Market Gardener’s Cottage: Your Private Oasis Awaits Posted on March 11, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Built in 1896, this original private home is part of our collection of historic cottages—along with the Dairy Foreman’s Cottage and our Line House Cottages—that are available for overnight stays. Market Gardener’s Cottage is currently unavailable for reservations. We hope you enjoy this article about the history of the cottage. Our historic cottages offer privacy to relax and enjoy your stay at Biltmore. Your private oasis “The Market Gardener’s Cottage really is a private oasis and our most luxurious retreat,” said Trina Massingill, Lodging Events Manager. “This beautifully appointed home features quaint porches, lush gardens, and the opportunity to customize your stay with concierge service and a private chef.” “You’ll enjoy access to estate gardens, grounds, and Antler Hill Village & Winery for your length of stay, plus access to amenities at our four-star Inn,” said Trina. “That includes The Spa Biltmore, fitness center, and outdoor heated pool and hot tub that are open seasonally.” Archival image of agricultural workers and estate residents at the Market Garden, photographed in front of an elaborate display of estate-raised produce. Cottage history Designed by Richard Howland Hunt, son of Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Market Gardener’s Cottage originally anchored the Market Garden, also known as the Truck Farm. This garden was considered the most important vegetable growing site on the property, where many seasons of vegetables and fruits were harvested to serve the estate. The staff always employed the latest scientific farming techniques and machinery, not surprisingly since George Vanderbilt often was thought of as an innovator. The Vegetable and Flower Garden (now the Walled Garden), circa 1895 It may be hard to imagine now, but the estate’s first vegetables were intended to grow in the Walled Garden near Biltmore House. After a short time, however, Mr. Vanderbilt wanted the gardens closest to Biltmore House to thrive with ornamental plants and flowers. Fruits and vegetable production was relocated to the site of the Market Gardener’s Cottage, on fertile bottomland along the Swannanoa River near its juncture with the French Broad. Biltmore’s first market gardener George Stevenson Arthur (1861-1945), a native of Scotland, came to Biltmore in 1897 to manage the estate’s gardens and greenhouse. For the next 17 years, he and his wife, Isabella, lived and raised nine children in the cottage. Following George Vanderbilt’s death in 1914, the family moved to Biltmore Village. Archival image of estate workers during harvest season at Biltmore, ca. 1900 The estate’s agricultural heritage Archival documents tell us that Biltmore sold excess vegetables and fruit to the public at wholesale rates. An Asheville Daily Citizen article alerted its readers “and housekeepers [to] have their attention attracted to the new advertisement of the Biltmore Farms …” An article later that year predicted that, because “Mr. Vanderbilt … has both brains and science at his command,” the Biltmore Market Garden could easily compete with the long-established farms of the northeastern U.S. Archives also show that in 1897, estate superintendent Charles McNamee placed an ad in the Asheville Daily Citizen for cabbage and three kinds of sweet potatoes for sale from the garden. The courtyard by the cottage also served as a vegetable packinghouse and wholesale outlet for local merchants who could access the estate from Victoria Bridge on the Swannanoa River. One of two comfortable, well-appointed guest bedrooms in the Market Gardener’s Cottage Creating a modern private oasis In the early 1980s, the cottage was renovated to provide accommodations for VIPs and individuals from out of town who had business with the estate. The courtyard was used as an outdoor set during the 1992 production of Last of the Mohicans, filmed on the grounds of Biltmore and at other locations in Western North Carolina. “The Market Gardener’s Cottage was renovated again in the last few years,” said Trina. “This time, it was reimagined to feel like a private home, as if you are a guest of the Vanderbilts with your own address!” The cottage, which features exceptional furnishings and décor, offers an oasis for those who desire a private and luxurious setting as a home base for enjoying their Biltmore experience. The Market Gardener’s Cottage features a courtyard as part of its private oasis charm Your private oasis awaits! Beautifully updated to offer a unique experience of Biltmore, each of the Cottages on Biltmore Estate™ is a private oasis of service, style, and charm that harkens back to the Vanderbilt era—classic homes wrapped in history and refined with modern touches. Plan your stay today.
Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary with Sparkling Wine Posted on December 30, 2020 at 5:55 pm.Written by Jean Sexton To celebrate our 125th anniversary, Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak created a sparkling wine to commemorate the occasion. Here’s a brief history of the first Christmas event at Biltmore, and the seasonal spirit that inspired our new Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Release Brut sparkling wine. Biltmore’s first Christmas The towering Banquet Hall Christmas tree has been a tradition for 125 years On Christmas Eve of 1895, George Vanderbilt welcomed his friends and family to celebrate the holiday in his magnificent new home. The following account of “Christmas at Biltmore” was reported in The Times-Democrat newspaper from New Orleans, Louisiana, two days later: Newspaper account of the celebration Garlands and greenery are still used to decorate Biltmore House “For many days workmen were enhancing the splendor of the chateau with decorations appropriate to the Christmas season, under the direction of Mr. Vanderbilt. His suggestions have covered every detail, and a beautiful and elaborate scene was unfolded before his guests yesterday. Decoration of the planthouse (Winter Garden) is the chief feature. The design called for an unobstructed view from all the approaches within the chateau, and the idea is thoroughly realistic. The exquisite charm of the enclosed garden is apparent at the first glance as the guests enter the main floor. The Winter Garden decorated for Christmas at Biltmore in 2020 Above, from a symmetrical dome, fall great festoons of spruce and waxen holly, forming arching lines, while garlands of the same evergreens adorn each point of vantage. The effect is as if a vast green canopy had been erected under the span of the dome, the supports of which, also laden with green, serve as pillars of the canopy.About the floor of the planthouse innumerable palms and ferns are arranged in such a way as to give all the natural effect of a garden in the opening of a tropical forest. That eye may not be wearied with one unvaried hue of green, many plants in full bloom are placed here and there in the planthouse, their color being used to the fullest advantage. This enormous berry-and-ribbon wreath in the Library recalls the natural decor from Biltmore’s first Christmas celebration The forests of Biltmore estate afforded a wealth of the desired foliage, and plants from a New York florist, who arranged the whole scene, and bushels of scarlet holly berries were ordered from the marshes of Eastern Carolina and were used in ornamentation of the chateau.” The tradition continues This year marks the 125th time that the halls of Biltmore House have been decked in honor of Christmas. As part of the celebration, Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak spent months developing our new Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Release Brut. Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary with Sparkling Wine Add sparkle to your celebrations with Biltmore sparkling wines “This sparkling wine is handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes selected from partner vineyards in California,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Marketing Manager. “It’s a wonderful wine with a touch of rose gold color and aromas of tangerine, yeast, strawberry, and honey,” Jill said. “The taste is refreshing and nicely balanced with tiny bubbles and hints of strawberry, mint, and Meyer lemon.” Celebrate our anniversary–or yours–with the new Biltmore Estate 125th Anniversary Release Brut According to Jill, this is an excellent sparkling wine to pair with charcuterie and cheese boards, fresh fruit, caviar, steak tartar, scallops, and angel food cake with strawberries. Perfect for any occasion! Include Biltmore wines in your Valentine’s Day celebration! “It’s also perfect for ringing in the New Year, or giving as a thoughtful gift of the season,” noted Jill. “And be sure to have plenty of our exceptional Biltmore bubbles on hand for your Valentine’s Day celebrations!”
