Decking the Halls, Biltmore Style Posted on October 30, 2019 at 3:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from Christmas 2019. Each year, our Floral Displays team decks the halls of America’s Largest Home® for Christmas at Biltmore. For 2019, discover how they draw inspiration from the beautiful details, including the art and furnishings, in Biltmore House. Winter Garden and Surroundings Norene Barrett puts finishing touches on a Christmas tree topper Norene Barrett began working at Biltmore 18 years ago in the mail services department. Though she enjoyed her role, she looked for different ways to express her own creativity. In 2015, after taking an intensive course in floral design, Norene joined Floral Displays and is now responsible for decorating sections of Biltmore House and the estate. Floral team members Feny Bryan, Norene Barrett, and Kathy Nameth decorate a trio of trees inspired by the Greek friezes on the wall “This trio of trees is meant to take guests back in time,” Norene said of her design for the area between the Winter Garden and the Billiard Room. “The trees are cheery and bright, but I used a lot of white elements for continuity with the series of Greek friezes on the walls.” Norene added snowy branches to her décor along with period ornaments to bring a nostalgic feeling of Christmas past. Winter Garden decorated for Christmas at Biltmore For the Winter Garden, Norene is planning to light the evergreen garlands so that they glow, and instead of traditional kissing balls suspended from the greenery, she has created sparkling swags that catch the light. She’ll also add plenty of poinsettias to emphasize the garden feel of the space. Breakfast Room Joslyn Kelly adds ornaments to the Breakfast Room tree “This is the room where the family would eat breakfast, so I wanted it to have a warm, homey feeling as if you’re being welcomed to the table,” said Joslyn Kelly, floral designer. A selection of red and pink Christmas ornaments chosen to complement the Breakfast Room decor Drawing inspiration from the room’s elegant cut velvet draperies and upholstery, Joslyn decked the halls with ornaments in a range of pinks and reds to complement the lovely patterns and colors of the fabric. Lush floral displays and cranberry topiaries top the Breakfast Room table during Christmas at Biltmore Look for glorious floral arrangements, towering topiaries of deep burgundy cranberries, and gilded pears among the delicate crystal and china place settings on the table. Morning Salon The estate’s Nativity scene, often staged in the Tapestry Gallery in years past Cristy Leonard has been a member of the floral team for seven years, and the Salon is one of her areas to decorate for our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore celebration. The estate’s large traditional Nativity will be staged in the Salon this year, and according to Cristy, the set has been a major source of inspiration for her designs. “I’ve planned special new surroundings that includes twinkling lights to resemble nighttime in Bethlehem,” Cristy said. Cristy Leonard displays ornaments she created for the Salon tree Cristy chose to deck the halls of the Salon’s main tree in brilliant peacock blues and greens with bright touches of gold. She added cherubs, gilded grapes, and grapevines to symbolize the prosperity and blessings of the season. Salon Christmas tree wound with gold fabric As a finishing touch, Cristy swathed the tree in yards of gauzy golden fabric, echoing the look of the room’s iconic draped and tented ceiling. Third Floor Living Hall A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall During the Vanderbilt era, Third Floor Living Hall was a place for guests to relax in the evenings, share the events of the day, and perhaps read or catch up with friends. Michelle Warren of Biltmore’s floral team created a child’s tree for this room, complete with dolls, toys, and wooden soldiers around the base, ready for the younger set to play with them while their parents indulged in a sing-along or a game of cards. A whimsical Humpty Dumpty and other toys under the Third Floor Living Hall Christmas tree As you enter Third Floor Living Hall, look for a charming scene featuring a table set up with paper, ribbon, and tags, just as if Edith Vanderbilt were wrapping her gifts for the Christmas season! Other 2019 Christmas at Biltmore highlights: Grand Staircase This elegant Christmas tree is centered under the Grand Staircase Chandelier, making it appear as though the four-story light is the tree topper. Banquet Hall From the 35-foot fresh Fraser fir at one end to the triple fireplaces at the other, the Banquet Hall is a traditional guest favorite and one of the most beloved rooms in Biltmore House. Library Themed around the idea of Christmas Traditions, the Library incorporates traditional colors such as gold, red, green, plaids, and a tartan print. Oak Sitting Room The colorful décor in rich jewel tones of red, cobalt, gold, and green is drawn from the room’s splendid Axminster—the only rug of English origin in Biltmore House. Mrs. Vanderbilt’s Bedroom The tree ornaments are inspired by the Vanderbilts’ courtship which took place in Paris. The room features a soft mix of lilac, amber, and cream colors drawn from the distinctive oval ceiling. Main Kitchen Look for a whimsical gingerbread replica of Biltmore House. Christmas at Biltmore Enjoy the daytime celebration November 1, 2019–January 5, 2020, and experience Candlelight Christmas Evenings through January 4, 2020.
