Micheal Cox baptizes Master's Cask at Grahams

Michael Cox, who recently completed his year as The Master of the Worshipful Company of Vintners, followed in the footsteps of previous Master Vintners by baptizing the Masters Cask in the Graham’s 1890 Lodge on Thursday 24 October, while on a visit to Oporto and the Douro where he spent some time at Graham’s Quinta dos Malvedos.

Like his uncle before him, Guy Gordon Clark OBE (Master Vintner in 1989), Michael baptized the Master’s Cask by throwing a glass of Graham’s Port against it (only after taking a sip beforehand). The ceremony dates back to 1928 when the visiting Master began this tradition at the Graham’s 1890 Lodge.

The Worshipful Company of Vintners is one of the oldest and most respected of the great 12 Livery Companies of the City of London, having received its first charter from Edward III in 1363. In 1928 it became the first of these venerable Guilds to make an overseas visit, namely to Portugal. The visit, which did much to rekindle the interest of the British in port, also enhanced the prestige of the Vintners, demonstrating how it could further the interests of the UK wine trade. Michael began his term as Master Vintner in the year the Company celebrated 650 years since receiving its first royal charter.

Michael is one of the most well-liked and respected figures in the UK wine trade and comes from a long line of wine professionals; his great-great-great grandfather founded the successful wine importing business of Matthew Clark & Sons in 1810 (long time distributors of Graham’s Ports in the UK). His successful career led to his appointment as Wines of Chile Europe director, a role in which he has excelled, having firmly established Chilean wines amongst the most popular and admired by the British wine consumer. In 2010 and in recognition for his services, President Piñera of Chile made Michael a Commander of the Order of Merit of Chile, the highest honour that can be bestowed to a non-Chilean.

29 October 2013 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor