This year’s newly inducted Caballeros have been formally welcomed into the order which recognises trade veterans’ dedication to Spanish wines.
Now celebrating its 40th year, Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino meets every year to welcome three new members.
At last night’s (June 12) 40th annual gathering at the Landmark London Hotel, in front of over 250 guests, Ben Henshaw, founder and director of Indigo Wines – one the UK’s most prominent Spanish importers – was given Caballeros status. Henshaw (pictured, right) was recognised for his focus on promoting the country’s emerging artisanal wine scene, having won the International Wine Challenge Spain Specialist Importer award 12 times.
Hugo Campbell (left) meanwhile is a UK wine trade veteran, having worked for many years with importer Ehrmanns. There he began working with Spanish partners including Muga, Felix Solis, Viñas del Vero, Sanchez Romate, Williams & Humbert and Juve y Camps.
Lastly, César Saldaña (centre), president of the Consejo Regulador of the Denominations of Origin for Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda, was inducted. He has spent most of his career in the sherry business in senior posts at Gonzalez Byass and Sandeman, and from 2000 as the Consejo’s Director General.
Speaking at the gathering, the Spanish Ambassador for London, José Pascual Marco, acknowledged the impact of climate-change-driven weather events in Spain, including last Autumn’s catastrophic floods in Valencia and elsewhere. He also noted tough conditions internationally for the wine trade.
However, he told attendees that “Spanish producers are adaptable and resourceful” and hailed their progress on sustainability, including the country’s world-leading progress in organic wine and renewable energy.
This message was reinforced by Pablo Conde, director general for international business development at ICEX and acting chancellor for The Gran Orden. During his speech, he noted that Spain’s €3bn annual wine exports rose last year. He also referenced the fact that the UK is Spain’s largest market, adding “this would not have been possible without the hard work of passionate and talented individuals”.