Celebrate the Season with Biltmore Christmas Wines Posted on November 12, 2024 at 11:58 am.Written by Jean Sexton For the 2024 holiday season, Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines are available at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, in our online store, and in many local retail and grocery stores in the Southeast. Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines For 2024, our Christmas at Biltmore wine labels feature an exterior view of Biltmore House and the facade of the Conservatory in the Walled Garden. “The release of our annual Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines marks the start of the holiday season, and we welcome you to taste them at the Winery during our Christmas at Biltmore celebration,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. Local artist creates our Christmas labels Asheville artist Olga Dorenko created original artwork for our Christmas at Biltmore wines. In one of our favorite time-honored traditions, we selected a local artist to create original designs for the label of each Christmas at Biltmore wine. Olga Dorenko of Asheville, NC, was asked to capture two different aspects of Biltmore’s beauty during the Christmas season. For the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine, she showcased the iconic exterior of Biltmore House with decorated Christmas trees on the Front Lawn and a swirl of bright leaves framing the scene. Olga’s vivid artwork work showcases her emphasis on color and nature. The Conservatory graces the label of this year’s Christmas at Biltmore White Wine. Olga caught it just at sunset when the last of the light casts a rosy glow over the grand, glass-topped structure in the Walled Garden. “My paintings, inspired by local, national, and international landscapes, highlight color and light,” said Olga. “I have always had a deep appreciation for color.” Olga at work in her studio. During her time as a classical art student, Olga noted that she spent a considerable amount of time mixing and blending colors. This longstanding and intense relationship with color in her artistic training is displayed in her current work, including the two Christmas at Biltmore wine labels “Through my use of color, I can lend a contemporary interpretation to my otherwise realistic landscapes,” said Olga. Pour on the cheer with Biltmore wines! Savor this year’s Christmas at Biltmore Red and White wines with your favorite holiday flavors! Whether you’re in the mood for a fragrant, semi-sweet blended white wine or a soft, fruit-forward red blend, our Christmas at Biltmore Wines offer a classic complement to your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table. As an added bonus, the lovely labels make both wines a charming gift of the season for anyone on your gift list. Savor our Christmas at Biltmore wines with a complimentary tasting at the Winery and purchase them in estate shops. You’ll also find our Christmas wines—and all your other handcrafted favorites—online at shop.biltmore.com or in select local retailers.
Halloween How-to: Pairing Biltmore Wine with Candy Posted on October 10, 2024 at 10:34 am.Written by Jean Sexton There’s nothing scary about enjoying Biltmore wines with your favorite sweets! Take spooky-season fun to the next level with our special Halloween how-to on pairing Biltmore wine with classic candy at home. The same principles that apply to successful food-and-wine pairings also work with candy. For desserts, you’d normally choose a wine that’s sweeter than the dish you’re serving, but this Halloween how-to focuses on pairings that add a little sophistication and a lot of fun to the mix. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling pairs perfectly with tri-colored candy corn Complement candy corn For those who love the seasonal stripes and sugary sweetness of old-fashioned candy corn, it’s twice as nice with a glass of Biltmore Estate® Riesling. Our Riesling features sweet apricot aromas, light honey flavors, and a crisp finish that provides a pleasant balance for the pure sweetness and soft, waxy texture of candy corn. For a special Halloween treat, savor smooth, creamy peanut butter cups with our approachable Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay Peanut butter perfection If your Halloween traditions include snagging all the chocolate-covered peanut butter cups out of the treat bags to savor later, we suggest you consider complementing the dynamic duo with our approachable Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay. This is a pairing that surprises people, because you don’t normally pair peanut butter with wine. But if you think about it, what’s more perfect with peanut butter than grape jelly, which gives you a point of reference. Our Chardonnay also works well because it’s a delightfully smooth wine with fruit flavors and hints of oak that enhance most food flavors. It’s also crisp and offers good acidity to balance the higher fat content and rich mouthfeel of peanut butter. Savor the dark side by pairing Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvédre with peppermint patties Savor the dark side While chocolate is frequently served with red wine, the combination of dark chocolate and a strong mint filling makes pairing classic peppermint patties a bit of a challenge, but we say it’s okay to savor the dark side with our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvédre. This wine offers wonderful aromas of black cherry, vanilla, and soft oak that carry through to the palate with flavors of chocolate, blueberry, vanilla, subtle hints of cedar, and soft tannins. It has a kind of rustic elegance that complements the sophisticated notes of dark chocolate and peppermint. Create a sweet-and-sour surprise by pairing Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc with sour gummy candy! Sweet-and-sour surprise This is another surprising pairing, mostly because nobody thinks about trying sweet-and-sour Halloween candy with wine—especially an elegant white varietal like Sauvignon Blanc! The pairing works on two levels, beginning with the bright citrus aromas of Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc that complement the playful scent of the candy. Smell them separately and you’ll start to understand how they can work together. The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, with refreshing flavors of peach and a touch of minerality that keeps the candy from being overly sweet, making them perfect partners for each other. Cheer to pairing Halloween candy with your favorite Biltmore wines! Halloween how-to with Biltmore wine Ready to try our Halloween how-to and savor Biltmore wines at home with your favorite trick-or-treat candy? Find our award-winning wines at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, online, or close to home with our Retail Locator.
Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC: $2 Million Committed to Our Community Posted on October 7, 2024 at 4:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been committed to our community. This legacy began with George and Edith Vanderbilt, and continues today with the leadership of their great- and great-great grandchildren. Commitment to community is a strong and constant thread woven through our story, connecting past and present. It guides our priorities in good times, and in the most difficult circumstances, like those we faced from Tropical Storm Helene. An Unprecedented Storm Flooding in historic Biltmore Village surpassed prior records, leaving behind heavy damage and debris. The water line on Biltmore’s Lodge Gate is visible here. In late September 2024, Tropical Storm Helene swept across the region, bringing heavy rainfall and gusting winds. While the area was prepared for flash flooding and power outages, no one could have predicted how quickly conditions would change and how widespread the destruction would be—surpassing even the historic level of the 1916 flood. As with the storm of 1916, community effort is at the core of how our region will recover today. An archival letter from Chauncey Beadle, Biltmore Estate Superintendent, to a concerned acquaintance, captures this sentiment well across generations: “Thank you cordially for your letter of August 2, and for all the good wishes therein contained. We are recovering rapidly from the destruction caused by the recent high-water in the rivers in our vicinity; and while the material losses have been great and the loss of life irreparable, yet the devastation will not be in evidence much longer. More and more I realize the solidarity of the community, and its quick resuscitation from the flood will always be a memory wherein one takes pride in his community.” Launching Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC On October 7, 2024, Biltmore announced a newly created fund to help provide immediate relief to employees in crisis and local organizations aiding in recovery efforts. On October 7, we announced a financial commitment of $2 million through the newly established Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC to aid in Helene relief efforts. “Western North Carolina has been our family’s home for more than 125 years, and we are devastated to see Helene’s impact here and in the surrounding counties. We remain committed to supporting our employees and neighbors in the aftermath of this unprecedented storm and the long-term recovery efforts. Now more than ever, we must work together to stabilize and rebuild this community,” said Bill Cecil, Jr., President and CEO of Biltmore. Biltmore strives to support community well-being through investments in local non-profits that assist people in need, increase cultural experiences, conserve the natural environment, and sustain the economic vitality of Western North Carolina. “The focus for the Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC is to provide critical and immediate financial relief for people in need, including supporting employees in crisis, providing support to area non-profits aiding our region, and investing in the recovery of our community,” Bill said. Our leadership was able to quickly identify and commit the relief funds to a group of non-profit organizations aiding in our community’s recovery efforts: Always Asheville Fund Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Asheville Dream Center Concert for Carolina Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe County Mountain Strong Fund for Business Recovery The Community Foundation of WNC – Emergency and Disaster Response Fund World Central Kitchen (If you are a local organization seeking a grant, please consider applying to The Community Foundation of WNC.) Biltmore’s team in action While recovery efforts occurred on the estate, Biltmore’s team members were also actively helping our community. In addition to launching the Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC, we have been honored to assist the community in other ways: Assisting with historic collection removal and temporary storage for The Cathedral of All Souls—the parish church that George Vanderbilt originally had designed and constructed in Biltmore Village. Providing donations of food to Meals on Wheels, potable water to World Central Kitchen, cold-weather supplies to ABCCM, and temporary canopies for FEMA sites. Thank you for supporting our community Our local economy relies on tourism and your visit helps support the recovery of our employees, neighbors, and friends. Thanks to the incredible work of so many generous people, recovery is happening all around us. Many major roadways and local businesses have reopened to once again welcome visitors, while others are still recovering.With tourism being the main economic engine in Asheville and Western North Carolina, especially during the busy fall and holiday seasons, you are providing critical support for our region by visiting Biltmore and other local businesses. If you are interested in supporting further recovery efforts, please consider a financial donation to these local organizations: MANNA FoodBank Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity The Community Foundation of WNC You can also support area businesses by shopping or donating at Love Asheville from Afar. As a company and a community, we appreciate your patience as we navigate this crisis together and continue to focus on recovery efforts.
