Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc in April Posted on April 6, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Since April 23 is National Picnic Day and April 24 is National Sauvignon Blanc Day, it’s a perfect time to celebrate Sauvignon Blanc with a picnic that includes chilled bottles of our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc AND our Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc! Enjoy warm weather sipping with friends and family! What is Sauvignon Blanc? The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France where it was considered a good blending grape for other white wines rather than a stand-alone varietal. Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard Later, Sauvignon Blanc became widely cultivated in Sancerre and in the 20th century was known by the name of that region rather than the name of the varietal. Sauvignon Blanc (or Sancerre) is highly desirable for its food-friendly qualities that make it a natural to pair with a variety of flavors. Pair our 35th Anniversary Chardonnay with fresh seafood and other flavorful fare A classic Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with a high acidity that can hold its own with rich seafood dishes and cheeses, yet is also delicious when sipped by itself. Discover the Biltmore difference Our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc is handcrafted for true varietal character with bright citrus aromas, fresh peach flavors, and an elegant finish. Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak suggests pairing it well-chilled with everything from crab, lobster, oysters, scallops, or shellfish to goat and gruyère cheeses and green salads. Savor Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc with a variety of cheeses Though crafted from the same varietal, our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc gives our winemaker more leeway to express the possibilities of the grape. “It is definitely refreshing,” said Sharon Fenchak, “but also unexpectedly creamy with hints of toasted coconut, key lime, and oak.” Our Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with oysters and other seafood dishes She enjoys serving it with foods like crab, flounder, oysters, and mozzarella cheese. “It’s a perfect partner for sushi, too,” Sharon said, “which can be very difficult for wine pairings.” Stock up on Sauvignon Blanc and celebrate! Pair Biltmore wines with your favorite comfort foods! Go ahead and stock up on now on both our delightful Sauvignon Blanc styles, then invite friends and family for a backyard picnic, grill some crowd-pleasing Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pizzetas, and raise a glass to good times and great wines!
A Desirable Destination for Romance Posted on January 13, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Even before construction of Biltmore House was officially completed, George Vanderbilt offered world-class hospitality—and a desirable destination for romance—to family and friends who visited his estate. Destined for romance In honor of the romantic traditions of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at some of the very first Biltmore visitors: newlyweds Jay and Adele Burden. Adele was George Vanderbilt’s niece, the daughter of his sister Emily Vanderbilt Sloane. She had been a frequent visitor to the estate, even during early stages of construction, and Adele’s love of Biltmore is evident in her diary entries. George Vanderbilt, the Burdens, and Cedric the Saint Bernard crossing the river on Biltmore’s ferry Words in a diary Welcoming in the new year of 1894 at Biltmore nearly a year before the house officially opened, Adele wrote: “Only a word to begin the New Year with. I made my good resolutions last night sitting over a little dying fire. The window was wide open, and the cold night air blew in. The stars were all out, and there was a hushed stillness everywhere as if something were expected. It has been so gloriously beautiful out today; it made me feel wild.” A courtship begins In fact, 1894 would be a significant year for Adele. She was courted by a handsome young man, James “Jay” Abercrombie Burden, whose family owned the Burden Iron works, one of the most successful such firms in the country. Adele had no shortage of suitors, but with his clean-cut good looks, Harvard education, and superior athleticism, Jay soon won Adele’s heart. He proposed in December and the couple married on June 6, 1895, in what was reported to be one of the costliest American weddings held at the time. Jay and Adele Burden on the steps of River Cliff Cottage at Biltmore Happy honeymoon! Of all the possible destinations far and wide, the Burdens chose Biltmore as the place to begin their honeymoon. They spent the first 10 days of their married life at River Cliff Cottage, which was built at the same time Biltmore House was under construction. Just before her wedding, Adele wrote: “The next day we go down to Biltmore to spend ten days in the dear little house Uncle George has given to us. How perfect it will be!” Adele and her husband Jay were the first in a long line of friends and family welcomed as guests at Biltmore to experience what would become George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality. Experience Biltmore Estate as destination for romance Celebrate your romantic occasions at Biltmore Join us to experience the rich history of hospitality and romance at Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, NC. Whether you’re visiting for Valentine’s Day or simply want to shake off winter’s chill while enjoying an exciting glimpse into the past, the estate is always a great destination for romance! Featured image: George Vanderbilt and Cedric the St. Bernard with newlyweds Adele and James Burden at Biltmore