The Smallest Yuletide Details Inside the Banquet Hall Posted on December 4, 2020 at 2:17 pm.Written by LeeAnn Donnelly While standing in the Banquet Hall during the Christmas season, it’s easy to be mesmerized by the magnificent towering Christmas tree that anchors the southern end of the room. The tree is the heartbeat of Biltmore House each holiday season, and for good reason. It stands 35 feet above ground, has long, flowy branches, and is full of ornaments so large they might be mistaken for shiny basketballs. A smaller display sits across the room, as enchanting as its counterpart, especially since some of this tremendous room’s tiniest yuletide details reside there. Underneath the two ornament-packed trees gracing either side of the three-bay fireplace you’ll find classic toys that reflect this year’s design theme, “An 1895 Christmas.” Joslyn Kelly, a Biltmore floral designer who decorated the Banquet Hall this year, says she placed them there for a specific reason. “I wanted to focus on classic toys that span the test of time, toys that all children can and probably have enjoyed in some capacity.” Joslyn’s list of toys included jack-in-the-boxes, dolls, tea sets, tops, yo-yos, and even a pair of ballerina slippers. “I feel like these tiny toys have brought many people joy throughout the years from George Vanderbilt’s time until now,” says Joslyn, “and that joy is what I wanted to bring to the Banquet Hall this year.” Enjoy these details from Joslyn’s Christmas in the Banquet Hall design now, and on your Biltmore visit! This adorable doll on her velvet couch is one of the exquisite design details in the Banquet Hall. According to an 1895 New York Times article, dolls were the staple of the toy trade. Girls preferred blond dolls to brunettes and liked them dressed in fancy clothes, just like our doll above! This jack-in-the-box, an ever-classic toy, is ready to amuse his Biltmore guests. You might be startled to learn the “surprise” history of this 15th century Jack. Boys and girls throughout history have found a yo-yo or two under the tree on Christmas morning. This toy dates back to well before 1895. The first historical mention of a yo-yo was from Greece in the year 500 B.C. At that time they were called a disc. This children’s tea set would have looked right at home in tiny Cornelia Vanderbilt’s bedroom. Miniature sets became popular among young girls in the 18th century. During this time, toys were made gender specific and prepared children for a world with strictly determined roles within society. These ballet slippers lay ready for dance and play. How many twirls around the banquet hall do you think Cornelia would have made on Christmas Day?
Home for the Holidays: Virtual Gift Giving and Entertaining Posted on October 29, 2020 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton This year, staying home for the holidays means you’ll need more virtual gift giving and entertaining ideas than ever before. Virtual gift giving and entertaining Whether you’re home for the holidays, traveling, or hosting a virtual celebration, Biltmore wines help make the season bright To help you savor the season instead of stressing about the details, we sought inspiration from the experts with Biltmore wines to assist you in making the most of the moments that matter. “Each year, we create a special wine guide that highlights fine Biltmore wines, great wine and food pairings, and useful accessories,” said Chris Price, Wine Marketing Manager. “For our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide, however, we’ve gone all out to bring you everything from how to host a virtual wine tasting to a custom playlist perfect for prepping a holiday feast in the kitchen or keeping the party going,” Chris said, “so whether you’re gathering together at home, traveling, or hosting a virtual celebration, we hope you’ll be inspired to simplify and celebrate the season with Biltmore wines!” Bundle the best of Biltmore wines For the holidays, we’ve bundled the best of our award-winning wines to help you simplify your celebrations (and save)! No matter what kind of holiday event you’re planning, we’ve bundled the best of our Biltmore wines to make it easy to celebrate the season: Tree-Raising Wine TrioRaise a glass to celebrate our most beloved Christmas tradition–tree raising at Biltmore–or enjoy while decorating your own tree at home. Winemaker’s Wonderland BundleBiltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak reveals four of her seasonal favorites for holiday entertaining! Holiday Cheer Wine TrioWhether you’re celebrating in person or hosting a virtual gathering, this trio of wines is perfect for every palate. Savor as a set or give as thoughtful gifts of the season. Celebrate with the sounds of the season Make your virtual celebration merrier with a custom holiday playlist from Biltmore wines According to John Justice from our Biltmore wines sales team, it doesn’t matter if you’re celebrating together with friends or video chatting with family far away, music is one of the best ways to set the mood. With that in mind, John created a custom holiday playlist filled with festive favorites he selected especially