Biltmore Holiday Wine Guide Posted on October 17, 2019 at 4:08 pm.Written by Jean Sexton To share the warmth and cheer of Biltmore wines, we’ve created our Holiday Wine Guide to help you make the most of this special season. “The Holiday Wine Guide covers all the different celebrations from Thanksgiving to New Year’s,” said Jill Whitfield, senior wine marketing manager. “There are recommendations for each special occasion, including thanking your hosts and having gifts on-hand for surprise guests.” Holiday Entertaining with Wines Look for all Biltmore wines online “For general holiday entertaining, Biltmore® Estate Cabernet Sauvignon–awarded 95 points in the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition–and Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio, which received 90 points from the Beverage Testing Institute, are a great place to start,” Jill said. Jill recommends rounding out your selections with our Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina 2018, Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley 2017, and our bubbly Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. Your Thanksgiving Table Our Thanksgiving Trio brings everyone to the table Whether you’re adding a leaf to your table to accommodate a crowd or traveling out of town to visit family, Biltmore wines pair perfectly with everything from turkey and dressing to flavorful new “Friendsgiving” favorites. “Our special Thanksgiving Trio featuring Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2018, Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2017, and Biltmore Estate® Brut makes it easy to pair all your holiday favorites with a fine wine,” said Jill. “If you want to add a bit more variety, Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé and Biltmore Estate® Merlot are great wines for delighting your guests.” Wrap-up Gift Giving with Biltmore Wines Enjoy the process of stocking and storing Biltmore wines Simplify holiday shopping by sharing the gift of Biltmore wines. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list or a special thank-you to your hosts for including you in their celebration. Consider options such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County 2017, which earned 91 points from Critics Challenge, our charming Mariporta Red Dessert Wine, long-time guest favorite Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, our lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc, or our finest sparkling–Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs North Carolina 2017, handcrafted from outstanding locally-grown grapes. Savor Christmas with Biltmore Wines When planning your virtual wine tasting, choose at least three wines to sample together Showcase your Christmas Eve gathering, Christmas Day Brunch, and Christmas Day Dinner with our most versatile, food-friendly wines to complement any cuisine. “Our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc earned 91 points in the San Francisco International Wine Competition,” Jill said, “while Critics Challenge awarded our Antler Hill® Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 93 points. We think you’ll also enjoy sharing our Biltmore Estate® Riesling, Biltmore® Reserve Viognier North Carolina 2018, and our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec with your special guests.” New Year’s: Ready, Set, Celebrate! Our handcrafted Biltmore bubbles make any occasion more special For a more memorable midnight on New Year’s Eve or a brunch featuring traditional favorites the following day, be sure to include our sparkling wine, handcrafted in the time-honored méthode champenoise that creates the finest bubbles. “Shake things up with our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir,” suggested Jill. “Not only is it delicious, but the soft coral color makes it a feast for the eyes, too!” Sparkling wines may be traditional for New Year’s, but Jill recommends considering a range of other options including our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo, Biltmore Estate® Pinot Noir, and Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay. Enjoying Our Wines at Home for the Holidays For the holidays, we’ve bundled the best of our award-winning wines to help you simplify your celebrations (and save)! “If you’re ready to re-stock your wine reserves, you can find Biltmore wines close to home with our Retail Locator,” said Jill. Join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® Enjoy members-only events like our annual Christmas party Give a year of wine to someone special with a gift membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club. Members receive three hand-selected Biltmore wines each season, shipped direct to your door, and the first club shipment ships free. In addition, members save up to 25% on all wine purchases online or at the estate, plus complimentary premium wine tastings, access to first release wines, members-only events, and much more.
