The Vanderbilts’ 1901 New Year’s Celebration Posted on December 23, 2021 at 10:55 am.Written by Amy Dangelico At each year’s end, we reflect on the events of the past year before looking forward to the promises of a New Year. If we were to look further back, into the last century, we would discover that the Vanderbilts and their friends celebrated the holiday in many of the same ways as we do today! In 1901, George and Edith Vanderbilt invited a large party of friends and acquaintances to Biltmore to ring in the New Year. The house party—twenty guests in all—included diplomats, lawyers, authors, and military officers. The only photo in the Biltmore collection from the Vanderbilts’ 1901 celebration. The woman is believed to be Elizabeth “Bessie” Beers-Curtis de Talleyrand-Périgord, Marquise de Talleyrand, an American heiress who married into the French aristocracy. The man is unidentified. The Guest List George B. Dorr, a conservationist known as the “father of Acadia National Park” Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., son of Biltmore’s landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Elizabeth “Bessie” Beers-Curtis de Talleyrand-Périgord, Marquise de Talleyrand, an American heiress who married into the French aristocracy Anna Roosevelt Cowles, the older sister of Theodore Roosevelt Joseph Howland Hunt, one of the sons of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt Giovanni del Drago, a socialite from an old Roman family (often mistakenly identified as a prince) Eliot Gregory, a painter and essayist Frederick Jesup Simson, a lawyer, author, and later the Ambassador to Argentina Larz Anderson, an American diplomat who served at the London and Rome Embassies One of the most notable guests was Joseph Hodges Choate, a prominent New York lawyer and the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. Ambassador Joseph H. Choate as depicted in an Asheville Citizen-Times article from December 30, 1901. How They Spent Their Days The house party stayed at Biltmore for about a week. Due to bad weather, the guests stayed inside for the first couple of days. Ambassador Choate made use of the Library, which appealed to him as “the most charming part of the house.” Others exercised in the Gymnasium and swam in the “vast swimming tank.” When the weather improved, they went hiking, hunting and horseback riding. They also took garden strolls and went on carriage drives to see “the farms and the wonderful stock.” The event was highlighted in an article from The Philadelphia Inquirer published December 31, 1901. Ringing in the New Year On New Year’s Eve, the party “sat up to greet the New Year and were very merry indeed,” Choate remarked in a letter to his wife. “There were games and dancing, hot punch served at the stroke of 12 and quite a revel even after that. Mrs. Vanderbilt fills her great place with the utmost fitness.” Just as the Vanderbilts celebrated with friends and family, we hope you and yours enjoy the holiday just the same. Happiest of New Years from your friends at Biltmore!
Celebrate Biltmore’s Tree-Raising Tradition Virtually Posted on November 4, 2021 at 5:33 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from a Christmas past. For 2021, Biltmore invites you once again to join us online to celebrate our tree-raising tradition virtually! “One of our most beloved Christmas at Biltmore traditions is raising and decorating the grand Banquet Hall tree,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Manager. Wade Ledford, a retired member of Biltmore’s Engineering Services team, enjoys returning each year to help raise the Banquet Hall Christmas tree “George Vanderbilt first welcomed friends and family to Biltmore House on Christmas Eve 1895,” Lizzie said, “so we want to celebrate by sharing a closer look at the process, including many behind-the-scenes details.” Experience this year’s tree raising virtually With the health and safety of our guests and employees in mind, we’ve created a Christmas mini-documentary to give you an exciting virtual view of this 35-foot Fraser fir’s journey to become the seasonal centerpiece in America’s Largest Home®. Celebrating Christmas at Biltmore The Music Room is transformed by Floral Designer Cristy Leonard’s interpretation of the carol “We Three Kings” Biltmore’s Floral Displays team developed a special “Christmas Carol” theme, using an array of traditional seasonal songs that were as popular in the last century as they are today, to create the décor in America’s Largest Home. The Vestibule, Entry Hall, and Winter Garden feature inspiration from Deck the Halls because the words “boughs of holly” reflect George Vanderbilt’s request for “barrels of mistletoe and wagonloads of holly” to decorate his new home. This year’s decorating theme in Biltmore House is “Christmas Carols,” so look for ornamental details like sheet music and instruments “Look for the traditional reds and greens of the season as you enter,” said Floral Designer Lesley Tobar. “And be inspired to deck your own halls!” Star of the show For 2021, the Floral team once again used an enormous eight-pointed Bethlehem star, custom built by Jason Pleva, a member of Biltmore’s carpentry team, as the decorative topper for the 35-foot-tall Banquet Hall Christmas tree. Lucinda Ledford (right) and her teammates adjust the 8-pointed golden star atop Biltmore’s largest Christmas tree “I chose The 12 Days of Christmas as inspiration for interpreting the Banquet Hall,” said Lucinda Ledford, Floral Designer. “In addition to traditional Christmas colors of red and green, I included shades of gold,” Lucinda noted, “so the beautiful golden star was a perfect complement for the tree.” Inspired by “The 12 Days of Christmas,” Lucinda placed five golden wreaths on the mantel “The Banquet Hall features other details from the beloved carol, like these five golden ring-like wreaths on the fireplace mantel,” said Lucinda. Make it jolly Cheerful stockings and fringed swags on the mantel lighten the formal tone of the Library this holiday season Biltmore Floral team member Don Holloway chose the Christmas décor in the Library with inspiration from Jolly Old St. Nicholas, a