Reimagining the Tapestry Gallery for Christmas

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Lucinda Ledford is a skilled and seasoned member of our Floral team. This Christmas marks her second year in a row decorating the Tapestry Gallery—the team rotates rooms about every two years—and this time, she decided to shake things up a bit.Lucinda Ledford of Biltmore's Floral Team

“In Christmases past, we’ve typically had four 14-foot trees in this room,” Lucinda said. “One on each side of the two massive fireplaces.”

But after meeting with our Museum Services team, Lucinda learned that there was concern about how that arrangement may impact the furniture and other pieces of the collection in that room.

“In order to get those larger trees in this space, we were moving the same items year after year—which was not ideal,” she explained.

So this year, the longest room in America’s Largest Home® boasts two 10-foot trees and three 6-foot trees instead.

The new arrangement also allows for the Flemish tapestries to be displayed more fully throughout the season.

“It worked out well since the colors for the décor are pulled from the tapestries themselves,” Lucinda said. This year, she’s incorporated rose gold and lighter metallic elements into her design.

Detail of Christmas Tree in Tapestry Gallery

Also on display in the Tapestry Gallery is Santa’s list filled with employee Christmas wishes. And there is one thing you may notice is not in the room: the nativity scene.

“The nativity scene is on display in the Salon this year,” she said, “and we’re hoping that the new placement will make it easier to guests to view and enjoy.”

Join us for our Christmas at Biltmore Daytime Celebration or Candlelight Christmas Evenings to experience the reimagined floral design in the Tapestry Gallery, the nativity scene in a new light, and so much more.

Decorating for Christmas With Lizzie Borchers

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When your responsibilities include decorating America’s Largest Home® for Christmas, you want to make sure you’re ready for the start of the holiday season.

Father and daughter enjoy Christmas at Biltmore

Create a Biltmore Christmas tradition with your family

Ahead of schedule

“We’re a little ahead of schedule this year,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Displays Manager for Biltmore, “and that’s a great place to be, because there’s no telling what bumps we may encounter!”

Now in her second year leading the team that creates the spectacular décor for Christmas at Biltmore, Lizzie feels she’s got a handle on the whole process.

“I feel fortunate to have gone through the entire Christmas at Biltmore season last year before I had to plan it all,” she said. 

Members of Biltmore's landscaping team with poinsettias

Todd Roy, Clare Cottrell, and Kathryn Marsh of Biltmore’s landscaping team with decorative poinsettias 

Team effort

Although her team includes nearly a dozen full-time floral designers and several reserve members who assist with special events, it still takes more than 100 people to bring Christmas together, from housekeeping and engineering to logistics, landscaping, and more.

Not everything happens as expected, however, and Lizzie admits they always have back-up plans, just in case. 

“Orders can be delayed and things can change at the last minute, but we make it work, even if it means pulling extra items out of storage. It’s really all about the details—that’s what sets Biltmore apart. We’re fastidious about what we do, from developing beautiful displays that delight our guests all the way to straightening the ornaments and carefully spacing the lights.”

Antler Hill Village illuminated for the season

Beyond Biltmore House

In addition to decorating Biltmore House, Lizzie’s team also enlivens Antler Hill Village & Winery, both hotels, and all estate restaurants and shops with seasonal splendor. 

Compared to the formal tone of Biltmore House, Lizzie and her team create a more rustic feel that is authentic for the village.

More than 7,000 ornaments decorate the Winery ceiling

Bubble ornaments sparkle at the Winery

“Inspired by the name, we’ve used a lot of antlers in the décor this year. We’ve added more illuminated grapevine spheres around the Village Green and more cascading waterfall lights in the trees—guests told us how much they love those. And don’t forget all the beautiful bubbles adorning the Winery ceiling—it’s like being inside a glass of champagne!”

Memories that last a lifetime

Although she doesn’t plan to make sweeping changes to the look and feel of the estate’s decorations, Lizzie wants to continue exploring ways to distinguish between Christmas at Biltmore during the day and Candlelight Christmas Evenings at night.

Choirs perform in the Winter Garden during Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore

Choirs perform in the Winter Garden during Candlelight Christmas Evenings

“They’re very different experiences,” she said, “and I want to ensure that our guests enjoy how special the décor is during regular hours, and then return at night to an entirely different feeling, like they’ve stepped back in time. Christmas is the perfect season to discover Biltmore all over again.”