for the merriest months of the year. “I enjoy cooking for friends and family,” John said, “and I’ve always got music playing while everyone helps out in the kitchen. Whether you’ve got a house filled of folks or you’re hosting a virtual gathering, pour yourself a glass of Biltmore wine and get everybody in the holiday groove with this mix of old and new songs!” Our holiday playlist pairs perfectly with everything from family gatherings and road trips to visit friends to virtual entertaining from the comfort of home “After your event ends, you can send everyone the link to the playlist so they can enjoy it all season long,” said John. “It’s becomes a memorable party favor for your guests!” Pour on the cheer with wine-themed cocktails Make the season bright with a holiday happy hour including cocktails featuring Biltmore wines! For those who enjoy holiday happy hours, Biltmore wines puts the “old fashioned” in classic cocktails, plus new twists on traditional libations. “Mix it up this season with delightful cocktails featuring Biltmore wines like our refreshing Orange Muscat Mimosa,” advised Chris, “or go elegant with a French Rose 75 topped with Biltmore sparkling wine–there’s something for every taste and occasion!” Give the gift of a memorable experience Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club® When it comes to gift giving, nothing satisfies like an experience that the recipient can enjoy in the moment and relive with great memories. “One of my favorite ways to celebrate someone special is by giving them a year-long membership to the Vanderbilt Wine Club,” said Chris. “The person who receives it can look forward to a shipment of our award-winning Biltmore wines delivered to their door each season, and they’ll think of you each time it arrives!” Enjoy a specialty experience like our Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting at the Winery. Other memorable options include a Biltmore Annual Pass or a Biltmore gift card redeemable for a Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting or other specialty experiences at the Winery. 2020 Holiday Wine Guide Find inspiration for virtual gift giving and entertaining with our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide Discover more virtual gift giving in our 2020 Holiday Wine Guide, including chef-inspired food pairings, stellar Biltmore wine picks, a video for hosting virtual holiday wine tastings, crafts, seasonal DIY décor, and other easy ideas for enjoying time together with loved ones, near and far. You can also stock up on Biltmore wines in most estate shops, online, and in your own neighborhood with our Retail Locator.
Home for the Holidays: Hosting a Virtual Wine Tasting Posted on October 28, 2020 at 11:11 am.Written by Jean Sexton When you’re home for the holidays, hosting a virtual wine tasting is a great way to connect with family and friends whether they live around the corner or around the world. Hosting a virtual wine tasting Jeff Plack, Senior Director of Wine Production Operations, has created a helpful holiday how-to video for hosting a virtual wine tasting at home with our Virtual Wine Tasting Set. Follow along as Jeff Plack walks you step-by-step through a virtual wine tasting! “You don’t have to be a serious connoisseur to host a tasting,” Jeff said. “Just gather everyone together around their computers, phones, and tablets and start sharing!” Planning process When planning your virtual wine tasting, choose at least three wines to sample together In addition to the video, Jeff also walks you through the planning process below so you’ll have a checklist and other helpful tools. “The simplest tastings usually include at least three wines,” said Jeff, “like three whites or three reds.” Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: Send an invitation to join the online tasting ahead of time, and be sure to include the wine list and any other essentials your online guests will need to purchase or have on hand, including the following items: Wines for tasting Corkscrew Glasses White napkins (to help observe wine color) Container for emptying leftover wine Water and plain crackers for palate cleansing between tastes Pen and paper for notes Print-at-home wine tasting placemats (optional) Choose a theme The 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wines makes a perfect gift for someone special “For white wines, consider light and fruity options such as Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio and Biltmore Estate® Riesling. Or try a mix of our sparkling wines—we handcraft several different styles from lightly sweet to bone dry,” Jeff said. For a red wine flight, he suggests choosing bold reds like Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon or unique blends including Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest and Biltmore® Century Sweet Red Wine.Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: For best results, begin the tasting with the lightest wine and end with the most robust one. Bundle the joy Pour on the cheer with a holiday-themed virtual wine tasting If you prefer a holiday theme for your tasting, check out our special offerings that help you pour on the cheer and bundle the savings: Tree-Raising Trio Winemaker’s Wonderland Bundle Holiday Cheer Wine Trio Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: No one wants to be left out of the fun, so we suggest Biltmore Sparkling Red Grape Juice for younger guests or those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. Sense and savor Hold wines up to the light and against a white background like a napkin to tablecloth to see their true color “Before tasting a wine, have everyone hold it in front of a white napkin or tablecloth to observe its color,” Jeff said. “Next, place the rim of the glass to your nose, inhaling deeply to smell the wine’s aroma. After you’ve fully experienced the scent, take a sip and keep it in your mouth for a few seconds so that it comes into contact with all your taste buds,” said Jeff. Virtual Wine Tasting Tip: After savoring the wine by sight, smell, and taste, remind everyone to note their observations about what makes it unique and what they like about it. Add ambience to your tasting Make your virtual wine tasting more merry with a special holiday playlist “As the host of the virtual wine tasting, you’ll want to keep to keep things moving as you guide guests through the process,” noted Jeff. According to Jeff, you can help set a merry mood with a customized playlist of favorites like this one we created especially for holiday entertaining. “After the virtual wine tasting ends, share it with everyone to remind them of the occasion,” advised Jeff. Pour on the cheer Enhance any holiday tradition with a virtual tasting of Biltmore wines To enhance the experience further, consider combining your virtual wine tasting event with another holiday tradition such as your family’s annual tree raising, Friendsgiving, or your neighborhood cookie swap. The possibilities are endless! 2021 Holiday Wine Guide Our Wine Holiday Guide brings together the best of Biltmore for holiday entertaining Whether you’re hosting a party in person, traveling to visit family, or hosting a virtual wine tasting event, let Biltmore help you discover specially curated wine bundles, chef-inspired food pairings, and custom holiday playlists, plus tips, crafts, and videos that bring it all together. In addition, you’ll find all our award-winning Biltmore wines on the estate, online, and close to home with the help of our Retail Locator.
Top Five Christmas Activities for Overnight Guests Posted on October 7, 2020 at 9:28 am.Written by Amy Dangelico From the decked halls of America’s Largest Home® to all that our lively Antler Hill Village has to offer, there’s so much to see and do during the holiday season at Biltmore. That’s why we’ve narrowed down some of our favorite Christmas activities to help you plan your visit. Take a look at our top five Christmas activities for overnight guests on Biltmore Estate. Bundle up and embrace the crisp air as you take in the gorgeous long-range views. 5. Relax with a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Keep cozy with a horse-drawn carriage ride across the estate. Select either a private or group experience and escape the season’s hustle and bustle to enjoy our 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain wintertime beauty. We have a variety of shops by Biltmore House and in Antler Hill Village to meet all of your holiday shopping needs. 4. Shop for Everyone on Your List From unique and inspiring Christmas decorations and locally crafted stocking stuffers to toys for the kids or award-winning Biltmore Wines for your next holiday gathering, our exclusive estate shops truly offer something for everyone. Treat yourself to an elegant meal of expertly prepared cuisine with world-class service. 3. Dine in our Four-Star Dining Room Nothing says “special occasion” quite like an evening meal in The Dining Room. Be sure to make reservations early so you can savor this award-winning culinary experience at the most exclusive restaurant on the estate. Guests enjoy the magical, gently illuminated atmosphere in Biltmore’s Antler Hill Village. 2. Stroll through our Illuminated Village As the sun begins to set, we invite you to discover our glittering holiday light display, including thousands of lights and oversized ornaments, in Antler Hill Village each evening throughout the holiday season. More than 45,000 twinkling Christmas lights are illuminated throughout Biltmore House. 1. Discover Biltmore at its Most Enchanting Our annual Candlelight Christmas Evenings visits offer a rare glimpse into a more intimate side of America’s Largest Home® with soft candlelight, crackling fireplaces, and live music. Reserve your evening visit today and consider upgrading to an admission ticket that includes our exclusive 90-minute guided group tour inside Biltmore House for an extra special experience! Be sure to take a look at our holiday lodging packages, available at The Inn and Village Hotel. Stay overnight at one of our distinctive properties—The Inn on Biltmore Estate®, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate®, or private Cottages on Biltmore Estate™—so you’ll have plenty of time to experience our top five Christmas activities and so much more!
