Pick Perfect Pairings For Seasonal Celebrations Posted on October 21, 2021 at 11:49 pm.Written by Jean Sexton It’s that time of year when you want to pick perfect pairings for your seasonal celebrations, and Biltmore’s holiday hospitality experts are ready to help you! “For more than 125 years, Biltmore has been sharing our expertise in gracious entertaining,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore Winemaker. “Whether you’re planning a holiday happening in your home, traveling to Biltmore for a family getaway, or hosting a virtual visit with faraway friends, we’ll help you pick perfect Biltmore wine pairings for all your gatherings.” Friendsgiving (Saturday before Thanksgiving) Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs Traditionally celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is often a less formal gathering of friends and loved ones, with dishes ranging from traditional to potluck to leftovers. “If you’re not sure what your host is serving, or if you expect a lot of different dishes, it’s a good idea to have both red and white wines on hand,” Sharon said.Friendsgiving food-and-wine pairing suggestions: Charcuterie From cheese to meat to nuts, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo is a perfect pairing. Biltmore Grown® BeefMeatballs This recipe from Estate Executive Chef Mark Demarco is a crowd pleaser that pairs well with our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Serve up this savory side dish with our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina. Desserts If guests are bringing a variety of desserts, be prepared to toast their thoughtfulness with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) Our Thanksgiving Wine Trio offers perfect pairing partners for your favorite holiday flavors! “Thanksgiving is probably the most food-oriented holiday of the year,” said Sharon “and that’s why we created our Thanksgiving Wine Trio featuring three outstanding Biltmore wines to pair with a wide variety of your favorite dishes.” For a traditional Thanksgiving menu, Sharon suggests these perfect pairings with wines from our Thanksgiving Trio: Smoked Salmon Bruschetta Keep your guests happy before dinner with this delightful appetizer and a glass of Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé. Green Beans with Pancetta and Hazelnut Brown Butter Pair this sophisticated take on green beans with our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay. Roast Turkey The showpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner pairs perfectly with our approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019. Hanukkah (December 7–15, 2023) Perfect pairings: The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket Known as the Festival of Lights, this Jewish tradition encompasses eight nights of celebration including stories, music, gifts and a variety of special dishes. “While Biltmore wines are not certified Kosher, we would like to offer pairings that complement the delicious foods that are such an important part of the Hanukkah festivities,” Sharon noted. Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket However you prefer to prepare it (like our Brisket with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce), brisket pairs perfectly with a bold, robust wine such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County. Latkes It may come as a bit of a surprise, but crispy fried potato latkes are especially good when paired with a sparkling wine like our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs! Gelt Though usually given to children, these cheerful gold-wrapped chocolate coins offer adults a perfect pairing with the rich flavor of Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine. Winter Solstice (December 21, 2023) Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing! The winter solstice marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate it in some fashion, although there are no well-established traditions for foods or activities. “If you’re planning a winter solstice gathering, or just enjoying some star gazing on the longest night of the year, it’s a good time to sip something hearty like our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec,” said Sharon. Mulled wine Chase away the chill in air with a steaming cup of mulled wine featuring any of our Biltmore® Wassail Spice Blend mixed with our soft Biltmore Estate® Merlot or lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer. Port-style wine Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine is a port-style wine that warms up winter evenings with rich tastes of sun-dried stone fruit drizzled with hints of caramel. Christmas (December 25) Celebrate Christmas with perfect pairings of Biltmore wines and your favorite holiday dishes “There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are people who celebrate it,” said Sharon. “Instead of individual of wine-and-food pairings, we suggest choosing one of our convenient Biltmore wine bundles to have on hand for the holidays. That way, you’ll be able to pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal occasions.” Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio Deck your halls while enjoying our soft, fruit-forward Christmas at Biltmore® Red Wine, our fragrant, semi-sweet Christmas at Biltmore® White Wine, and our refreshing Christmas at Biltmore® Sparkling handcrafted from grapes grown in our estate vineyard. Biltmore Holiday Cheer Wine Trio This outstanding trio features options for every palate, from our crisp, spicy Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling and our approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley to The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County, a distinctive Bordeaux-style favorite. Savor as a set or give as thoughtful gifts of the season. Winemaker’s Wonderland Set This outstanding four-bottle set contains our refreshing Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc, velvety smooth Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, richly layered Vanderbilt Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, and the brilliant bubbles of Biltmore Estate® Brut. Kwanzaa (December 26, 2023–January 1, 2024) Pair the rich flavors of Praline Pumpkin Pie with the light sweetness of Biltmore Century Sweet White Wine. This week-long celebration of African cultures and principles is usually individualized by families or communities, but often includes singing, dancing storytelling, and a bountiful meal on the final night. “A Kwanzaa menu can incorporate many different foods, with as much emphasis on the sides and desserts as the main offerings,” said Sharon. “For that reason, we’ve suggested Biltmore wine pairings with a selection of some of the more traditional dishes.” Jerk chicken For spicier dishes like this, a crisp, refreshing wine like Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé is a great complement to intense flavors and peppery heat. Savory Butternut SquashTart Savor this irresistible combination of warm spices and buttery crust with our crisp, unoaked Antler Hill® Chardonnay Carneros, recently awarded 92 points by Wine & Spirits magazine! Praline Pumpkin Pie A wine should always be slightly sweeter than the dessert with which it’s paired, like the unbeatable combination of this pie with our aromatic Biltmore® Century Sweet White Wine. New Year’s Day (January 1) Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with Christmas carols! While New Year’s Eve is all about sparkling wine, the traditional menu for New Year’s Day calls for a bit more than bubbles to bring good luck in the coming months: Pork tenderloin, Hoppin’ John, and collard greens Some bold red wines are too much, while some white wines are too little, so we recommend pairing your New Year’s Day meal with our soft, approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019–it’s just right for the occasion! Valentine’s Day (February 14) Set a romantic mood with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine “On this most romantic holiday, there are numerous ways to celebrate, so we’ve listed some wine-and-food suggestions that allow you to pick perfect pairings for your special occasion,” Sharon said. Breakfast and brunch Start the day off right with an Orange Muscat Mimosa featuring our delightful Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat. Red wine and chocolates Pair your favorite chocolates with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine. Romantic dinner Pair Biltmore Grown® London Broil with Au Poivre Sauce and Bleu Cheese Butter with an elegant red wine such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County. Pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal celebrations! Find these Biltmore wines for perfect pairings–plus all your other handcrafted favorites–in estate shops, online, and close to home with our Retail Locator. For more holiday inspiration, visit our Gift Guide for Holiday Gatherings.
Facebook Fans Help Create Our Christmas Wine Labels Posted on October 12, 2021 at 6:19 pm.Written by Jean Sexton For 2021, our Facebook fans helped create the labels for our Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines. Facebook fans voting online chose the elements for both of our 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels “This is the fourth year that we’ve used this crowdsourcing process,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Marketing Manager. “By voting for their favorite holiday styles and themes, our Facebook fans really help us capture the spirit of our annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration on our Christmas wine labels.” Local artist chosen to create our Christmas wine labels Local artist and Biltmore employee Craig Sponsellor The Biltmore wine marketing team selected artist Craig Sponseller of Asheville, North Carolina, to create two original paintings that would incorporate the holiday images and elements selected by Biltmore’s Facebook followers for our 2021 Christmas wine labels. According to Craig, this project was especially meaningful because in addition to being an artist, he has also been a Biltmore employee for the past 10 years. “I work in Mail Services,” said Craig, “and my days are filled with routines related to ensuring that mail is picked up and delivered. This opportunity to develop the artwork for the 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels allowed me to tap into my creative side while focusing on all the beauty of the season here at the estate.” Facebook fans select two distinct themes The 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wines makes a perfect gift for someone special After two rounds of online voting, some distinct themes emerged: our fans wanted both a wintry outdoor scene featuring the iconic architecture of Biltmore House, and a warm and wonderful tribute to the towering Banquet Hall Christmas tree inside America’s Largest Home®. Capturing the exterior of Biltmore House Part of Craig’s creative process is the creation of sketches like this that help him refine the details he’ll include in a painting Craig began the process of creating the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label by sketching the exterior elements of Biltmore House. He started with a pencil sketch, then refined the details with pen and ink. “I’m a watercolor artist,” Craig explained, “and it is a very unforgiving medium. If you make a mistake or need to move something around, it’s impossible. That’s why I do the preliminary sketches and refinements so I can be sure I’m on the right track.” Craig chose to showcase the familiar view from the wall at the end of the Front Lawn. To further the holiday mood, he added a touch of snow to give the painting a frosty feel. Craig refined his initial sketches before adding layers of color washes to the final painting As for the cheerful red cardinal on the rail, that’s the state bird of North Carolina, and a familiar sight around the estate during this time of year. “The cardinal was a very specific element that Biltmore’s Facebook fans voted to include on both labels,” Craig said. “It was a challenge to portray a small bird in front of such a large house, but I placed it on the Rampe Douce railing so the cardinal would appear larger in the foreground.” Creating the Banquet Hall view Our Facebook fans also voted to see the beauty of the season inside Biltmore House, and Craig was happy to oblige. Inspiration for Facebook fans included this Banquet Hall scene with iconic orange tree centerpieces i For the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label, Craig was able to include many of the wonders in the Banquet Hall, from the grand Fraser fir that dominates the scene during the holidays to a grouping of festive orange tree centerpieces atop the massive dining table. One of Craig’s early pencil sketches for the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label includes the cardinal ornament on the tree in the foreground “The real challenge here was how to include a cardinal in an indoor scene,” said Craig, “but I was able to work it in as an ornament!” Stock up for the season on our Christmas wines and more! Make sure your holiday is seasoned with cheer when you choose Biltmore wines! Whether you’re in the mood for a fragrant, semi-sweet white wine or a soft, fruit-forward red, our Christmas at Biltmore Wines offer a classic complement to your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table. As an added bonus, the lovely labels make both wines a charming gift of the season for someone special. Find our Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines and all your other handcrafted favorites in estate shops, online, or with our Retail Locator.