Biltmore Wines for Warm Weather Sipping Posted on June 20, 2024 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Our award-winning Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping whether you’re packing a picnic, entertaining friends and family outdoors, or simply relaxing on your porch or patio this summer. Keep it crisp and refreshing Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping! Biltmore Estate winemaker Sharon Fenchak recommends focusing on lighter, dryer, more acidic wines during the warmest months of the year. According to Sharon, these wines refresh your palate in the same way lemonade does when the weather heats up and you feel more thirst. “Sweeter wines tend to leave you thirsty, while wines with higher acidity such as our own crisp Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc can actually quench your thirst on a warm spring or summer day,” Sharon said. White wines for warm weather sipping Enjoy warm weather sipping with Biltmore white wines by the glass or bottle. “Another great choice is Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Fumé Blanc. It features notes of tropical fruit notes with hints of oak, vanilla, and spice,” said Sharon, “and it pairs beautifully with salads, chicken, and grilled fish–the kinds of food you tend to serve in warmer weather. Sharon also recommends Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio with its spicy citrus finish, and our off-dry, approachable Biltmore Estate® Albariño as especially nice options for sipping outdoors on spring and summer evenings. Prefer a cool, elegant classic white wine for summer sipping? Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay offers crisp fruit flavor and hints of oak to complement everything from grilled vegetables to chicken and seafood. Pick the perfect rosé for warm weather Enjoy summer sipping and entertaining outdoors with your favorite Biltmore wines. Rosé drinkers will appreciate our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé, a surprisingly dry wine with delicate layers of berry flavors. It’s perfect with chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage–serve it along with all those smoky grilled favorites at your next backyard barbecue–or enjoy it as an ingredient in a refreshing cocktail. Warm-weather sippers for red wine lovers Add some sparkle to warm weather sipping with our Cardinal’s Crest Sangria! Sharon recommends mellow, versatile reds for the warm weather sipping; one of the best is Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest—a smooth, easy-to-drink blend. “Enjoy it by the glass, or mix up a pitcher of fruity sangria to sip in the shade,” Sharon said. “Your friends will thank you!” Biltmore bubbles are festive and fun! Enjoy our sparkling wine poolside during warm weather, just like this guest at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Like something bubbly? Sparkling wines like our Biltmore Estate® Brut, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise style, are perfect for warm weather sipping on their own and as the base of mimosas or other cocktails. Cool down with the 20-minute rule Cheers are on the horizon! “Whatever wine you prefer, make sure you chill it first, even if it’s a red wine,” said Sharon. She suggests that you cool reds for about 20 minutes before you serve them. For white wines, remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to serving so their aromas and flavors can be released. “The most important rule of wine? Drink what you like, regardless of the time of year!” Sharon said. Enjoy sipping Biltmore wines all summer long Put Biltmore wines on your “bucket list” for summer sipping! Find your favorite Biltmore wines at Biltmore Estate shops, restaurants, and our Winery—or closer to home with our Retail Locator. You can also order by phone at 800-968-0558, or purchase our wines online. In addition, summer is a great time to explore our Vanderbilt Wine Club®, with seasonal shipments delivered directly to your door, plus invitations to members-only events and more.
