Taste Passion And Perseverance In This Chardonnay! Posted on December 21, 2021 at 5:07 pm.Written by Jean Sexton “You’ll taste our passion for perseverance in this new Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2020 Barrel Select wine,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore winemaker. From grape to glass Vineyard crews picking grapes by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate “The grapes for this smooth, buttery Chardonnay were carefully nurtured by Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor, and his crew,” Sharon said. “From planting and tending the vines to caring for them throughout the growing season and harvesting the grapes by hand in late September and early October, the vineyard team ensured that we had the best possible fruit to begin this project.” Biltmore-grown barrels These barrels are coopered for the Winery from Biltmore-grown oak According to Sharon, the grapes aren’t the only part of this wine that represents the estate. “Once this medium-bodied golden Chardonnay was ready to be fermented and aged, we transferred it into a group of very special barrels,” said Sharon. For the first time in the estate’s winemaking history, wood from oak trees that were grown on the estate was shipped to Seguin Moreau, an artisan barrel-making firm. Now anchored in Napa, California, the company originated in France in 1838 and continues to provide high-quality barrels to the wine industry today. Chardonnay tasting notes and pairings “It is remarkable to have Biltmore-grown oak coopered into custom barrels for aging our own Chardonnay,” Sharon said. Now, in addition to having our grapes reflect our Blue Ridge Mountain terroir, the very barrels we use for aging also echo the unique characteristics of weather and soil found here.” After aging for 12 months in Biltmore oak barrels, this Chardonnay developed a delightful nose of caramel, coffee, and grilled pineapple, plus pleasant hints of oak that continue on the palate along with flavors of Meyer lemon, vanilla, and kiwi ahead of a lingering finish of honey and spice. Savor our outstanding Biltmore wines with a grazing board at your next gathering To further enhance the rich notes of this exceptional Chardonnay, Sharon suggests warming it slightly to around 60 degrees, then gathering friends together to savor a glass with a grazing platter featuring blue cheese drizzled with local honey, pistachios, and smoked trout dip. Other excellent pairings include seafood cioppino, Caribbean-style red snapper, and mussels with a butter-and-garlic sauce and plenty of toasted baguettes for dipping. Passion and perseverance The label for this distinctive Chardonnay features an original watercolor painting of Biltmore’s vineyard Sharon and the wine production team have called Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2020 Barrel Select wine “the taste of 2020 in a glass.” “That’s not a negative attribute,” Sharon noted. “It really refers to the fact that 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, but even so, we poured our passion, determination, and perseverance into this wine, and we see it as a tribute to North Carolina grape growing.” For the label, Lisa Vogel, Art Director, painted an original watercolor to distinguish this one-of-a-kind wine. “I chose to include an iconic oak tree in the estate’s vineyard,” said Lisa, “as a visual way to represent the grapes and the barrels that earned this outstanding wine our exclusive Biltmore® Reserve Barrel Select designation.” Join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® now to experience this Chardonnay Vanderbilt Wine Club members receive a shipment of Biltmore wines each season, plus access to exclusive vintages, virtual tasting events, and more. This wine will be released exclusively to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members. Explore membership options at the Winery or online, and stock up on your favorite Biltmore wines at biltmoreshop.com.
Taste The Terroir Of Biltmore Wines Posted on November 22, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton When you taste the terroir of Biltmore wines, you’re tasting some of the oldest terroir in the world in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Terroir refers to the complete natural environment in which the grapes for wine are grown and in which the wines themselves are produced and aged. It includes factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. Long established among European winegrowers, the concept of terroir is becoming more important in the U.S. and other nations. Interestingly, there is no exact translation of terroir from its French language origins—it loosely means “a sense of place,” and can be as broad as an entire region or as narrow as a few rows in a specific vineyard. What is the terroir of Biltmore wines? Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard Biltmore’s acreage—including the vineyard—is classified as a Low and Intermediate Mountain System between 1,400–4,600 feet above sea level with soil influenced by elevation, slope aspect, exposure, and vegetation. As part of the ancient Appalachian Mountain chain that formed 480 billion years ago, the Blue Ridge Mountains feature lower elevations and a soft, weathered appearance that shows much they’ve worn away over the years. When George Vanderbilt’s grandson William A.V. Cecil envisioned developing an estate vineyard and winery, he felt it should be possible to grow grapes at Biltmore. In his book Lady on the Hill, Cecil wrote that “Asheville was about the same latitude as Gibraltar in the Mediterranean, and with an altitude between 2,100 and 2,500 feet, the fields of the estate would enjoy warm days and cool nights in the summer.” West coast advantages Partner vineyards in California Unlike the conditions of the Mediterranean and other classic grape-growing regions, however, the climate of Western North Carolina is notoriously unpredictable, averaging 47 inches of rain per year—more than twice the average amount that falls in Napa Valley. In addition to a drier climate, California growers have another advantage when it comes to terroir: the geologic age of the area is much “younger” than that of the east coast. Wine grapes typically fare better in lower-nutrient, more alkaline soils preferably with gravelly or rocky substrates. The idea is that the plants’ roots will grow deeper in such circumstances to seek nutrients and water, allowing the plant and eventually the fruit to express the unique characteristics of the specific location that the grower has chosen. “Our west coast vineyard partners like those in Cienega Valley have the benefits of a maritime climate and rocky soils that create more intensity and richness in the grapes,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Manager. “They may have lower yields there, but flavors develop more fully.” Climate affects terroir Grapes being picked by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard “Soil and climate have significant impact on grape quality, but climate is the more important factor at Biltmore,” said Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor. Grapes can be more reactive to certain weather conditions than some crops, but when the weather is right in Western North Carolina, the fruit produced in our vineyards is exceptional.” Try any of our Biltmore Reserve wines, such as Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina, handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, and you’ll taste not only the character of the varietal, but the distinctive influence of our unique Blue Ridge Mountain terroir. Fun Fact The state soil of North Carolina is known as Cecil soil. Named for Cecil County, Maryland where the soil type was first documented rather than the family name of George Vanderbilt’s descendants, it is nonetheless a delightful coincidence that Biltmore’s vineyard and Winery are rooted in Cecil soil! Purchase Biltmore® Reserve wines now and taste the terroir! Only wines handcrafted from estate-grown grapes earn our Biltmore® Reserve label Find Biltmore wines, including Biltmore® Reserve wines, in estate shops and online.