Shedding New Light on Biltmore’s Halloween Room Posted on October 10, 2019 at 9:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton There’s no doubt that the unusual wall decor in the Halloween Room of Biltmore House has raised many questions throughout the years. Ongoing archival research and discoveries from our Museum Services team allow us to shed new light on the origins of this brightly-colored room. Painted soldiers depicted in Halloween Room mural Naming the Halloween Room Witches, bats, and black cats don’t usually come to mind when you think of Biltmore, but deep in the basement of America’s Largest Home®, there’s a cavernous room with brick walls painted in brightly-colored murals depicting an array of such creatures. The paintings include characters from folklore, a platoon of soldiers, and other imaginative imagery that eventually caused this area to be dubbed the “Halloween Room.” For many years, the colorful murals remained a bit of a mystery, with some thought that the room was the scene of a 1920s Halloween weekend house party during which guests of John and Cornelia Cecil were invited to make their mark on the walls. Subsequent research revealed, however, that the paintings were created in December 1925 to prepare the room for a New Year’s Eve celebration–but that still didn’t explain the slightly eerie tone of the murals. Theatrical program for La Chauve-Souris Uncovering the inspiration behind the murals Our Museum Services team discovered an obscure connection between the scenes on the walls and an avant-garde Russian cabaret and theatrical troupe called La Chauve-Souris, which translates to The Bat. The troupe toured America in the 1920s, performing on Broadway in 1922 and again in 1925. The vaudevillian comedic acts were set off by abstract sets designed by two Russian artists, Sergei Sudeikin and Nicolai Remisoff. The show met with great success, triggering a rage for all things Russian in New York City and beyond. Leslie Klingner reviews an archival copy of the La Chauve-Souris program The Cecils must have been fans of the cabaret as they and their friends created their own version of La Chauve-Souris on the basement walls of Biltmore House. Most of the murals were drawn directly from Remisoff and Sudeikin’s illustrations for the theatrical program. After three weeks of painting, the Cecils hosted a Bohemian ball on December 30, 1925, as part of their New Year’s celebration.“This connection was really exciting to us because we didn’t expect it at all,” said Curator, Leslie Klingner. “It wasn’t until we read an autobiography of a local man who went to that party that we put it together.” Painted scenes in the Halloween Room “The best party I have ever attended” The Charleston Daily Mail reported that 100 guests attended the Cecil’s New Year’s Eve festivities. One costumed attendee, local resident James G.K. McClure, recalled arriving in the basement of Biltmore with his wife Elizabeth, armed with a guitar and an old accordion, to find a room full of “cauldrons and pots and glowing fire … all around.” Enchanted by the unexpected theatrics, he wrote a detailed account of the holiday soiree to a friend, reminiscing that it was “the best party I have ever attended.” Painted scenes in the Halloween Room A new look inside the glamourous soiree “We know that John and Cornelia Cecil were interested in many aspects of Russian culture, and Biltmore House wasn’t the only place Cornelia painted using these sorts of images. Combine that with their flair for entertaining, and you get what must have been the social event of the Asheville season,” shares Curator, Meghan Forest. We also know that friends and family traveled from far and wide to attend the exciting soiree. Among the attendees were Cornelia’s recently remarried mother, Edith, and her second husband, Senator Peter Gerry from Rhode Island. Also present was John Cecil’s brother and his family from England. According to Meghan, a recently discovered newspaper article also mentioned that Edith and Cornelia wore similarly styled costumes featuring bright colors, bouffant skirts, and brilliant shawls befitting the theme. “For a social event of this profile, they were likely wearing clothing that was custom-designed for them,” shares Meghan. The article also stated that the nearby dressing rooms were used as private dining rooms for small groups, helping us better understand how the family and guests would have utilized the vast basement level of Biltmore House during this era. Our Building Biltmore House exhibition explores the construction of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent home—a massive project that took hundreds of workers seven years to complete. On display in the Halloween Room: Building Biltmore House In addition to piquing the curiosity of our guests, the Halloween Room currently showcases our Building Biltmore House exhibition which features additional in-depth information about the people, circumstances, and innovations surrounding the building of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate. Building Biltmore House also offers a special focus on the craftsmanship and labor of the employees who worked on the project rather than just the construction techniques.