10 Fast Facts About Biltmore Posted on September 18, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Heather Angel Get to know George Vanderbilt’s magnificent 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, with this list of Biltmore facts. Photograph of George Vanderbilt, a scholar, collector, and patron of the arts who came of age during America’s Gilded Age Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore House is the largest privately owned home in the United States and was the Gilded Age vision of George Washington Vanderbilt. Biltmore House was completed in 1895 and is America’s largest privately owned home. 10 Fast Facts About Biltmore Estate George Vanderbilt was born in 1862 in Staten Island, New York. He was the grandson of famed industrialist Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, who established the Vanderbilt family’s immense wealth during the mid-1800s through shipping and railroad monopolies. After visiting Asheville in 1888 with his mother, George Vanderbilt began the process of building his country home. Construction began in 1889 and Biltmore House was first opened to friends and family on Christmas Eve, 1895. Biltmore House was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and is America’s Largest Home® spanning 175,000 square feet, which is more than four acres of floor space. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Adjacent to Biltmore House are 75 acres of formal and informal gardens designed by renowned American landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted George Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in Paris in 1898. Their only child, Cornelia Vanderbilt, was born in the Louis XV Room of Biltmore House in 1900. George passed away unexpectedly following an appendectomy in 1914, leaving the responsibility of managing and preserving of Biltmore Estate to his widow and young daughter. Biltmore was a pioneer in sustainable land use practices in 1895 and has long operated its farm and field-to-table program. Biltmore is also credited as the Birthplace of American Forestry. Today, Biltmore continues to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy of preserving the land and protecting the environment through many ecological, recycling, and alternative energy programs. While the current acreage of Biltmore Estate is approximately 8,000 acres, the acreage during George Vanderbilt’s lifetime was approximately 125,000 acres and included property later sold to the federal government to create Pisgah National Forest, one of the first national forests east of the Mississippi. With 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain estate to discover. today’s guests enjoy Biltmore’s scenic backyard with outdoor activities like biking, carriage rides, hiking, horseback riding, and more. The private estate grounds feature over 22 miles of trails to explore. George Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A.V. Cecil, began planting grapevines in the early 1970s, paving the way for the establishment of Biltmore’s Winery in 1985. Today, our winery is an integral part of a Biltmore visit and is America’s most visited winery. Biltmore’s award-winning wines are available for purchase at estate shops, on shop.biltmore.com, and in select retailers nationwide. On exhibit inside Biltmore House is the Vanderbilt family’s original collection, art, furniture, and more. With an emphasis on preservation, it’s no surprise Biltmore prides itself on having an in-house conservation department. Biltmore Estate remains owned, operated, and preserved by George and Edith Vanderbilt’s descendants. A mission of preservation Today, Biltmore is still family-owned and operated under George Vanderbilt’s mission of preservation through self-sufficiency – a philosophy embraced before the first stone was ever placed. Over the years, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village & Winery, which includes Antler Hill Farm; overnight accommodations, including The Inn on Biltmore Estate–our Forbes Four-Star property, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, and our historic Cottages on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and a licensed products division. Anter Hill Village offers a charming, European-inspired experience surrounding by Biltmore’s working farms and fields. Ready to learn more? Since 1895, Biltmore has welcomed guests from all over the world to experience the splendor of George Vanderbilt’s visionary estate. No matter the season, an 8,000-acre oasis awaits you. From historic gardens and grounds to outdoor adventure, behind-the-scenes tours, new exhibitions and events, distinctive restaurants, shopping, and an award-winning winery, there is something for everyone at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.