The Emperor’s Chess Set: A Perfect Birthday Gift Posted on November 5, 2021 at 12:13 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico On his 21st birthday, George Vanderbilt’s friend James McHenry gifted him a chess set and gaming table that once belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte, former emperor of France. The story begins a few years earlier when George travelled to England with his parents and sister, Lila. There they visited the famous Holland House in Kensington at the invitation of McHenry, who was also a friend of Lady Holland. The invitation must have thrilled George, who had just finished reading History of Holland House, a popular title in th United States at the time. Holland House, circa 1878 He wrote in his travel journal: “Yesterday I visited Holland House and passed one of the pleasantest afternoons of my life… I could never describe all the things we saw unless I wrote them down on the spot. I saw all the things described in our book of Holland House. The library is on the second floor and like all the other rooms is very interesting… Mr. McHenry has a magnificent set of Holland House all illustrated in twenty-five volumes… besides many other valuable books.” Indeed, young George and McHenry seemed to have made quite an impression on each other. They remained friends for many years and in 1883, McHenry marked George’s birthday with Napoleon’s chess set and gaming table. The original chess set is made of natural and red-stained ivory. The gaming table, a beautiful combination of walnut, ebony, acacia, ivory, and brass, features an inlaid chess board on one side with a backgammon board on the reverse. Ivory figures from Napoleon’s chess set Following his 1815 defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to the incredibly remote island of St. Helena, where he lived the last years of his life reading books, dictating his memoirs, and playing chess on that very table. When Napoleon was dying of stomach cancer, he ordered his body to be autopsied to potentially save his son from the same disease. After his death in 1821, Napoleon’s heart was removed during this process, sealed in an alcohol-filled silver urn, and placed on the nearby gaming table. (His heart was later interred with his body at Les Invalides in Paris.) Andrew Darling, an upholsterer on St. Helena who happened to be present during the autopsy, purchased the chess set and gaming table at auction soon after. Historians are unsure how the items then made their way to Holland House. Napoleon’s chess set on display in the Library (Image by @Kristen.Maag) George’s fascination with Napoleon persisted thereafter. He collected more than 162 volumes about the former emperor and acquired his snuffbox and breloche, though the latter items are no longer in the Biltmore collection. Napoleon’s chess set, however, is on display in The Biltmore Legacy.
Celebrate Biltmore’s Tree-Raising Tradition Virtually Posted on November 4, 2021 at 5:33 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived content from a Christmas past. For 2021, Biltmore invites you once again to join us online to celebrate our tree-raising tradition virtually! “One of our most beloved Christmas at Biltmore traditions is raising and decorating the grand Banquet Hall tree,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Manager. Wade Ledford, a retired member of Biltmore’s Engineering Services team, enjoys returning each year to help raise the Banquet Hall Christmas tree “George Vanderbilt first welcomed friends and family to Biltmore House on Christmas Eve 1895,” Lizzie said, “so we want to celebrate by sharing a closer look at the process, including many behind-the-scenes details.” Experience this year’s tree raising virtually With the health and safety of our guests and employees in mind, we’ve created a Christmas mini-documentary to give you an exciting virtual view of this 35-foot Fraser fir’s journey to become the seasonal centerpiece in America’s Largest Home®. Celebrating Christmas at Biltmore The Music Room is transformed by Floral Designer Cristy Leonard’s interpretation of the carol “We Three Kings” Biltmore’s Floral Displays team developed a special “Christmas Carol” theme, using an array of traditional seasonal songs that were as popular in the last century as they are today, to create the décor in America’s Largest Home. The Vestibule, Entry Hall, and Winter Garden feature inspiration from Deck the Halls because the words “boughs of holly” reflect George Vanderbilt’s request for “barrels of mistletoe and wagonloads of holly” to decorate his new home. This year’s decorating theme in Biltmore House is “Christmas Carols,” so look for ornamental details like sheet music and instruments “Look for the traditional reds and greens of the season as you enter,” said Floral Designer Lesley Tobar. “And be inspired to deck your own halls!” Star of the show For 2021, the Floral team once again used an enormous eight-pointed Bethlehem star, custom built by Jason Pleva, a member of Biltmore’s carpentry team, as the decorative topper for the 35-foot-tall Banquet Hall Christmas tree. Lucinda Ledford (right) and her teammates adjust the 8-pointed golden star atop Biltmore’s largest Christmas tree “I chose The 12 Days of Christmas as inspiration for interpreting the Banquet Hall,” said Lucinda Ledford, Floral Designer. “In addition to traditional Christmas colors of red and green, I included shades of gold,” Lucinda noted, “so the beautiful golden star was a perfect complement for the tree.” Inspired by “The 12 Days of Christmas,” Lucinda placed five golden wreaths on the mantel “The Banquet Hall features other details from the beloved carol, like these five golden ring-like wreaths on the fireplace mantel,” said Lucinda. Make it jolly Cheerful stockings and fringed swags on the mantel lighten the formal tone of the Library this holiday