Crowdsourcing Biltmore’s 2019 Christmas Wine Labels Posted on October 9, 2019 at 3:10 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Thank you for enjoying this archived information about our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels! Ready to pour on the cheer this holiday season? We’re excited to share the process of crowdsourcing our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore® Wine labels!“In previous years, we held a competition for artists to share their interpretation of what Christmas at Biltmore means to them,” said Jill Whitfield, senior wine marketing manager. “We chose several finalists, then asked our online audience to vote for their favorite design.” Crowdsourcing for creativity In 2018, Biltmore Wines decided to shake things up a bit. Instead of asking artists to submit their work, they asked our Facebook followers to help them develop that year’s Christmas label, one step at a time. It worked so well that we decided to repeat the process of crowdsourcing our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Wine labels. Creating mood boards Mood boards featuring #Frosty and #Cozy elements “First, we worked with Biltmore’s art team to create a pair of mood boards,” Jill explained. “One featured #Frosty elements including a palette of cool, wintry colors and silvery metallics. The other was #Cozy, with warmer tones and sparkling gold ornaments. We then posted them on Facebook and asked our fans and followers to vote for their favorite mood.” Setting the tone For the second phase of voting, Lisa Vogel, Art Director, pulled together two “tone” boards so voters could choose between themes representing a #Vintage look represented by an old-fashioned Christmas card and a #Modern look with a clean graphic feel.Facebook fans liked both of the themes, but their final preference was for #Vintage. Boards with #Contemporary and #Vintage themes Crowd favorite With the mood and theme decided, it was time to get Asheville artist Jeff Pittman involved in the project. He drew inspiration from the boards to create two representations of Biltmore on which Facebook followers would have the final vote.Both #Vista and #Reflections were popular, but #Reflections—featuring the west façade of Biltmore House on the hill above the Lagoon—was the winner.Jeff refined the initial #Reflections painting he created with more detail and a few more festive touches. “Everyone loved both of Jeff Pittman’s offerings” said Lisa, “but I think it may have been the peaceful pair of Canadian geese crossing the Lagoon that made #Reflections such a crowd favorite!” Jeff Pittman’s two representations of a Biltmore Christmas scene Creating original artwork What happened next? “Jeff went to work in his studio,” Lisa said, “and created the final artwork that would become the labels for our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine and Christmas at Biltmore White Wine.” Jeff Pittman at work on the 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Wine label The finished label celebrates the natural splendor of this special season at Biltmore. “The voters made it clear what they wanted,” said Jill, “and that’s why crowdsourcing is such a great way to engage your audience—it gives your most loyal followers a voice in what you’re creating for them.” Finished artwork in Jeff’s studio Join us at the Winery on the following dates in November and December to meet artist Jeff Pittman and have your bottles of Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine and Christmas at Biltmore White Wine signed by him. Meet the artist November 8, 4 p.m.–6 p.m. December 13, 4 p.m.–6 p.m. Pour on the cheer with Biltmore wines Choose any of our fine wines for holiday celebrations Purchase any of our fine wines—including Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine (soft and fruit-forward with flavors of berry and spice to complement holiday dishes including ham, turkey, and blackberry pie à la mode) and Christmas at Biltmore White Wine (fragrant and semi-sweet with flavors of apricot, spice, and citrus to pair with holiday dishes like sweet potato casserole, apple pie, and pumpkin pie)—at estate shops or online.
Biltmore Wines Make Great Gifts Posted on September 16, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family and enjoy favorite foods, special desserts, and great memories. This year, we suggest you make seasonal gift-giving easy with Biltmore wines. From refreshing blends and food-friendly favorites to elegant sparkling wines, you’re sure to find a perfect pairing for everyone on your list. A “century” of taste and style Enjoy the process of stocking and storing Biltmore wines Our Biltmore Century Sweet Red Wine and Century Sweet White Wine were developed to honor Biltmore’s centennial celebration. These approachable red and white blends are easy-to-drink and complement a wide variety of dishes, and the beautifully etched bottles make a special keepsake of your Biltmore experience—or provide inspiration for another visit! Add sparkle to the season Our handcrafted Biltmore bubbles make any occasion more special According to Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak, sparkling wines are surprisingly versatile and go very well with many foods. “Don’t just save them for a special toast—make any occasion a celebration when you uncork the Biltmore bubbles!” said Sharon.We recommend keeping a few bottles on hand in case unexpected guests drop by during the holidays, or taking our festive sparkling wines with you as a thoughtful hostess gift. The perfect Christmas present 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wine labels There’s no better way to commemorate the holidays than with our Christmas at Biltmore Wine, available in red and white styles! The label features new original artwork each year that captures the magic of Christmas at Biltmore, making the wine an easy-to-give annual gift. We enjoy pairing these slightly sweeter wines with classic seasonal desserts like pumpkin pie and sugar cookies. An elegant gift The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County Inspired by the classic sporting life the Vanderbilts and their guests enjoyed at Biltmore, The Hunt is a truly exceptional wine. Aged for about 18 months in French and American oak barrels, this robust, Bordeaux-style red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot is delicious by the glass and pairs well with many of the rich flavors of the holiday season. The Hunt’s label—inspired by the strong lines of an extraordinary August Francotte shotgun in Biltmore’s original collection—makes this wine a truly remarkable gift for wine enthusiasts and those who enjoy the outdoors. Join the club! Find inspiration for virtual gift giving and entertaining with our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide Want to give a gift that keeps on giving year-round? Consider providing someone special with a membership to our Vanderbilt Wine Club! Members receive a shipment of three handcrafted Biltmore wines each quarter, carefully selected to delight wine enthusiasts. In addition, members will enjoy wine notes and special recipes to complement each shipment. Membership includes exclusive access to new and limited releases, discounts on wines, flat-rate shipping, and invitations to join us for events throughout the year. Make your gift giving easy To make your gift-giving even easier, Biltmore wines are available in estate shops, online, and at retailers across the nation.
