The Gran Orden was founded to recognise those in Spain and the UK who work to promote the best in Spanish wines in the UK. Our annual Investiture Dinner is a great opportunity to celebrate.

After last year’s exceptional 40th anniversary dinner, member Owen Morgan was once again invited to design a Spanish menu to be prepared by Gary Klaner, Executive Chef at The Landmark London and his team. As a nod to Owen’s Welsh roots, it featured seasonal Wye Valley Asparagus, as well as acorn-fed Ibérico pork and other premium Spanish ingredients.

It was paired with wines selected by Caballeros from those submitted for tasting to ICEX by UK importers and Spanish wineries/producers. Alongside the Sherry and Cava habitually served at the welcome reception, a third non-alcoholic option was served for the first time. The Zeno “Alcohol-liberated Sparkling White” crafted in Castilla-La-Mancha highlights Spain’s leadership in this cutting-edge new category.

Thank you to all the Producers and their Importers for kindly providing the beer, jamón, waters and wines.

Menu

Trucha Chalk Stream Curada en Sidra Trabanco, Alioli de Cangrejo, Pepino Marinado en Sal, Salmorejo de Berros, Tostada de Pan de Cristal

Chalk Stream Trout cured in Trabanco Cider, White Crab Alioli, Salted Cucumber, Watercress Salmorejo, Pan de Cristal Toast

Carrillera de Cerdo Ibérico de Bellota al Amontillado, Patatas a lo Pobre Laminadas con Tocino, Puré de Guisantes y Habas Verdes con Jamón, Espárragos del Valle de Wye

Bellota Ibérico Pork Cheek in Amontillado, Tocino Pressed Poor Man’s Potatoes, Pea and Broad Bean Purée, Jamón Crumb, Wye Valley Asparagus

Pastel Vasco de Membrillo, Melocotón Escalfado en Moscatel, Helado de Naranja y Caramelo de Panal con Almendra Tostada

Basque Membrillo Tart, Moscatel Poached Peach, Orange and Honeycomb Ice Cream, Toasted Almond

Té, Café y Dulces

Tea, Coffee and Petits Fours

Wines

Reception

I Think Manzanilla En Rama 2025 – DO Manzanilla-Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Equipo Navazos

This is the first appearance of Manzanilla at the Caballeros dinner in recent years, and it makes a welcome return. ‘I Think’ is a selection of butts from the La Guita cellars, resulting in an intense wine, crisp and mineral, with a salty note reflecting its origin. It was aged under flor for about four and a half years, and bottled with a slight filtration. Its name ‘I Think’ is in homage to Charles Darwin, and the triumph of reason.

Imported by Alliance Wine

Sumarroca Reserva Brut Organic 2023 – DO Cava

Bodegas Sumarroca

Sumarroca produces entirely estate-grown Cavas from its extensive property in the Penedès, which has Biosphere Sustainable certification. This Cava is a classic blend of Xarel.lo 40%, Macabeo 35% and Parellada 25%. Aged for 36 months, it has developed a delicate nutty, brioche character, while still retaining the energy of its Mediterranean fruit.

Imported by Alliance Wine

Zeno Alcohol-liberated Sparkling White NV – Product of Spain

Vinolo

The Zeno range of alcohol-free wines was launched in December 2022. This sparkling white is made from Macabeo grapes from Castilla-La Mancha. After vinification, the alcohol is removed by low temperature vacuum distillation. The Zeno range also includes a white, a Bobal rosado, a Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon, and a sparkling Macabeo/Garnacha rosado.

Imported by Frederick’s Wine Company

Investiture

Flor de Muga Blanco Reserva 2022 – DOCa Rioja

Bodegas Muga

This year’s Investiture wine celebrates the continuing revival of white Rioja. Muga first launched this style in 2018 – a blend of three different varieties from three different soil types: Viura (ferrous clay), Garnacha Blanca (calcareous clay) and Maturana Blanca (sandy loam). The mosto flor, the free-run juice, was fermented in new French oak, and aged for 6 months, before spending 18 months in bottle, to create a vibrant, elegant wine with notes of sweet spices, citrus and light toast.