In The Spotlight: Biltmore’s Vineyard Posted on May 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Believe it or not, Biltmore’s first vines were planted right next to America’s Largest Home around 1971. What started as a testing ground for hybrid varietals has flourished into a 50-acre vineyard on the West Side of the estate growing varietals such as Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Follow along as Vineyard Manager, Phil Oglesby shares a glimpse at our estate vineyards throughout the year. During the bud break stage of the vineyard lifecycle, the vines are extremely sensitive at this time and young shoots must be protected. Spring bud break: New growth begins “The first major event of spring in any vineyard is bud break,” said Phil Oglesby, Vineyard Manager, “and Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate is no different. Even though we’re already working with the vines, that first hint of a bud breaking open gives us a sense of urgency that the growing season is underway.” Once bud break occurs, typically around late March, the vineyard crew becomes even more vigilant because Western North Carolina is potentially under a frost warning until mid-May! “Protecting the tender, developing green shoots is a priority. We have several strategies we can deploy during a spring freeze to help mitigate damage,” Phil said. “There are wind turbines in the field to keep the air moving so the frost doesn’t settle on the fragile buds, and we can spray the vines with water so they’re encased in ice, which protects them from freezing temperatures, but grapes are still a field crop that is affected by the weather.” The flower bud (inflorescence) contains hundreds of flowers, but not all will turn into berries. In order to thrive, warmth and sunlight are crucial. Biltmore’s vineyard blooms As spring’s warmer weather returns, our Biltmore Estate vineyard sees substantial leaf growth in the young shoots fueled by the carbohydrates stored during the dormant winter months. Soon, the vines will bloom with tiny self-pollinating flowers, destined to become berries. Nature is the best protector during these critical times. We focus on creating an optimal habitat through sustainable practices. Biltmore’s vineyards are flush with bright green grape clusters during the summertime. Fruiting in time for NC Wine Month Each May serves as a time for celebration for Biltmore Wines! Not only is it the anniversary month for the opening of our Winery in 1985, but it’s also North Carolina Wine Month. Meanwhile, the danger of frost in the vineyard has passed, the days are getting longer and warmer, and fruit clusters have begun to form under the leaves. Known as “berries,” these hard green fruits don’t look much like mature grapes, but they continue to ripen. The summer months set the stage for the fall harvest. As the berries develop, also known as fruit set, our growers get their first look at the amount of crop the vineyard will yield and the amount of wine we will produce. The swelling of the grapes with water increases the sugar and tannin levels while reducing the acid levels, all the while accumulating color and flavors. Veraison signals the countdown to harvest In the beginning, all berries are green, but as they ripen, they transform into beautiful hues of red, purple, and golden through a process called veraison. Phil said, “By mid-July you should notice some color coming into the grapes—light gold for the Chardonnay and speckles of purple for the Cabernets.” This noticeable change in color marks a tipping point in the growth process where the plant begins focusing energy on ripening and sweetening the fruit. This change also signals to the teams that the countdown to harvest is underway! Biltmore’s grapes are harvested by hand every year! Gearing up for harvest season In every wine-growing region, harvest preparation is one of the busiest times of the year for vineyards and wineries. Phil and his crew work to prepare the equipment, including hand clippers and flat containers for carrying grape clusters without damaging the fruit. “Executive Winemaker Sharon Fenchak frequently visits the vineyard, especially as the fruit develops on the vine,” said Phil Oglesby, Vineyard Manager. “We work together to try predicting harvest yields and we keep a close watch for potential problems that can be minimized with our control. The vineyard team has a shared goal of providing the Winery with the best possible fruit we can produce.” The crafting of fine wines relies on cooperation and good communication between the teams. A close look at Biltmore Wines—especially during harvest—reveals the benefits of such a relationship. The ripeness of grapes and weather conditions determine the start of harvest. Sweetness, alcohol content, and acidity are all affected by time. Harvesting our finest fruit Once harvest begins, the crew will work from sunrise to late afternoon, carefully gathering the ripe fruit that will become the heart of our Biltmore Wines in the years to come. Chardonnay is one of the early-ripening grapes on Biltmore’s West Side Vineyard. With Mother Nature’s cooperation, Philip and his team will typically begin harvesting this varietal in late August. All grapes are hand-picked, with harvests averaging 130 tons annually, and transported to our winery and production facility located in Antler Hill Village where the winemaking process begins. Snow protects the vines against icy winter temperatures and aids their hibernation. Caring for the vines during wintertime Despite what you might think, the vineyard work continues during the winter months! Though the weather may have turned, the dormant vines still need care. Our teams remain hard at work, pruning and protecting the vines to keep them healthy and strong. While the vines rest, our winemakers continue to craft the recent harvest into wines worthy of a sip. Barrels are filled to the bung hole to compensate for natural evaporation (or for a taste test!), ensuring the quality of the wine inside. And then, like clockwork each year, winter gives way to early spring and the cycle begins again… Our viticulture program honors the Vanderbilt heritage to create new opportunities for the family’s estate in harmony with Biltmore’s mission of preservation. Sourcing the finest fruit for our wines You may have heard through the grapevine… In addition to our Biltmore Estate vineyard, we also work closely with partner growers in California and Washington who help supply fruit for our portfolio of wines, most of which are handcrafted at the estate. “Our partners are an important part of our wine program at Biltmore’s Winery,” says Executive Winemaker, Sharon Fenchak. “We spend a lot of time with growers from around the Monterey, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino wine regions.” Sharon explains that the importance of these long-standing relationships with all our partner growers ensures that the quality of all our wines is as consistent as possible from vintage to vintage. For a true grape-to-glass experience, savor our Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina varietals, each featuring estate-grown grapes. Savor the fruits of our labor Join us at the Winery and Wine Bar on Biltmore Estate to discover new and favorite vintages of our award-winning wines and be sure to look for our varietals featuring estate-grown grapes, like our Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina wines! Our wines are also available in estate shops, at retailers near you, online, and through our Vanderbilt Wine Club. No matter where you’re enjoying your Biltmore Wines, we invite you to raise a glass in honor of our grape growers, vineyards, and winemakers across the nation!
