Tim Atkin MW has been elected by the members of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino (GOCV) as the new Chair of the Order, which was established in the UK in 1984 to recognise “those individuals in the wine sector who have shown exceptional endeavour in promoting quality wines in Spain”.
Atkin takes over from Sarah Jane Evans MW, who has now finished her term (having held the title since 2020) and has handed over to fellow Master of Wine and wine writer.
Reflecting on her time as Chair, Sarah Jane Evans commented: “It’s been a great honour to be Chair of the Gran Orden. I am the first woman to have held the post (and I am sure I won’t be the last!). It has been a huge privilege to follow in the line of my outstanding predecessors. During my time as Chair we have welcomed exceptional new Caballeros: all representing the excellence of Spain (not just in football). We launched a mentorship programme which highlights the new stars in the wine trade working for Spain. We raised the profile of the Caballeros. I am delighted to be handing the Gran Orden over to our new Chair in such good order and at such a good moment.”
Tim Atkin joined the rest of the Caballeros in thanking Sarah Jane for her years of service at the helm of the organisation. He said: “Sarah Jane Evans has done an enormous amount for Spain and the Caballeros del Vino, so hers will be big shoes to fill. In the week that Spain has won the World Cup, I am proud to be her successor. Spain is the most exciting wine producing country in the world at the moment. As the next chair of the Caballeros, I look forward to working alongside ICEX, the ambassador Emma Aparici and all of my fellow Caballeros to promote everything that is best about Spain.”
Writer and photographer Tim Atkin MW was recently awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic, an honour bestowed on Sarah Jane back in 2024. He was invested into the Gran Orden in 2007 and is also a Chevalier du Tastevin; a member of the Ordre du Bontemps in Bordeaux and the Cofradía de Rioja.
