Savor the Art and Science of Winemaking Posted on August 29, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton “The art and science of winemaking—for nearly 20 years, that’s how Bernard Delille and I described ourselves,” said Sharon Fenchak, winemaker and vice president of wine production for Biltmore. Biltmore winemakers Sharon Fenchak and Bernard Delille (now retired) enjoy a glass of wine in Biltmore’s vineyard “Before his retirement in 2018, that’s also what we accomplished as a team,” Sharon said. A shared philosophy “Our backgrounds were very different, with Bernard having begun his winemaking career in France,” said Sharon, “while my passion for the craft began while I was in the U.S. Army, stationed in Vicenza, Italy. Despite their differences, the two shared a philosophy of creating high-quality wines that are true to varietal character while still being food-friendly and approachable. Sharon and Bernard at work in Biltmore’s wine lab, tasting the scientific results of the art of winemaking Raising a glass to retirement When Bernard announced he planned to retire in July 2018, all the members of the wine production team wanted to handcraft a special wine that would commemorate their years of working together. “We knew it had to be outstanding,” Sharon said. “It needed to speak to all that we’ve accomplished as a team, and to reflect the distinctive direction in which we’ve developed Biltmore wines.” Art and science in Biltmore’s vineyard Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard For the wine itself, Sharon and the wine production team looked no further than the natural outgrowth of “art and science” in Biltmore’s vineyard. When she joined Biltmore’s wine production team in 1999, one of Sharon’s first projects involved a clonal selection initiative in the estate’s vineyards. “Clone” refers to a cutting or bud from an original varietal. In addition to her other winemaking responsibilities, Sharon oversees the estate’s vineyard “The vineyard team was working with Dijon Chardonnay clones,” said Sharon, “and we were looking for those best suited to the conditions of the estate vineyard. From a winemaking and viticulture standpoint, clones 76, 95, and 96 showed great promise, producing smaller, looser clusters of grapes with more intense flavors and aromatics.” The 2017 harvest of these distinctive clones would result in the first release featuring them exclusively, and Sharon knew these grapes were the perfect ones for a signature Chardonnay in honor of Bernard’s dynamic career and their long partnership. Labeling a work of art “For the label, we wanted something that illustrated the idea of art and science,” Sharon said. “The marketing team created a number of different concepts, from traditional monograms to some very fun graphics that had grape vines turning into the scientific formula for malolactic fermentation!” X marks the spot The commemorative Chardonnay label featuring Bernard’s handwriting font at the bottom According to Lisa Vogel, art director, the design finally came together with an X-shaped cross of the two winemakers’ names and a traditional wax seal featuring their initials in the middle. “Everyone admired Bernard’s beautiful penmanship,” said Lisa, “so we created a special font entitled ‘Delille’ from his actual handwriting to further personalize the collaboration represented by the label and the wine inside the bottle.” “It’s a remarkable Chardonnay with a compelling label,” said Sharon. “I hope that everyone who tries it truly savors the art and science of winemaking it represents—including the expertise of our vineyard team who nurtured and harvested the grapes and the care with which the wine production team handcrafts all our Biltmore wines.” Savor our wines by the bottle or glass Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping! Purchase Biltmore wines at the estate, online, or find them close to home. While visiting Biltmore’s Winery, savor a complimentary tasting of our award-winning wines in person.
Host a Sizzling Summer White Party! Posted on July 13, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Karina Hux 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. 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. 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® 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 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. 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!
