Tim Atkin MW elected as chair of Grand Orden de Caballeros del Vino

Tim Atkin MW has been elected as the new chair of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino Español, replacing Sarah Jane Evans MW, who has held the position since 2020.

Wine writer 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 individuals in the wine sector who have shown exceptional endeavour in promoting Spanish wines.

Today its members come from all aspects of the world of wine, in the UK and Spain. They include winery owners, wine writers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, importers and retailers and winemakers.
Reflecting on her time as chair, Sarah Jane Evans MW said that it had been a “great honour” to hold the position of 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,” she said. “It has been a huge privilege to follow in the line of my outstanding predecessors.”

During her time as chair, the committee welcomed exceptional new Caballeros: and launched a mentorship programme which highlights the new stars of the Spanish wine trade.

“I am delighted to be handing the Gran Orden over to our new Chair in such good order and at such a good moment,” she added.

Next steps for Spain

Atkin was recently awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic, an honour bestowed on Jane Evans 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.

The writer and photographer 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.”