Tim Atkin MW is the latest member of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino to be bestowed with the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic. The prestigious decoration was presented by H.E. Ms Emma Aparici, the Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland at a ceremony on Tuesday 14 July 2026. 

The Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic is a Spanish civil order of chivalry and honour. It is granted to both Spaniards and those of other nations in recognition of their extraordinary services to Spain. Tim, award-winning wine journalist and photographer, was given this decoration for his dedication and pioneering role in writing about and promoting Spanish wine to the UK and global markets, particularly through his comprehensive annual reports on Spain’s key wine regions. 

Reflecting on the honour, and an evening that included Spain beating France to get through to the final of the men’s FIFA World Cup, as well as a dinner paired with a selection of Spanish wines, Tim said: “The Spanish really know how to celebrate! I could not be prouder to receive this decoration.”

Tim Atkin MW joins an elite group of Caballeros del Vino who have been bestowed with the Officer’s Cross including Felix Benito, Sarah Jane Evans MW and José Pizarro.