lively carol that always sets a cheerful mood. “I chose classic reds, greens, and golds for this room that displays about half of the 23,000 books that George Vanderbilt collected,” said Don, “but I also allowed the playfulness of the song to shine through, lightening the formal tone of the Library.” Suggestions of stained glass Translucent jewel-tone ornaments suggest stained glass and complement the vivid tones of the Oak Sitting Room Inspired by the carol O Holy Night, Kyla Dana, Floral Supervisor, selected jewel-toned decorations to complement the rich, vibrant colors of the recently restored Oak Sitting Room. “The worshipful tone of that song led me to think about All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village, which has many ties to the Vanderbilt family. The translucent ornaments I chose for the Oak Sitting Room represent the stained glass windows in the church.” Magnificent details Once the Banquet Hall tree is in place, strings of lights are added with help from team members in the Organ Loft “These are just a few of the magnificent details we’ll have ready for you,” said Lizzie. “So whether you’re able to visit in person or simply enjoy seeing our updates on Facebook and Instagram, Christmas at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas Evenings add a lot of excitement to the holiday season.” Virtual entertaining ideas Whether you’re gathering with friends or hosting a virtual celebration, Biltmore has plenty of holiday hospitality inspiration! In addition to our virtual tree-raising event, we’ve also created a special video to help you host a virtual wine tasting at home. To make it even easier, select our Virtual Wine Tasting Set featuring each of the wines from the video. Savor the delights of our 2021 Tree Raising Wine Trio We’re also offering a Tree-Raising Wine Trio to help you celebrate our virtual event (or your own tree raising festivities), plus our 2021 Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide filled with inspirational ideas for perfect pairings, gracious gatherings, and gift-giving suggestions to make the season even more merry.
Celebrate Small Moments That Matter With Biltmore Posted on October 27, 2021 at 10:05 pm.Written by Jean Sexton This season, celebrate the small moments that matter most with Biltmore. “Gracious gatherings, special events, and festive decorations accompany the holiday season, but many times it’s the small moments that we really remember most, like catching up with friends over a glass of Biltmore wine,” said Jan Douglas, Director of Guest Relations. With Biltmore wines, all your gatherings are seasoned with cheer! Make it meaningful “Amidst the exciting rush of the holidays, it’s important to celebrate small moments that matter. Remembering what’s meaningful, carving out time for ourselves, and prioritizing family and cherished friends is truly what this joyful season is all about,” Jan said. We’ve gathered some of our guests’ favorite memories and traditions to inspire your own celebrations. Collecting special memories Discover all the delightful details that make this collectible Jim Shore Biltmore® Santa so special! For Cheri Compton, a long-time Passholder from Knoxville, Tennessee, time spent at Biltmore with her mother was a cherished Christmas tradition. “My mother and I went to Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore for several years before she was unable to travel,” Cheri explained. “We would spend hours looking at the trees and the beautiful decorations, and her favorite thing was to be sure we were there while there was seasonal music in the house.” When her mother could no longer make the trip, Cheri continued the tradition with friends and always brought her mother a keepsake Biltmore Santa for her collection. Handwritten holiday wishes Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine Mailing handwritten Christmas cards is Paige Price’s favorite way to send a hug to the special people in her life. “At Christmas, I like to take time to remember friends and former co-workers whom I no longer see on a regular basis,” she said. “In preparation, I make a trip to Biltmore every fall from my home in Lexington, Kentucky, to choose my Christmas wine to save for the card-writing occasion,” Paige said. “When I sit down to begin composing notes to each person and reflect on the memorable times we spent together, I celebrate them, and the season, by having a glass!” This year, Paige opted for a bottle of our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs to add special sparkle to the small moments that matter most to her. Sounds of the season Music strikes a special chord for many guests at Biltmore Kim Meade of Tennessee has been a professional pianist for most of her life, but a Christmas performance at Biltmore 30 years ago still holds a special place in her heart. “I was blessed to be part of a church group that performed at Biltmore House,” Kim said. “Talk about a dream come true! There are few places left that allow you the feeling of stepping back in time. Biltmore is one of those, and that night was an evening I will never forget.” Kim remembers the decorated trees in every room, and the feeling that for one moment in time, she and all the others were special guests of the Vanderbilts. “We felt as if George and Edith Vanderbilt might just walk in at any moment to make sure every detail was in place!” said Kim. “Being a small part of the magic of Biltmore during Christmas was a forever moment for me.” Seek out small moments that matter most Savor all your special small moments with Biltmore wines! As the holiday season gets under way, we hope you’ll make time to visit Biltmore and discover your own small moments that matter. Like many of our guests whose special Christmas memories are created with Biltmore as the backdrop, we invite you to join us to celebrate your own small moment traditions—or create new ones—that will bring you closer to family, friends, and what matters most to you. Find everything you need to celebrate the season, from award-winning wines and gourmet food to jewelry and gifts, in our Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide.
