Bhutan Wine, the historical first vintage.

With information of Bonhams.

A new and historic chapter in the world of wine is about to be written: Bhutan Wine Company is pioneering an extraordinary journey of bringing to life Bhutan's first vineyards and unveiling its first ever vintage. Bonhams is privileged to represent this historic moment and offer a limited release to the public in a No Reserve Auction, "Bhutan Wine: The Historical First Vintage".

Founded by Mike Juergens and Ann Cross, Bhutan Wine Company was born from an inspired vision: to cultivate world-class wine in a land that had never before planted a single vineyard. Their journey began in 2017 after a fateful visit to Bhutan where they saw immense potential in its pristine soils, high-altitude vineyards, and unspoiled air. With the partnership of two Bhutanese, Yab Dhondup Gyaltshen and Karma Choeda, along with the blessing of Bhutan's government and the expertise of global viticultural specialists – winemaker Matt Brain and viticultural consultant Russell Moss - they set forth on a mission to craft wines that would not only honour the land but introduce the world to the remarkable terroirs of the region.

The vineyards are planted across nine diverse sites, ranging from 500 feet to over 9,000 feet in altitude, creating a mosaic of various microclimates. Moreover, Bhutan's entire approach to agriculture and development champions sustainability: the country is famously the first carbon-negative in the world, and its push towards organic farming means these vineyards are cultivated with a deep respect for the land, resulting in a terroir unlike any other.

The debut vintage of Ser Kem, meaning 'alcoholic gift to the gods', marks the first-ever Bhutanese terroir wine, with a blend of every red and white grape varietal and vineyard that was harvested during the inaugural 2023 viticultural season commemoratively created into a single, harmonious cuvée. This passion project bears witness to a birth in winemaking not witnessed in over 200 years.

To celebrate this momentous debut, Bonhams is honoured to present an array of exceptional lots in collectible formats and experiences, each offering rare and tangible connections to this historic endeavour. Highlights include a monumental 7.57L bottle, 'The Himalayan', paying tribute to Bhutan's Gangkhar Puensum mountain, the highest unclimbed mountain in the world standing at 7,570 metres high. Additionally, certain lots include an exclusive trip to Bhutan to visit the winery and a private Ser Kem tasting with senior members of Bhutan Wine Company.

Speaking of her experience in Bhutan, Jancis Robinson MW, British wine critic and member of BWC's advisory board, said: "Having arrived in Bhutan just in time for the second grape harvest, I visited four of the company's young vineyards... Most were extremely difficult to access but the Bhutanese looking after them were clearly devoted to, and proud of, the vines in their charge." Robinson went on to say: "The greatest thrill for me was tasting the first few wines which really do show great promise, with pure varietal flavours and excellent balance."

This is a rare and never to be repeated opportunity to be part of history in the making - and to take home a piece of Bhutan, in spirit and glorious substance. Join us in celebrating this unprecedented venture