Imported by C & D Wines

Starter

Louro do Bolo 2024 – DO Valdeorras

Rafael Palacios

Rafael Palacios is in his third decade in Valdeorras, continuing his intense focus on the Godello variety, working across more than 32 parcels. The fruit for Louro (meaning ‘bay leaf’ in Galician) comes from around the O Bolo municipality. The vines are on average 25 years old, and they grow at around 600 metres on sandy granitic soils with clay deposits. After fermentation in 35hl French oak foudres, the wine is aged for 4 months on its fine lees: ripe with refreshing acidity and a saline note. Practising organic.

Imported by Liberty Wines

Ripa Rosado 2020 – DOCa Rioja

José Luis Ripa

From one of Rioja’s newer winemakers, already long involved with the business of Rioja wine, and with a very deep personal connection with the region. José Luis Ripa launched his eponymous project ten years ago. There is one wine, a rosado. Complex and full of character, the wine draws on his own enjoyment of the distinct character of aged rosés and their gastronomic appeal. This is a blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, with oak ageing to build the texture.

Imported by Indigo Wine

Main Course

Viñedos de Peciña 2021 – DOCa Rioja

Lindes de Remelluri

Peciña is a striking narrow amphitheatre of terraced vineyards at around 650m in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. It’s part of Telmo Rodriguez’s Lindes de Remelluri project, which showcases vineyards from grower-partners near the boundaries (lindes) of the Remelluri estate. The vines are 40-60 years old, and the pure, elegant, delicate wine with its crunchy red fruits is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, aged for 12 months in oak barrels of various sizes. Practising organic.

Imported by Indigo Wine

Torresilo 2021 – DO Ribera del Duero

Cillar de Silos

Cillar de Silos is a family-owned vineyard in Ribera del Duero established in 1994 but with roots dating back to the 17th century. Now in the hands of three siblings, Oscar, Roberto and Amelia, the estate tends 98 hectares around Quintana del Pidio, including low-yielding, pre-phylloxera vines over 100 years old. The 2021 Torresilo delivers vibrant aromatics of blackberries and plums, an expressive palate of damsons and nutmeg, and a long, refreshing mineral finish.

Imported by BBR, Majestic and WineSpark

Dessert

MdO Moscato de Ochoa 2025 – DO Navarra

Bodegas Ochoa

The Ochoa family has long been known for its Moscatel (de Grano Menudo). Winemaker Adriana Ochoa looked to create a low alcohol wine at a time when there were few in Spain, while wanting to respect Navarra’s ancestral Moscatel. This is the convincingly delicious result: partially fermented to 5.5% ABV; a gloriously floral Moscatel, lightly sparkling, with a refreshingly light sweetness. It’s ‘a warm hug’, as sisters Beatriz and Adriana put it.

Imported by Davy’s Wine Merchants

Stirrup Cup

Millésimé Blanc de Noirs Gran Reserva Brut 2022 – DO Cava

Juve & Camps

A wine from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, precise and bright with crunchy red fruits. From the Rieral vineyard in the Alt Penedès, made from north-facing plots to ensure freshness. Aged for 36 months.

Imported by C & D Wines

Tresor Cuvée Barrique Gran Reserva Brut 2021 – DO Cava

Pere Ventura

This Gran Reserva full of candied fruits and spice is a blend of Xarel.lo grown at 340m and Chardonnay at 700m. Part of the Chardonnay is fermented and aged in barrel for 5 months to build complexity. Aged for more than 48 months.

Imported by Enotria

Sponsors

Jamón de Bellota Ibérico

50% de Raza Ibérica

‘AWAKEN YOUR IBÉRICO SENSE’ is ASICI’s campaign aimed at promoting Jamón Ibérico in key international markets, with the support of the EU. Jamón Ibérico embodies a centuries-old tradition and stands as a symbol of excellence.

