Four Blocks, Four Expressions

At Château Aarav, our vineyard in the Eastern Himalayan foothills of Pedong, Kalimpong, is divided into four individual blocks. Each parcel has its own identity, its own grape variety and its own place within the story we are beginning to build.

The decision was never simply about planting different varieties. We wanted to create a vineyard where each block could be observed closely and where every variety could teach us something about our mountain environment.

The Founder Block is planted with Riesling across 0.45 hectares. The vines were planted on 1 March 2026. This block marks the beginning of our vineyard journey and represents our belief in Riesling's potential to express freshness, purity, minerality and the character of our Eastern Himalayan terroir.

The Morning Mist Block covers 0.40 hectares and is planted with Sauvignon Blanc. Also planted on 1 March 2026, this parcel takes its name from the cool mountain mornings of Pedong. We see it as an opportunity to explore freshness, elegance and vibrant aromatics.

The Mountain Breeze Block is dedicated to Pinot Noir and covers 0.30 hectares. The vines were planted on 1 March 2026. Pinot Noir is a demanding variety, but its elegance, perfume and ability to reflect its surroundings make it an important part of our vision. The block's name reflects the fresh mountain air that moves through the vineyard.

The Legacy Block covers 0.20 hectares and is planted with Cabernet Franc. These vines were also planted on 1 March 2026. The name represents our long-term ambition: to build an estate with patience, structure and a legacy that can continue for generations.

Together, these four blocks form one estate, but they give us four different ways of understanding our land.

Riesling gives us the opportunity to explore purity, freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc brings vibrant aromatics and elegance. Pinot Noir offers the possibility of perfume, finesse and an honest expression of terroir. Cabernet Franc brings the promise of structure, finesse and longevity.

The vines are still very young. They are establishing their roots and beginning to adapt to the conditions of their individual blocks. At this stage, our work is focused less on producing wine and more on observing, learning and understanding.

“Four blocks. Four varieties. One estate. A different expression of the same place.”

We are learning from the soil, the altitude, the mountain air, the rainfall and the changing seasons. Every growing season will give us another opportunity to understand how these four varieties respond to the Eastern Himalayan landscape.

We deliberately chose to keep our vineyard carefully managed rather than pursuing scale. This allows us to remain close to the vines and give each block the attention it deserves.

In time, these four blocks may become the foundation of Château Aarav's future wine collection. We envision estate-grown wines and, eventually, a more focused Single Vineyard Collection where individual parcels can express their own identity.

There may also come a time when the conditions are right for something even more special—a Grand Cuvée produced only in exceptional vintages.

But those wines belong to the future.

For now, our priority is the vineyard itself. The vines need time to establish their roots, and we need time to understand what each block can teach us.

Our first harvest is expected around 2030. Until then, we will continue to observe, learn and allow the vineyard to develop at its own pace.

We do not know exactly what each block will become yet.

And perhaps that is the most exciting part.

Because Château Aarav is not being built around a predetermined answer. We are planting, observing, learning and waiting to discover what these four parcels can ultimately express.

Four blocks. Four varieties. Four different expressions of one place.

And one young estate beginning to find its identity.