Getting to Know Your Glassware Posted on May 7, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Ancient origins The form and function of glassware has continually been refined throughout the centuries, making it suitable for anything from art to everyday needs such as drinking wine. The material has ancient origins and was probably first developed by the Egyptians sometime after 2000 BC. It can also occur naturally, as in the case of obsidian and basalt glass produced as a result of volcanic eruptions. Different glassware options for tasting Biltmore wines Type and shape When it comes to serving wine, the quality of the glassware and the shape of the vessel both play an important role in the tasting experience. “Wine enthusiasts have long known that the shape of the wine glass affects the taste of the wine,” said Jill Whitfield, Wine Marketing Manager for Biltmore. “It’s important to educate wine drinkers on this fact, because it can change how you experience wine from the tasting room to your own home.” A server with red and white Biltmore wines Standard glassware A standard tasting glass usually offers a slightly wider base in proportion to a narrower rim, with a stem to keep the heat of your hand from warming the wine. “This combination allows you to aerate the wine by swirling it in the bowl, but it doesn’t allow the aromas—a vital component of the tasting process—to escape too quickly,” Jill said. White WinesWhite wine glasses tend to have smaller bowls to help preserve the floral aromas typical of white wines. The smaller style also helps maintain cooler temperatures, and allows more of the aromatic qualities to be enjoyed since the wine is closer to your nose. Our Biltmore Estate Pinot Grigio is a great example of a lighter-bodied white wine that would benefit from a glass with a smaller bowl design. Full-bodied whites such as our Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina may utilize a slightly larger bowl to showcase the smooth, creamy texture that is characteristic of the varietal. Red WinesRed wine glasses typically have larger bowls to allow some of the wine’s ethanol to burn off before it reaches your nose, allowing more aromas to be expressed. A wider opening allows the wine to flow more smoothly, which enhances the overall experience. Glasses for serving light-bodied reds such as our Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley are typically wider and shorter than glassware for full-bodied, heavily tannic reds that include our classic Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley. Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine served in flute glasses Let it sparkle According to Jill, sparkling wines are often served in a distinctive flute with a stem. “The tall, narrow flute shape keeps the bubbles from escaping as quickly while the stem prevents the chilled wine from coming in contact with your warm hands,” said Jill. She notes that aged sparkling wines and those that are especially aromatic may benefit from a tulip glass, which resembles a flute but widens at the waist before narrowing at the rim. As for wide, shallow coupe glasses—they allow the bubbles to fly away, allowing the softer, fruiter aspects of sparkling wines to become more noticeable. Pouring Biltmore Estate Dry Rosé into glasses Glass or crystal? “Another important point to consider is the difference between glass and crystal,” Jill said. “The fine, thin texture of crystal is less interactive than glass, meaning that you’ll taste the wine and its specific characteristics more clearly, but glass is more durable and less expensive, so there are benefits to both materials.” If tasting and understanding the complexities of wine is your goal, definitely invest in the proper equipment to help you succeed. Guests enjoy a wine event in Biltmore’s vineyard “In the meantime,” said Jill, “whether you’re sipping from a plastic festival cup or the tiny crystal cordial glasses passed down through your family, we encourage you to enjoy wine in many forms!” Learn more Purchase our award-winning Biltmore wines online, at the estate, or from your local retailer.
Celebrate with Biltmore Sparkling Wines Posted on May 5, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Marissa Jamison 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. 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. 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. For the best bubbles, be sure to chill your sparkling wine before uncorking it. An array of Biltmore sparkling wine options Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs: A dry sparkling wine with flavors of Bosc pear and light yeast, plus a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel. Biltmore Estate® Brut: A dry sparkling wine made from traditional champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir: A dry sparkling wine with a light pink hue and flavors of wild strawberry and lemon. Pas de Deux® Sec: A semi-sweet sparkling wine created from fragrant Muscat Canelli grapes. 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! Posted on February 5, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Danielle Withrow 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? 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. 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 Hosting 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, younger phase 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 Join 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!