Top 10 Staff Favorites for Christmas at Biltmore Posted on October 25, 2021 at 3:19 pm.Written by Jean Sexton What are the top 10 staff favorites for Christmas at Biltmore? Among the multitude of joys experienced during the holiday season at America’s Largest Home®, we’ve collected a special list to inspire your imagination and assist with gift giving. Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies “Many of our staff members have been part of the Biltmore family for decades, but their joy and wonder during the holiday season never fades,” said Terri Koestler, Senior Director of Employee Experience. “From festive food and drink to mementos and special moments, these top 10 staff favorites offer a special glimpse into our employees’ perspectives.” Our holiday legacy continues On an unforgettable Christmas Eve in 1895, more than 20 members of George Vanderbilt’s family gathered at Biltmore House for the first time. Their awestruck delight has been repeated throughout the decades as today’s guests experience Biltmore during the holidays. Here’s how even our long-time Biltmore staff members catch the spirit of the season every year: 1. Laura’s favorite: the sounds of music A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall Laura Cope, Collections Manager, ensures the proper care of Biltmore’s priceless furniture, art, and objects. An avid music lover, she enjoys the talented musicians who play at Biltmore–especially at Christmastime. “I always get sentimental at Christmas when I hear a harp play inside Biltmore House,” she raid. “To hear What Child is This? or The Nutcracker Suite within these beautifully decorated rooms really gives you a sense of what guests of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt would have experienced. It’s something that I look forward to every year!” 2. Jeff’s favorite: going a-wassailing Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing! “Love and joy come to you” are among the New Year wishes sung in this traditional Christmas carol, and Jeff Jones, Carriage House Supervisor, enjoys the song’s warm sentiment while sipping a cup of spicy wassail. “Nothing tastes as much like Christmas as a cup of wassail,” said Jeff. “It’s not just one of our staff favorites—our guests love it as soon as they sample it in our estate shops!” According to Jeff, all three varieties of Biltmore’s Wassail Spice Blend can season your favorite wine, cider, or other hot beverage with cheer during the holidays and all year round. 3. Staff favorites: party starters Make entertaining easy with Biltmore’s delicious cheeseball and dip mixes Another staff favorite? The ability to bring a bit of Biltmore elegance to any holiday gathering with our best-selling gourmet cheeseball and dip mixes. With festive options such as Christmas at Biltmore Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball Mix, along with traditional crowd favorites like Biltmore® Spinach Dip Mix, no more than two additional staple ingredients are needed for a quick and easy way to let the fun begin! 4. Staff favorites: dazzling “decorations” Drawn from elements in Biltmore House, jewelry by Southern Gates® is a charming remembrance of the time you spent at Biltmore. Biltmore staff members carry the legacy of the estate close to their hearts at Christmastime and beyond by wearing a piece of Biltmore-inspired jewelry or choosing it as a gift for someone special. Staff favorites include collections by CRISLU and Southern Gates® that feature tiny tokens of timeless luxury found at the estate and highlight some of Biltmore’s most memorable features using precious gemstones and custom-designed charms. 5. Hannah’s favorite: wrapping up gift giving Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make wonderful gifts for the holidays. As Visual Assets Coordinator, Hannah Parks sees the beauty of Biltmore through photographs and videos, including places that guests rarely visit, like the vineyards on the west side of the estate.“I’m excited that the 2019 vintages of Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc North Carolina and Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina have been released just in time for the holidays,” said Hannah. “Not only are they two of my all-time favorite Biltmore wines, but the fact that they are handcrafted from estate-grown grapes makes them really wonderful local gifts. I’ve already bought several bottles to share with friends and family, and I may go back for more!” 6. Kyle’s favorite: the nicest spices! Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs Many Biltmore staff members are fans of Spicewalla, a home-grown Asheville business that has gained worldwide attention for its unique small-batch spice blends. “To complement your holiday meals, I suggest the robust rubs that Spicewalla has created especially for the estate’s Biltmore Grown® Beef selections, including Biltmore Grown Brisket Rub, Biltmore Grown Steak Rub, and Biltmore Grown Burger Rub,” said Kyle Mayberry, Director of Agriculture for the estate. 7. Courtney’s favorite: sipping and savoring all year-round Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club® According to Courtney Miller, Wine Club Manager, membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club® is a fabulous gift for a loved one, or a decadent one for yourself! “Surprise someone special with a gift membership that lasts for 12 whole months,” Courtney said. “You’ll definitely be on their ‘nice list’ every time a seasonal shipment arrives!” Wine Club members receive their preference of red wines, white wines, a mix of red and white wines, or sweet wines each season along with tasting notes and chef-inspired recipes, plus exclusive access to special discounts, promotions, and invitations to members-only special events. 8. Staff favorites: seasonal spreads Delight your guests with gifts of good taste, including Biltmore’s jams, jellies, spreads, and syrups Just as the Vanderbilts loved to host and entertain family during the holidays, our staff knows how to show hospitality to their own Christmas guests with more than two dozen gourmet flavors of Biltmore jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and syrups that delight at the breakfast table, enhance a charcuterie board, and make perfectly delicious gifts throughout the season—especially when paired with Biltmore wines! 9. Staff favorites: crowdsourcing our Christmas wine labels Shop our special edition 2023 Christmas Wines online! Since 2018, Facebook followers of Biltmore have weighed in on the one-of-a-kind labels found on our bottles of Christmas at Biltmore’s Red and White Wines. Our Biltmore staff members love giving these special bottles as thoughtful hosting or Christmas gifts, and many buy an extra bottle for themselves as a collectible keepsake! 10. Brent’s favorite: raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree Raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree is a guest and staff favorite tradition at Biltmore The rooms of Biltmore House will be filled with more than 60 hand-decorated Christmas trees each year, but the one that stirs the hearts and imaginations of our guests and staff members the most is the 35-foot-tall fresh-cut Fraser fir in the tapestry-lined Banquet Hall. Brent Merrell, Director of Engineering Services, oversees the installation of the towering tree. “Every year, we experience excitement mixed with some nerves on the day we bring in the massive tree, which weighs 2,500 to 3,000 pounds,” explained Brent. “The tree-raising is virtual again this year, but this tradition is always a staff favorite because it truly marks the beginning of the Christmas season at Biltmore.” What are your top 10 favorites for Christmas at Biltmore? Our employees, both new and seasoned, enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for this special time of year with our guests. We hope you will join them and create your own top 10 list of favorites during Christmas at Biltmore! Be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with #ChristmasatBiltmore. Find everything you need to season your celebrations with cheer at Biltmore, or from the comfort of home with the convenience of online shopping at shop.biltmore.com.
Pick Perfect Pairings For Seasonal Celebrations Posted on October 21, 2021 at 11:49 pm.Written by Jean Sexton It’s that time of year when you want to pick perfect pairings for your seasonal celebrations, and Biltmore’s holiday hospitality experts are ready to help you! “For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been sharing our expertise in gracious entertaining,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore Winemaker. “Whether you’re planning a holiday happening in your home, traveling to Biltmore for a family getaway, or hosting a virtual visit with faraway friends, we’ll help you pick perfect Biltmore wine pairings for all your gatherings.” Friendsgiving (Saturday before Thanksgiving) Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs Traditionally celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is often a less formal gathering of friends and loved ones, with dishes ranging from traditional to potluck to leftovers. “If you’re not sure what your host is serving, or if you expect a lot of different dishes, it’s a good idea to have both red and white wines on hand,” Sharon said.Friendsgiving food-and-wine pairing suggestions: Charcuterie From cheese to meat to nuts, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo is a perfect pairing. Biltmore Grown® BeefMeatballs This recipe from Estate Executive Chef Mark Demarco is a crowd pleaser that pairs well with our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Serve up this savory side dish with our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina. Desserts If guests are bringing a variety of desserts, be prepared to toast their thoughtfulness with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) Our Thanksgiving Wine Trio offers perfect pairing partners for your favorite holiday flavors! “Thanksgiving is probably the most food-oriented holiday of the year,” said Sharon “and that’s why we created our Thanksgiving Wine Trio featuring three outstanding Biltmore wines to pair with a wide variety of your favorite dishes.” For a traditional Thanksgiving menu, Sharon suggests these perfect pairings with wines from our Thanksgiving Trio: Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Keep your guests happy before dinner with this delightful appetizer and a glass of Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé. Green Beans with Pancetta and Hazelnut Brown Butter Pair this sophisticated take on green beans with our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay. Roast Turkey The showpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner pairs perfectly with our approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019. Hanukkah (December 7–15, 2023) Perfect pairings: The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket Known as the Festival of Lights, this Jewish tradition encompasses eight nights of celebration including stories, music, gifts and a variety of special dishes. “While Biltmore wines are not certified Kosher, we would like to offer pairings that complement the delicious foods that are such an important part of the Hanukkah festivities,” Sharon noted. Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket However you prefer to prepare it (like our Brisket with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce), brisket pairs perfectly with a bold, robust wine such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County. Latkes It may come as a bit of a surprise, but crispy fried potato latkes are especially good when paired with a sparkling wine like our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs! Gelt Though usually given to children, these cheerful gold-wrapped chocolate coins offer adults a perfect pairing with the rich flavor of Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine. Winter Solstice (December 21, 2023) Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing! The winter solstice marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate it in some fashion, although there are no well-established traditions for foods or activities. “If you’re planning a winter solstice gathering, or just enjoying some star gazing on the longest night of the year, it’s a good time to sip something hearty like our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec,” said Sharon. Mulled wine Chase away the chill in air with a steaming cup of mulled wine featuring any of our Biltmore® Wassail Spice Blend mixed with our soft Biltmore Estate® Merlot or lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer. Port-style wine Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine is a port-style wine that warms up winter evenings with rich tastes of sun-dried stone fruit drizzled with hints of caramel. Christmas (December 25) Celebrate Christmas with perfect pairings of Biltmore wines and your favorite holiday dishes “There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are people who celebrate it,” said Sharon. “Instead of individual of wine-and-food pairings, we suggest choosing one of our convenient Biltmore wine bundles to have on hand for the holidays. That way, you’ll be able to pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal occasions.” Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio Deck your halls while enjoying our soft, fruit-forward Christmas at Biltmore® Red Wine, our fragrant, semi-sweet Christmas at Biltmore® White Wine, and our refreshing Christmas at Biltmore® Sparkling handcrafted from grapes grown in our estate vineyard. Biltmore Holiday Cheer Wine Trio This outstanding trio features options for every palate, from our crisp, spicy Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling and our approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley to The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County, a distinctive Bordeaux-style favorite. Savor as a set or give as thoughtful gifts of the season. Winemaker’s Wonderland Set This outstanding four-bottle set contains our refreshing Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc, velvety smooth Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, richly layered Vanderbilt Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, and the brilliant bubbles of Biltmore Estate® Brut. Kwanzaa (December 26, 2023–January 1, 2024) Pair the rich flavors of Praline Pumpkin Pie with the light sweetness of Biltmore Century Sweet White Wine. This week-long celebration of African cultures and principles is usually individualized by families or communities, but often includes singing, dancing storytelling, and a bountiful meal on the final night. “A Kwanzaa menu can incorporate many different foods, with as much emphasis on the sides and desserts as the main offerings,” said Sharon. “For that reason, we’ve suggested Biltmore wine pairings with a selection of some of the more traditional dishes.” Jerk chicken For spicier dishes like this, a crisp, refreshing wine like Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé is a great complement to intense flavors and peppery heat. Savory Butternut SquashTart Savor this irresistible combination of warm spices and buttery crust with our crisp, unoaked Antler Hill® Chardonnay Carneros, recently awarded 92 points by Wine & Spirits magazine! Praline Pumpkin Pie A wine should always be slightly sweeter than the dessert with which it’s paired, like the unbeatable combination of this pie with our aromatic Biltmore® Century Sweet White Wine. New Year’s Day (January 1) Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with Christmas carols! While New Year’s Eve is all about sparkling wine, the traditional menu for New Year’s Day calls for a bit more than bubbles to bring good luck in the coming months: Pork tenderloin, Hoppin’ John, and collard greens Some bold red wines are too much, while some white wines are too little, so we recommend pairing your New Year’s Day meal with our soft, approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019–it’s just right for the occasion! Valentine’s Day (February 14) Set a romantic mood with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine “On this most romantic holiday, there are numerous ways to celebrate, so we’ve listed some wine-and-food suggestions that allow you to pick perfect pairings for your special occasion,” Sharon said. Breakfast and brunch Start the day off right with an Orange Muscat Mimosa featuring our delightful Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat. Red wine and chocolates Pair your favorite chocolates with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine. Romantic dinner Pair Biltmore Grown® London Broil with Au Poivre Sauce and Bleu Cheese Butter with an elegant red wine such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County. Pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal celebrations! Find these Biltmore wines for perfect pairings–plus all your other handcrafted favorites–in estate shops, online, and close to home with our Retail Locator. For more holiday inspiration, visit our Gift Guide for Holiday Gatherings.
The Smallest Yuletide Details Inside the Banquet Hall Posted on December 4, 2020 at 2:17 pm.Written by LeeAnn Donnelly While standing in the Banquet Hall during the Christmas season, it’s easy to be mesmerized by the magnificent towering Christmas tree that anchors the southern end of the room. The tree is the heartbeat of Biltmore House each holiday season, and for good reason. It stands 35 feet above ground, has long, flowy branches, and is full of ornaments so large they might be mistaken for shiny basketballs. A smaller display sits across the room, as enchanting as its counterpart, especially since some of this tremendous room’s tiniest yuletide details reside there. Underneath the two ornament-packed trees gracing either side of the three-bay fireplace you’ll find classic toys that reflect this year’s design theme, “An 1895 Christmas.” Joslyn Kelly, a Biltmore floral designer who decorated the Banquet Hall this year, says she placed them there for a specific reason. “I wanted to focus on classic toys that span the test of time, toys that all children can and probably have enjoyed in some capacity.” Joslyn’s list of toys included jack-in-the-boxes, dolls, tea sets, tops, yo-yos, and even a pair of ballerina slippers. “I feel like these tiny toys have brought many people joy throughout the years from George Vanderbilt’s time until now,” says Joslyn, “and that joy is what I wanted to bring to the Banquet Hall this year.” Enjoy these details from Joslyn’s Christmas in the Banquet Hall design now, and on your Biltmore visit! This adorable doll on her velvet couch is one of the exquisite design details in the Banquet Hall. According to an 1895 New York Times article, dolls were the staple of the toy trade. Girls preferred blond dolls to brunettes and liked them dressed in fancy clothes, just like our doll above! This jack-in-the-box, an ever-classic toy, is ready to amuse his Biltmore guests. You might be startled to learn the “surprise” history of this 15th century Jack. Boys and girls throughout history have found a yo-yo or two under the tree on Christmas morning. This toy dates back to well before 1895. The first historical mention of a yo-yo was from Greece in the year 500 B.C. At that time they were called a disc. This children’s tea set would have looked right at home in tiny Cornelia Vanderbilt’s bedroom. Miniature sets became popular among young girls in the 18th century. During this time, toys were made gender specific and prepared children for a world with strictly determined roles within society. These ballet slippers lay ready for dance and play. How many twirls around the banquet hall do you think Cornelia would have made on Christmas Day?
Home for the Holidays: Virtual Gift Giving and Entertaining Posted on October 29, 2020 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton This year, staying home for the holidays means you’ll need more virtual gift giving and entertaining ideas than ever before. Virtual gift giving and entertaining Whether you’re home for the holidays, traveling, or hosting a virtual celebration, Biltmore wines help make the season bright To help you savor the season instead of stressing about the details, we sought inspiration from the experts with Biltmore wines to assist you in making the most of the moments that matter. “Each year, we create a special wine guide that highlights fine Biltmore wines, great wine and food pairings, and useful accessories,” said Chris Price, Wine Marketing Manager. “For our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide, however, we’ve gone all out to bring you everything from how to host a virtual wine tasting to a custom playlist perfect for prepping a holiday feast in the kitchen or keeping the party going,” Chris said, “so whether you’re gathering together at home, traveling, or hosting a virtual celebration, we hope you’ll be inspired to simplify and celebrate the season with Biltmore wines!” Bundle the best of Biltmore wines For the holidays, we’ve bundled the best of our award-winning wines to help you simplify your celebrations (and save)! No matter what kind of holiday event you’re planning, we’ve bundled the best of our Biltmore wines to make it easy to celebrate the season: Tree-Raising Wine TrioRaise a glass to celebrate our most beloved Christmas tradition–tree raising at Biltmore–or enjoy while decorating your own tree at home. Winemaker’s Wonderland BundleBiltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak reveals four of her seasonal favorites for holiday entertaining! Holiday Cheer Wine TrioWhether you’re celebrating in person or hosting a virtual gathering, this trio of wines is perfect for every palate. Savor as a set or give as thoughtful gifts of the season. Celebrate with the sounds of the season Make your virtual celebration merrier with a custom holiday playlist from Biltmore wines According to John Justice from our Biltmore wines sales team, it doesn’t matter if you’re celebrating together with friends or video chatting with family far away, music is one of the best ways to set the mood. With that in mind, John created a custom holiday playlist filled with festive favorites he selected especially for the merriest months of the year. “I enjoy cooking for friends and family,” John said, “and I’ve always got music playing while everyone helps out in the kitchen. Whether you’ve got a house filled of folks or you’re hosting a virtual gathering, pour yourself a glass of Biltmore wine and get everybody in the holiday groove with this mix of old and new songs!” Our holiday playlist pairs perfectly with everything from family gatherings and road trips to visit friends to virtual entertaining from the comfort of home “After your event ends, you can send everyone the link to the playlist so they can enjoy it all season long,” said John. “It’s becomes a memorable party favor for your guests!” Pour on the cheer with wine-themed cocktails Make the season bright with a holiday happy hour including cocktails featuring Biltmore wines! For those who enjoy holiday happy hours, Biltmore wines puts the “old fashioned” in classic cocktails, plus new twists on traditional libations. “Mix it up this season with delightful cocktails featuring Biltmore wines like our refreshing Orange Muscat Mimosa,” advised Chris, “or go elegant with a French Rose 75 topped with Biltmore sparkling wine–there’s something for every taste and occasion!” Give the gift of a memorable experience Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club® When it comes to gift giving, nothing satisfies like an experience that the recipient can enjoy in the moment and relive with great memories. “One of my favorite ways to celebrate someone special is by giving them a year-long membership to the Vanderbilt Wine Club,” said Chris. “The person who receives it can look forward to a shipment of our award-winning Biltmore wines delivered to their door each season, and they’ll think of you each time it arrives!” Enjoy a specialty experience like our Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting at the Winery. Other memorable options include a Biltmore Annual Pass or a Biltmore gift card redeemable for a Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting or other specialty experiences at the Winery. 2020 Holiday Wine Guide Find inspiration for virtual gift giving and entertaining with our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide Discover more virtual gift giving in our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide, including chef-inspired food pairings, stellar Biltmore wine picks, a video for hosting virtual holiday wine tastings, crafts, seasonal DIY décor, and other easy ideas for enjoying time together with loved ones, near and far. You can also stock up on Biltmore wines in most estate shops, online, and in your own neighborhood with our Retail Locator.