5 Reasons to “Fall” in Love with Rosé Wine Posted on October 11, 2021 at 6:24 pm.Written by Jean Sexton With 5 great reasons to “fall” in love with rosé wines, they’re not just for spring and summer sipping any more! 1. Rosé wines are very versatile Nothing could be finer than sipping our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé with all your favorite flavors! “Rosé wines are more versatile than you think,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “They pair well with cooler weather and the heartier dishes that accompany the season. A perfect example is our Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina–an exceptional wine handcrafted from outstanding grapes grown in our estate vineyard. This lovely wine features a delicate sweetness, hints of spice and white pepper, plus roundness and good mouthfeel. Approachable and easy to drink, the style is reminiscent of classic old-world rosés. Enjoy it year-round with charcuterie, mustard-glazed salmon, pesto pizza, smoked gouda cheese, and serve it with holiday favorites like glazed ham. 2. A dynamic hybrid wine Rosé wines are a dynamic hybrid between red and white wines. Rosé wine is a dynamic hybrid of tannic reds and fruity white wines, which enhances its versatility. “Rosés offer the best of both worlds,” Sharon said. “To create a rosé, you begin by crushing red grapes, but you don’t leave the juice in contact with the skins as long as you would for a red wine. This process imparts the classic rosy color and also allows the juice to keep some of the natural tannins in red grapes, but it also keeps the wine crisp and fruity–more like a white wine.” 3. Rosé wine is an affordable option Rosés are not only crisp and refreshing, they can also be more affordable than some other options. As we head into the holiday season, we often focus on heartier red wines for cool weather and finer wines for gift-giving occasions and special celebrations. Since distinguished reds and gift-worthy wines tend to be pricier than others, rosés can be a more affordable option. “Even though rosés are becoming more and more popular year-round, there are some very affordable wines to consider, like our Biltmore Estate® Sweet Rosé,” said Sharon. Off-dry with hints of red fruit and apricots, it is light, balanced, and offers floral notes that pair well with casual fare including spicy cuisine. 4. Rosé wines transition into fall Add festive bubbles to any occasion with our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir, a sparkling rosé wine. According to Sharon, rosé makes an excellent transitional wine between seasons. “If you’re used to sipping rosés in spring and summer, keep enjoying them during the warmer days of fall,” said Sharon. “They’re just as crisp and refreshing on a sunny afternoon in October as they are in April. I personally recommend our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise to create fine, tiny bubbles!” With delicious fruit-forward flavors of cherries and strawberries, this pretty-in-pink Biltmore bubbly pairs well with turkey (hello, Thanksgiving!), mahi-mahi, pound cake, brie cheese, and fresh fruit. 5. Fall flavor profile Refreshing and crisp, rosé wines mirror the essence of the fall season, making them perfect for autumnal sipping. Be sure to pack some Biltmore wines to enjoy with your favorite fall activities! “Fall brings tailgating at football games, hiking to take in scenic views, and cool evenings when you gather around the fire pit,” said Sharon, “so you’ll want to have plenty of Biltmore rosé wines on hand to complement all the casual activities that characterize the season. Our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé as the perfect pick for all your favorite fall functions. Bright, fruity layers of berry flavor make this wine an outstanding partner for chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage–especially when your fire up the grill and gather your friends together to enjoy it with you! Fall for all your favorite Biltmore wines today! Stock up on all your favorite Biltmore wines–including our outstanding rosés–for fall. Stock up on our outstanding rosés and other award-winning Biltmore wines now in estate shops, online, and with our Retail Locator.