Preparing Biltmore’s Historic Gardens for Fall Posted on September 7, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton The task list is long in Stacey Weir’s weekly planner this time of year as she and her crew begin preparing Biltmore’s historic gardens for fall. As Horticulture Manager, Stacey and her team must focus on putting the gardens to bed after the long, lush days of summer are done. Preparations for fall begin during late summer in Biltmore’s historic gardens “The landscape has delighted our guests all season with a showy tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted’s original landscape scheme,” said Stacey, “but now it’s time to be preparing Biltmore’s historic gardens for fall.” The ever-changing gardens require meticulous note-taking and calendar-minding to stay on track for the next season… and the next and the next. It’s challenging for Stacey to summarize what her team does to get the gardens ready for fall and winter, but she shares some of the main tasks below–and notes that you can follow the Biltmore team’s lead in your own garden at home. Fall tasks at hand After Labor Day, tropical plants will be returned to the Conservatory “One of our first tasks for preparing Biltmore’s historic gardens for fall begins just after Labor Day,” Stacey said. “Our crews will be busy pulling all of the tropical plants that have been on display during warmer weather.” That means the massive terra cotta planters filled with elephant ears that line the front of Biltmore House and other areas are being emptied and stored for next summer. “Some crew members will suit up in waders to work in the Italian Garden pools where tropical lilies and enormous Victorian lily pads are just finishing their blooming season,” said Stacey. “The crew will weed out the remains and clean the ponds.” A gardener dons waders to work in the Italian Garden pools In addition, Stacey notes that height pruning in the floral pattern beds and borders of the Walled Garden is a priority in order to keep leaf drop manageable as the winds pick up with seasonal change. Perennials are cut back to ensure good growth for spring. “We’ll lift the dahlia bulbs out of the ground in the Walled Garden’s Victorian border to allow the soil to dry naturally,” Stacey said. “The bulbs will be placed in a cool dry place to store over winter to be replanted in the spring.” Mum’s the word in the Walled Garden Vibrant mums are a sure sign of fall in the Walled Garden. Biltmore’s signature fall color flower display of mums will also be planted in the Walled Garden pattern beds. The mums will begin showing glorious color in late September and early October, with peak bloom around the second or third week of October. “We usually plan a warm-toned color scheme for fall, with shades of orange, golden yellow, and deep reds and purples,” noted Stacey. Fall leaves become a part of Biltmore soil The beautiful fall colors of the Azalea Garden. Credit: The Biltmore Company As temperatures cool and the leaves begin to change color, just like at your house, there’s leaf management to consider. The horticulture crew embarks on several leaf clean-ups throughout the season to minimize final clean-up at the end of the season. Crews collect the leaves and use them for compost, or they put the leaves in to a tub grinder with woody debris and grind everything to use for soil. Any leftovers are used in a compost that’s made with herbaceous debris, which is broadcast in the field crops and food plots throughout estate property. Christmas and winter work Poinsettias being grown in the production house at the Conservatory A portion of the poinsettias used during our annual Christmas at Biltmore displays are grown in the production house near the Conservatory. Planted in July, the poinsettias begin to pop up in early fall. A selection of the full-grown plants will be placed in Biltmore House, while the others will decorate the Conservatory. In early October, the Conservatory team will also plant tulip bulbs in pots in order to have tulip bloom and color “under glass” by Valentine’s Day in mid-February. Looking ahead to Biltmore Blooms Tulips are a sure sign of spring at Biltmore And then, there are the tulips which herald the start of Spring at Biltmore celebrations. To enjoy vivid blooms in April, the bulbs must be planted in November just before Thanksgiving. Actual planting days are based on temperatures to avoid planting when the ground is frozen. “Each fall, our crews plant thousands upon thousands of bulbs including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in the Walled Garden and across the estate. When spring arrives, the total number of blooms is breathtaking!” said Stacey. The matrix A hand-drawn sketch shows details of a planting in the Conservatory To keep track of every plant—from seed to taking them out of the production house to putting them in the ground—all of these timetables and tasks are organized on paper. The plans include a “priority matrix” that the gardeners have developed through the years to determine which tasks to focus on first depending on factors such as guest-facing locations and type of plant. Otherwise, “It’s all a jumbled mess in your head,” Stacey said, She’s quick to add that when you’re working in the gardens season after season, the memory naturally retains the details. Gardeners are constantly thinking several steps ahead of the task at hand. “In horticulture, everything effects the next thing,” said Stacey. “Perennial-wise you have to make allowances now to have success in the spring. Everything has the continual life span of birth and rebirth almost.” Plan your fall getaway today Plan your spectacular fall getaway to Biltmore today! From colorful leaves to crisp days and cool nights, there’s no better time to enjoy a visit to Biltmore than during the fall season. Plan your getaway today.
