A remarkable milestone in the global wine industry is set to occur as Bonhams presents a one-of-a-kind auction featuring wines from Bhutan. This collaboration with the Bhutan Wine Company offers enthusiasts an exclusive chance to acquire vintages from a nascent yet promising wine region. At the heart of this collection lies the Ser Kem First Barrel, a commemorative blend symbolizing divine offerings, crafted meticulously from grapes sourced across four distinct vineyards during the 2023 inaugural season.
Spanning three weeks from April 3 to April 24, the online auction showcases 48 lots originating from the Himalayan kingdom. Each lot is accompanied by unique experiences, ranging in value from $4,000 to $80,000. Among these treasures is The Himalayan, a monumental 7.57-liter bottle paying tribute to Gangkhar Puensum, the world's tallest unclimbed peak standing at 7,570 meters. Beyond its rarity, this masterpiece includes an exclusive curated journey to Bhutan itself. Only two bottles exist globally, with one reserved for the Bhutanese monarchy.
The Bhutan Wine Company was established by Michael Juergens and Ann Cross following their fascination with Bhutan's untapped potential. Their vision encompassed transforming this remote land into a sustainable wine haven over ten years. With governmental backing and guidance from renowned experts like Jancis Robinson MW, they embarked on planting vineyards amidst diverse climates and altitudes, reaching heights up to 9,150 feet. Juergens highlights that no other region matches Bhutan's unparalleled terroir diversity within such a confined space. As a pioneer in carbon negativity, Bhutan boasts pristine conditions ideal for cultivating premium agricultural products, marking it as a beacon of environmental harmony and innovation in viticulture.