The Banquet Hall Tree: A Christmas at Biltmore Tradition Posted on October 1, 2020 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico The Banquet Hall tree has been a Biltmore Christmas tradition for 125 years. The 35-foot-tall Fraser fir selected for the Banquet Hall each year is always the tallest tree inside Biltmore House. Adorned with hundreds of lights and ornaments, the towering tree is a beloved Yuletide symbol that was introduced during the first Christmas at Biltmore. Preparing for the first Christmas at Biltmore While George Vanderbilt moved into Biltmore House in October 1895, he didn’t formally open the house until Christmas Eve of that year. He invited his extended family from the north to a grand holiday housewarming party. “Mr. Vanderbilt is to entertain in his chateau 300 guests from New York, who will arrive by special train. The scene of mirth and happiness which the yule-tide season will witness in this modern Aladdin’s palace will be the realization of even that lucky man’s wildest dreams…”– Galveston Tribune as quoted by The Asheville Citizen Times* Thanks to news articles and correspondence between George and his staff, we know that preparations for the big event were extensive and no detail was left unattended. Managers debated which nearby county had the best holly and the most desirable mistletoe, while staff scouted the perfect candidate for what would become one of Biltmore’s most prominent holiday elements: the Banquet Hall Christmas tree. Chauncey Beadle wrote estate manager Charles McNamee:“I quite agree with you that we should have a very large tree for this occasion; in fact, I think a twenty foot tree in that large Banquet Hall would be rather dwarfed.” Raising the Banquet Hall tree is a Christmas tradition at Biltmore Christmas Eve 1895 On the evening of December 24, guests gathered in the Banquet Hall, which showcased the splendidly tall and beautifully decorated tree laden with gifts for estate workers. At the foot of the tree was a table piled high with family gifts. “The Imperial Trio furnished music for the occasion, and the rich costumes of the ladies, the soft lights and the tastefully draped garlands of evergreen and mistletoe, interspersed with the shining leaves and red berries of the holly, created a beautiful scene to look upon.” – The Asheville News and Hotel Reporter, December 28, 1895 George’s mother, Maria Louisa Vanderbilt, attended as well as several of his brothers and sisters with their spouses and children. One of George’s nieces, Gertrude, daughter of Cornelius and Alice Claypoole Vanderbilt, kept a series of Dinner Books recording of all the parties and formal dinners she attended. The first Christmas dinner at Biltmore was Gertrude’s 193rd event that year, listed in the second volume of her 1895 Dinner Book. In her seating diagram for the occasion, she listed 27 Vanderbilt family members, including “Uncle George,” “Grandma,” and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A detailed seating chart of the first Christmas dinner at Biltmore House from the 1895 Dinner Book kept by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney** The lofty holiday event was a Vanderbilt family reunion of sorts. It was said to have been the largest gathering of the family since the death of George’s father, William Henry Vanderbilt, almost ten years earlier. Ultimately, 40 family members and close friends signed the Biltmore House Guest Book throughout the holiday season. Christmas Day 1895 At the time, Biltmore’s full domestic staff had yet to be hired, though George had temporarily employed local men and women for service during the holidays. On Christmas Day, George invited the estate’s many temporary and permanent employees and their children to the first Biltmore employee Christmas Party. Still a bachelor at the time, he enlisted the help of Mrs. Charles McNamee to purchase gifts for the guests. (Edith Vanderbilt enthusiastically assumed this role after she and George married in 1898.) George greeted everyone in the Banquet Hall mid-afternoon, where family members helped distribute gifts. We imagine that most of the employees and their children