About Vinterra
Our Story
Vinterra was founded by lifelong friends Darren Ellis and Andrew Imrie, who first met over 20 years ago through a shared love of all things wine. Their journey has been shaped by countless bottles opened, vineyards explored, and conversations sparked by a passion for discovery.
With Vinterra, Darren and Andrew have created a wine company rooted in that same spirit - bringing quality-driven, characterful wines to those who value authenticity. Their mission is to seek out hidden gems from winemakers who prioritise provenance and craft, and to share these discoveries with passionate restaurants, wine shops and wine lovers across Northern Ireland.
Vinterra isn’t just about wine—it’s about connection, curiosity, and the joy of finding something truly special in the glass.
Our Philosophy
At Vinterra, we believe in championing authentic wines that have real people and stories behind them and offer compelling value for money.
Our 3 key criteria for any wine are:
1. Critically important: It must taste good, for obvious reasons.
2. Very important: It must look good, as consumers often buy with their eyes first.
3. Important: It must be priced appropriately to provide value for everyone
When these 3 criteria align, we know we have a good wine that consumers will buy again and again, helping everyone win.
Meet the Team
Darren Ellis
With over two decades of hands-on experience in the wine industry, Darren Ellis brings deep knowledge, passion, and professionalism to every glass.
Darren’s journey in wine began on the restaurant floor, where he cultivated a sharp understanding of wine and food pairing, guest service, and the dynamics of front-line hospitality.
He went on to manage specialist wine shops, curating boutique selections and guiding customers with tailored advice, before transitioning into a thriving sales career.
For many years, Darren has represented one of Ireland’s leading wine wholesalers, working extensively across both North and South Ireland. His consultative approach and trusted relationships with restaurants, retailers, and hotels have earned him a reputation as a knowledgeable and dependable partner in the trade.
Darren holds the WSET Diploma, one of the world’s most respected wine qualifications, and achieved top marks in the blind tasting exam - a testament to his refined palate and commitment to excellence. Whether presenting wines, building wine lists, or offering staff training, he brings a rare blend of technical expertise and real-world experience.
Meet the Team
Andrew Imrie
Andrew Imrie has built a distinguished career in the wine trade, combining professional expertise with a passion for bringing world-class wines to Northern Ireland. With more than 3 decades of experience across importing, retail, and education, Andrew has established himself as a respected voice within the industry.
Professionally trained to WSET Diploma level, where he was awarded the Moet & Chandon Scholarship as one of the best-performing students in the world in his graduation year, Andrew has developed a deep knowledge of both Old and New World regions, with a particular interest in sustainable viticulture and independent, family-run estates.
His achievements include curating award-winning portfolios, building long-standing partnerships with producers, and championing premium wines that reflect authenticity and place.
Having travelled wine regions extensively and worked Vintage in Australia to build a better understanding of the entire grape to glass journey Andrew has worked to strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation as a destination for fine wine, fostering appreciation not just for prestigious labels but also for hidden gems that offer value and character.
Andrew’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that wine should be approachable, enriching, and central to hospitality culture. His vision is for Northern Ireland to embrace wine as both a lifestyle and a local economic opportunity, where customers, restaurants, and retailers connect through shared enjoyment and learning. By blending tradition with innovation, Andrew continues to lead efforts to raise the profile of wine across the region while nurturing the next generation of enthusiasts and professionals.