Home for the Holidays: Hosting a Virtual Wine Tasting Posted on October 28, 2020 at 11:11 am.Written by Jean Sexton When you’re home for the holidays, hosting a virtual wine tasting is a great way to connect with family and friends whether they live around the corner or around the world. Hosting a virtual wine tasting Jeff Plack, Senior Director of Wine Production Operations, has created a helpful holiday how-to video for hosting a virtual wine tasting at home with our Virtual Wine Tasting Set. Follow along as Jeff Plack walks you step-by-step through a virtual wine tasting! “You don’t have to be a serious connoisseur to host a tasting,” Jeff said. “Just gather everyone together around their computers, phones, and tablets and start sharing!” Planning process When planning your virtual wine tasting, choose at least three wines to sample together In addition to the video, Jeff also walks you through the planning process below so you’ll have a checklist and other helpful tools. “The simplest tastings usually include at least three wines,” said Jeff, “like three whites or three reds.” Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: Send an invitation to join the online tasting ahead of time, and be sure to include the wine list and any other essentials your online guests will need to purchase or have on hand, including the following items: Wines for tasting Corkscrew Glasses White napkins (to help observe wine color) Container for emptying leftover wine Water and plain crackers for palate cleansing between tastes Pen and paper for notes Print-at-home wine tasting placemats (optional) Choose a theme The 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wines makes a perfect gift for someone special “For white wines, consider light and fruity options such as Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio and Biltmore Estate® Riesling. Or try a mix of our sparkling wines—we handcraft several different styles from lightly sweet to bone dry,” Jeff said. For a red wine flight, he suggests choosing bold reds like Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon or unique blends including Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest and Biltmore® Century Sweet Red Wine.Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: For best results, begin the tasting with the lightest wine and end with the most robust one. Bundle the joy Pour on the cheer with a holiday-themed virtual wine tasting If you prefer a holiday theme for your tasting, check out our special offerings that help you pour on the cheer and bundle the savings: Tree-Raising Trio Winemaker’s Wonderland Bundle Holiday Cheer Wine Trio Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: No one wants to be left out of the fun, so we suggest Biltmore Sparkling Red Grape Juice for younger guests or those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. Sense and savor Hold wines up to the light and against a white background like a napkin to tablecloth to see their true color “Before tasting a wine, have everyone hold it in front of a white napkin or tablecloth to observe its color,” Jeff said. “Next, place the rim of the glass to your nose, inhaling deeply to smell the wine’s aroma. After you’ve fully experienced the scent, take a sip and keep it in your mouth for a few seconds so that it comes into contact with all your taste buds,” said Jeff. Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: After savoring the wine by sight, smell, and taste, remind everyone to note their observations about what makes it unique and what they like about it. Add ambience to your tasting Make your virtual wine tasting more merry with a special holiday playlist “As the host of the virtual wine tasting, you’ll want to keep to keep things moving as you guide guests through the process,” noted Jeff. According to Jeff, you can help set a merry mood with a customized playlist of favorites like this one we created especially for holiday entertaining. “After the virtual wine tasting ends, share it with everyone to remind them of the occasion,” advised Jeff. Pour on the cheer Enhance any holiday tradition with a virtual tasting of Biltmore wines To enhance the experience further, consider combining your virtual wine tasting event with another holiday tradition such as your family’s annual tree raising, Friendsgiving, or your neighborhood cookie swap. The possibilities are endless! 2021 Holiday Wine Guide Our Wine Holiday Guide brings together the best of Biltmore for holiday entertaining Whether you’re hosting a party in person, traveling to visit family, or hosting a virtual wine tasting event, let Biltmore help you discover specially curated wine bundles, chef-inspired food pairings, and custom holiday playlists, plus tips, crafts, and videos that bring it all together. In addition, you’ll find all our award-winning Biltmore wines on the estate, online, and close to home with the help of our Retail Locator.
The Banquet Hall Tree: A Christmas at Biltmore Tradition Posted on October 1, 2020 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico The Banquet Hall tree has been a Biltmore Christmas tradition for 125 years. The 35-foot-tall Fraser fir selected for the Banquet Hall each year is always the tallest tree inside Biltmore House. Adorned with hundreds of lights and ornaments, the towering tree is a beloved Yuletide symbol that was introduced during the first Christmas at Biltmore. Preparing for the first Christmas at Biltmore While George Vanderbilt moved into Biltmore House in October 1895, he didn’t formally open the house until Christmas Eve of that year. He invited his extended family from the north to a grand holiday housewarming party. “Mr. Vanderbilt is to entertain in his chateau 300 guests from New York, who will arrive by special train. The scene of mirth and happiness which the yule-tide season will witness in this modern Aladdin’s palace will be the realization of even that lucky man’s wildest dreams…”– Galveston Tribune as quoted by The Asheville Citizen Times* Thanks to news articles and correspondence between George and his staff, we know that preparations for the big event were extensive and no detail was left unattended. Managers debated which nearby county had the best holly and the most desirable mistletoe, while staff scouted the perfect candidate for what would become one of Biltmore’s most prominent holiday elements: the Banquet Hall Christmas tree. Chauncey Beadle wrote estate manager Charles McNamee:“I quite agree with you that we should have a very large tree for this occasion; in fact, I think a twenty foot tree in that large Banquet Hall would be rather dwarfed.” Raising the Banquet Hall tree is a Christmas tradition at Biltmore Christmas Eve 1895 On the evening of December 24, guests gathered in the Banquet Hall, which showcased the splendidly tall and beautifully decorated tree laden with gifts for estate workers. At the foot of the tree was a table piled high with family gifts. “The Imperial Trio furnished music for the occasion, and the rich costumes of the ladies, the soft lights and the tastefully