Supplied by Asociación Interprofesional del Cerdo Ibérico

Victoria Málaga

Cervezas Victoria Málaga

Named after the patron saint of Málaga “La Virgen de la Victoria”, Victoria Málaga has been a symbol of Málaga since 1928. A 4.8% ABV lager, brewed with 100% natural quality ingredients and a 12-day maturation process that balances and deepens the flavour of this refreshing beer. Victoria Málaga is a super premium, sessionable lager with a superb taste.

Imported by Damm 1876

Mondariz

Aguas de Mondariz

Aguas de Mondariz is a naturally balanced mineral-medicinal water of pure origin, filtered through ancient granite which imparts golden reflections and enhances the water’s crystalline clarity.

Imported by C&D Wines

Vichy Catalán

Vichy Catalán

Vichy Catalan genuine natural sparkling mineral water embodies 140 years of heritage, prestige, and exceptional quality.

Imported by C&D Wines

Three new members were welcomed into the Gran Orden de Caballeros de Vino at the 41st Caballeros Investiture Dinner on the 4th June 2026 at London’s Landmark Hotel, led by Commercial Counsellor, Ms. Nieves Díaz García and Chairman, Sarah Jane Evans MW.

The three new members, elected by secret ballot, were all born in Spain, although their careers have ensured that they have promoted Spanish wine and gastronomy all over the world. They include an export manager – Amelia Aragón from Cillar de Silos in Ribera del Duero – a winemaker – Rafael Palacios, whose eponymous winery is located in Valdeorras – and renowned sommelier, Josep Roca of the the three-Michelin-starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. 

As well as being introduced by Sarah Jane Evans MW and Ms. Nieves Díaz García, the new Caballeros del Vino Español were welcomed by the new Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, H.E. Mrs. Emma Aparici Vázquez de Parga and Ms. Amparo López Senovilla, the Spanish government’s Secretary of State for Trade.  

It is the first time in the event’s 41-year history that all the speeches have been made by women holding these important ambassadorial and trade roles. 

In welcoming the guests, Chairman of the Gran Orden, Sarah Jane Evans MW, offered her congratulations to all three new Caballeros, commenting, “We are truly delighted to welcome you into the Gran Orden.”

Congratulations are due to Nieves Barragán, Member of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino Español. The Spanish chef has been awarded a Michelin Star in the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland, for her venue Legado, which opened in August 2025. This is in addition to the Michelin Star that she has retained for her other restaurant Sabor, first awarded in 2018.

Originally from just outside Bilbao in the Basque Country, a region renowned for its cuisine, Nieves has lived in the UK since 1998, when she started work as a kitchen porter at Simply Nico in Pimlico.  After rising through the ranks to chef de partie, she was offered a position by the Harts Group at a new Spanish restaurant they were planning in Soho.  Fino opened in 2003, with Nieves as sous-chef, quickly becoming acclaimed for its authentic Spanish menu.

In 2007, the Harts group opened its second venue, Barrafina, with Nieves promoted to executive chef of both venues. The 2013 Michelin Guide awarded it a Michelin Star, unusual for a bar-only tapas venue that offered no reservations. Two more Barrafinas were opened in 2014 and 2015, with Nieves overseeing all four, before leaving in 2017 to set up her own restaurant, Sabor on London’s Heddon Street.

In summer 2025, Nieves opened her biggest project yet in Shoreditch. Legado (meaning legacy) is her creative playground bringing together all her experience and inspirations. Ingredients are at the heart of everything she does, sourcing the finest meat from farms in Spain, such as Tabladillo el Cochinillo in Segovia, as well as specialist charcuterie and cheeses. 

Similar care is taken over the 150-bin all-Spanish wine list, overseen by head sommelier Marcus Segurado. Guests can expect verticals of Prado Enea from Bodegas Muga, alongside a broad selection from Bodegas López de Heredia, complemented by wines from Mallorca and the Canary Islands and no fewer than six gastronomic Rosados.