Discover Chihuly at Biltmore: A Peek Inside the Exhibition Posted on April 25, 2024 at 6:07 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Chihuly at Biltmore is a new exhibition featuring 33 different artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Get ready to be transported to another world as you move through the breathtaking galleries of Amherst with a peek inside this must-see exhibition. Dale Chihuly, Icicle Chandeliers and Towers, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2015 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Explore artwork throughout seven galleries “This is the first time Biltmore has hosted a Chihuly exhibition since 2018 when his work was displayed primarily in the gardens,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Entertainment and Event Programming. By hosting the exhibition in Amherst at Deerpark®, you will have a chance to explore Chihuly’s work in a gallery setting. The location enabled our team to select works of art that are different from the last exhibit and highlight additional aspects of Chihuly’s remarkable career. It took three years of collaboration and planning to create a custom-designed space for this large-scale exhibition to be displayed throughout seven galleries. Installation from Chihuly at Biltmore, March 25, 2024 – February 2, 2025 at Amherst, Dale Chihuly, Tabac Baskets, 2008 with Western trade blankets, Soft Cylinders (detail), 2008-14, and Peach Cylinders with Indian Blanket Drawings, 1995-2016, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024, © 1995 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon and Neodymium Reeds on Logs (detail), 2023, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Learn about the artist, Dale Chihuly “With Chihuly at Biltmore, you’ll experience a curated exhibition that showcases how inspiration, design, and technique come together in breathtaking objects and installations,” said Travis. As part of the exhibition, a comprehensive timeline offers details into Chihuly’s development of innovative techniques and inspired exhibitions throughout his career. “There is a beautiful variety of art on display made up of various colors, shapes, and compositions,” Travis said. “This is an ideal setting for you to not only view the installations, but learn about Dale Chihuly’s life, work, and his powerful influence on art, as well as Biltmore’s own connection to glass art.” Installations around the estate In addition to the awe-inspiring installations in Amherst, you have the opportunity to marvel at two large-scale installations presented on estate grounds: A Winter White and Glacier Blue Tower on the East Terrace in front of Biltmore House and a freestanding Torchlight Chandelier at the Entry Green in Antler Hill Village. While in the Village, be sure to admire Chihuly’s Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier in the Winery. Installed in 2023, it was created especially for Biltmore and is part of the estate’s permanent collection. Installation from Chihuly at Biltmore, March 25, 2024 through February 2, 2025 at Amherst at Deerpark. Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, Asheville, North Carolina, 2024, © 2024 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. You don’t want to miss Chihuly at Biltmore While Dale Chihuly’s work is represented in museums and collections throughout the world, viewing it here at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, brings past and present full circle. “The estate has always been a destination for art and culture, from the glass art and other remarkable objects the Vanderbilts collected–including paintings by Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, and James Whistler–to the beautiful gardens and grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, landscape architect, and our award-winning wines handcrafted at Biltmore’s Winery,” Travis noted. “That’s why Biltmore is the perfect place to experience this extraordinary exhibition!” Just as George Vanderbilt loved sharing world-class artwork with his guests over a century ago, we look forward to sharing Chihuly at Biltmore with you! Featured image: A family discovers the iconic Persian Ceiling in the exhibition. Dale Chihuly, Persian Ceiling, 2012, 25 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2012 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.
