Who We Are
Deborah Aquilina
Director, Wine Specialist & Importer
After working in law for more than 20 years, Deborah Aquilina brought her professionalism, compassion and understanding of people to a new chapter in wine. Redundancy became the opportunity to turn a longstanding passion into a business built around discovery, conversation and personal service.
Deborah developed her wine knowledge through study, vineyard visits and learning directly from producers. Nine months working in a wine shop also added practical experience and valuable industry relationships before she opened Tipsy Mares, her wine bar in Hove, championing Sussex sparkling wines, local Sussex spirits and boutique family vineyard labels.
Tipsy Mares customers embraced Enomatic dispensers allowing them to eagerly explore wines in 25ml, 125ml and 175ml pours. Those tastings sparked conversations and revealed a growing appetite for adventurous wines beyond familiar labels.
Encouraged by approaches from local hospitality businesses, London boutique hotels and exclusive restaurants, Deborah established Vinum Veritas and secured the licensing needed to import and supply wine to the hospitality trade.
Today, she sources exceptional wines from small family vineyards around the world, with a particular interest in organic and biodynamic practices, thoughtful winemaking and the people behind each bottle. Her approach combines curiosity and specialist knowledge with the attentive, personal service that has shaped her entire career.
David Elford
Wine Consultant DipWSET
David Elford brings 50 years of wine trade experience to Vinum Veritas, combining expert knowledge with a passion for helping people discover and understand wine.
Exceptionally well respected in the trade, David has spent his career supplying hotels, restaurants, wine bars and public houses, developing a deep understanding of the hospitality industry and the wines that deserve a place on its tables. He is an experienced wine educator, sharing his knowledge with both the public and hospitality professionals, helping teams build confidence in selecting, serving and discussing wine.
Having worked alongside Deborah for approximately 18 months, David could see her knowledge, passion and drive, believed in her commitment to bring extraordinary wines to grace the most discerning of tables. As Deborah travels to meet producers and explore their vineyards, David was drawn by the opportunity to work with exceptional labels and support her search for distinctive wines from small family vineyards around the world. David brings his experience and insight to the wines they discover; thoughtfully made bottles with character, quality and a story to tell.
Through tastings, education and personal guidance, David helps hospitality venues bring those stories to their guests, making wine discovery an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Linda Barton Towers
Guest Relations Manager/PA Vinum Veritas Ltd
Linda Barton-Towers brings warmth, energy and a lifelong passion for helping people to Vinum Veritas.
Following a long and respected career in the medical field, primarily in psychology, Linda retired with numerous awards recognising her contribution. Her enthusiasm for connecting with people, however, continues to inspire her work.
At Vinum Veritas, Linda brings a personal touch to customer service, combining excellent communication skills with an attentive, thoughtful approach. She helps hospitality customers feel understood and supported, building lasting relationships and assisting with the day-to-day coordination of the business.
Joining the team also marks a new chapter of discovery for Linda as she develops her knowledge of wine and the family vineyards behind our distinctive labels. She looks forward to supporting hospitality venues as they introduce these exceptional wines -and their stories- to their guests.