New Exhibition Series: Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore Posted on August 20, 2021 at 10:34 am.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived exhibition article. Immerse yourself in our new exhibition series, Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore—featuring three different large-scale, multi-sensory experiences—hosted at Biltmore’s event center on the grounds of the estate. Created and produced by Grande Experiences, each individual component of this must-see series uses the very latest in immersive technology to illuminate the remarkable lives of Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci and their timeless masterpieces of art and design. In addition, each of the three events offers fascinating ties to George Vanderbilt’s collection of treasures on display in Biltmore House, his magnificent family home in Asheville, North Carolina. Van Gogh AliveNovember 5, 2021–March 5, 2022 A guest explores Van Gogh Alive, created and produced by Grande Experiences The masterworks of Vincent van Gogh have been displayed in exhibitions around the world for over a century, but never like this. Described as “an unforgettable multi-sensory experience,” Van Gogh Alive is a powerful and vibrant symphony of light, color, sound, and scent that compels you to leave the world behind and immerse yourself the masterful paintings of Vincent Van Gogh. Simultaneously enchanting, entertaining, and educational, Van Gogh Alive stimulates all the senses and opens the mind. Van Gogh and Biltmore founder George Vanderbilt share a Dutch heritage that will be highlighted at the estate during this period. Monet & Friends — Life, Light & ColorMarch 9–July 10, 2022 Explore Monet’s masterpieces throughout the Monet & Friends experience An homage to Claude Monet and the Impressionist painters of the mid-19th century through the early 20th century, this multi-sensory experience explores not only the paintings themselves but the history of the Impressionist movement amid the social and political turbulence of the era. It transports you back to a time when European art was poised to change forever, and immerses you in the Impressionists’ masterworks as they come to life in a rich display of light, color, and sound. Breathtaking paintings are projected on an enormous scale, illuminating the bold brushstrokes of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, and more. While Monet & Friends – Life, Light & Color is on display at Biltmore’s event center on the grounds of the estate, two original Monet paintings from George Vanderbilt’s personal collection will be displayed inside America’s Largest Home®. Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of GeniusJuly 14, 2022–January 8, 2023 Discover marvels of art and invention with Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius Inventor, artist, scientist, engineer, sculptor, anatomist, musician, architect, philosopher—Leonardo da Vinci was all of these things. His brilliance and many extraordinary achievements are brought to vivid life in Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, the world’s most comprehensive and thrilling Leonardo da Vinci experience. Biltmore will be showcasing links to estate architecture and artwork in our collection that are influenced by da Vinci’s designs. Don’t miss our Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore exhibition series! Explore our Van Gogh Alive exhibition now–March 5, 2022 Each of the three Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore multi-sensory experiences will be hosted at Amherst at Deerpark®, our event center on the grounds of the estate. Plan your visit to Van Gogh Alive, Monet & Friends and Leonardo da Vinci now, and enhance your experience with special overnight offers at our distinctive hotels and historic cottages.
Cornelia Vanderbilt’s Birthday Parties: The Grandest Affairs Posted on August 13, 2021 at 11:22 am.Written by Amy Dangelico From the day she was born, Cornelia Vanderbilt’s birthday was recognized and celebrated on an extraordinary scale, one befitting of royalty. Birth Announcements Named in honor of prominent members of both her mother and father’s family, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt was born on August 22, 1900 in the grand Louis XV Bedroom in Biltmore House. George Vanderbilt with newborn daughter Cornelia on the Loggia of Biltmore House, September 30, 1900 Cornelia’s birth was mentioned in the society pages of newspapers across the country, including the Asheville Citizen, which reported: Stork comes to Biltmore To Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt a Child is Born “The advent of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Vanderbilt was announced last evening from Biltmore House. The little stranger is a Buncombe baby—pretty as babies go—but with the Buncombe birthright of the mountain health its days of babyhood will dot in dimpled sweetness and the fairy lines of beauty blend in a vision fitting to its home on the grand estate.“ Edith Vanderbilt with young daughter Cornelia around the time of her christening, October 1900 And from the Spartanburg Journal of upstate South Carolina: Biltmore’s New Star “A new star has appeared at famous Biltmore, and the charming mistress of this most gorgeous home is smiling upon her first born, a tiny girl called Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt…” Early Birthday Celebrations Although we have no specific descriptions of birthday parties during Cornelia’s childhood, we do know that she had many playmates among her cousins and the children of families who lived on the estate. Cornelia Vanderbilt with one of her family’s Saint Bernards on the Front Lawn of Biltmore House, 1905 Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 21st Birthday Party: An Elegant Masquerade As Cornelia Vanderbilt grew older, her birthday parties became grand events. Her twenty-first birthday on August 22, 1921 began with a surprise gathering of 250 estate workers and tenants at 7 a.m. at Biltmore House. The staff clearly had a deep affection for Cornelia, and many of their children had been her playmates since her birth. As part of their surprise for Cornelia, whom they had watched mature into a sophisticated young woman, the employees improvised a band that played old-time dance tunes. The group then presented Cornelia with a game-bag as a gift. Later that same evening, more than 200 guests attended a masquerade party at Biltmore House in Cornelia’s honor. Employees gathered to celebrate Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 21st birthday, August 1921 The Asheville Citizen-Times published the following account of the occasion: “Miss Vanderbilt is accorded honors on reaching majority; masquerade party given on Monday at mansion. Miss Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt reached her 21st birthday Monday and was accorded honors becoming the lady of Biltmore mansion. Monday night a large masquerade was given and guests were present in large numbers. The social calendar for the week started with one of the most brilliant of the season’s entertainments, the fancy dress ball, given the Monday evening at Biltmore House by Mrs. George Vanderbilt in honor of the birthday of her daughter, Miss Cornelia Vanderbilt. Dancing was enjoyed in the sunken garden where masses of ferns and palms made a pleasing and charming background for the two hundred or more fascinating and gorgeous costumes of the guests. The Garber-Davis orchestra from Atlanta provided the dance music. Late in the evening supper was served in the banquet hall. A special feature of the entertainment was that the assemblage of the guests, at the commencement of the evening, a closed sedan chair was brought in by four attendants, and as the curtains were drawn, Miss Vanderbilt stepped forward in a most attractive costume of a page of the period of the French Renaissance.“ Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 25th Birthday Party: An Open-Air Ball Cornelia’s birthdays continued to be stunning occasions, even after she married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil in 1924. Cornelia Vanderbilt’s wedding portrait upon her marriage to John Francis Amherst Cecil, April 1924 The Asheville Gazette reported on celebrations for Cornelia’s 25th birthday: “On Friday, August 22, 300 employees attended a garden party and tea at 4 pm with dancing to Guthrie’s Orchestra. Biltmore Dairy employees gave Cornelia a surprise birthday gift of a giant ice cream cake—4’ high and 2’ square at the base—made of 26 gallons of Biltmore Dairy ice cream. It “consisted of alternate layers of chocolate parfait, Lady Ashe ice cream, and a covering of vanilla mousse. The cake was studded with roses and lilies and also bore the inscription ‘May your joys be as many as the sands of the sea.’” Cornelia celebrated the following evening with an open-air ball for 300 people at 9:30 p.m. Guests danced in a pavilion to the Charles Freicher Orchestra. The lawn was lit with Japanese lanterns placed in trees and shrubbery. Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil around age 25, 1925 The Gazette further noted that, “the beautiful array of summer gowns of the many dancers made a scene as beautiful as that of gay moths and fireflies in a fairy garden,” and a buffet supper was served at midnight. Although we have no further descriptions of Cornelia’s birthday parties, we are sure they were often celebrated in style. From her earliest days as the “Biltmore Baby” to her life as a celebrated socialite of wealth and style, Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil exemplified the Roaring 20s and the Jazz Age that still fascinate us today.
Champion Trees: The Estate’s Finest Fall Foliage Posted on August 4, 2021 at 1:18 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico Today, Biltmore is home to a variety of Champion Trees—but when George Vanderbilt purchased the acreage that would become his estate, much of the land was overworked and actually vacant of trees due to activity from the previous settlers. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted made the following recommendation: “Make a small park into which to look from your house; make a small pleasure ground and garden, farm your river bottom chiefly to keep and fatten live stock with a view to manure; and make the rest a forest, improving the existing woods and planting the old fields.” Landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted (seated, center) and George Vanderbilt (standing, center-right) with other key Biltmore figures, 1892. NC Champion Tree Program Several of the trees handpicked by Olmsted are now recognized as North Carolina State Champion Trees. According to the NC Forest Service, the Champion Tree Program highlights native or naturalized species that have garnered attention because of their size, age, or historical significance. Naturally, these trees are some of the superstars of our historic gardens. Let’s take a look at a few and discover why there is no better time to seek out these estate beauties than leaf season. The golden-rain tree (right) can be found in Biltmore’s Shrub Garden. Golden-Rain Tree Perhaps one of the more unusual Champion Trees, the golden-rain tree in the Shrub Garden lends grace and charm to the landscape. Its showy fall color generally includes various shades of yellow and chartreuse. If you look closely, amid the autumn foliage you’ll find inflated seed pods, reminiscent of Chinese lanterns, hanging elegantly. The Katsura tree – which has a scent like cotton candy – lives in the heart of Biltmore’s Azalea Garden. The Katsura was one of the trees hand-picked by Biltmore landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. This Katsura is on the NC Forest Service Registry of Champion Trees. Photo credit The Biltmore Company. Katsura Tree Among the larger Champion Trees is the Katsura tree, found in the Azalea Garden. This tree has magnificent fall color with hues ranging from gold to apricot, accompanied by an unusual, sweet fragrance that permeates the area around the tree. Some describe the smell as cinnamon-like, while others think it is more similar to cotton candy—either way, it’s sure to satisfy the senses! The dawn redwood is located in Biltmore’s Azalea Garden. Additional Champion Trees Other Champion Trees of note on the estate are the dawn redwood in the Azalea Garden with its lush bronze fall color and the Persian ironwood boasting brilliant warm autumnal hues between the Conservatory and the Gardener’s Cottage. The Persian ironwood has a showy fall leaf color, and can be found next to Biltmore’s Conservatory. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted hand-picked tree species including the Persian ironwood as part of a plan to reforest overworked farmland purchased by George Vanderbilt for the construction of Biltmore House. Photo credit The Biltmore Company. Fall is a favorite season for strolling the gardens and grounds of the estate. During your next visit, we invite you to explore our Shrub Garden, Azalea Garden, and beyond to catch a glimpse of these Champion Trees at their finest: bursting with rich fall color. Feature image: Persian ironwood with peak fall color
Books by the Thousands: A Bibliophile’s Collection Posted on August 4, 2021 at 12:03 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico At the age of 12, George Vanderbilt began keeping meticulous records in a series of journals called “Books I Have Read,” a habit he continued throughout his life. By his death in 1914, he had logged 3,159 books, which means that between 1875 and 1914, he read an average of 81 books a year. Three volumes of George Vanderbilt’s “Books I Have Read” journal series It was well known that George was a bibliophile. A turn-of-the-century New York journalist wrote of him: “He was a bookworm, a student… And his love of books came all from his own inner consciousness, for he was not graduated from any college, and his education, while not neglected, had not been carried beyond the ordinary limits of high schools, though now, I doubt not, he is one of the best read men in the country.” A testament to his passions for books and collecting, the walls of the Library in Biltmore House are lined with walnut shelves housing about half of George’s personal collection of 20,000 volumes. The collection ranges in subject from American and English fiction to world history, religion, philosophy, art, and architecture. About one-third of the volumes were antiquarian purchases, the oldest of which is an Italian work published in 1561. Cedric, George Vanderbilt’s beloved Saint Bernard, lounging in the Library, 1898 The collection also includes many French titles—4,326 to be exact—and George’s “Books I Have Read” journals show that he read many of them. Both fiction and non-fiction, the volumes speak to George’s interest in France and its culture as well as his fluency in the French language. Just as the journals help us to understand how well-read he was, they give us insight into which authors George favored, though it’s difficult to say who his favorite actually was. An excerpt from one of the “Books I Have Read” journals with a note on the birth of George Vanderbilt’s daughter We know he was fond of French author Honoré de Balzac’s work. George noted having read more than 80 Balzac titles and there are a total of 218 books by the author in his collection. We also know that of the 30 works by Charles Dickens listed in his journals, George read many of them more than once. For instance, there are two mentions of The Pickwick Papers, which George read at age 13 and again when he was 25. The elegant binding on the books in George Vanderbilt’s collection are each a work of art George also favored Sir Walter Scott. He read many of his 273 books by Scott two or three times. He read Waverly, a groundbreaking historical novel, in 1875, 1897, and again in 1910. Most of the books George collected were sent to one of the great bookbinders of the period, such as Riviere, Stikeman, Lortic, or David. A few months later, they would return, beautifully bound in Moroccan leather with gilt lettering and decoration, to be placed on the shelves of the Library in Biltmore House.