season Biltmore Floral team member Don Holloway chose the Christmas décor in the Library with inspiration from Jolly Old St. Nicholas, a lively carol that always sets a cheerful mood. “I chose classic reds, greens, and golds for this room that displays about half of the 23,000 books that George Vanderbilt collected,” said Don, “but I also allowed the playfulness of the song to shine through, lightening the formal tone of the Library.” Suggestions of stained glass Translucent jewel-tone ornaments suggest stained glass and complement the vivid tones of the Oak Sitting Room Inspired by the carol O Holy Night, Kyla Dana, Floral Supervisor, selected jewel-toned decorations to complement the rich, vibrant colors of the recently restored Oak Sitting Room. “The worshipful tone of that song led me to think about All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village, which has many ties to the Vanderbilt family. The translucent ornaments I chose for the Oak Sitting Room represent the stained glass windows in the church.” Magnificent details Once the Banquet Hall tree is in place, strings of lights are added with help from team members in the Organ Loft “These are just a few of the magnificent details we’ll have ready for you,” said Lizzie. “So whether you’re able to visit in person or simply enjoy seeing our updates on Facebook and Instagram, Christmas at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas Evenings add a lot of excitement to the holiday season.” Virtual entertaining ideas Whether you’re gathering with friends or hosting a virtual celebration, Biltmore has plenty of holiday hospitality inspiration! In addition to our virtual tree-raising event, we’ve also created a special video to help you host a virtual wine tasting at home. To make it even easier, select our Virtual Wine Tasting Set featuring each of the wines from the video. Savor the delights of our 2021 Tree Raising Wine Trio We’re also offering a Tree-Raising Wine Trio to help you celebrate our virtual event (or your own tree raising festivities), plus our 2021 Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide filled with inspirational ideas for perfect pairings, gracious gatherings, and gift-giving suggestions to make the season even more merry.
Pair Biltmore Wine with Cookies for Holiday Cheer Posted on November 4, 2021 at 2:23 pm.Written by Jean Sexton ‘Tis the season to pair Biltmore wine with your favorite cookies to create plenty of holiday cheer! Pairing wine and cookies “Whether you’re baking at home, participating in a neighborhood cookie swap, or sending sweets to someone far away, our wine and cookie pairing ideas are the perfect way to pour on the cheer this holiday season,” said Courtney Miller, Director of Biltmore’s Winery and Vanderbilt Wine Club®. Pour on the cheer by pairing Biltmore wines with cookies this holiday season Wine and cookie pairings In the recipes below, we’ve paired each cookie with Biltmore wine to make it even easier to match the distinctive flavors with wines that complement them. “Go ahead and sweeten the season by purchasing Biltmore wines,” advised Courtney, “then bake some cookies, or snag similar styles from your local bakery; we won’t tell!” Pour on the holiday cheer According to Courtney, you generally choose a wine that’s a little sweeter than the treat with which you plan to pair it, but richer, heavier sweets can stand up to dryer wines. “Either way, you’ll be ready to savor a sophisticated treat for the holidays,” Courtney said. “And if you upgrade Santa’s usual glass of milk to a glass of Biltmore wine, I’m pretty sure he’ll add you to his ‘nice’ list!” Honey Gingersnap Cookies Spice up your holiday wine and cookie pairings by serving Honey Gingersnaps with Biltmore Estate® Riesling! Heidi Badger, Pastry Sous Chef at Cedric’s® Tavern, developed this recipe. “These honey gingersnaps are soft, tender, and nicely spiced, especially if you use freshly grated ginger. The honey flavor is very subtle,” said Heidi. Chef Heidi recommends serving these traditional holiday favorites with lightly sweet wines such as our delightful Biltmore Estate® Riesling. Yield: approximately 3 dozen cookiesPreparation Time: 15 minutesTotal Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time) Ingredients8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature½ cup sugar½ cup honey1 large egg2 cups flour2 teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt1 teaspoon ground ginger or freshly grated ginger1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon ground cloves MethodIn a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and honey until fluffy. Mix in egg and set aside. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir into wet ingredients until combined. Chill dough for 1 hour or until slightly firm. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Flourless Fudgy Chocolate Mudslide Cookies Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside–these chocolate cookies pair perfectly with our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah. “These cookies have a rich, intense chocolate flavor, especially when enhanced by the coffee liqueur,” said Angie Chan, Pastry Chef, Deerpark & Lioncrest. “They feature a crispy outer shell that reminds me of meringue and a fudgy, soft interior. Because the recipe is already flourless, the cookies can be made gluten free.” For a match made in heaven, Chef Angie suggests pairing these rich chocolate cookies with red wines like our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah. Yield: approximately 2 dozen cookiesPreparation Time: 15 minutesTotal Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time) Ingredients1 cup chocolate chips1 cup cocoa powder3 egg whites3 cups powdered sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or coffee syrup*1–2 tablespoons milk *Coffee syrup: dissolve 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder with 1/3 cup sugar in 1/3 cup hot water. Allow to cool and use the same amount noted in the recipe. MethodIn a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract until lightly foamy. Combine wet and dry mixtures and stir until well mixed. Dough will be very thick and sticky once it comes together. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help with mixing, if needed.Add in the chocolate chips and refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and coat with a thin layer of non-stick vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.Scoop 1 tablespoon worth of dough and place onto prepared cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and dry. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat is a favorite for many guests, and it pairs perfectly with our Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies! For an updated version of a classic treat, Chef Angie also created Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies with bright hints of citrus and the tart tang of cranberries. “There’s nothing more perfect for the holidays than shortbread cookie like this with fresh flavors to lighten the richness of the recipe,” Chef Angie said. “In addition, they pair perfectly with the hints of tropical fruit in our lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat. Yield: about 2 dozenPreparation Time: about 15 minutesTotal Time: about 2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time) Ingredients1¾ cup all-purpose flour2/3 cup granulated sugar8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature2 teaspoons lemon extract (or fresh-squeezed lemon juice as substitute)1 teaspoon baking soda2 tablespoons milk1 tablespoon lemon zest½ cup dried cranberries¼ teaspoon salt MethodPreheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar, butter, and lemon extract together until light and fluffy.Add flour, baking soda, and salt and stir until just combined. Add lemon zest and milk, mix well. Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Mixture will be crumbly.Work dough by hand into a ball and then roll into a log about 2-3 inches thick. Wrap with parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.Once dough is chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to carefully slice dough into about ½-inch pieces and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy Biltmore wine and cookies this holiday season! Pair Biltmore wines and cookies for holiday gatherings, or indulge in a spot of solo sipping and snacking during the season! Whether you’re pairing them with cookies, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a peaceful glass by a crackling fire, you’ll find all our award-winning Biltmore wines in our estate shops, online, and close to home with our Retail Locator. For a special gift for yourself and others, consider joining our Vanderbilt Wine Club®. You’ll enjoy hand-selected Biltmore wines delivered to your door each season, plus all the other privileges membership brings.
Select Special Gifts They’re Sure to Savor! Posted on October 28, 2021 at 8:01 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Let Biltmore’s experts in holiday hospitality help you select special gifts that your recipients are sure to savor. From thoughtful thank-you gifts to perfect pairings and more, we’ve got everything you need to uncork the cheer all season long. We asked Natalie Hackney, Vice President of Retail, and Alisha Forester, Wine Sales Director, for recommendations on selecting special gifts for everyone you want to delight during your seasonal celebrations. Here are some of their personal favorites: Gifts for Her Give her special gifts–including our award-winning wines–from Biltmore this holiday season! “For all the ladies on your gift list this season, we’ve got everything from award-winning Biltmore wines to estate-inspired jewelry, elegant handbags, and more,” said Natalie. Vanderbilt Reserve® Alexander Valley Sauvignon Blanc CRISLU Biltmore House Necklace Biltmore Red Sequin Backpack by Loungefly Gifts for Him Surprise the men in your life with special gifts from Biltmore to celebrate the season “If you’re looking for gifts for guys during the holidays, consider a mix of Biltmore wines, gourmet foods, and a selection of our delicious seasonings, rubs, and sauces,” Alisha advised. Vanderbilt Reserve® Merlot Dry Creek Valley Biltmore® Grown Beef Biltmore Seasonings, Dips, and Condiments Gifts for Kids Biltmore Sparkling Grape Juice is a perfect gift for the kids on your list (or anyone who prefers an option without alcohol) “We’ve got so many ideas for the young, and the young at heart, that it’s hard to choose!” said Natalie. “But the following list is a fun selection filled with estate-related items that many ages can enjoy.” Biltmore Sparkling Grape Juice Cedric the St. Bernard Stuffed Animal Biltmore Backyard Journal Gifts for Foodies All the foodies on your list are sure to love delicious pairings with Biltmore wines and gourmet goodies “The holidays offer so many opportunities for foodies that it’s easy to give gifts of good taste with perfect pairings of Biltmore wines, serving accessories, and gourmet delights,” Alisha said. Thanksgiving Wine Trio Biltmore Cheeseboard Biltmore Jams, Honeys, and Syrups Gifts for Wine Enthusiasts Perfect pairings: The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket “We know how important fine vintages are to wine enthusiasts, and these are wines you’ll want to share with those who appreciate the craft of winemaking. As for a gift membership to our Vanderbilt Wine Club®, your recipient will thank you all year round!” said Natalie. The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County Virtual Wine Tasting Set Vanderbilt Wine Club® Membership Gifts under $50 The 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wines makes a perfect gift for