Featured blog image: Lizzie Borchers with some of the “bubbles” that adorn the Winery ceiling

Biltmore and Balsam Hill® form a NEW Partnership

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When a distinctive brand such as Biltmore® discovers a like-minded business that expresses the same values, including a deep belief in quality, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, the two companies have a wonderful opportunity to create something special together. Biltmore and Balsam Hill® are delighted to announce their new partnership. Balsam hill is a company committed to creating the best artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor on the market.

Now you can bring Biltmore holiday magic into your home with our Biltmore Collection by Balsam Hill.

Biltmore Balsam Hill Christmas Stockings

Our Biltmore Gilded Stockings embroidered with beads and faux pearls add extra sparkle to your holiday mantel display.

Creating Balsam Hill

Balsam Hill founder Thomas Harman began the business because of a family member who was allergic to live trees but still wanted to create a festive atmosphere at home during the holidays.

When Thomas’ search for a lifelike artificial Christmas tree came up empty-handed, Balsam Hill’s mission to develop the most realistic and beautiful artificial trees was born.

To accomplish this goal, Balsam Hill designers use site visits and live cuttings as guides to carefully craft trees that mimic nature.

Biltmore Balsam Hill Christmas Ornaments

The Biltmore Legacy Ornament Set features Christmas balls, jumbo ornaments, and finials intricately hand painted with golden details. Ornaments shown with Biltmore Gilded Ribbon.

The Biltmore Collection

In addition to stunningly realistic Christmas trees, Balsam Hill also creates dazzling seasonal décor—and their Biltmore Collection required a site visit as well.

The company’s designers visited the estate last year during Christmas at Biltmore for inspiration from in and around America’s Largest Home® adorned for the holiday season.

The team also collaborated with Lizzie Borchers, Biltmore’s Floral Displays Manager, to ensure that the colors, quality, and overall feel of the collection were authentic to Biltmore.

Biltmore Balsam Hill Christmas Tree

Lizzie Borchers, Biltmore Floral Displays Manager, with Balsam Hill décor in the Music Room of Biltmore House

Decking the Halls with Biltmore and Balsam Hill®

This holiday season, the new Biltmore Collection by Balsam Hill is on display in the Music Room of Biltmore House as well as in the guest suites of The Inn on Biltmore Estate™. These elegant products are available for purchase online and at The Marble Lion shop at The Inn.

Feature image: The Biltmore Spruce with hand-strung LED lights; Legacy Wreath and Legacy Garland are pre-lit with LED lights and decorated with gilded leaves, sprays, and shatter resistant ornaments.

Host a Sizzling Summer White Party!

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Ready to host a sizzling summer white party? Our estate wine experts have some great tips to help you make the most of the season.

“From the Hamptons to Los Angeles, well-known fashion and entertainment celebrities have been hosting elegant ‘white parties’ every summer for many years. With all-white clothing and décor, these iconic events are a celebration of everything warm weather-related and summer-worthy—including white wines,” said Alisha Forester, Sales Director for Biltmore Wines.

Dining table set with white linens and white flowers.
Will your summer white party be an indoor or outdoor affair?

1. Find the perfect spot

Start by choosing your location first, as that sets the tone for your summer white party.

  • Gardens and patios with easy access to the indoors make for a great party, and hosting your event poolside makes a big splash!
  • For outdoor parties, make sure you have a backup plan for weather, plenty of shade, and other conveniences for your guests.

Tip: Create classic summer white party style with all-white décor, which can be as simple as white tablecloths and white flowers, especially if you’re celebrating outdoors.

Biltmore Estate sparkling wines being poured in a vineyard during a summer white party.
Sparkling wines are a must-have for your summer white party!

2. Select some white wines

It’s not a summer white party without your favorite Biltmore white wines, and we handcraft wonderful options from still to sparkling.

Try these easy white flights–we’ve already arranged the wines for you in order from lighter styles to those with more body:

  • Dry white flight: Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc, Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay, and Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay.
  • Sweet white flight: Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat, Century Sweet White, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc.
  • Sparkling white flight: Biltmore Estate® Brut, Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs, Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs, Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir.

Tip: Keep the party kid-friendly with plenty of Biltmore Sparkling White Grape Juice, available in estate gift shops.

Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée
Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée is a fresh twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for your summer white party!

3. Pair a signature dish with white wine

Delight your guests with this fresh citrusy twist on classic Italian panna cotta with a surprising ingredient: goat cheese. With its characteristic rich flavor, creamy texture, and a bright pop of color, Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée is perfect for an indulgent summer white party treat!

Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée

Gelée

  • ¾ cup fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (1 packet) unflavored gelatin powder

Combine grapefruit juice, sugar, and gelatin powder in a small sauce pan. Whisk well and bring to a boil. Pour 1 ounce of the juice mixture into each of 6 (4-ounce) ramekins. Place the ramekins in the refrigerator to chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.

Panna Cotta

  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 7 teaspoons (3½ packets) unflavored gelatin powder
  • 14 ounces goat cheese, softened

Combine heavy cream, sugar, and gelatin powder in a medium saucepan. Whisk well and bring to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Add the softened goat cheese to the mixture and continue to whisk until completely smooth.

Divide the goat cheese panna cotta mixture evenly among the ramekins. Pour it over the firmly set grapefruit gelée and refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour.

Run a knife between the panna cotta and the ramekin to release and invert onto a plate. If the panna cotta won’t come out, turn it upside down and run hot tap water over the bottom of the ramekin for 30–60 seconds, then gently tap onto a plate

Tip: Crisp, sparkling Biltmore Estate® Brut with notes of citrus, strawberry, honey, and apricot is a perfect partner for Panna Cotta with Grapefruit Gelée.

Man and woman toast with white wine at a summer white party in a vineyard.
Celebrate your summer white party with Biltmore Wines!

4. Celebrate your summer white party

Once you’ve chosen your location, selected the Biltmore wines you’ll serve, and created the perfect menu, what’s left?

Don your favorite all-white outfit and invite friends and family to join you for a wonderful summer celebration!

Cheers!

Celebrate with Biltmore Sparkling Wines

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There’s no better time to celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines than right now!

Whether you’re honoring a college graduate, seeking a wedding gift for newlyweds, or adding a bit of sparkle to an afternoon happy hour with co-workers, Biltmore has the best bubbles–handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise–for tasting and toasting.

Bottle of Biltmore sparkling wine with a wine flute and flower arrangement
Uncork a bottle of Biltmore Estate sparkling wine for any occasion!

Five fun facts about sparkling wine

For centuries, sparkling wine has enjoyed a certain mystery and allure. It was so enchanting, in fact, that some called it “devil’s wine” due to the effervescent bubbles.

Today, we still love the magical bubbles and appreciate the romance surrounding this delightful wine, and here are the fun facts to prove it:

  • There are 90–110 pounds of pressure per square inch in a bottle of sparkling wine–that’s more than three times the pressure in car tires!
  • Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can officially be called “champagne.”
  • The grapes traditionally used in champagnes are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
  • Dom Perignon, a Catholic monk and avid winemaker, accidentally discovered sparkling wine when some of his wine re-fermented by chance. He thought it was ruined, but the rest is history.
  • There are an estimated 44 to 57 million bubbles in every bottle of bubbly.
Ice bucket and two flutes of Biltmore sparkling wine
Celebrate any occasion, large or small, with Biltmore sparkling wines.

Serving and storing sparkling wine

Sparkling wine may best be known as a celebratory drink, but we believe it’s the perfect everyday wine too. Whatever the occasion, enjoy your favorite Biltmore sparkling wines with these helpful tips:

  • Chill the bottle in the refrigerator prior to opening. The cold temperature helps preserve the bubbles when opening the bottle.
  • Sparkling wines are best when served at 33-40 degrees.
  • When opening a bottle of sparkling, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle. Loosen the cage and hold the cork. Gently twist the cork until you hear a whisper of a pop.
  • Holding a towel over the cork when opening will help catch any spills that may occur.
  • Double-check your glasses to ensure the glass is free from detergent residue. A perfectly clear glass allows you to appreciate the bubbles.
  • After opening, all sparkling wines begin to lose their bubbles, so it’s best to drink them as soon as possible.
  • To store an open bottle of bubbly, you can use a special champagne topper. These metal caps with a rubber seal keep the bubbles fresh for the next time you want a glass.
  • Most sparkling wines are sold ready to drink, so don’t hang on to bottles in an effort to further “age” the wine.
Pouring Biltmore sparkling wine into glasses
For the best bubbles, be sure to chill your sparkling wine before uncorking it.

An array of Biltmore sparkling wine options

Biltmore sparkling wine with plates of dessert
Enjoy Biltmore sparkling wines during your next estate visit or savor them at home.

Celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines

When you’re ready to celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines, you can find them at estate shops and restaurants, online, or close to home with our Retail Locator.

Take Flight Now with Vertical Vintages!

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In 2018, Biltmore Wines was very excited to offer a rare opportunity exclusively to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members: the chance to experience a true vertical tasting of our Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. While the wines were available, Wine Club members could purchase this particular Pinot Noir in its 2012, 2013, and 2014 vintages!