Providing Gracious Hospitality, One Bite at a Time Posted on August 3, 2021 at 12:07 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Cloreitha Fenton, Biltmore House Food & Beverage Outlets General Manager, has 23 years of providing gracious hospitality, one bite at a time. Cloreitha Fenton provides gracious hospitality with a smile “I’ve been working here half my life,” said Clo, as she’s know by her friends and coworkers. “I like to tell people I’m ‘Biltmore-grown’.” As General Manager, Clo oversees a department of all the employees who operate the food and beverage outlets for Biltmore House & Gardens, including The Bake Shop, Biltmore Dairy Bar®, and Courtyard Market in the Stable Courtyard, Conservatory Café located behind the Conservatory, and all the satellite food carts that pop up for special dates and events. Located in the Stable Courtyard adjacent to Biltmore House, Biltmore Dairy Bar® serves a wide range of sweet treats In the past two decades, Clo has served in a variety of different roles at Biltmore. She joined the estate as a cook at Stable Café, then moved to Deerpark Restaurant. In 2000 she switched her focus to work in purchasing for Food & Beverage, but eventually returned to the Stable Complex as a supervisor for the outlets there. In 2003 she became assistant manager of all estate food outlets, eventually helping open both The Creamery and Smokehouse for the launch of Antler Hill Village in 2010. Guests enjoy ice cream and other delicious treats and snacks at The Creamery in Antler Hill Village Clo became a general manager in 2014 and is responsible for overseeing a team of supervisors, daily operations for the outlets, financials, and ensuring that her dedicated team of employees have everything they need to provide excellent service to guests. Clo offers a training moment to a member of her team “We’re in the mix every day, and we’re very hands-on. Sometimes we have to make decisions on the fly and make things happen,” she said. “In addition to the day-to-day work, my focus is to grow my team, make sure we’re profitable, and make sure my employees are taken care of.” Clo embraces all the values Biltmore represents, but there is one that resonates with her in particular. Biltmore Dairy Bar® offers something special for everyone, including vanilla ice cream inspired by an original Biltmore recipe “I was raised to be gracious, to say ‘ma’am’ and ‘thank you’ and to be kind, and I make sure I maintain that sense of gracious hospitality. I try my best to help all my employees succeed and focus on those who want to grow,” she said. “I want to come in every day and give 100 percent, to give all I can.” Join our gracious hospitality team today! Apply now to become a member of the Biltmore team Biltmore is interested in people who strive for excellence; who are committed to working together, supporting each other, and sharing a sense of stewardship to protect this special place. Our employees shape and enrich extraordinary experiences for guests, using judgment and skills based on our Vanderbilt-inspired legacy of hospitality. In addition, Biltmore has been recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies To Work For® in 2021. We invite you to consider joining our dedicated team by viewing careers and applying online. Featured image: Clo Fenton showcases a Winky Bar Sundae in a waffle bowl––a delightful creation inspired by a treat served at the original Biltmore Dairy Bar®.
Getting to know Albariño–an intriguing white wine Posted on July 23, 2021 at 6:11 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Getting to know Albariño–an intriguing white wine–is a great way to explore a less well-known varietal that is definitely worth discovering! Known as vin de mar or “wine of the sea,” Albariño is a perfect partner with oysters and other seafood Origins of the wine Prized for its bright acidity and characteristic hints of coastal brine, Albariño is white varietal that probably originated in Galicia on the Iberian Peninsula of northwestern Spain, where some still refer to it as vino del mar or “wine of the sea.” In neighboring Portugal, the grape is known as Alvarinho. Both names are a reference to the grape’s white color. Growing conditions Partner vineyards in California Although some Albariño vines in Europe are estimated to be as much as 300 years old, the varietal is a relative newcomer to North America, with only about 300 acres in cultivation in California’s Central Coast region. It’s also grown in Australia and South America, but it thrives in cool, foggy climates similar to the Iberian coast that experiences frequent Atlantic storms. While its characteristic sturdy stems and thick skin offer protection from the elements, Albariño vines are usually trained on an overhead trellis that allows better air circulation around the grapes and leaves. Biltmore Estate Albariño Our new Biltmore Estate Albariño is an intriguing white wine that pairs especially well with seafood dishes “For our new Biltmore Estate Albariño, I selected grapes from our California vineyard partners who are producing excellent fruit,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore winemaker. “Albariño is an intriguing white wine, and I was interested in getting to the heart of what makes it so distinctive,” Sharon said. “Plus, I wanted to give our Biltmore wine enthusiasts the delightful discovery of a wine that’s not as familiar to them.” Sharon handcrafted a bright straw-colored wine that features fresh aromas of spice and tropical fruit. In addition to notes of ruby red grapefruit and pepper, this crisp and refreshing light-bodied Albariño offers a round creaminess with good mouthfeel. Getting to know Albariño Savor our new Albariño with your favorite seafood dishes like this delicious shrimp with pesto sauce “It’s more complex than you might suspect at first,” noted Sharon. “I think it’s the slight hint of salinity that elevates the