In this special episode of Wine & Web3, host Jana Kreilein is joined by David Garrett, along with special guests Michael Juergens and Ann Cross — co-founders of the Bhutan Wine Company. Together, they explore the incredible journey of starting a wine industry from scratch in Bhutan — a nation without a single vineyard just a decade ago — and the upcoming no reserve auction for what might be the rarest bottle of wine in history.

From Bhutan’s high-altitude terroirs and a one-of-a-kind blend to futuristic authentication methods and the introduction of a brand-new bottle format — The Himalaya — this episode explores how the next great wine region is being born in the Himalayas.

🇧🇹Auction Details - The Historical First Vintage

Bidding Ends 24 April 2025, 19:00 EDT

A new chapter in wine history is unfolding. The Bhutan Wine Company, founded by Mike Juergens and Ann Cross, is unveiling the country’s very first vintage — a bold leap in a land where no vineyard existed just a decade ago.

Partnering with Bonhams, this debut is marked by a No Reserve Auction offering limited-edition bottles and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a monumental 7.57L “Himalayan” bottle and a private tasting in Bhutan. Crafted with reverence for the land and shaped by Bhutan’s high-altitude terroirs, the inaugural Ser Kem cuvée is a tribute to tradition, sustainability, and visionary winemaking. Don’t miss this historic moment — learn more and explore the auction.https://www.bonhams.com/auction/31561/bhutan-wine-the-historical-first-vintage/

⏱️ Timestamps:

* 00:00 – Welcome & guest introductions: Michael Juergens & Ann Cross

* 00:52 – How Bhutan went from no vineyards to a commercial wine venture

* 04:51 – Falling in love with Bhutan’s land, people, and potential

* 06:51 – Writing the white paper: From marathon to master plan

* 08:07 – Why Bhutan might be the future of wine in the era of climate change

* 10:37 – The first-ever barrel of Bhutanese wine and its historic significance

* 12:43 – What’s actually in the bottle? (Hint: 17 varietals!)

* 14:49 – Introducing the Himalaya: a new large-format bottle

* 17:06 – The no reserve auction: what it means and why it matters

* 20:57 – Auction details: Dates, how to bid, and partnering with Bonhams

* 23:00 – High-tech wine authentication using nano diamonds and NFTs

* 25:29 – Can you visit Bhutan and taste the wine yourself? (Yes!)

* 30:39 – Global wine legends backing the project (yes, even Jancis Robinson)

* 33:31 – Harvest experiences, future tourism, and tattoo bonding rituals

🔗 Links & Resources:

* 🥂 No Reserve Auction – Bonhams Fine Wine (Live: April 3–24)

* 🌏 Bhutan Wine Company – Learn more about the story, vision, and wines

* 🍷 dVIN Labs – Building the decentralized infrastructure for luxury wine

* 📖 Jancis Robinson article on Bhutan Wine

📝 Episode Takeaway:

This is not just a new wine—it’s a new wine frontier. Whether you're a serious collector, a curious drinker, or just love a good origin story, the Bhutan Wine Company's no-reserve auction offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of winemaking history.

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