Time Travel: George Vanderbilt’s Visit to Japan Posted on September 15, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Judy Ross Time travel with us to explore George Vanderbilt’s visit to Japan that began on September 1, 1892. George Vanderbilt’s visit to Japan Just as visitors do today, Vanderbilt and his cousin, Clarence Barker, toured countless temples and other cultural sites during their visit to Japan. But they apparently worked in some shopping as well, as Biltmore’s archives indicate. Ni-o guardians, carved wood. Edo period (1603-1868). Like most of us, George Vanderbilt purchased souvenirs to remind him of the fascinating places he visited. Unlike us, however, he had a 250-room home under construction with plenty of space for accessories! Perceptions of other places Nagasaki, Takabato Island. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892. Today, it’s hard to imagine how “foreign” Japan seemed to Americans at the end of the 1800s. The country had been closed to most Westerners for 200 years, only opening somewhat to trade beginning in the 1850s. In Vanderbilt’s time, Japan was viewed as a place untouched by the west’s industrialization and modernization. Popular literature of the time evoked a far-off land where feudal traditions persisted and its people lived a simpler life. Carved netsuke, originally used as toggles on kimonos To many Americans, Japan and its culture was exotic and rooted in tradition, offering a blend of spirituality and aesthetic beauty. To George Vanderbilt, deeply interested in history, the arts, and collecting, the allure must have been irresistible. A far-east adventure Invitation to Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration, 1892 The trip itself was an adventure. Vanderbilt and Barker—one of his favorite traveling companions—had just returned from Spain when an invitation arrived to attend the Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebration. Soon after, they packed their trunks and, on September 1, 1892, embarked on the first leg of a 10-week itinerary. First, they accompanied Biltmore architect Richard Morris Hunt to Chicago to see his preliminary work on the World’s Columbian Exposition. Clarence Barker, George Vanderbilt’s cousin and frequent travel companion, ca. 1890 From there, the pair continued westward, stopping in Yellowstone National Park at the Mammoth Hot Springs hotel. Upon reaching San Francisco, they boarded ship for the week-long journey to Yokohama to begin their exploration of Japanese culture and customs—and evidently, quite a bit of shopping! Shopping for souvenirs Ceremonial samurai swords with decorative display stand Antiques shops and art dealers were obviously part of the itinerary, as Vanderbilt eventually shipped 32 cases of art and decorative objects back to America. Among his purchases were: Satsuma ceramics, including a koro or ceremonial incense burner, for $85—a significant sum 122 years agoTwo suits of samurai armor along with spears and swordsNetsuke—miniature sculptures originally used as kimono togglesBronze sculpturesLacquer boxes and sculpturesVaried screens and fansBamboo curtains1,000 festive paper lanterns Time travel today at Biltmore Aerial view of Biltmore House and the Italian Garden We hope you’ll consider Biltmore in your current and future plans. It’s an excellent place to “time travel” into our storied past! If you’d prefer to visit without leaving the comfort of home, be sure to enjoy virtual tours of the estate, or indulge in a bit of shopping in our online store. Featured image: Pagoda at Horinja-Nana. Photo purchased by George Vanderbilt, 1892
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.
Discover Biltmore’s Distinctive Shrub Garden Posted on July 25, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Summer at Biltmore is a glorious season–and the perfect time to discover Biltmore’s distinctive Shrub Garden. Discover Biltmore’s distinctive Shrub Garden Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed many of the areas closest to Biltmore House as a series of outdoor rooms that beckoned guests to step outside and enjoy their surroundings. Enjoy an outdoor picnic in the Shrub Garden Biltmore’s Shrub Garden, located between the Italian Garden and the Walled Garden, invites guests to lose themselves among the winding paths and lush plantings. Stone steps beckon you to discover new delights in the Shrub Garden Caring for this distinctive space For Brooke Doty, a member of the estate’s landscaping team since 2017, Biltmore’s Shrub Garden offers a subtle beauty in striking contrast with other portions of Olmsted’s design. “It’s not as obvious as the Walled Garden with all its bright, blooming flowers, but the Shrub Garden is a place of deep shade and clean structure. The shapes of the mature trees and the open, airy feel of the pathways make it the perfect place for wandering,” said Brooke. Uncovering a native jack-in-the-pulpit plant In caring for Biltmore’s Shrub Garden during the past several years, Brooke has come to appreciate more than just the overall plan of the area. “I constantly see things I never saw before,” Brooke said. “Things that you don’t notice immediately. There are plantings that are tucked back away from the paths, and specimens that you won’t find in most gardens.” Notable specimens Brooke examines the decorative fruits of the Japanese Snowbell tree Styrax japonicus or Japanese Snowbell is one such horticultural gem; the tree is known for producing cascades of flowers in the spring, interesting fruits in summer, modest fall color, and shapely limbs for winter interest. The Shrub Garden is also the home of two state champion trees. One is the golden rain tree (Koelreutaria paniculata) with clusters of small yellow seed pods that hang from its nearly weeping branches in early summer. State champion river birch with cables to support its branches The other is a massive river birch (Betula nigra) with distinctive, cinnamon-colored curling bark. In addition to its champion status, the river birch is one of the original plantings in the garden. “From champion trees to the ‘bones’ of Olmsted’s design, Biltmore’s Shrub Garden offers something interesting for every season,” said Brooke. “I’m always encouraging guests to spend more time here exploring the paths, enjoying the quiet beauty, and discovering the little surprises that await you around each turn.” Colorful summer blooms against the brick tunnel bridge in the Shrub Garden Plan your summer visit today Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden Featured blog image: Brooke Doty at work in the Shrub Garden
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!