had never seen anything like the Banquet Hall tree. At the time, less than 20% of US families brought Christmas trees into their homes, much less such an oversized tree with electric lights and hundreds of presents wrapped beneath it. A beribboned velvet ornament featuring the elegant Vanderbilt monogram The tradition continues George Vanderbilt’s hosting of family and employees at Christmas is a tradition that continued long after 1895. Local and national newspapers published accounts of seasonal celebrations at Biltmore almost every year. And every year, those celebrations took place in the Banquet Hall, next to the tallest Christmas tree in Biltmore House. Make reservations now to visit during Christmas at Biltmore or Candlelight Christmas Evenings and experience the enchantment of this beloved Yuletide symbol. *Sourced by an uncited newspaper from our Museum Services history files.**Photo courtesy of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution. Whitney Museum of American Art, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney papers. Gift of Flora Miller Irving.
First Look: Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore Collection Posted on September 10, 2020 at 10:42 am.Written by Jean Sexton Shop the new Biltmore Collection by Dooney & Bourke, available now at the estate and online! Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore This sleek and stylish wallet is perfect when you’re on the go or as an accompaniment to the roomy tote in the Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore collection “We are thrilled to announce the new Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore collection,” said Clay Chaffin, Senior Director, Product Design, Development & Merchandising. “When a storied brand like Biltmore connects with a fashion icon such as Dooney & Bourke, the results are nothing short of inspiring.” Estate-inspired design The new collection is available in a tote, wallet, and crossbody bag The new design by Dooney & Bourke weaves classic architectural elements and elegant patterns from America’s Largest Home® into a timeless style, bringing form and function together in these three separate pieces: Biltmore Estate® Classic Tote Bag by Dooney & BourkeBiltmore Estate® Classic Crossbody Bag by Dooney & BourkeBiltmore Estate® Classic Wallet by Dooney & Bourke “We worked with Dooney & Bourke designers to capture some of the most beloved details of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate, then combined them with the artistic direction of Dooney & Bourke to create a signature Biltmore pattern that fans of both brands will love,” Clay said. Emphasis on quality Not only are the two brands compatible in terms of their design aesthetic, but they’re also a match in their emphasis on quality and integrity. Inspired by America’s rich history in leather goods, ranging from mail pouches to saddle bags and other gear, Peter Dooney and Frederic Bourke created the distinct blend of classic and contemporary styles that have been the hallmark of every Dooney & Bourke collection for more than 40 years. With a steadfast commitment to enduring style, timeless versatility, and uncompromising quality, Dooney & Bourke selects only the finest raw materials and follows the time-honored techniques of old world leather craftsmen. More to come Be among the first to shop the new Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore bags! “This new Biltmore Estate Classic pattern is the first of three curated collections featuring exceptional quality and richly detailed textures that invite you to indulge in more than one,” said Clay. “We’ll be sharing a sneak peak at what’s next in the coming months!” Bring Biltmore home for the holidays Visit our estate shops for all your holiday gifts–including the new Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore bags! Find Dooney & Bourke for Biltmore just in time for holiday shopping. Available in a tote, crossbody bag, and wallet styles, there’s a perfect option for everyone–including you! Take care of your gift-giving list in any of our estate shops, or shop online from the comfort of home at BiltmoreShop.com.