Decanting Downton Posted on August 20, 2019 at 1:51 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Downton Abbey: The Exhibition ended September 7, 2020. Please enjoy this archived content. In honor of hosting Downton Abbey: The Exhibition through September 7, 2020, we thought it would be fascinating to look at Downton Abbey—and Biltmore’s own history—through the lens of a wine bottle. A thoughtful collector We know that George Vanderbilt was a thoughtful wine collector in his own right, and he also relied upon the services of professional wine purveyor Alexander Morten who was well-known for his excellent taste and recommendations. To learn more about the process of procuring and preparing wines in the late 19th century, we turned to Jeff Plack, business development manager for Biltmore Wines and a wine aficionado in general, to “pour out” what he knows about the subject. March 12, 1913: list of wines in Biltmore’s cellar The business of wine “I love the fact that in the new Downton Abbey feature film–and in many episodes of the six-season PBS Masterpiece series—the characters were sipping wine at some point,” said Jeff. “Wine consumption was a direct measure of one’s wealth in that era and it was not unusual for large estates to have thousands of bottles in their cellars. At that time, the wines were mostly French.” Jeff explains that Mr. Carson, the Crawley family’s beloved butler in the series, would have been largely responsible for the wines served at Downton Abbey. “The family might have taken an active interest in wine,” Jeff said, “but the butler was generally the person who oversaw the supply and prepared the wines for the dinner table. Decanting wines This formal place setting on the Banquet Hall table features six pieces of crystal, including a champagne coupe and a cordial glass for port or sherry In one episode of the series, Carson is seen decanting wine using an interesting contraption. “It’s appropriately called a decanting machine or cradle,” said Jeff. “The cradle holds the wine as someone turns a crank which slowly pours the wine out of the bottle.” In the scene, Carson is using a lighted candle behind the bottle to help him see any sediment in the wine. This technique, along with a piece of muslin over the decanter, would help filter out impurities. (Note: the featured image for this blog shows the decanting cradle in Mr. Carson’s pantry as part of Downton Abbey: The Exhibition currently hosted at Biltmore.) The circle of wine For wealthy households like the one depicted in Downton Abbey, the variety of wines consumed at dinner made a circle of sorts. A delicate silver and glass wine decanter from the Biltmore collection “Evenings would usually begin with port or sherry and possibly a glass of champagne as an apéritif,” said Jeff. “Each subsequent course of the dinner would be paired with a different wine.” Our Mariporta is a port-style dessert wine reminiscent of the ones the Vanderbilts might have enjoyed According to Jeff, wine pairings were different than the ones we make today. A common practice of the era was to serve a white Burgundy (generally a Chardonnay) with the first course and then a red Bordeaux with the main meal. “It was less about the science of which wines ‘go with’ or complement which foods, and more about wines that they preferred,” Jeff said. “For dessert, they would move back to something like port, similar to our Mariporta Red Dessert Wine, and then end with sparkling wine again; a happy circle of wine life.” Our handcrafted Biltmore bubbles make any occasion more special With modern winemaking techniques, we no longer need to use decanting machines and filters, and though we enjoy pairing wines based on qualities such as acidity and tannins, we also love complementing favorite flavors with wines we enjoy. Savor Biltmore Wines Join us at the Winery for complimentary tastings of our award-winning wines. You can purchase Biltmore wines at most estate shops or online. In addition, experience Downton Abbey: The Exhibition hosted in two locations on estate grounds, November 8, 2019–April 7, 2020.