What is a vertical flight and why is it so unusual?

Three glasses of red wine

Horizontal flights

Most wine flights are horizontal, meaning that you’re tasting several wines (often three or more) that are similar in nature (think “flight of geese” or “flight of stairs” and you’ll see how the name refers to a collection of similar things). This is a great way to learn more about wines in general and to discover interesting differences that you might not notice otherwise.

Vertical flights

What happens, then, when a flight goes vertical? That’s a very different type of tasting, and one that doesn’t happen every day.

Biltmore red wine being poured into a glass

For a vertical flight, you’ll be tasting three or more wines of the same varietal from the same maker in a series of different but close or sequential vintages. From varietal to vineyard to winemaker, the vintage is the only variable. Here are some of the things you can expect to experience:

  • Taste the obvious effects of how the wine matures over time
  • Note subtle differences made by the year’s weather in which the varietal was grown
  • Understand how aging affects the color, aromas, and flavors of the wine, and how it becomes more smooth as tannins and acidity decrease

Friends toasting with red wineHosting a vertical flight

A vertical flight is an exciting way to experience the terroir of a vineyard, the skill of the winemaker, and the characteristics of the varietal over time. It’s also a fun way for a small group of friends to learn more about a particular varietal together, so consider hosting a vertical tasting in one of two ways:

Youngest to oldest (most common vertical flight tasting style):

  • Discover the evolution of aging in a natural progression
  • Experience the varietal from a simpler, youngerphase to a more mature and complex one

Oldest to youngest (more unusual; offers different insights): 

  • Learn how decreasing levels of alcohol, acidity, and tannins in more mature wines affect your tasting experience
  • Keep your palate fresher longer by tasting younger wines last

Glasses of red wineJoin the club!

Ready to enjoy exclusive offers available only to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members, such as receiving three hand-selected vintages each season, a dedicated section of Biltmore’s Winery, and members-only events? Become a Wine Club member today, or give someone special a gift membership!

Christmas at Biltmore Sparkles at The Winery

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If you’re visiting for Christmas at Biltmore, you won’t want to miss the stunning holiday vision situated high above Biltmore’s Winery.

Inspired by the over-the-top holiday decor in a New York City-based restaurant, 7,000 ornaments ranging from large to gigantic are suspended from the ceiling over the winery’s main Tasting Room.

Michaela Schmidlin, a member of Biltmore’s marketing department, lived in New York City for years and knew of the restaurant’s annual eye-catching holiday hall-decking traditions. She proposed a similar – albeit scaled-down – version for Biltmore’s Winery.

Using monochromatic metallic tones, she and Biltmore’s floral displays manager created a look that mimics the bubbles inside of a champagne bottle, a perfect homage to the winery’s popular selection of sparkling wines.

Close-up of bubble decorations at the Winery during Christmas at Biltmore.

And now, the globe-shaped ornaments in gold and champagne tones are dazzling our guests as they sample wines in the Tasting Room. When the light hits them just right, the ornaments look almost like they’re as fizzy as the bubbles in Biltmore’s sparkling wine. It’s a true sight to behold during Christmas at Biltmore.
Couple interacting with wine host with decorations in background during Christmas at Biltmore.

Christmas décor at Biltmore Estate is nothing short of magical. To take in all the sights, be sure to visit America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and beyond, our incredibly talented team members manage to inspire young and old alike year after year.

Christmas Craft: Frosted Lanterns

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Frosted Lanterns are a classic way to brighten up your holiday decorating, but buying them in bulk can get pricey. You can get this same look using glass jars and simple crafting materials for cents on the dollar. The process is easy and in the end you’ll be left with a treasure to share for many Christmas’s to come.

Materials

  • Glass jars
  • Self-adhesive stickers
  • Painter’s tape
  • Frosted glass spray paint
  • Double sided tape
  • 22 Gauge wire (about 32 inches per jar)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Protective gloves
  • Battery operated candles

Instructions for Frosted Lanterns

  1. Create a pattern on the jar using painter’s tape and stickers.
  2. Spray the jar lightly and evenly with frosted glass spray paint. Be sure to wear gloves and work outside in a well-ventilated area.
  3. When the spray is dry, use tweezers to carefully peel off the tape and stickers. Try not to touch or scrap the frosted area. Let the jar sit for an hour, then add the handle.
  4. Use needle nose pliers to cut a piece of 22 gauge wire. Wrap it around the neck of the jar once and twist it thoroughly into place. Take the excess wire and create a loop, twisting the end securely to the other side of the jar, creating the handle.
  5. Put a small square of double sided mounting tape on the bottom of a tea light and place on the bottom of your lantern. Use battery operated candles if you plan to place your lanterns near greenery or children and pets.

