Photo courtesy of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, L-R: Caballeros Pierre Mansour and Catriona Felstead MW; Charlie Foley; Chairman of the GOCV, Sarah Jane Evans MW; Nancy Green; Josef Emmett; His Excellency Mr. José Pascual Marco Martínez, Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom; Isobel Salomon; Miguel Crunia; Alberto Borge.
To mark its 40th anniversary, the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino (GOCV) proudly announced the six inaugural recipients of its new mentorship and bursary programme, designed to foster excellence and deepen expertise in Spanish wine among UK-based professionals.
The winners are:
- Alberto Borge, general manager, Tast Català
- Miguel Crunia, director, Fion
- Josef Emmett, private Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
- Charlie Foley, specialist and Auctioneer, Christie’s
- Nancy Green, marketing manager, Indigo
- Isobel Salomon, director, Slonk
The announcement was made at a celebratory event held at the Spanish Embassy in London, hosted by His Excellency Mr. José Pascual Marco Martínez, Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Sarah Jane Evans MW, Chair of the GOCV said, “This initiative creates a new network of trade processionals at the sharp end of the business. We are looking to recognize a new generation of ambassadors for Spanish wines. As Caballeros our aim is to ensure a bright and solid future for Spanish wines in the UK market.’
The gathering brought together leading figures from the wine trade to honour the next generation of Spanish wine champions.
The six selected mentees have each demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting Spanish wines in their respective fields. As part of the programme, each will receive:
- A £500 bursary to support their professional development
- One-on-one mentorship from established Caballeros of the GOCV, tailored to their area of expertise
- This initiative is a cornerstone of the GOCV’s mission to nurture emerging talent and ensure a vibrant future for Spanish wines in the UK market.
Meet the 2025 GOVC Mentees:
Charlie Foley – Specialist & Auctioneer, Christie’s
Charlie brings theatrical flair and deep expertise to the world of fine wine auctions. As a lead auctioneer at Christie’s, he has hammered down legendary lots including the Macallan 1926 for £1.2 million. Known for his vibrant personality and encyclopedic wine knowledge, Charlie is passionate about Spanish wines with character and provenance.
🔗Read Charlie’s Decanter profile.
Josef Emmett – Private Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
Josef manages high-value wine portfolios for private clients at Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest wine merchant. With a focus on bespoke cellar curation and investment-grade Spanish wines, he brings a refined palate and strategic insight to the mentorship programme.
🔗 Explore Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Spanish wine selection
Isobel Salomon – Director, Slonk
Founder of Slonk, an international wine consultancy, Isobel blends legal acumen with sommelier expertise. She’s certified by various Spanish wine bodies and leads brand strategy, education, and event activation across Europe. Her work aims to demystify wine and champions inclusivity in the trade.
Miguel Crunia – Director, Fìon Wines
Ranked among the UK’s top sommeliers by Harpers, Miguel co-founded Fìon, a wine merchant specializing in emerging regions like Galicia and Gredos. His storytelling approach and advocacy for artisanal Spanish producers make him a dynamic force in wine education and retail.
Nancy Green – Marketing Manager, Indigo Wines
Nancy is the creative mind behind Indigo’s storytelling, shaping how artisanal Spanish wines are presented to trade and consumers. Her writing and campaign work highlight sustainability, terroir, and the human stories behind each bottle.
🔗 Read Nancy’s articles on Indigo’s blog
🍷 Alberto Borge – General Manager, Tast Català
Alberto oversees Tast Català, the acclaimed Manchester restaurant backed by Pep Guardiola and Paco Pérez. With a mission to educate British palates on Catalan cuisine and wine, Alberto curates immersive dining experiences that celebrate Spanish regional diversity.