Eighteen rotating wines by the glass allow guests to explore diverse grapes and styles. Sherry also takes pride of place, from en rama examples and rare single bottles to exclusive Almacenista releases from Bodegas Lustau. The sparkling offering spans Cava, Corpinnat, and traditional-method Txakoli, while dry unfortified Palomino wines from Andalusia also feature.

Your Excellency, Acting Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, New Caballeros, Caballeros, Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome! ¡Bienvenidos! And a special welcome to those who have not attended before.

I’d like to thank Sr Conde for his terrific speech.  Not easy to follow that!

This is a unique event in the UK wine trade.  And in these difficult times, it is great to be able to enjoy an evening among friends, away from preoccupations. 

This is a time to celebrate achievements.  Last year, Spain was in the headlines and we were all cheering Carlos Alcaraz. This year, though, here in the UK we can celebrate Arsenal’s defeat of Real Madrid – but I must admit that Mikel Arteta has a role to play in Arsenal’s success.

This year I was a judge at Copa Jerez.  Typically the UK does not do too well in this competition, But I was very pleased that the UK team from Silo Restaurant in London won not only Best Chef, but also most Creative pairing. Theirs is a ‘no-waste’ cuisine, and  the judges were blown away by the imagination, and their philosophy.

I’m delighted to say that for this anniversary dinner we have had the very best of Spanish gastronomy in the UK. José Pizarro and Owen Morgan have worked tremendously hard to deliver this terrific menu.  José, Owen, please stand up – and let’s give them a round of applause.

This is the 40^th anniversary of the dinner, and by chance today is also the 40^th anniversary of Spain’s accession to Europe. I can remember with how much pleasure  we used to bring back wine that we had discovered in Spain. How complicated it has become now. 

Nevertheless many things have changed for the better in the last 40 years – take a look at my introduction to the menu. Despite the complications in the market place I’m delighted to say that our wines today include some particularly exciting choices. It was a highly qualified team who chose the wines: 5 MWs, of whom 4 are Caballeros. In particular I’d highlight our first Vino de Pasto, (Luis Pérez El Muelle de Olaso) and our first wine from the Canaries (Tamerán Marmajuelo). In addition we selected an elegant white Rioja from Caballero Jesús Madrazo, and for our red wines an impressive Priorat and a classic Rioja. With the dessert, we will finish with Leonor, González Byass’ Palo Cortado.

While I have the opportunity I want to call on everyone present to assist us with our new Mentor programme, launched for the 40^th anniversary.  We are seeking people working in the UK wine trade, aged under 40, with a strong interest in Spain, who would benefit from mentoring by a Caballero.  The application form is on the Gran Orden website. 

As I come to a close, being British, I can’t escape mentioning the weather. Travelling about Spain over the past year I have heard from growers about drought, low yields, and latterly mildew.  All of this will be affecting production quantities. But above and beyond that I must mention the terrible floods in the Valencia region. On Wednesday October 23^rd, the Ambassador hosted a Sherry tasting with our new Caballero César Saldaña. The news was just coming through about the floods. The Ambassador asked for a minute’s silence for the 70 people who had died. Little did we know then what the true figure was to be. 

At this point it’s appropriate to thank the Ambassador for all he has been doing to promote Spanish gastronomy and wine during his time here.

To conclude:

My heartfelt thanks to ICEX, both in London and in Spain, and especially to Marianne Rodríguez for her work making this dinner happen. 

I’d like to thank the team at the hotel.

Our toastmaster.

The Ambassador and Mrs Dufort.

And a very warm thank you to all of our guests.

Finally, would all the Caballeros stand a raise a glass to toast our guests.

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. 

🔗 Meet Isobel and Slonk

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. 

🔗 Discover Fìon Wines 

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. 

🔗 Profile of Tast Català and Alberto’s work