Restoring Our Roof: North Tower Ridge Cap Project Posted on May 14, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton In 2015, several leaks in Biltmore House made it clear the time had come for restoring our roof. We brought in Huber & Associates, a firm of historical and restoration roofing experts, to remove the original North Tower Ridge Cap from America’s Largest Home®. A worker removes a section of the original ridge cap under the watchful eye of a grotesque carving After carefully removing each section and taking it back to their Florida workshop, the team used the original pieces as models to build an all-new ridge cap for restoring our roof. This seven-month project shows our commitment to our continuing mission of preserving Biltmore. Here’s how the work unfolded: April 2015 The crew arrived at Biltmore and spent several days disassembling the North Tower Ridge Cap and preparing the pieces for travel. A member of Huber & Associates carefully removes an original section of the North Tower Ridge Cap May 2015 Three different weights of copper were discovered — 18, 20, and 24 ounce — as well as a leaf from one of the vertical panels that still had some of the original gold leaf intact! An original roof panel with George Vanderbilt’s monogram still shows traces of gold leaf About 900 individual pieces arrived in Florida, where they were inventoried and analyzed. June 2015 Scaffolding in place to access North Tower Ridge Cap restoration on roof of Biltmore House Meanwhile, work continued at Biltmore to repair any underlying leaks in the roof, and a temporary ridge cap was created to prevent further damage while the replacement was being built in Florida. August 2015 Exact reproductions of decorative copper components from the North Tower Ridge Cap The crew at Huber & Associates created separate casts for stamping, pouring, and forming new molds to replicate the original pieces. October 2015 Huber & Associates returned to install the replicated pieces of the ridge cap Huber & Associates finished their painstaking replication of the North Tower Ridge Cap and brought all the pieces (original and new) back to Biltmore for installation. The photo above shows one of the new copper sections being installed next to an original portion of the ridge cap with its distinctive green patina. November 2015 Installation of the new North Tower Ridge Cap began and the project was completed in late November. The original pieces were placed in storage. The new copper ridge cap is a reddish-brown color that looks much like it did when Biltmore House was completed in 1895. It is being allowed to acquire a natural patina over time rather than trying to match it by modern methods. A worker installs a new section of the North Tower Ridge Cap Biltmore was honored to receive the Griffin Award for Restoration—given annually by The Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County for projects that accurately depict the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period of time—for this preservation initiative. We are grateful to our amazing employees and to Huber & Associates for all their hard work.
Spring is a Special Time to Honor Olmsted Posted on March 8, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Spring is a special time to honor Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore’s landscape designer. A quiet spot near the Bass Pond highlights Olmsted’s landscape design When designing Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds, Olmsted knew that spring would set the stage for all the glorious seasons to come. Today, the meticulously maintained landscape still stand as a timely tribute to Olmsted’s springtime birthday. Born April 26, 1822, Olmsted is known as “the father of American landscape architecture,” with premiere projects including Central Park in New York City and the grounds of California’s Stanford University. The Lagoon is one of Olmsted’s many landscape designs for Biltmore “There are many beautiful American parks and landscapes that reflect Olmsted’s genius,” said Parker Andes, Director of Horticulture, “but it’s the design for Biltmore that is considered Olmsted’s masterpiece.” According to Parker, Olmsted had already worked on several Vanderbilt family projects when George Vanderbilt approached him in 1888 for advice on the North Carolina property he’d already purchased. “Now I have brought you here to examine it and tell me if I have been doing anything very foolish,” Vanderbilt reportedly told Olmsted. Olmsted’s frank assessment The Approach Road to Biltmore House is lined with azaleas each spring “Olmsted was frank in his assessment, advising Vanderbilt that the soil seemed to be generally poor, with most of the good trees having been culled already,” Parker said. “He noted that the topography was unsuitable for creating the type of park scenery that characterized the English country estates that Vanderbilt admired.” Colorful spring blooms in Biltmore’s Shrub Garden Plans for both the house and landscape changed in 1889 when Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt toured France together and the scale of Biltmore House and its surrounding gardens expanded. Olmsted wrote that he was