Celebrate with Sensational Sangria Recipes Posted on April 9, 2024 at 4:28 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Celebrate the warmer months with these sensational sangria recipes featuring your favorite Biltmore wines! Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or rosés, there’s a perfect option in the following recipes to help you create fun and fruity sangrias for solo sipping and friendly gatherings all season long. White Wine Sangria Masterpiece Sangria Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, online, or find a Biltmore wine retailer near you. White Wine Sangria Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc is the star of this refreshing white sangria dreamed up by Marley Goldin / @marleysmenu following a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. (Photo courtesy of @marleysmenu.) Sip on this delightful Sauvignon Blanc-based sangria recipe, created for Biltmore by Marley Goldin of @marleysmenu. Ingredients: 2 lemons, washed and sliced in wheels 2 limes, washed and sliced in wheels ½ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup triple sec 1 bottle of Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc (or your favorite Biltmore white wine) 1 ½ cups strawberries, washed, tops removed, halved 2 cups club soda Ice Instructions: Into a large pitcher, add the lemon and lime slices and granulated sugar. Muddle for 30 seconds until the sugar combines with the citrus juices. Add the triple sec, then stir to combine. Add the Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc and sliced strawberries to the pitcher and stir again. Just before serving, add ice and club soda. Serves 8. Tip: This recipe can be made up to 24 ahead of time! The longer the fruit sits in the liquid, the more its flavor infuses. Hold off on adding the club soda and ice until just before serving. Masterpiece Sangria Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines Although traditional sangria recipes tend to feature red wines, this version with our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White or Rosé Wines is a cool, refreshing treat for warm weather. Enjoy with friends and, should you have any leftover (we doubt you will!), freeze it for a fun take on grown-up popsicles or slushies. Ingredients: 1 bottle Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection White Wine or Rosé Wine 4 ounces simple syrup 4 ounces brandy 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 limes, sliced in wheels 1 lemon, sliced in wheels then halved 1 Fuji apple, cubed 1 Anjou pear, cubed 1 mango, cubed Seeds from ½ pomegranate (optional) Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir until well mixed, adding pomegranate seeds at the end for presentation as they tend to fall to the bottom after stirring. Serve over ice. If sangria sits overnight, add simple syrup to taste as additional juices will come forward the next day. Serves 4-6. Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest wine is perfect for sipping, savoring, and sangria! Take time for yourself with a glass of Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria—the perfect sparkling treat for a leisurely Sunday morning brunch or a long afternoon on the porch. Ingredients: 3 ounces Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest ½ ounce Orange Curacao ½ ounce St. Remy Brandy ¾ ounce orange juice ¼ ounce grapefruit juice ½ ounce simple syrup 1 ounce Biltmore Estate® Brut sparkling wine Lime wedge and an orange wedge (optional garnish) Instructions: Add the first 6 ingredients to a small pitcher or shaker; mix until combined. Pour over ice in a wine glass and top with 1 ounce sparkling wine and garnish with lime and orange wedges. Serves 1, but can be easily multiplied for sharing.
Exotic Orchids Bloom on This Wine Label Posted on March 11, 2024 at 2:23 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Discover how the exotic orchids that “bloom” on the labels of our latest Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Wines are entwined with our history. Orchids at Biltmore Glorious blooms in the Orchid Room inside the Conservatory at Biltmore. Each release in our Masterpiece Collection is specially created to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a collector of extraordinary treasures and exceptional vintages. “We chose orchids for the labels of our latest Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Wines because George Vanderbilt enjoyed them,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “I love orchids, too, and appreciate sharing that connection with Mr. Vanderbilt.” Local artist creates the labels Artist Bryan Koontz of Weaverville, NC, spent time in the Orchid Room in the Conservatory, studying the beautiful blooms–some of which are the same varieties that landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted originally ordered for Biltmore. Bryan Koontz created this series of sketches, eventually narrowing the field down to four specific blooms. After sketching many different orchids, the field was narrowed to four different varieties. Bryan then painted original watercolors of each bloom to create a series of four labels that capture each of the different orchids with all their glorious details. Bryan created original watercolor paintings featuring four different orchids for the Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines. Wine tasting notes and pairing suggestions Savor our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines separately, or collect the entire “bouquet” with four beautiful orchid labels! For this Masterpiece Collection release, Sharon handcrafted two different wines: a crisp, smooth, and refreshing white blend and a fragrant, fresh, and delicious rosé. Masterpiece Collection White Wine is light-to-medium-bodied and features a soft floral aroma with hints of spice and citrus followed by flavors of white peach and clementine. With nicely balanced acidity and sweetness, it pairs perfectly with quiche, pasta Alfredo, Italian wedding soup, and delicate spring vegetables. Masterpiece Collection Rosé Wine is light-to-medium-bodied and opens with delicate vanilla and floral aromas that give way to juicy flavors of strawberry and rock candy, plus bright acidity. Sip this well-balanced wine as an aperitif before serving with charcuterie, shellfish, olives, crudités, or a classic bagna cauda dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Both Masterpiece Collection wines are perfect for brunch, light luncheons, and spring celebrations. Enjoy them separately or collect a beautiful “bouquet” featuring all four orchid varieties! Discover all of our wines, including the Masterpiece Collection Enjoy our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines at your next brunch or luncheon! Find all of our wines, including Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines, in estate shops, online, or through your local retailer. These limited release wines are available while supplies last.