Discover Biltmore Wines From Grape to Glass Posted on July 30, 2019 at 1:55 pm.Written by Jean Sexton How do we select the finest fruit for Biltmore wines? Here’s an overview of the process, from grape to glass! Sourcing fine North Carolina vintages In his book Lady On The Hill, George Vanderbilt‘s grandson William A.V. Cecil noted that “Asheville was about the same latitude as Gibraltar in the Mediterranean, and with an altitude between 2,100 and 2,500 feet, the fields of the estate would enjoy warm days and cool nights in the summer.” While the climate of Western North Carolina is not nearly as predictable as that of the Mediterranean or other major grape-growing regions, when conditions are right, the fruit produced in our estate vineyards is exceptional and earns the Biltmore® Reserve label for our finest North Carolina vintages. To ensure we can meet the growing demand for Biltmore wines, however, we also look to our local vineyard partners in Polk County—a lower-elevation region just south of Asheville that experiences slightly warmer temperatures with less danger of late season frost damage. Enjoy the fruits of our labor, by the glass, on the Farm to Table Tour. Beyond Biltmore We also look to our west coast partners for the quality and consistency of grapes needed to handcraft our award-winning wines. Several times each year, Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak schedules extended visits to California to meet with our growing partners and select outstanding vintages for Biltmore wines. “Some of the finest American wine grapes come from the vineyards of coastal California,” Sharon said. “The terroir—the different combinations of weather and soil in each hill and valley—translate into the distinctive flavors and qualities that characterize the wines of that region.” Harvest preparation is one of the busiest times of the year for vineyards and the wineries. California’s Northern Coast This large wine grape-growing region is located north of San Francisco, with a maritime climate that is affected by cool fogs and breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Some of California’s best-known American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Lake County, Napa, and Russian River Valley, are located here. “This AVA is an important one for our Vanderbilt Reserve® series,” said Sharon. “We select grapes from outstanding partner vineyards for some of our most distinctive wines, including our Vanderbilt Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley, Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir Sonoma County, Antler Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, and The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County.” Our Biltmore® Reserve label honors fine vintages handcrafted with grapes from the estate’s vineyard in Asheville, NC. The collection is distinguished by blue foil capsules and a label showcasing elements of the Vanderbilt family’s table linens and place settings. California’s Central Coast Stretching from San Francisco Bay south to Santa Barbara County, this region offers a warmer climate that still benefits from the cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean. We partner with vineyards from such prestigious AVAs as Arroyo Seco, Cienega Valley, Monterey, and Paso Robles. “Some of the more unusual varietals we choose from partner vineyards here include Barbera, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Rousanne, and Tempranillo,” Sharon noted. The central coast wine region is one of California’s most fascinating wine regions and is also home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the country. Washington A wide range of grapes are now being grown in the fertile valleys of Washington, making the state an important producer of outstanding wine varietals. Vineyards are found primarily in the eastern half of the state that benefits from a dryer shrub-steppe ecosystem and the rain shadow of the Cascade Range. The state experiences long hours of daylight—approximately two more hours per day during the growing season than California—and milder, more consistent temperatures. “We are excited to be working with some great partner vineyards in Washington,” said Sharon. “We’re selecting a lot of excellent grapes for our American Series and Limited Release Series wines.” With 1,050+ wineries, 400+ grape growers, and 60,000+ acres of wine grapes, Washington State is the 2nd largest wine producing state in the U.S. Handcrafting our award-winning wines While Sharon and her team handcraft the majority of our wines from start to finish at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, our Vanderbilt Reserve® wines and Antler Hill wines are created in the particular region where they were grown. This painstaking process is overseen—from selecting the vintage and expressing the varietal character to aging the wine—by Sharon during her visits to California. “All our wines represent the Vanderbilt family’s legacy of gracious hospitality on which Biltmore was founded,” Sharon said, “and as Biltmore’s winemaker, I am committed to handcrafting our wines with the philosophy of keeping each one true to varietal character and consistent from vintage to vintage. Whether I’m at work in North Carolina or California or Washington, I’m focused on creating wines that reflect the quality of this family-owned estate and Winery.” Beautifully balanced Dry Riesling, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, refreshing Pinot Grigio, and smooth, oaky Chardonnay are just a few of the white wines available in Biltmore’s Wine Portfolio. Discover our exceptional wines for yourself Visit Biltmore’s Winery, purchase online, or find them close to home with our Retailer Locator.