someone special “In this category, we’ve got some delightful wines that make great gifts,” said Alisha. “The three I’m recommending are lightly sweet and pair perfectly with holiday desserts, as well as being a thoughtful way to thank your host for including you in a seasonal celebration.” Biltmore® Century Sweet Red Wine Christmas at Biltmore 2021 Wine Bundle Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat Gifts under $100 Handcrafted with premium vintages from the finest growing regions, Antler Hill® wines offer extraordinary taste and excellent aging potential. The handsome label is reproduced from a sporting print in George Vanderbilt’s collection. “If you want to give someone a very special gift during the season, our Antler Hill® wines are truly extraordinary. You can savor them now, or allow them to mature and deepen with time,” Natalie said. Antler Hill® Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Antler Hill® Zinfandel Rockpile Antler Hill® Pinot Noir Chalk Hill Gifts for Biltmore Enthusiasts Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 18 months in oak “This is a special category,” said Alisha, “because these are the folks who love Biltmore in every season! We’ve selected some wonderful wines that they’re sure to savor, whether giving or receiving them as special gifts.” Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina Seasoned with Cheer With Biltmore wines, all your gatherings are seasoned with cheer! In addition to these ideas, find more inspiration and stock up on award-winning Biltmore wines for all your celebrations with our Seasoned with Cheer guide to holiday hospitality.
Holiday Décor Ideas from Biltmore and Balsam Hill Posted on October 28, 2021 at 12:50 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Once again, Biltmore® and Balsam Hill® have teamed up to help with all your holiday décor ideas, from beautiful basics to helpful hints that tie it all together. An expert partnership “Our holiday decorating traditions are always something we look forward to sharing,” said Lizzie Borchers, Biltmore Floral Manager, “and as you prepare to deck your own halls, we hope you’ll be inspired not only by Christmas at Biltmore, but also by our partnership with the experts at Balsam Hill. Together, we can offer helpful ideas for filling your home with the spirit of the season!” Choose your holiday décor theme Featured: Biltmore Spruce Tree, Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Ornaments, Ribbon, Tree Skirt “Consider your theme and the type of decorations you want to use, including ornaments and matching ribbons or garlands,” said Lizzie, “just like we do each year at Biltmore.” For 2021, Lizzie and her team of talented floral designers chose “Christmas carols” as their theme to inspire the holiday décor in Biltmore House. “You can find inspiration anywhere,” Lizzie noted, “from your interests and hobbies to a color you love or a time period that excites you.” Since the Christmas tree is usually the central element of any holiday décor, Lizzie recommends completing the look of your tree by picking a tree topper and a skirt, collar, or replacement stand such as a galvanized tub or decorative basket that suits your overall theme. Light up your holiday décor Featured: Silverado Slim Christmas Trees by Balsam Hill “Pre-lit Christmas trees are a convenient option since they minimize the time you spend setting up,” said Jennifer Derry, Balsam Hill’s Executive Vice President of Product Merchandising, “and they provide effortless elegance and sparkle to your holiday décor.” Jennifer also noted that you can choose between traditional incandescent lights or energy-efficient LEDs. “Go classic clear, multicolored, or look for pre-lit trees that offer twinkly light shows you can control from your phone,” she said. 5 expert tips for staying on track Featured: Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Ornament Set Now that you’ve considered some of the basics of how you’d like to decorate, here’s are some tips to help you make the most of your time while creating the perfect holiday mood in your home: Choose a themeStart considering a theme as early as three months before Christmas. At Biltmore, we begin planning a year in advance to make sure we’re ready for the holiday season in America’s Largest Home®!Make an inventory of your collectionAfter selecting a theme, list items needed and set a working budget. If you’re reusing existing decorations, check their condition and look for any damage. Test light bulbs and repair or replace anything as needed.Clean up before decoratingIt can be tiring to clean and decorate at the same time. If possible, clean the house a day or two before adding holiday décor. This makes the task easier and more enjoyable. Work with a teamAsk for help from family members and friends to make setting up more manageable. Start with the big tasks first, and leave simpler jobs for last.Make time for gift wrappingFor a special touch, consider matching your gift wrapping materials with your decorative theme. If you have young children or indoor pets, you may want to wait a day or two before Christmas to lay out the gifts. Ready…set…decorate! Take time to properly fluff up artificial trees and greenery–it makes a big difference in how good your holiday décor looks! “One of the most important things we do when we begin decorating for Christmas at Biltmore is to properly fluff up the branches of any artificial Christmas trees or greenery before adding decorations,” said Lizzie. “It makes a world of difference in how full and natural your display looks.”To prevent dislodging or breaking ornaments, Lizzie suggests working your way down from the top of the tree. Start with those items that need to be hung all the way around your tree, such as light strings, ribbons, and garlands.Expert Tip: Spread out ornaments in various sections of your tree. Every once in a while, step back to check if everything looks balanced. Holiday décor ideas to make your mantel merry Make your mantel merry with Biltmore Gilded Stockings Featured: Biltmore Gilded Stockings “Once you’ve decorated your Christmas tree, think about other focal points in the room,” said Jennifer. “A wreath above the fireplace mantel draws the eye and immediately establishes a holiday tone.”The addition of garland or greenery softens the architectural details of the mantle and can also enhance family pictures or holiday collectibles you want to highlight in that space.