To mark its 40th anniversary the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino is establishing a mentorship programme to recognise the rising stars in the business of Spanish wine in the UK.

Designed to award UK wine trade professionals who actively demonstrate their love and commitment to Spanish wines, it is open to all UK-based wine professionals aged 40 or under.

Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chair of the GOCV said, “The new GOCV Mentorship programme aims to increase resonance for the Caballeros within the UK trade amongst a younger generation of wine trade professionals who demonstrate a passion for, or dedication to promoting Spanish wines in the UK. We plan to build a network of ambassadors for Spain’s wines. ”

Candidates can be nominated, or can self-nominate. Those chosen will have access to guidance and expert advice from working members of the GOCV for a specified period in their chosen specialist field which can be from:

• Winemaking and viticulture
• Winery business management
• Marketing and Communications
• Wine Education – WSET, MW, MBA…
• Sales & Distribution
• On- or Off-trade/Retail
• ESG, Race to Zero, Sustainability

Designed to advocate for talent in our business, the initiative will create a new network of younger trade professionals to ensure a bright and solid future for Spanish wines in the market. Each year, up to five candidates will be selected to receive up to six hours of guidance and expert advice from working Caballeros/Members of the GOCV in their chosen specialist field as well as a £500 cash prize.

ELIGIBILITY

• Wine trade professionals who are currently working in the UK wine trade and will be aged 40 or under on 31 December 2025.
• Candidates will demonstrate an outstanding interest in/commitment to working with and promoting Spanish wines.
• Open to importers, buyers, retailers, press/influencers, sommeliers working in the UK.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

• Applications should be made via this form.
• Existing Caballeros who are currently working in the wine trade are asked to nominate up to 3 candidates, from their professional circle, whom they consider to go above and beyond in the promotion or selling of Spanish wines in the UK. In addition candidates can self-nominate.
• Eligible candidates could work for an importer or client, or as a Spanish wine buyer, or excel in writing/communicating about Spanish wines, or have an outstanding Spanish wine list/selection in their restaurant/retail outlet.
• Each candidate will supply a 300-word introduction/pitch, with their CV, explaining why they should be considered.
• Nominations will be open until midnight on the 12th July 2025, after which the GOCV Steering Committee will consider the nominations and select their list of candidates.
• The mentees selected will be announced and promoted to the trade (press release and marketing campaign). The Gran Orden will arrange the introduction to their chosen mentor.

Terms and Conditions

• All nominees should be resident in the UK
• All nominees should work within the UK wine trade
• All nominees should be aged 40 or under on the 31st December 2025
• Winning Candidates will be awarded up to six hours of contact (online/via telephone or face-to-face depending on location/availability) with a mentor as selected by the GOVC to be arranged at their mutual convenience
• The judges’ decision is final

TIMELINE

Call for entries – 13 May – 12 July 2025
Judging – July 2025
Announcement of Mentorship winners late September with reception at the Spanish Embassy