Riesling
Shaped by cool mountain air and a long, gentle ripening season. This block is dedicated to expressing purity, minerality, and graceful complexity, with the potential to evolve beautifully over time.
Young vines, established
Pedong · Kalimpong · Eastern Himalayas
The Estate
0104
Abdul Salim, publicly known as Salim Aarav, who serves as the Château Aarav estate’s Founder & Proprietor.
Our Story
Abdul Salim
Known as Salim Aarav · Founder & Proprietor
Château Aarav
Château Aarav was founded by Abdul Salim, publicly known as Salim Aarav, who serves as the estate’s Founder & Proprietor.
My journey into wine did not begin with Château Aarav. It began with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a dream that I did not fully understand at the time.
I come from India, but one of the most important chapters of my journey began thousands of kilometres away, in California, USA.
Working among the vines changed something in me.
“Maybe one day, I could create a vineyard of my own.”
And slowly, the dream that first came to me among the vines in California found its way home.
That dream became Château Aarav.
The Estate
A place where landscape becomes character.
Château Aarav is located in Pedong, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, in the Eastern Himalayas. Kalimpong's slopes, altitude, and Himalayan light shape everything about how Château Aarav grows — not as a backdrop, but as the reason this estate exists here at all.
The Land
Before the wine,comes the land.
Estate Location
Pedong · Kalimpong · West Bengal · India
01Sense of Place
Château Aarav is being shaped around its Himalayan environment.
Its slopes, changing seasons, mountain air, rainfall, soils and the individual behaviour of each vineyard block are becoming part of the estate's story.
The coming years will be a period of observation — understanding how each variety responds to the site before defining the wines the land is capable of producing.
Our approach
Observe first. Understand slowly.
Let the land speak.
Detailed site measurements and soil analysis will be added as our understanding of the estate develops.
The Vineyard
Four varieties. One young vineyard.
Château Aarav currently cultivates four grape varieties — Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc — planted block by block so every row can be understood on its own terms.
Sauvignon Blanc
Named for the cool mountain mornings of the eastern Himalayas. This parcel is dedicated to wines of freshness, elegance, and vibrant aromatics, shaped by the unique rhythm of the mountain climate.
Trial block, early growth
Pinot Noir
The heart of Château Aarav. Planted with Pinot Noir for the estate’s flagship red wine. A block that embodies our beginnings, our ambition, and the character of the land.
Young vines, established
Cabernet Franc
Planted as the Legacy Block of Château Aarav, this parcel represents patience, structure, and our commitment to building an estate that will continue for generations.
Young vines, establishing roots
Current Chapter
2026
The beginning of a vineyard, a place, and a long story still being written.
The vineyard is young.
Our first vines were planted on 1 March 2026. Four varieties now begin their first seasons in the Eastern Himalayan foothills while the future Château Aarav estate continues to take shape.
There is no wine to release yet. For now, our work is to observe, learn and give the vines time.
Estate Status
Young vines · First season
Château Aarav · Kalimpong
Nothing rushed. Nothing assumed.
Our Journey
A timeline still being written.
Some stories are measured in years. Ours is measured in seasons — from the first idea to the first harvest.
Chapter 01
01
2026
The First Planting
Four varieties. Four blocks. The beginning of Château Aarav.
Current Chapter
The story continues
From the Journal
Notes from the land.
Questions
A few things people ask.
Château Aarav is located on Upper Cart Road, Pedong, Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, 734301, in the Eastern Himalayan foothills. The estate sits at approximately 1,240 metres above sea level, surrounded by mountain landscapes, forests, fresh mountain air, and changing seasons.
Contact
Let's begin a conversation.
Whether you're curious about the estate, the vineyard, or simply want to follow along, we'd be glad to hear from you.
info@chateauaarav.com
Château Aarav