Landmark bottling of Bhutanese wine

Who would have thought that wine could be produced in Bhutan, a country in the eastern Himalayas adjacent to Sikkim known for its Buddhist monasteries and dramatic landscapes with subtropical plains and steep mountains, rather than vineyards. However, wine pioneers Michael Juergens and Ann Cross on an early visit to the country recognised its potential for growing vines and decided to create The Bhutan Wine Company in partnership with two Bhutanese, Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Karma Choeda and build a wine industry from scratch in what is probably the last untouched frontier for wine.

In exciting news, Bonhams is presenting the first wine ever cultivated and produced in Bhutan in an online auction from 3rd to 24th April showcasing 48 bottles. All lots will be offered without reserve, with estimates ranging from $4,000 to $80,000. The highlight of the sale, which includes a curated trip to Bhutan, is The Himalayan, a customised 7.57-litre bottle in honour of Bhutan’s highest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum. Named Ser Kem or “an offering of alcohol to the Gods”, the “First Barrel” is a special commemorative blend of every grape variety and vineyard that produced fruit during the inaugural 2023 viticultural season. Bonhams’ auction represents a historic collecting opportunity to own a unique bottle of wine from Bhutan’s pristine terroir. Don’t miss it!