other flavors, and makes you want to taste it again and again to really understand the subtleties of Albariño.” To make the most of its coastal complexities, Sharon suggests savoring our new Biltmore Estate Albariño with seafood dishes such as bacon-wrapped scallops, fried grouper, and classic Spanish-style paella. For vegetarian pairings, consider baked butternut squash and pesto pasta. The following recipe showcases Biltmore Estate Albariño as both an ingredient and a perfect pairing for this simple yet sophisticated dish! Biltmore Estate Albariño paired with grilled oysters Grilled Oysters with Albariño Garlic Butter 2 dozen oysters on the half shell6 tablespoons salted butter, divided3 large garlic cloves, grated½ cup Biltmore Estate Albariño1½ teaspoons champagne vinegar3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for servingLemon wedges for serving Open bottom vent of a charcoal grill completely. Light charcoal chimney starter filled with briquettes. When briquettes are covered with gray ash, pour them onto bottom grate of grill. Adjust vents as needed to maintain an internal temperature of 400°F to 450°F. Place top grate on grill. (If using a gas grill, preheat to medium-high [400°F to 450°F].)Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium-high. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds. Carefully add Albariño and champagne vinegar; cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1/4 cup, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter, stirring until butter melts. Stir in parsley.Arrange oysters on a rimmed baking sheet; top each oyster with a scant 1 teaspoon butter mixture. Place oysters on unoiled grates. Grill, covered, just until oyster juices begin to bubble vigorously, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve warm with parsley and lemon. Find Biltmore Estate Albariño close to home Our new Biltmore Estate Albariño makes any occasion seem special! Our easy-drinking Albariño is perfect for sipping at brunch, on picnics, and around the fire pit on cool fall evenings, but don’t look for it on the estate or in our online store–it’s only available for purchase with local retailers. Find it in your area with our Retail Locator.
July Travels of George Vanderbilt Posted on July 9, 2021 at 2:48 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico The travels of George Vanderbilt were extensive, to say the least. He visited more than 25 countries, crossing the Atlantic Ocean a total of 60 times by the end of his life. But more specifically, he was a champion of the July getaway, often spending the entire month abroad. Portrait of young George Vanderbilt, 1878 Childhood Travels George’s love of travel can be traced back to his youth. He spent much of his childhood visiting museums, libraries, and historic sites throughout Europe with his family. In 1879, at the age of 16, George accompanied his father on a three-month-long summer tour of England and France. Their travels took them to Versailles, the Louvre, Napoleon’s tomb, the National Gallery in London, Windsor Castle, and the graves of philosophers Voltaire and Rousseau. He wrote in his July 1879 travel journal (feature image): “July 4th 1879 Friday. Went out to Rouen [France]… It is said to be one of the quaintest towns in the world and is renowned for its medieval architecture. The cathedral is beautiful as also St. Maclou, we also went to the Museum of Antiquities and went to a little restaurant to get a little breakfast. But by far the finest sight is St. Ouen a magnificent cathedral of perfect medieval architecture.” George Vanderbilt during Spanish travels with cousins, 1891 Abroad with Cousins Years later, in 1891, George spent two months—including much of July—exploring Spain with three of his cousins. They first arrived in Gibraltar and then travelled to the capital city of Madrid; Seville, a town known for its enormous cathedral which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus; and Ronda, an old Moorish hilltop town. When the trip came to its end, instead of returning home, George stayed at the Grand Hotel in London until August. George and Edith Vanderbilt’s honeymooon villa, 1898 An Italian Honeymoon July was also the first full month of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s four-month-long honeymoon. Following their Parisian wedding in June 1898, the Vanderbilts stayed near Stresa in the Lake District of Italy. A peaceful Italian villa served as the couple’s home base as they explored the area’s spectacular Alpine scenery and took short trips to visit some of Europe’s finest museums and galleries. George Vanderbilt wrote to artist James McNeill Whistler, July 10, 1898: “[We] have spent a delightful fortnight in the villa on Lake Maggiore and return there from here via the beautiful Stelvio pass, so that nature fills out & continues the interest of this little tour. It was Mrs Vanderbilts first visit to both Venice & Vienna & it has been an added pleasure of course to see her delight and interest and the way the pictures really took possession of her…”* Summertime blooms in Biltmore’s Italian Garden Legacy of Travel While extensive travel like this was rare 120 years ago—especially before the advent of the airplane—it is still unusual today. July may inspire a longing to escape from the everyday, but for many of us, travels of that nature are simply not feasible. With our fast-paced lifestyles, it can be difficult to find the time. Luckily, you can experience the legacy of George Vanderbilt and his lifelong love of travel with an overnight stay at Biltmore. From the iconic French château to the Italian Garden, George’s time spent abroad influenced many elements of the estate. Satisfy your longing to travel this summer with a Biltmore getaway, the perfect European-inspired escape. We invite you to plan your escape today. *Source: Letters of J. McN. Whistler 1855-1903; A.M. Whistler, 1829-1881.