draped garlands of evergreen and mistletoe, interspersed with the shining leaves and red berries of the holly, created a beautiful scene to look upon.” – The Asheville News and Hotel Reporter, December 28, 1895 George’s mother, Maria Louisa Vanderbilt, attended as well as several of his brothers and sisters with their spouses and children. One of George’s nieces, Gertrude, daughter of Cornelius and Alice Claypoole Vanderbilt, kept a series of Dinner Books recording of all the parties and formal dinners she attended. The first Christmas dinner at Biltmore was Gertrude’s 193rd event that year, listed in the second volume of her 1895 Dinner Book. In her seating diagram for the occasion, she listed 27 Vanderbilt family members, including “Uncle George,” “Grandma,” and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A detailed seating chart of the first Christmas dinner at Biltmore House from the 1895 Dinner Book kept by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney** The lofty holiday event was a Vanderbilt family reunion of sorts. It was said to have been the largest gathering of the family since the death of George’s father, William Henry Vanderbilt, almost ten years earlier. Ultimately, 40 family members and close friends signed the Biltmore House Guest Book throughout the holiday season. Christmas Day 1895 At the time, Biltmore’s full domestic staff had yet to be hired, though George had temporarily employed local men and women for service during the holidays. On Christmas Day, George invited the estate’s many temporary and permanent employees and their children to the first Biltmore employee Christmas Party. Still a bachelor at the time, he enlisted the help of Mrs. Charles McNamee to purchase gifts for the guests. (Edith Vanderbilt enthusiastically assumed this role after she and George married in 1898.) George greeted everyone in the Banquet Hall mid-afternoon, where family members helped distribute gifts. We imagine that most of the employees and their children had never seen anything like the Banquet Hall tree. At the time, less than 20% of US families brought Christmas trees into their homes, much less such an oversized tree with electric lights and hundreds of presents wrapped beneath it. A beribboned velvet ornament featuring the elegant Vanderbilt monogram The tradition continues George Vanderbilt’s hosting of family and employees at Christmas is a tradition that continued long after 1895. Local and national newspapers published accounts of seasonal celebrations at Biltmore almost every year. And every year, those celebrations took place in the Banquet Hall, next to the tallest Christmas tree in Biltmore House. Make reservations now to visit during Christmas at Biltmore or Candlelight Christmas Evenings and experience the enchantment of this beloved Yuletide symbol. *Sourced by an uncited newspaper from our Museum Services history files.**Photo courtesy of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution. Whitney Museum of American Art, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney papers. Gift of Flora Miller Irving.
Creating A Glorious Gingerbread Cottage Posted on December 9, 2019 at 2:50 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Thank you for enjoying this archived content from 2019! Each year, the pastry team at The Inn on Biltmore Estate® welcomes Christmas at Biltmore with a special tradition: the construction of a gingerbread cottage inspired by the beautiful details of George Vanderbilt’s private estate. The Cottage on Biltmore Estate Choosing the perfect gingerbread cottage For 2019, the team has chosen to reproduce the charming Market Gardener’s Cottage that greets guests as they travel to and from The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Designed by Richard Howland Hunt, son of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Market Gardener’s Cottage dates back to 1896. It was the site of the estate’s Market Garden, also known as the Truck Farm. Fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the fertile fields surrounding the cottage were served in Biltmore House, and the surplus was sold to area hotels, grocers, and community members. Now known as Cottage on Biltmore Estate, this historic structure is offered as a premier overnight property that allows guests to enjoy an extraordinary lodging experience. A challenging creation Members of The Inn’s pastry team contributed more than 295 hours of labor to construct this gingerbread replica of Biltmore’s historic Market Gardener’s Cottage. “Creating the cottage was extra challenging for us this year because we had to halt production for two days since Thanksgiving was so late,” said Pastry Chef Dana McFarland who oversees the project each year. A family of bears on the steps of the gingerbread cottage Special gingerbread cottage ingredients Her team used the following ingredients for their massive gingerbread construction project: 124 pounds of powdered sugar 17 pounds of gingerbread 15 pounds of modeling chocolate 14 pounds of Jolly Rancher® hard candies 8 pounds of fondant 5 pounds of old-fashioned candy sticks 5 pounds of caramel chocolate balls 4 pounds of Jelly Belly® jelly beans 9 ounces of M&M’s® 2 ounces of Sixlets® In researching the Market Gardener’s Cottage to make sure they had the details correct, the pastry team learned that there were originally several greenhouses behind it. They created an array of fruits and vegetables that might be grown in a greenhouse at this time of year to display in the cottage’s courtyard, including apples, butternut squash, carrots, pears, and pumpkins. Confection perfection! “All the shingles on the cottage were hand-cut out of modeling paste,” Chef McFarland said. “And though most guests have guessed that the courtyard bricks are made out of Tootsie Rolls®, we actually used Jolly Rancher candies to get that look.” The decorated Christmas tree in the courtyard of the cottage One special highlight of the gingerbread cottage is the Christmas tree in the courtyard–it has tiny garlands of popped sorghum on it–and it spins! “The wreaths and garlands on the cottage all have individually-cut cut green flowers on them to give the appearance of evergreens,” said Chef McFarland, “while the bushes in the front and the trees in the back are made with Rice Krispy® treats.” A perfectly detailed gingerbread wreath Last but certainly not least, Chef McFarland notes that there are 60 feet of mini lights on the outside of the gingerbread cottage, and an infuser placed inside the structure makes it look as if there’s real smoke rising from the chimney. Special thanks to The Inn’s talented pastry team of Chef Dana McFarland, Megan Shreve, Ron Levitan, Lucas Conti, Leilani Padilla, Rachel Tipping, Ashley Buchleitner, Laura Hinzman, Danyelle Sander, Sarah Vess, and Anthony Mushinski for all their hard work! Visit now Create your own charming confection at one of our Gingerbread House Tea events! This charming confectionery delight was displayed in the Lobby of The Inn during our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore celebration.