nervous, not sure how to “merge stately architectural work with natural or naturalistic landscape work,” but Olmsted biographer Witold Rybczynki says that the landscape architect achieved something completely original at Biltmore: the first combination of French and English landscape designs. White wisteria blooming in the Walled Garden “You can see Olmsted’s creativity and skill in the transitions between Biltmore’s formal and natural gardens, and his use of native plants, small trees and large shrubs, and color and texture year-round,” said Parker. Now that Biltmore welcomes 1.7 million guests each year, the historic gardens and grounds must be protected and preserved as carefully as Biltmore House and all other original parts of the estate. Guests of all ages love discovering Biltmore’s “outdoor rooms” like the Azalea Garden “In addition to the impact of so many visitors, the landscape has changed and matured over the past century,” said Parker, “and the challenge for today’s landscaping team lies in determining what Olmsted intended.” Landscaping crews at work to carry on Olsted’s vision for Biltmore “The team uses archival resources such as early plans, original plant lists, letters of correspondence, weekly reports written during the construction of the estate, and information about Olmsted’s design philosophies to help them preserve the landscape style while remaining true to Olmsted’s vision,” Parker noted. Plan your visit this spring Prepare to be dazzled as the splendor of spring unfolds across Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds and thousands of blossoms create a tapestry of color across the estate. Featured blog image: A couple enjoys a visit to the estate’s historic gardens and grounds
Biltmore Furniture Conservator is a Desk Detective Posted on November 16, 2017 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Although her day-to-day responsibilities may include anything from cleaning 100-year-old china to inhibiting biologic growth on outdoor statuary, when Genevieve Bieniosek, Furniture Conservator, tells you she has a desk job, she means it literally. Desk detective Photo of the desk paired with some of its component parts, including six of the eight legs Biltmore’s Museum Services team has been working for several years to return the Oak Sitting Room to its original appearance during the Vanderbilt era of 1895-1914. Like detectives, team members carefully sift through photographs, letters, and other details for clues to the furnishings and objects that were found in the room originally. Historic details One prominent item that will be displayed in the Oak Sitting Room is a massive desk or bureau Mazarin, named for its association with Cardinal Mazarin, a chief minister to Louis XIV, the king of France in the seventeenth century. This type of desk was developed in France in the mid-1600s and functioned as a writing table with drawers on either side of a kneehole. Such furnishings were often decorated with intricate wood and brass marquetry in the style of Andre-Charles Boulle, a royal cabinetmaker to Louis XIV. While thes desk is original to the Biltmore collection, itt only appears in archival photos dating from the 1930s when the house was first opened to the public. A selection of tools needed for this project A massive project takes shape That’s where Genevieve’s expertise comes into play. “The desk was probably already an antique when George Vanderbilt purchased it,” Genevieve said. “When we began this project, the desk had been stored as separate pieces for many years. There are multiple layers of old repairs, from both before and after Vanderbilt used it.” In addition to locating all the pieces, like the legs that were discovered in a drawer in the conservation lab and a bag of tiny brass shapes that had come off the desk over the years, Genevieve must be able to understand how earlier repairs were made, including the mix of adhesives that might have been used to reattach sections of delicate brass marquetry that have lifted or come loose from the desk’s elegantly veneered ebony surface. Rubbings are created from sections of brass and identified according to its original placement Slow and steady progress “We originally allowed two years to complete the repairs,” said Genevieve, “and three or four people have been working on the desk on and off during that time. We are re-gluing sections of brass and wood that are loose, and in cases where the brass or veneer is missing, we make templates and cut replacement pieces to fit.” New brass marquetry shapes cut to fit the original desk The original brass marquetry was also engraved in fine detail, adding depth to the design, but Genevieve says they will paint the lines rather than cutting them, to distinguish modern repairs from the original. Desk leg shows contrast of newly repaired and polished design with original “It’s important that we document everything we’ve done so that future conservators don’t have to wonder or guess,” Genevieve said. “Not knowing how or why something was done makes the repairs that much more difficult and time-consuming.” Featured image: Genevieve Bieniosek carefully polishes the decorative brass marquetry on one of the desk’s eight legs