Glorious Glass at Biltmore Posted on March 7, 2024 at 9:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton With Chihuly at Biltmore—an exhibition featuring an all-new curation of artist Dale Chihuly’s work— now on display, we wanted to share some other types of glorious glass at the estate. From decorative art glass to functional glassware and more, here are some interesting details about different pieces in Biltmore’s collection: Intriguing green glass Known as uranium glass, this set has a green tint under normal lighting conditions, but becomes a bright glowing green when shown under ultraviolet light. “While cleaning and photographing the china and crystal in the Butler’s Pantry, we came across an interesting set of glassware,” said Genevieve Bieniosek, Furniture Conservator. “We don’t have records that show when it was acquired, but it turned out to be uranium glass.” Under regular lighting, uranium glass is a pale, transparent green or greenish-yellow, but when exposed to ultraviolet energy, the pieces fluoresce bright green. “Manufacturers added uranium oxide to glass to produce a range of colors from pale greenish-yellow to bright green,” Genevieve said. “It has been used as a glass colorant since at least the 1830s, although its use was discontinued for a 15-year period beginning with WWII when uranium became more regulated.” The LaFarge stained glass windows Hospitalitas/Prosperitas (Hospitality/Prosperity), part of the Fruits of Prosperity series of stained glass windows created by John LaFarge, are now displayed in Biltmore’s Winery. From 1880–1882, George Vanderbilt’s father, William H. Vanderbilt, built a grand house known as the Triple Palace on New York’s newly fashionable Fifth Avenue. Mr. Vanderbilt commissioned artist and interior designer John La Farge to create three stained glass windows for the central stairwell of his new home. The Fruits of Commerce, Hospitalitas/Prosperitas, and The Golden Apples of Hesperides feature different themes and are considered to be among La Farge’s finest work. The windows showcase his experimental techniques, which influenced the work of another famous stained-glass artist: Louis Comfort Tiffany. George Vanderbilt inherited the home after his parents’ deaths and the La Farge windows were eventually moved to Biltmore and placed in storage. The three-panel window entitled Hospitalis/Prosperitas is now displayed at Biltmore Winery. An unusual vase Glass vase by Louis Comfort Tiffany The Claude Room, one of the elegant Louis XV Suite of guest bedrooms in Biltmore House, features another unusual piece of glass—a vase created by Louis Comfort Tiffany in 1890. The hand-blown vase features layers of glass in different colors, with a gold metallic surface and woven sterling silver overlay. Though the style is markedly different from Tiffany’s iconic stained glass lamps, it demonstrates his mastery of glassmaking techniques. The Glassblower Le Souffleur de Verre (The Glassblower), Constantin Meunier, 1889 In 1913, George and Edith Vanderbilt purchased eight bronze works from an exhibition of Constantin Meunier’s work, including Le Souffleur de Verre (The Glassblower). While this sculpture is not made of glass, it faithfully captures the physical details of a glassblower at work, creating an interesting connection with the actual glass pieces. Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 9-1/2 x 6 x 6′, Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2023 © 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Following the successful Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition in 2018 that featured Dale Chihuly’s work in our historic gardens, Biltmore commissioned a custom Chandelier by the artist. With colors inspired by the hues of our handcrafted wines, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier was installed at the Winery in 2023 as part of Biltmore’s private collection. “During his lifetime, George Vanderbilt collected a variety of fine art, including works by both Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge. In their time, they helped revolutionize glass and glass art, much in the same way that Dale Chihuly has done in the last several decades. Chihuly’s transforming of traditional forms of glass and his large intricate public art installations has elevated glass art to a much higher form today,” said Darren Poupore, Biltmore’s Chief Curator. Discover more glorious glass at Biltmore! Plan your visit to Biltmore to enjoy the wonders of Chihuly at Biltmore, now on display. Hosted in the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark®, this all-new experience includes pedestal works, Drawings, and large-scale installations of Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, and Neon.