Fans Choose Our 2020 Christmas Wine Labels Posted on September 8, 2020 at 4:02 pm.Written by Jean Sexton (Please enjoy this archived content from Christmas 2020.) For the past three years, our Facebook fans have been the ones to choose the style of our Christmas at Biltmore Wine labels. Crowdsourcing our Christmas wine labels Indoor and outdoor holiday elements were chosen by our Facebook fans for 2020 “It’s worked so well that we keep doing it,” said Chris Price, Wine Marketing Manager. “By voting for the Christmas wine label styles and themes on Facebook, our fans really help us capture the spirit of the season.” Working with a North Carolina artist The Biltmore wine marketing team selected artist Denise Nelson of Sherrils Ford, North Carolina, to create two original paintings that would incorporate the holiday images and elements selected by Biltmore’s Facebook followers for our Christmas wine labels. Your virtual tasting theme can be anything you like, including Christmas at Biltmore white and red wines! Two winning themes emerged after two rounds of online voting: a wonderfully warm vignette in the grand Library of Biltmore House, and a whimsical outdoor scene featuring the iconic architecture of America’s Largest Home®. Images tell a special story Paintings in progress: artwork for both labels side-by-side in Denise Nelson’s studio According to the artist, her assignment felt a little overwhelming at first because both the Library and the house are so richly detailed, but as she began working with the two different ideas that were selected, the images began to tell their own special stories. Denise builds layers of warm color and delightful detail for the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label painting “I started with the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label,” Denise said. ” It was delightful to present an interior view of the house that includes a child’s rocking horse and Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ beloved Saint Bernard, resting on the hearth in front of the massive fireplace.” Denise captured Cedric the St. Bernard in magnificent detail, from the rough texture of his coat to the firelight reflected in his eyes Denise was able to work in other wonderful Library details, like cheerful Christmas décor and a glimpse of Pelligrini’s The Chariot of Aurora ceiling painting soaring overhead. Classic architecture meets frosty fun Denise kept her colors cool for the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label Fans also voted to see a snowy outdoor scene featuring Biltmore House at night, and Denise was happy to oblige. For the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label, Denise painted a timeless winter scene that looks as if the Vanderbilts and their guests might have created this cheerful snowman before returning to the warmth of Biltmore House! “I imagined a nicely chilled bottle of Christmas at Biltmore White Wine,” said Denise, “and that helped me capture the tone of the season. You’ll see the windows of Biltmore House alight for the holidays, and a cheerful snowman in a red scarf adds a bit of frosty fun to the formal architecture.” Give a thoughtful gift of wine this season Christmas at Biltmore Wines are perfect for gift giving and for complementing your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table 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 Christmas labels make both wines a charming gift of the season for someone special.
Creating Curb Appeal in front of Biltmore House Posted on July 24, 2020 at 1:45 pm.Written by LeeAnn Donnelly To say that the summertime curb appeal in front of Biltmore House veers toward the dramatic would be accurate! Towering palm trees flank the front door, all of them carefully arranged in terracotta pots sturdy enough to keep the contents secure. For plantings this huge, their containers can measure up to 40 inches tall and 50 inches wide. Some of the containers in front of Biltmore are replicas made in Impruneta, Italy, the same town in which the home’s original pots were made in the late 1800s. For the reproductions, the faces and garlands were matched with the ones on the original pots. This year, Biltmore gardener Todd Roy created the plant design for the containers at the front of the house, the terrace that crosses the facade, as well as the pots at the base of the Rampe Deuce, across from the house. Guests often ask Todd and his cohorts on the horticulture team questions on how best to get the Biltmore look in their home gardens. Here are some of Todd’s favorite tips for creating dazzling container gardens at home. “Thriller, Filler and Spiller” To achieve a balanced container, Todd says to design with these basic components. • “Thrillers” are the upright, tall component. • “Fillers” are medium-height, middle-area plants. • “Spillers” are the plants that hang over and around the edges of the container. Select plants with similar watering needsConsult the plant tags for watering requirements so you are choosing plants that share the same maintenance schedule. TextureAnd finally, select plants with differing leaf sizes and colors for a full and lush effect. More about Biltmore’s historic gardens may be found here.