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.
Savor Summer with These Limited Release White Wines Posted on July 10, 2020 at 12:20 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Savor summer with these Limited Release white wines, handcrafted by Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak to refresh your palate all season long. “Of course white wines aren’t just for summer,” said Sharon, “but they are uniquely suited to provide crisp, refreshing flavor and pair well with the kinds of lighter foods we enjoy most during warmer weather.” For the Biltmore Estate Limited Release series, Sharon seeks smaller lots of exceptional grapes from our partner vineyards in California and Washington, allowing her to showcase her skillful artistry in each bottle. Let’s take a look at four Limited Release white wines crafted from varietals that may be less well known than more mainstream whites such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio: 1. Biltmore Estate Limited Release Marsanne Our new Biltmore Estate Albariño makes any occasion seem special! Originally from France’s Northern Rhône region, Marsanne is a less well-known white varietal often blended with Roussanne. After selecting fruit from our California growing partners, Sharon handcrafts our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Marsanne to be light straw in color, with bright opening aromas of banana, kiwi, and lime. Refreshing with a nice acidity, this light-to-medium-bodied Marsanne offers a fresh flavor reminiscent of tart green apples. Perfect for summer sipping and outdoor entertaining like a classic Lowcountry seafood boil, our Marsanne is excellent with lighter fare such as orange chicken, scallops, and fish tacos, or spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette. For desserts, consider key lime pie and lemon pound cake. If you’ve already discovered that you’re a fan of Biltmore’s other food-friendly white wines, we predict you’ll love getting to know our Marsanne! 2. Biltmore Estate Limited Release Orange Muscat Savor summer with our Limited Release white wines, including Orange Muscat Although it has old-world origins in Italy and France, Orange Muscat is better known today through new-world plantings in the U.S. and Australia. We handcraft this highly aromatic member of the Muscat family into a straw-colored wine with a luscious fragrant bouquet of peach blossom, honey, and ripe melon. Light-bodied, nicely balanced, and sweet-forward with flavors of honey and tropical fruit, our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Orange Muscat offers a clean, lightly tart finish that is surprisingly zesty. Savor this delightful “glass full of summer” with Mexican dishes, crab salad, spicy black bean burgers, Nashville-style hot chicken, fruit salad, angel food cake, and lemon tart. Most of all, be sure to sip it outdoors on the porch, or try it as the base of a refreshing summer cocktail like this Orange Muscat Mimosa or a pitcher of fruity sangria. 3. Biltmore Estate Limited Release Roussanne Enjoy all our Limited Release wines, including Roussanne, this summer! Roussanne is a late-ripening white grape that originated in the Rhone region of France. While it is often blended with Marsanne, Sharon has chosen to handcraft this Biltmore Estate Limited Release Marsanne as a single varietal with fine grapes selected from partner vineyards in Paso Robles, California. This medium-bodied pale gold wine offers scents of lime, pear, and coconut. It is soft, round, and nicely balanced with slight hints of minerality along with flavors of lime, kiwi, and tangerine. Pair it with lighter fare including fish tacos, trout, chicken salad with grapes and strawberries, or a wedge of Ibérico cheese. Refreshing and easy to drink, we suggest sipping a glass of Roussanne while relaxing on the porch—or take a bottle along to your next rustic cabin adventure or “glamping” getaway. 4. Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sémillon Pack plenty of Limited Release Semillon for your next summer picnic! Sémillon is native to France’s Bordeaux region. While it is often blended with other wines to give them more body and brighter flavor, Sharon opts to handcraft our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sémillon as a single varietal to express its distinctive characteristics. The grapes are selected from partner vineyards in Lake County, California, and the resulting light green-gold wine features a bouquet of fresh pear, banana, and floral notes. Medium-light in body, our round, creamy Sémillon offers tastes of crisp apple, vanilla, and hints of oak along with good acidity and a soft finish. Enjoy it with pan-seared scallops, Crab Louie, grilled chicken Caesar salad, and party favorites including brie, savory vol-au-vent canapés, and petite fours. Serve this lovely white wine with a casual dinner, bring it along on a summer picnic, or simply sip it by the glass Savor Summer with Limited Release White Wines Vanderbilt Wine Club members receive a shipment of Biltmore wines each season, plus access to exclusive vintages, virtual tasting events, and more. Our Limited Release wines–including the four that we’ve highlighted in this post–are exclusively available on the estate, online, or through the Vanderbilt Wine Club®.
The Railcar Red Wine Runs Smooth Posted on June 26, 2020 at 2:15 pm.Written by Jean Sexton The Railcar Red Wine runs smooth–and we invite you to try it for yourself! The powerful red blend—handcrafted to honor George Vanderbilt’s personal ties to the American railroad industry—and as a complement to Biltmore Gardens Railway—is just the ticket for sipping and savoring with your favorite foods. The Railcar red wine is a powerful complement to Biltmore Gardens Railway The Railcar red wine runs smooth “The Railcar is a distinctive red wine crafted predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Merlot,” said Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak. “I selected fruit from our vineyard partners in Paso Robles and Lake County—two outstanding grape-growing regions in California’s wine country.” As soon as you uncork The Railcar, you’ll experience its earthy bouquet that includes hints of caramel, vanilla, plum, black cherry, and baking spice. Cheers to the chill, grill, and thrill of summer entertaining On tasting this medium-to-large bodied garnet-colored wine, you’ll discover bright cherry, plum, and dried fruit flavors up front, a bit of spice, and nice full tannins that make it an excellent pairing partner with barbecue, smoked meats, and pasta with red sauce. Creating a distinctive label “When we first talked about creating this wine, we knew it would need a special label that showcased how distinctive it is,” noted Jill Whitfield, Senior Marketing Manager, Biltmore Wines. “With that in mind, we reached out to Asheville artist Bryan Koontz to see what he envisioned for The Railcar.” Bryan refines his graphite concept sketches for The Railcar red wine Getting on track with a local artist In addition to being an an exceptional artist who created original artwork for our 2018 Christmas at Biltmore Wine labels and our 2019 Spring Release label, Bryan is a train aficionado whose detailed illustrations of trains have appeared in books depicting the historic development of railroads in this country. Transitioning from graphite to watercolor Concepts and sketches He’s particularly knowledgeable about the types of steam engines that would have been in use in George Vanderbilt’s day, and he drew on that knowledge to create several concepts that he began to refine with a final destination in mind. “I knew about George Vanderbilt’s railway connections,” said Bryan, “and that he had his own private railcar. That was the height of luxury at that time, to commission a custom-made railcar and travel in style anywhere a train could take you!” Bryan’s initial concepts and early sketches were rendered in graphite pencil to provide the crisp clarity that characterizes his work. It’s a medium that lends itself to creating all the tiny details of a vintage steam engine. Refining the details Bryan at work on the label in his studio As the concept was refined toward its final iteration, Bryan used watercolors to bring the engine, its cars, and the surrounding landscape to life. The label nearing completion The final version looks so real you can almost hear the engine coming down the track toward you—perhaps pulling George Vanderbilt’s private railcar behind it! Enjoy The Railcar Red Wine along with Biltmore Gardens Railway! Biltmore Gardens Railway in Antler Hill Village From July 1, 2020, through February 15, 2021, marvel at Biltmore Gardens Railway, our botanical model train display located in Antler Hill Village. New this year, we’re featuring iconic American train stations crafted from natural materials such as leaves, twigs, and bark. Stroll through this fascinating display that hearkens back to the golden age of train travel, and celebrate the occasion with a distinctive bottle of The Railcar Red Wine, available at estate shops, online, or close to home with our Retailer Locator.