High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World
Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by Bonhams.
In a landmark moment for Bhutan’s emerging wine scene, the Bhutan Wine Company’s very first release made headlines during an online auction hosted by Bonhams from 3rd to 24th April. Stealing the spotlight was “The Himalayan,” a truly unique 7.57-litre bottle created as a heartfelt nod to Gangkhar Puensum — Bhutan’s revered and highest unclimbed peak, standing proudly at 7.57 kilometres.
This release marks the birth of a wine industry set against the backdrop of the world's highest unclimbed mountain. With vineyards thriving at dizzying altitudes and a commitment to sustainability, Bhutan is crafting a wine story unlike any other.
The Himalayan: A Symbolic Tribute in a Bottle
Just two bottles of The Himalayan were produced. One was presented as a gift for His Majesty King Jigme, while the other fetched an impressive US$18,750 at auction — a remarkable feat for a nation only now stepping into the world of winemaking.
“This isn’t merely about selling a bottle of wine,” shared Mike Juergens, who co-founded the Bhutan Wine Company with Ann Cross. “It’s about seeing over ten years of dedication, passion, and belief come to life. To witness The Himalayan — made from Bhutan’s historic first vintage in 2023 — reach this milestone is incredibly fulfilling. We're not just launching a label; we’re laying the foundations of a whole new wine industry here in Bhutan.”
Commemorative Blend - Ser Kem
The commemorative blend, which is named Ser Kem (meaning an offering of alcohol to the Gods) First Barrel, comprises a blend of grapes from four different vineyards, comprising just one barrel with a blend of six red and four white wines that were produced during the inaugural 2023 viticultural season.
Looking ahead, the Bhutan Wine Company’s first full-scale commercial release — the 2024 vintage — is set to roll out in May 2025. You’ll be able to enjoy these wines primarily at their tasting room and wine bar, right in the heart of Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
Bhutan’s Diverse and Pristine Terroir
The first vineyards were planted in 2019 covering a variety of climates and altitudes (up to to 9,150 feet in elevation), and including both experimental and commercial vineyards, with plantings of 16 varieties, dominated by classical varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.
“There is no other single wine region on the planet with the same level of diversity of terroirs in such a small area,” Cross added. “As the first carbon-negative country, Bhutan benefits from harmony in its environment with pure water, no smog, pristine soil, high biodiversity, and a long history of growing diverse world-class agricultural crops.”
To explore more about the Bhutan Wine Company or to express interest in future offerings, visit bhutanwine.com.
Bhutan Wine Company Opening Hours
Open Sunday to Thursday - 12:30pm to 10:00pm
Friday and Saturday - 2:30pm to 12:00am
Yarden Lam
Chubachhu, Thimphu
About Bhutan Wine Company
Established in 2018, the Bhutan Wine Company is pioneering the wine industry in the enchanting Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. In collaboration with the government and local communities, and guided by the principles of Gross National Happiness, the company aims to capture the spirit of Bhutan’s extraordinary terroir in every bottle — with the vision of sharing its magic with the world for generations to come.
They currently have vineyards planted as low as 500 feet in elevation and as high as 9,150 feet with sixteen different varietals planted, nine red (Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Grenache) and seven white (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Vidal and Traminette).