“One of my favorite holiday touches is to hang a group of stockings on the mantel,” Jennifer said. “It creates a merry mood and helps bring out the child-like wonder in all of us!”Jennifer also suggests creating holiday scenes with tabletop accents like musical snow globes and figurines, noting that console tables also provide nice display areas for flameless candles, greenery, and more.Expert Tip: Small details matter—they make your holiday décor individual to you and much more meaningful. Find holiday décor and more! Perfect pairings: choose an elegant Biltmore cheeseboard and a favorite Biltmore vintage as a gift for someone special We hope these ideas have helped you prepare for your own holiday decorating. Look for more holiday décor inspiration throughout the season, plus browse the newest Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Collection by Balsam Hill featuring ornaments and accessories in glorious jewel tones that are sure to delight! Find everything you need to celebrate the season, from award-winning wines and gourmet food to jewelry and gifts, in our Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide. Featured image: Biltmore Spruce Tree, Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Ornaments, Ribbon, Tree Skirt
Celebrate Small Moments That Matter With Biltmore Posted on October 27, 2021 at 10:05 pm.Written by Jean Sexton This season, celebrate the small moments that matter most with Biltmore. “Gracious gatherings, special events, and festive decorations accompany the holiday season, but many times it’s the small moments that we really remember most, like catching up with friends over a glass of Biltmore wine,” said Jan Douglas, Director of Guest Relations. With Biltmore wines, all your gatherings are seasoned with cheer! Make it meaningful “Amidst the exciting rush of the holidays, it’s important to celebrate small moments that matter. Remembering what’s meaningful, carving out time for ourselves, and prioritizing family and cherished friends is truly what this joyful season is all about,” Jan said. We’ve gathered some of our guests’ favorite memories and traditions to inspire your own celebrations. Collecting special memories Discover all the delightful details that make this collectible Jim Shore Biltmore® Santa so special! For Cheri Compton, a long-time Passholder from Knoxville, Tennessee, time spent at Biltmore with her mother was a cherished Christmas tradition. “My mother and I went to Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore for several years before she was unable to travel,” Cheri explained. “We would spend hours looking at the trees and the beautiful decorations, and her favorite thing was to be sure we were there while there was seasonal music in the house.” When her mother could no longer make the trip, Cheri continued the tradition with friends and always brought her mother a keepsake Biltmore Santa for her collection. Handwritten holiday wishes Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine Mailing handwritten Christmas cards is Paige Price’s favorite way to send a hug to the special people in her life. “At Christmas, I like to take time to remember friends and former co-workers whom I no longer see on a regular basis,” she said. “In preparation, I make a trip to Biltmore every fall from my home in Lexington, Kentucky, to choose my Christmas wine to save for the card-writing occasion,” Paige said. “When I sit down to begin composing notes to each person and reflect on the memorable times we spent together, I celebrate them, and the season, by having a glass!” This year, Paige opted for a bottle of our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs to add special sparkle to the small moments that matter most to her. Sounds of the season Music strikes a special chord for many guests at Biltmore Kim Meade of Tennessee has been a professional pianist for most of her life, but a Christmas performance at Biltmore 30 years ago still holds a special place in her heart. “I was blessed to be part of a church group that performed at Biltmore House,” Kim said. “Talk about a dream come true! There are few places left that allow you the feeling of stepping back in time. Biltmore is one of those, and that night was an evening I will never forget.” Kim remembers the decorated trees in every room, and the feeling that for one moment in time, she and all the others were special guests of the Vanderbilts. “We felt as if George and Edith Vanderbilt might just walk in at any moment to make sure every detail was in place!” said Kim. “Being a small part of the magic of Biltmore during Christmas was a forever moment for me.” Seek out small moments that matter most Savor all your special small moments with Biltmore wines! As the holiday season gets under way, we hope you’ll make time to visit Biltmore and discover your own small moments that matter. Like many of our guests whose special Christmas memories are created with Biltmore as the backdrop, we invite you to join us to celebrate your own small moment traditions—or create new ones—that will bring you closer to family, friends, and what matters most to you. Find everything you need to celebrate the season, from award-winning wines and gourmet food to jewelry and gifts, in our Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide.
