The First Vines of Château Aarav

Our first vineyard at Château Aarav is planned as a carefully managed estate in the Eastern Himalayan foothills of Pedong, Kalimpong. Four individual blocks form the foundation of our vineyard, each with its own identity, variety and purpose.

The Founder Block is planted with Riesling across 0.45 hectares. Planted on 1 March 2026, this block represents the beginning of our vineyard journey. Riesling was chosen for its potential to express purity, freshness, minerality and the character of our mountain environment.

The Morning Mist Block is planted with Sauvignon Blanc across 0.40 hectares. Also planted on 1 March 2026, this parcel takes its name from the cool mountain mornings of the Eastern Himalayas. We selected Sauvignon Blanc for its potential to express freshness, elegance and vibrant aromatics.

The Mountain Breeze Block is planted with Pinot Noir across 0.30 hectares. Planted on 1 March 2026, this block is dedicated to a variety known for its elegance, perfume and ability to reflect its surroundings. Its name reflects the cool mountain air that forms part of the vineyard's environment.

The Legacy Block is planted with Cabernet Franc across 0.20 hectares. Planted on 1 March 2026, this parcel represents patience, structure and our hope to build an estate that can continue for generations.

“The harvest will come later. The foundation is being built today.”

Together, these four blocks give Château Aarav four different varieties with which to explore the character of the Eastern Himalayan foothills.

The vines are still very young. Right now, they are establishing their roots and adapting to their surroundings. There is no rush to ask them for more than they are ready to give.

For us, this is one of the most important stages of the entire journey. Before we can speak about harvests, fermentation or bottles, we need to build healthy vines that can serve the estate for decades.

Our approach is deliberately close and attentive. We want to understand every row, every vine and every season. By keeping the vineyard carefully managed, we can observe how each variety responds to the land and learn from the differences between our four blocks.

Our first harvest is expected around 2030. But we have made one promise to ourselves: Château Aarav will never release a bottle simply because the calendar says it is time.

The first wine will come when we believe the fruit and the vineyard are ready to express the character of this place and meet the standards we have set for Château Aarav.

For now, the first vines are doing what young vines should do—growing, rooting and finding their place.

The harvest will come later. The foundation is being built today.