Presenting the Artist: Dale Chihuly Posted on February 18, 2024 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Renowned for pushing the limits of glass as a medium, Dale Chihuly has presented groundbreaking artworks all around the world. With Chihuly at Biltmore now on display, we invite you to learn more about the artist and his lasting influences on contemporary art. James Mongrain, Dale Chihuly, and Andrea Lesnett, Rotolo in process, The Hotshop, The Boathouse, Seattle, 2013. ©Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Chihuly the innovator Born in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly embarked on his journey into the world of glass during his studies of interior design. His fascination with the medium led him to a Fulbright Scholarship that saw him travel to the renowned Venini glass factory in Venice, where he immersed himself in traditional techniques and team glassblowing. His innovative teaching methods and artistic vision left an undeniable mark on the field, pushing boundaries and emphasizing collaborative glassblowing techniques. Chihuly’s ideas have pushed the limits of glass as an artistic medium, with his work included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, earning him numerous awards, including two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and 13 honorary doctorates. Dale Chihuly Paintbrushes, 2016 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, installed 2019 © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly Basket Forest, 2001 Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly Cobalt Reeds and Fiori, 2012; Glasshouse Sculpture, 2012; and Pacific Sun, 2011 Chihuly Garden and Glass, installed 2012 © Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Exhibitions around the world Chihuly’s love for travel began with his first trip to Italy at the age of 21, where he pursued the study of art in Florence. He returned to Italy in 1996 for perhaps his most iconic project, Chihuly Over Venice, a massive undertaking that started with glassblowing sessions in Finland, Ireland, and Mexico. At this time, his work has been featured in 26 countries and Chihuly continues to present ambitious exhibitions at museums and botanical gardens across the globe. Dale Chihuly, Ethereal White Persian Pond, 2018, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, installed 2021 © 2018 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Art on a grand scale Chihuly’s work boasts more than a dozen acclaimed series, each a testament to his mastery of form and color. Among these are Cylinders, Baskets, Seaforms, Macchia, Persians, Venetians, Niijima Floats, Chandeliers, and Fiori—many of which are incorporated in the current exhibition at Biltmore! Chihuly’s lifelong fascination with nature and glasshouses grew into a series of exhibitions within botanical settings, including London’s Kew Gardens, Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. In 2012, his long-term exhibition, Chihuly Garden and Glass, opened at Seattle Center. In 2018, Biltmore welcomed Chihuly at Biltmore, an exhibition showcasing the artist’s breathtaking large-scale glass sculptures in the century-old gardens of America’s Largest Home®. This unique visual experience marked the first art exhibition in Biltmore’s historic gardens and the first garden exhibition of artist Dale Chihuly’s works in North Carolina. Dale Chihuly, Mille Fiori (detail), 2023, 8‐1/2 x 34‐1/2 x 15′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly, Sapphire Neon and Neodymium Reeds on Logs (detail), 2023, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × Dale Chihuly, Ikebana Doppio Drawing Suite #9, 2001, 7 x 30′, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2024 © 2001 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. × An all-new Chihuly at Biltmore The success of Chihuly’s 2018 outdoor exhibition at Biltmore paved the way for an all-new Chihuly at Biltmore exhibition, now on view inside the galleries of Amherst at Deerpark®. Featuring 33 curated artworks, including pedestal works, Drawings, Chandeliers, Towers, Mille Fiori, Neon, and two large-scale installations on estate grounds, this exhibition offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chihuly’s iconic artworks. Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 9-1/2 x 6 x 6′, Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina, installed 2023 © 2022 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. Experience awe-inspiring artwork at Biltmore Ready to immerse yourself in a world of wonder? Plan your visit and reserve your special admission-inclusive overnight package at one of our distinctive hotels for this must-see exhibition. Featured Image Dale Chihuly with Laguna Torcello II, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, 2018 © 2018 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.