Take Note: Pairing Biltmore Wines with Christmas Carols Posted on October 27, 2021 at 1:19 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Happy memories are sparked when you hear the opening notes of traditional holiday music, and pairing Biltmore wines with Christmas carols can certainly season the moment with even more cheer! Catch up with Biltmore’s team of talented floral designers and discover some light-hearted pairings of the season’s merriest melodies with our award-winning Biltmore wines. Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina + Deck the Halls There’s nothing finer than a glass of our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay handcrafted of estate-grown grapes “I am inspired by the warmth and good cheer of the carol Deck the Halls and its reference to “boughs of holly” because that’s exactly what Mr. Vanderbilt brought in to use for décor during the first Christmas celebration at Biltmore,” said Lesley, a member of Biltmore’s floral team. To capture that feeling of Biltmore’s halls decked for the season, nothing could be finer than a pairing with Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina, especially since this smooth, classic wine is handcrafted from estate-grown grapes. Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio + 12 Days of Christmas Savor the delights of our 2021 Tree Raising Wine Trio “To complement the baronial splendor of the Banquet Hall, I’m inspired by the traditional Christmas colors of red, green, and shades of gold,” said Lucinda, Floral Designer, “and added touches of blue and orange to reflect some of the more whimsical details included in the song 12 Days of Christmas.” With that carol in mind, we suggest pairing the majesty of the Banquet Hall and its 35-foot-tall Fraser fir Christmas tree with our Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio that includes Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine, Christmas at Biltmore White Wine, and Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina. That way, you can sip and savor throughout the 12 days of Christmas! Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer + Here We Come A’Wassailing Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing! As a floral designer, Christy shared her experience of selecting ornaments for the holiday season. She loves choosing a lot of copper, cream, and gold-colored ornaments to follow the theme of the traditional English carol, Here We Come A’Wassailing. The ornaments had vanilla and spice hues that echoed the ingredients present in a seasonal wassail drink. Our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer makes a lightly sweet and aromatic pairing. For a richer, deeper flavor to spice up a winter’s evening, go “a’wassailing” with our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon. Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina + Jolly Old St. Nicholas Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 18 months in oak Designer Don draws inspiration from Jolly Old St. Nicholas, a lively carol that’s sure to set a cheerful mood. “I choose classic reds, greens, and golds, but I also allowed the playfulness of the song to shine through.” It’s easy to imagine Mr. Vanderbilt by the crackling fire, his beloved St. Bernard named Cedric napping by his side, waiting for jolly old St. Nicholas to arrive. A worthy pairing with Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina—an outstanding wine handcrafted from estate-grown grapes. Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs + Joy to the World Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine Inspired by Joy to the World, the most-published Christmas carol in America, designer Joslyn, recommends a monochromatic magenta color scheme for a unique seasonal complement to this popular melody. Allow the sweet strains of the joyful carol that Joslyn chose to bubble up into a perfect pairing with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine and let’s raise a glass to the Vanderbilts, who definitely added joy to the world with their gracious hospitality for the holidays. Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with Christmas carols! Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir + O Holy Night Inspired by the beautiful words of O Holy Night, Kyla, Floral Supervisor, selects translucent, jewel-toned decorations. “The carol has a worshipful tone,” said Kyla, “and that led me to think about All Souls Cathedral and the Vanderbilt family’s ties there, so I have selected ornaments reminiscent of stained glass.” As a perfect partner for pairing with this carol is our Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. It’s an exceptional wine that’s still very approachable. It starts out soft and lovely, then soars, and then it lingers with you, much like the notes of O Holy Night. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec + Canta, Rie, Bebe Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec Floral team member Lesley pulls in shades of red, pink, blue, and pewter to portray the energetic beat of Canta, Rie, Bebe (Sing, Laugh, Drink), a traditional Spanish Christmas carol. This is the perfect Christmas carol to pair with the bold flavors of Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec, This spicy, award-winning wine has Spanish origins. Celebrate the season with Biltmore wines We hope you’ve enjoyed our perfect pairings with Biltmore wines and Christmas carols. You can find our award-winning wines—and everything else you need to celebrate the season—on Biltmore Shop.
