Spanish wine industry celebrates milestone with exclusive London tasting for UK professionals

On Friday, 13 june, the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV), in partnership with ICEX and the Embassy of Spain in the United Kingdom, hosted a high-level Spanish wine tasting event in London. The event marked the 40th anniversary of the Gran Orden de Caballeros del Vino, an organization dedicated to promoting Spanish wine in the UK. The tasting was aimed at key professionals in the British wine industry, including importers, distributors, restaurateurs, and influential wine critics.

The tasting took place at a central London venue and was led by Sarah Jane Evans, Master of Wine and president of the Gran Orden de los Caballeros del Vino. Evans is recognized for her expertise and advocacy for Spanish wines. She personally selected seven wines from more than thirty samples submitted by Spanish wineries. The chosen wines represented a range of regions and styles: Can Sala 2013 from Ferrer Wines, Finca Las Comas 2022 from Bodegas José Pariente, Finca Valinas 2019 from Mar de Frades, Tapias de Marqués de Riscal 2021 from Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, Mas La Plana 2018 from Familia Torres, Pago Negralada 2012 from Abadía Retuerta, and Solera India N/V from Osborne.

The event began with welcoming remarks from José Pascual Marco, Spain’s ambassador to the United Kingdom; Ana Rodríguez Castaño, Secretary General for Agricultural Resources and Food Safety at Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture; and Pedro Ferrer, president of the FEV. Each highlighted the importance of the UK market for Spanish wine exports. In 2024, the United Kingdom was the leading market for bottled still Spanish wines in both value and volume. It was also the third most important market for Spanish sparkling wines by value, with nearly €340 million exported last year.

After the formal tasting session, guests attended a cocktail reception featuring additional Spanish wines. These included selections from Bodegas Familiares Matarromera, Bodegas Cosme Palacio, Marqués de Cáceres, Bodegas Ysios, Campo Viejo, Protos, and Osborne. Representatives from these wineries were present to discuss their products with attendees.

This initiative is part of a long-standing collaboration between FEV and ICEX to promote Spanish wine abroad. Their agreement was renewed in January 2025 with a focus on excellence and sustainability—socially, economically, and environmentally—as key elements that set Spanish wine apart in international markets. The organizations aim to coordinate efforts that enhance the global image of Spanish wine and support its continued growth in priority markets like the United Kingdom.

The event underscored Spain’s commitment to maintaining its reputation for quality among British consumers and professionals. By bringing together leading figures from both countries’ wine sectors and showcasing top-tier products, organizers hope to strengthen commercial ties and further raise awareness of Spain’s diverse wine offerings in one of its most important export destinations.