These sweet, simple frosted lanterns will light your entry way, brighten your home, and provide a warm welcome for holiday visitors. Want to keep the fun going? Take a look at our Christmas Wine Cork Reindeer walkthrough! Reindeer made from wine corks and twigs are inexpensive and easy to make.

Christmas Craft: Wine Cork Reindeer

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It’s always fun to add new holiday decorations to your overall design, and this season you can recreate a classic figure with a fresh, new twist. Wine Cork Reindeer made from corks and twigs are inexpensive and easy to make. And just like snowflakes, no two are alike.

Materials

  • (4) 2” Dry twigs
  • (1) 1” Dry twig
  • 2 Dry twigs that branch off
  • Raffia
  • Drill and 5/32 drill bit
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • 2 Wine corks
  • Small red bead
  • Green sheet moss

Instructions for Wine Cork Reindeer

  1. Drill 4 small holes into one side of a wine cork. These will hold the reindeer’s legs.
  2. Flip the wine cork over, and drill one more hole on the other side near the end of the cork. This will hold the reindeer’s neck.
  3. To make the head, take the second cork and drill a small hole near the end of it. Then flip it over, and drill two more holes on the other side.
  4. Add a dab of hot glue and then push a 2” dry twigs into each of the four holes in your first wine cork to make the reindeer’s legs.
  5. Add hot glue and a 1” dry twig in your second wine cork.
  6. Then attach the two corks together, creating the reindeer’s body.
  7. Next, add your reindeer’s antlers. Put hot glue in the top two holes of the head, and add the twigs that branch off.
  8. To really give your reindeer personality, add a small red bead for his nose, then tie a charm or bell on the raffia and hang it around the neck.

Create a small holiday herd of Wine Cork Reindeer and place them in a bed of moss, or hang several in your tree. These fun, festive reindeer are sure to add holiday cheer to any room in your home. Want to continue the fun? Our Frosted Lanterns make a beautiful backdrop glow for your reindeer herd.

Capture Holiday Memories Forever

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At Biltmore, we believe the holidays are a perfect time to slow down and rediscover the wonder of the season—to reconnect with family and friends the way the Vanderbilts did more than a century ago.

Framed family recipe

The holidays are also a wonderful time to make memories, and custom-framed photos or other keepsakes are the perfect gift to give or receive. For most unique and thoughtful gifts of the season, visit your local frame shop for help in creating something truly special. Need ideas? Here are our top picks to delight family and friends!

Savored Recipes

Display a cherised family recipe—and reference it easily—by framing the heirloom. Gift the piece to a family member or choose to  display it in your own kitchen.

Childhood Memories

Capture the smallest details of the newest member of the family for a lovely, one-of-a-kind treasure that can be handed down through the generations. Preserve baby handprints and footprints on archival paper or use a favorite bib or photo in a custom frame.

Wedded Bliss

For your first Christmas as a married couple, consider gifting loved ones with a beautiful wedding photo—perhaps one that includes the recipient. Silver, champagne-like tones work particularly well for custom framing wedding photos because metallic hints add an extra touch of richness that echoes the elegance of your special day.

Framed wedding photo

Family Portrait

Nothing says Christmas like a family portrait—especially one that features several generations together. Gather grandparents, parents, and grandkids for a classic photo by the fireplace or Christmas tree, or find a candid shot from a past multi-generational vacation. Choose a custom frame that enhances the image and give the framed photo to every member of the family.

Showcase your Travels

Bring a special journey to life all over again with a custom-frame shadowbox. A knowledgeable framer can help you choose the right height to make the most of the items you want to highlight, while professional framing and glass choices can also keep special items from further deterioration and damage.

Return to SenderHoliday living room scene

Choose a favorite Christmas card from someone special, add a custom frame that enhances the subject, and give it as a special holiday gift to the original sender.

Sharing Santa

Go through old and new holiday photos with an eye for images of the children with Santa. Frame a vintage picture of Mom or Dad on Santa’s lap together with a current shot of kids or grandkids. Even when the holidays have ended, you can enjoy charming memories year-round.

Shop your local frame shop and discover four exclusive Biltmore frame collections inspired by the house and grounds, all suitable for showcasing your fondest memories.