Painting with Plants in Biltmore’s Conservatory Posted on July 18, 2019 at 1:36 pm.Written by Jean Sexton From brilliant bromeliads to elegant orchids, painting with plants in Biltmore’s Conservatory is how Todd Roy, Conservatory Horticulturist, describes his work. A breathtaking display of bromeliads and orchids in the Conservatory Caring for Biltmore’s Plants Todd Roy checks plantings behind the Conservatory Caring for this glorious garden under glass—filled with tropical treasures from around the world—is no easy task, but Todd enjoys his work in such exotic surroundings. “It takes a lot of effort to keep the Conservatory looking so lush and beautiful,” said Todd. “All these plant species have different moisture needs, so we spend the first several hours of each day watering everything by hand—it helps us keep a close eye on the thousands of plants in our care.” Tropical Plant Treasures Pink anthurium thrive in the Conservatory Todd has been part of Biltmore’s Conservatory staff for the more than four years. Prior to joining the estate, he worked as a horticulturalist for a historic estate in southwest Florida, which gave him an appreciation for tropical plantings. “I focus on adding to the diversity of what we offer in the Conservatory,” Todd said. “We have some palms that are very old, and some Cycads that date back to the time of the Vanderbilts, but we’re always adding new things for guests to discover and enjoy.” Painting with Plants Todd incorporates colorful foliage into his designs Along with his horticultural skills, Todd has a background in fine art, including painting and photography. His work in the Conservatory gives him a living canvas for expressing his creativity. A hand-drawn sketch shows details of a planting in the Conservatory “From flowers to foliage, there are so many colors and textures to work with that it really is like ‘painting with plants’. My designs often begin with the color and pattern of foliage and how I can best create multi-level displays that intrigue our guests and engage their imagination,” said Todd. A special project in 2019 In 2019, Biltmore Gardens Railway included this replica of the Bass Pond spillway in the Conservatory In addition to his regular responsibilities, Todd was instrumental in preparing the Conservatory to host Biltmore Gardens Railway in 2019. The charming botanical model train display featured replicas of estate landmarks, handcrafted in meticulous detail from such all-natural elements as leaves, bark, and twigs. “Once the structures and the trains were installed, we had to create displays around them that both complemented the exhibition and showcased the Conservatory itself as one of Biltmore’s historic gardens,” Todd said. “It was an enormous project, but our guests really enjoyed it!” Biltmore Gardens Railway returns in 2020 Biltmore Gardens Railway in Antler Hill Village Biltmore Gardens Railway returns to Biltmore this summer; you can enjoy it in Antler Hill Village from July 7 through September 7, 2020. This year, the botanical model train display will showcase iconic American railway stations, some of which have ties to the Vanderbilt family. Featured blog image: Todd Roy displays a brilliantly-colored bromeliad in Biltmore’s Conservatory
Summer Entertaining in 3 Easy Steps: Chill, Grill, and Thrill! Posted on July 6, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Summer entertaining is as easy as chill, grill, and thrill! Summer entertaining with the Vanderbilts Enjoy warm weather sipping with friends and family! At Biltmore, summer entertaining was a favorite pastime for the Vanderbilts and their guests. From birthday parties in the Rose Garden to picnics on the grassy slopes of Mt. Pisgah, warm weather offered the perfect excuse to leave formal dining behind and enjoy a gathering in the great outdoors. Chill, Grill, and Thrill Inspired by their example, here are three easy “chill, grill, and thrill” steps to simplify your summer entertaining whether you’re in the kitchen, on the porch, by the pool—or wherever your plans take you. Chill out with a hearty red wine like our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Malbec and round out the easy meal with a green salad 1) CHILL First, let’s start with an easy recipe for Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomatillo Salsa created by our Biltmore chefs to take advantage of summer’s bumper crop of tomatillos and heirloom tomatoes. Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomatillo Salsa Ingredients 2 pounds trimmed skirt steak (can substitute 4 ribeye steaks)10 fresh tomatillos, husks removed and tomatillos quartered8 cloves fresh garlic3 green onions, roughly chopped1 large shallot, peeled and roughly chopped1 bunch fresh cilantro with stems and leaves1 bunch parsley with stems and leaves1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves3 tablespoons salt1 tablespoon ground black pepper1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional; use to taste)1/4 cup extra virgin olive oilOptional for serving: heirloom tomatoes, quartered; olive oil; fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste MethodThe salsa doubles as a marinade for the steak, so prepare it first by combining tomatillos, garlic, onions, shallot, herbs, seasonings, and olive oil in a blender and blending until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of the tomatillo salsa for garnish. Place steak and marinade in a large zip-top bag and allow to marinate for 1–3 hours in the refrigerator. Tips for chilling While chilling the meat, select your favorite wine and chill about 20 minutes prior to serving with the meal. Winemaker Sharon Fenchak recommends serving Biltmore Estate Limited Release Malbec—a rich, fruit-forward red wine featuring intense spice, blueberry, and plum aromas—with this recipe. 2) GRILL Grilled Skirt Steak with Tomatillo Salsa Grill marinated steaks on medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. When done to your liking, remove steak from the grill and put it on a clean cutting board or platter to rest while you finish the rest of your preparations. Tips for grilling While the grill heats, prepare a green salad to accompany the meal. After the steak is done, split and toast a couple of baguettes on the still-hot grill to serve with the salad (and soak up those heirloom tomato juices). 3) THRILL Enjoy summer sipping and entertaining outdoors with your favorite Biltmore wines Slice the steak and top with reserved salsa. Dress quartered heirloom tomatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Arrange around the steak. Tips for thrilling Bring the entire entrée to the table on the cutting board—no need to transfer to another dish. Use a chiller filled with a mix of ice and water to keep your wine cool, especially if you’re eating outdoors. Gather your guests Cheers to the chill, grill, and thrill of summer entertaining Enjoy the chill, grill, and thrill of summer entertaining—plus delicious dining—done the easy way! Discover more delicious Biltmore recipes and find our award-winning wines online.