Uncorked: Meet Biltmore’s Sommelier Posted on December 26, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the perfect wine to accompany your meal, Biltmore’s sommelier can help you uncork the “secrets” of selecting something special. Speaking from experience Artur Loli, sommelier for The Inn on Biltmore Estate™, knows that great wine is part of what makes fine dining so memorable. “The Dining Room of The Inn is world-class,” said Artur, “and Chef Eckman’s culinary skills are legendary, so the wines we offer must also be outstanding enough to elevate the entire experience.” In fact, The Dining Room of The Inn was recently named a new Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Restaurant. According to Charles Thompson, General Manager of The Inn on Biltmore Estate, these illustrious stars are a remarkable achievement. “The award speaks to the dedication of our talented staff who truly offer our guests an exceptional travel experience” Charles noted. Rigorous training Training to become a sommelier is not an easy process, and often requires years of study to understand and appreciate the nuances of the world’s wines. Some would-be sommeliers opt for courses through organizations such as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) to gain a solid foundation in wine knowledge before pursuing further certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, the American Sommelier Association, or hospitality schools. Others choose to work in the industry, seeking a combination of hands-on experience and mentorship by working in vineyards, wineries, and wine-driven restaurants. “You can certainly learn a lot in the classroom,” Artur said, “but there’s no substitute for working in the hospitality industry where you discover what real guests like and dislike. Good listener Artur, who began working in the hospitality field in Santorini, Greece, 25 years ago and has spent the past 16 years with The Inn, knows that good listening skills are one of the most important tools a sommelier can offer. “Helping someone choose a wine that complements their meal is as much about listening to them as it is about knowing which varietal has good acidity or which vintage is preferable. All our Biltmore wines are outstanding,” he said, “so it’s never about selling more wine or pushing the most expensive wines we offer. What really matters is earning a guest’s trust with wine selections that appeal to their palate, even when that means non-traditional pairings.” For Artur, the most rewarding thing about being a Biltmore sommelier is that he becomes part of the guests’ experience–especially when they choose to celebrate a special event at The Inn. “It is my pleasure to offer a warm welcome to all our guests, from those who have never joined us before to those who have spent more than 500 nights at The Inn. Helping guests select a bottle of wine, for me, is more than a service standard and a job requirement–it is a passion of mine. Countless times, uncorking a bottle of wine sparks a conversation that is the beginning of creating loyal guests for decades to come.” Plan your getaway today Ready to experience the four-star elegance of The Inn on Biltmore Estate? Reserve your special getaway today, and be sure to include The Dining Room–with its impressive new Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Restaurant designation–in your plans so that Artur Loli and other members of The Inn’s knowledgeable staff can help make your visit more memorable! Blog images— Featured image: Artur Loli serves sparkling wine to guests at The Inn— First image: Guests enjoying wine at The Dining Room of The Inn— Second image: Artur brings wine to guests at an outdoor event at The Inn— Third image: A sommelier is an expert at opening wines as well as choosing them
Christmas at Biltmore Sparkles at The Winery Posted on November 29, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst 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. 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. 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.
Saving Wine to Savor Later Posted on November 27, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Many wines are ready to drink when released, but some taste even better if they are correctly stored and allowed to age. Why age a wine? We asked Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak for tips on why and how to age a wine. “The reason to store a wine is because you believe it will improve with age. At first tasting, if the wine dries and coats your mouth then it’s obvious you should hold it to drink later. I call it ‘pucker power,’” she said. Sharon notes that some wines, primarily reds, have more initial tannins at bottling. Aging softens those tannins, creating a more balanced and pleasurable wine experience. As the tannins soften, sediment often settles at the bottom, so don’t be surprised to find sediment in aged wines. With proper decanting, the sediment can be removed, allowing the wine to be more easily enjoyed. Successful aging tips for wine Wines age most successfully if you store them in the coolest, most temperature controlled place in your home, and allow for some humidity. Place the bottles upside down to keep the cork from drying out, and keep the wine away from vibrations. Sharon recommends select red wines from our Vanderbilt Reserve or Antler Hill® series for cellaring (as the experts refer to the process) for up to five years. Deciding how long to store a wine is literally a matter of taste. “If you really like a wine, buy a case and in two years try a bottle and take notes,” she said. “If you think it will benefit from more aging, try another bottle in two more years. If you feel it needs more time, open another bottle the following year,” Sharon advised. Discover our award-winning wines at your local retailers or online. Featured image: Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak First image: Choosing a bottle from Biltmore’s wine cellar Second image: Antler Hill red wines suitable for aging Third image: Friends enjoy a glass of well-aged red wine