Top 10 Staff Favorites for Christmas at Biltmore Posted on October 25, 2021 at 3:19 pm.Written by Jean Sexton What are the top 10 staff favorites for Christmas at Biltmore? Among the multitude of joys experienced during the holiday season at America’s Largest Home®, we’ve collected a special list to inspire your imagination and assist with gift giving. Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies “Many of our staff members have been part of the Biltmore family for decades, but their joy and wonder during the holiday season never fades,” said Terri Koestler, Senior Director of Employee Experience. “From festive food and drink to mementos and special moments, these top 10 staff favorites offer a special glimpse into our employees’ perspectives.” Our holiday legacy continues On an unforgettable Christmas Eve in 1895, more than 20 members of George Vanderbilt’s family gathered at Biltmore House for the first time. Their awestruck delight has been repeated throughout the decades as today’s guests experience Biltmore during the holidays. Here’s how even our long-time Biltmore staff members catch the spirit of the season every year: 1. Laura’s favorite: the sounds of music A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall Laura Cope, Collections Manager, ensures the proper care of Biltmore’s priceless furniture, art, and objects. An avid music lover, she enjoys the talented musicians who play at Biltmore–especially at Christmastime. “I always get sentimental at Christmas when I hear a harp play inside Biltmore House,” she raid. “To hear What Child is This? or The Nutcracker Suite within these beautifully decorated rooms really gives you a sense of what guests of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt would have experienced. It’s something that I look forward to every year!” 2. Jeff’s favorite: going a-wassailing Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing! “Love and joy come to you” are among the New Year wishes sung in this traditional Christmas carol, and Jeff Jones, Carriage House Supervisor, enjoys the song’s warm sentiment while sipping a cup of spicy wassail. “Nothing tastes as much like Christmas as a cup of wassail,” said Jeff. “It’s not just one of our staff favorites—our guests love it as soon as they sample it in our estate shops!” According to Jeff, all three varieties of Biltmore’s Wassail Spice Blend can season your favorite wine, cider, or other hot beverage with cheer during the holidays and all year round. 3. Staff favorites: party starters Make entertaining easy with Biltmore’s delicious cheeseball and dip mixes Another staff favorite? The ability to bring a bit of Biltmore elegance to any holiday gathering with our best-selling gourmet cheeseball and dip mixes. With festive options such as Christmas at Biltmore Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball Mix, along with traditional crowd favorites like Biltmore® Spinach Dip Mix, no more than two additional staple ingredients are needed for a quick and easy way to let the fun begin! 4. Staff favorites: dazzling “decorations” Drawn from elements in Biltmore House, jewelry by Southern Gates® is a charming remembrance of the time you spent at Biltmore. Biltmore staff members carry the legacy of the estate close to their hearts at Christmastime and beyond by wearing a piece of Biltmore-inspired jewelry or choosing it as a gift for someone special. Staff favorites include collections by CRISLU and Southern Gates® that feature tiny tokens of timeless luxury found at the estate and highlight some of Biltmore’s most memorable features using precious gemstones and custom-designed charms. 5. Hannah’s favorite: wrapping up gift giving Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make wonderful gifts for the holidays. As Visual Assets Coordinator, Hannah Parks sees the beauty of Biltmore through photographs and videos, including places that guests rarely visit, like the vineyards on the west side of the estate.“I’m excited that the 2019 vintages of Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc North Carolina and Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina have been released just in time for the holidays,” said Hannah. “Not only are they two of my all-time favorite Biltmore wines, but the fact that they are handcrafted from estate-grown grapes makes them really wonderful local gifts. I’ve already bought several bottles to share with friends and family, and I may go back for more!” 6. Kyle’s favorite: the nicest spices! Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs Many Biltmore staff members are fans of Spicewalla, a home-grown Asheville business that has gained worldwide attention for its unique small-batch spice blends. “To complement your holiday meals, I suggest the robust rubs that Spicewalla has created especially for the estate’s Biltmore Grown® Beef selections, including Biltmore Grown Brisket Rub, Biltmore Grown Steak Rub, and Biltmore Grown Burger Rub,” said Kyle Mayberry, Director of Agriculture for the estate. 7. Courtney’s favorite: sipping and savoring all year-round Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club® According to Courtney Miller, Wine Club Manager, membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club® is a fabulous gift for a loved one, or a decadent one for yourself! “Surprise someone special with a gift membership that lasts for 12 whole months,” Courtney said. “You’ll definitely be on their ‘nice list’ every time a seasonal shipment arrives!” Wine Club members receive their preference of red wines, white wines, a mix of red and white wines, or sweet wines each season along with tasting notes and chef-inspired recipes, plus exclusive access to special discounts, promotions, and invitations to members-only special events. 8. Staff favorites: seasonal spreads Delight your guests with gifts of good taste, including Biltmore’s jams, jellies, spreads, and syrups Just as the Vanderbilts loved to host and entertain family during the holidays, our staff knows how to show hospitality to their own Christmas guests with more than two dozen gourmet flavors of Biltmore jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and syrups that delight at the breakfast table, enhance a charcuterie board, and make perfectly delicious gifts throughout the season—especially when paired with Biltmore wines! 9. Staff favorites: crowdsourcing our Christmas wine labels Shop our special edition 2023 Christmas Wines online! Since 2018, Facebook followers of Biltmore have weighed in on the one-of-a-kind labels found on our bottles of Christmas at Biltmore’s Red and White Wines. Our Biltmore staff members love giving these special bottles as thoughtful hosting or Christmas gifts, and many buy an extra bottle for themselves as a collectible keepsake! 10. Brent’s favorite: raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree Raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree is a guest and staff favorite tradition at Biltmore The rooms of Biltmore House will be filled with more than 60 hand-decorated Christmas trees each year, but the one that stirs the hearts and imaginations of our guests and staff members the most is the 35-foot-tall fresh-cut Fraser fir in the tapestry-lined Banquet Hall. Brent Merrell, Director of Engineering Services, oversees the installation of the towering tree. “Every year, we experience excitement mixed with some nerves on the day we bring in the massive tree, which weighs 2,500 to 3,000 pounds,” explained Brent. “The tree-raising is virtual again this year, but this tradition is always a staff favorite because it truly marks the beginning of the Christmas season at Biltmore.” What are your top 10 favorites for Christmas at Biltmore? Our employees, both new and seasoned, enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for this special time of year with our guests. We hope you will join them and create your own top 10 list of favorites during Christmas at Biltmore! Be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with #ChristmasatBiltmore. Find everything you need to season your celebrations with cheer at Biltmore, or from the comfort of home with the convenience of online shopping at shop.biltmore.com.