d never think to try, but will love if I like Sancerre?</h4>



<p>Try a <strong>Grüner Veltliner</strong> from Wachau in Austria. It shares the crisp acidity and mineral&nbsp;character but has lovely notes of white pepper.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-there-any-surprising-whites-with-the-body-of-a-red">Are there any surprising whites with the body of a red?</h4>



<p>Orange wines, white grapes that are fermented with their skins like a red wine production.&nbsp;It gives the wine an amber hue, richer texture and complexity.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-if-i-love-a-big-bold-red-like-cabernet-what-s-an-alternative-that-s-a-little-more-nbsp-interesting-or-food-friendly">If I love a big, bold red (like Cabernet), what’s an alternative that’s a little more&nbsp;interesting or food-friendly?</h4>



<p><strong>Aglianico</strong>, a black variety that has a powerful intensity of rose, red plum and blackberry&nbsp;aromas, retains great freshness and has high tannins. In&nbsp;Campania&nbsp;(Southern Italy),&nbsp;Aglianico produces high quality wines on slopes, the main appellation is Taurasi DOCG.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1583" height="1107" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/511197062_1166134255555883_8176353259223201569_n.jpg" alt="Kir-Yianni Vineyard Noussa Greece" class="wp-image-191942" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/511197062_1166134255555883_8176353259223201569_n.jpg 1583w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/511197062_1166134255555883_8176353259223201569_n-800x559.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/511197062_1166134255555883_8176353259223201569_n-1000x699.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/511197062_1166134255555883_8176353259223201569_n-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/511197062_1166134255555883_8176353259223201569_n-1536x1074.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1583px) 100vw, 1583px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Kir-Yanni vineyard, Naoussa, Greece</figcaption></figure>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-underrated-regions-are-producing-great-wines-right-now">Which underrated regions are producing great wines right now?</h4>



<p><strong>Naoussa in Greece </strong>is renowned for its red wines made from the indigenous Xinomavro grape.&nbsp;These wines are prized for their complex aromatic profile, often showing notes of red fruits, tomato leaf, spices, and earthy undertones. They tend to have firm tannins and vibrant&nbsp;acidity, giving them excellent structure and the potential to age gracefully for decades.&nbsp;The region’s diverse soils and microclimates&nbsp;–&nbsp;shaped&nbsp;by factors like aspect and topography&nbsp;rather than just altitude&nbsp;–&nbsp;contribute&nbsp;to the complexity and distinctiveness of&nbsp;Naoussa wines.&nbsp;This terroir variety allows for nuanced expressions, making each producer’s wines unique&nbsp;while sharing the characteristic elegance of Xinomavro.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-which-wine-would-you-serve-to-impress-someone-who-really-knows-their-stuff">Which wine would you serve to impress someone who really knows their stuff?</h4>



<p><strong>Nebbiolo</strong> from Chris Ringland in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Adelaide Hills.&nbsp;It’s&nbsp;traditionally a Piedmont grape,&nbsp;however&nbsp;Nebbiolo thrives in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Adelaide Hills’&nbsp;cooler climate,&nbsp;producing wines with refined tannins, bright&nbsp;acidity and complex aromatics. Chris Ringland is known for meticulous vineyard selection&nbsp;and low yields resulting in concentrated and nuanced wines that age beautifully.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-wine-should-i-be-drinking-instead-of-rose-that-still-gives-me-summer-in-a-glass-nbsp-vibes">What wine should I be drinking instead of rosé that still gives me summer-in-a-glass&nbsp;vibes?</h4>



<p><strong>Txakolina</strong>, from the Basque Country in Spain, is made primarily from the indigenous&nbsp;Hondarrabi&nbsp;Zuri grape. It is a low-alcohol wine with vibrant&nbsp;flavours&nbsp;of lemon, lime, and delicate&nbsp;white flowers. A slight natural&nbsp;effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle, making&nbsp;Txakolina&nbsp;a&nbsp;wonderfully crisp and summery wine&nbsp;–&nbsp;perfect&nbsp;for warm days and light meals.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-a-bottle-of-wine-you-love-that-no-one-knows-about-yet">Do you have a bottle of wine you love that no one knows about yet?</h4>



<p><strong>2023&nbsp;Ferrero&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Senís&nbsp;‘La&nbsp;Pebrella’</strong>.&nbsp;A couple of years ago, I visited Celler del Roure, a winery tucked away in Valencia, southern&nbsp;Spain. The estate&nbsp;dates back&nbsp;to&nbsp;the 17th century, complete with ancient stone&nbsp;lagars&nbsp;and&nbsp;buried clay amphorae&nbsp;–&nbsp;a nod to traditional winemaking. What truly sets them apart is their&nbsp;focus on indigenous grape varieties and a low-intervention philosophy.</p>



<p>I’ve always loved their wines, but recently we had a tasting with their winemaker here at The&nbsp;Greyhound, and they introduced us to a red blend of&nbsp;Arcos&nbsp;and&nbsp;Forcallà&nbsp;–&nbsp;two native, almost&nbsp;forgotten grapes.&nbsp;The wine is captivating: a spicy nose, notes of dried flowers, and delicate, fresh fruit on the&nbsp;palate. It instantly struck me as the perfect red for summer–&nbsp;light&nbsp;enough to chill slightly, yet&nbsp;layered and expressive. Right now, we’re pairing it with our&nbsp;roasted Loch Duart&nbsp;salmon and&nbsp;shellfish&nbsp;bisque,&nbsp;alongside Isle of Wight&nbsp;tomatoes. It&#8217;s a match made in heaven&nbsp;–&nbsp;sunny, vibrant, and full of&nbsp;soul.</p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.thegreyhoundbeaconsfield.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Greyhound</a>, 33 Windsor End, Beaconsfield HP9 2JN</em></p>


Enough sauv blanc! Expert picks to get out of your wine rut this summer

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