Bernard Delille on Harvesting Four Decades of Memories Posted on September 25, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst It is increasingly rare to spend four decades in the same business, but when it comes to winemaking, Bernard Delille is outstanding in his field—literally and figuratively! Although Bernard plans to retire in July 2018, his legacy of handcrafting fine wines will continue under the direction of Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak. Here are some exciting highlights from Bernard’s career Sharon Fenchak (Winemaker) and Bernard Delille (Winemaster) in Barrel Room at Winery. A memorable milestone The year 2017 represented a special milestone for Bernard as he celebrated his 40th harvest in the wine industry. A native of France, Bernard joined the Biltmore Wine Company as assistant winemaker in 1986, rising to the position of winemaker in 1991. His background included a master’s degree in Microbiology and Science of the Vines from the Faculty of Sciences in Lyon, France, and a French Winemaker Diploma from the Faculty of Dijon in Burgundy, France. Prior to Biltmore, Bernard was a winemaker in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region. “When I first arrived at Biltmore, I thought the estate was breathtaking,” said Bernard, “and I was very excited in the sense that there was no real history of growing and making wine with vinifera grapes in North Carolina—no rigid and dated rules like in France—plus the opportunity to experiment and to play with grapes from different origins.” Harvest of memories For the past 32 years, Bernard has played an integral role in the production of Biltmore Wines—not just as winemaker, but also as an expert in growing and harvesting grapes here in Western North Carolina and with our distinguished west coast partner vineyards. “Harvest for us winemakers is the most exciting time of the year, and also the most stressful,” Bernard said. “You try to deal with Mother Nature, which is not always very nice and can spoil the hard work of the vineyard crew for an entire year, but you learn to deal with it. Winemaking has for me been the best school of patience and humility.” Today’s philosophy (and favorites)Together with winemaker Sharon Fenchak, Bernard has been committed to handcrafting Biltmore Wines with the philosophy of keeping each one true to varietal character and consistent from vintage to vintage. Bernard is especially fond of sparkling wines and enjoyed crafting them according to the traditional méthode champenoise, making Biltmore’s Winery one of very few that produce both still and sparkling wines. “Sparkling wines aren’t just for celebrations–they’re surprisingly food-friendly as well,” said Bernard. Though his favorite varietal is Sauvignon Blanc, when asked to name his favorite Biltmore Wine, Bernard always tells us, “The one I’m drinking right now!”
Biltmore Wines Have Big Personalities Posted on August 25, 2017 at 4:00 pm.Written by Ellie Garst From flavor to food-friendliness, we’ve always believed that Biltmore wines have big personalities. To highlight North Carolina Wine Month in May, we’re pairing five of the estate’s historic VIPs with a distinctive Biltmore wine that best matches their own larger-than-life personalities! ~ George Washington Vanderbilt ~Antler Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley George Vanderbilt (left; portrait by John Singer Sargent) was a thoughtful collector of wines whose legacy continues to inspire our handcrafted Biltmore wines today. Mr. Vanderbilt was known as a thoughtful collector of wine, often bringing back cases of his favorite discoveries from his world travels to share with friends and family at Biltmore. Handcrafted from exceptional grapes grown by phenomenal vineyard partners in California’s Napa Valley, our full-bodied Antler Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is as refined and elegant as George Vanderbilt himself. ~ Edith Stuyvesant Vanderbilt ~ Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina Our Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay is an elegant match for this glorious Boldini portrait of Edith Vanderbilt Handcrafted from North Carolina’s finest locally grown Chardonnay grapes, this wine is full-bodied with good acidity highlighted by citrus and tropical fruit flavors. Only vintage wines worthy of the Biltmore Reserve name earn this select honor, and the excellence of this Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina reflects the gracious character of Edith Vanderbilt who, in turn, symbolizes the heart of Biltmore and all that the estate represents. ~ Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil ~Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil exemplifies the Roaring Twenties spirit of our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir Born in 1900, Cornelia Vanderbilt would come of age in the Roaring Twenties, a time characterized by the effervescent enthusiasm of the American Jazz Age. Our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir sparkling wine captures the joie de vivre of this exciting era in a crisp, sparkling wine with a delightful light pink hue and flavors of cherries and strawberries. ~ Richard Morris Hunt ~The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County The Hunt Red Blend is named in honor of Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt The name of our richly-layered and refined Bordeaux-style red blend already honors Richard Morris Hunt, the architect of America’s Largest Home®, so it’s no surprise that it also represents his dynamic personality! Aging for 18 months in French and American oak barrels gives The Hunt great structure, just like Biltmore—the magnificent estate that Hunt designed for George Vanderbilt. ~ Frederick Law Olmsted ~Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc reminds us of Biltmore landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Known as the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted planned the breathtaking gardens and grounds that surround Biltmore. With classic grassy and herbal varietal characteristics, Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect partner for such an accomplished horticulturalist, and our Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc—refreshing and unexpectedly creamy with hints of toasted coconut, key lime, and oak—is no exception. Find our award-winning wines online Put Biltmore wines on your “bucket list” for summer sipping! Stock up on your favorites Biltmore wines now and discover new varietals at estate shops, local retailers, and online. Featured image: Photograph of Edith Vanderbilt paired with Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina