Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Bûche de Noël” Recipe Posted on December 1, 2023 at 11:00 am.Written by Heather Angel Delight family and friends with a dessert as delicious as it is beautiful. Inspired by the traditional French Bûche de Noël or yule log seasonal cake, Biltmore Pastry Chef Aaron Morgan developed a fresh twist on the classic confection with the addition of a rich peanut butter-cream cheese filling and elegant Italian buttercream icing that resembles freshly fallen snow. Once the cake is assembled, branch out with decorative elements such as marzipan mushrooms, sugared berries, and fresh herbs that help make your yule log the highlight of any holiday or winter-themed gathering. Wine Pairing Suggestion: Slice and serve with our Biltmore Estate Riesling or Limited Release Dry Riesling. Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Buche de Noel” is a decadent dessert for the season–especially when paired with Biltmore Estate Riesling! Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Bûche de Noël” Total time: 5 hours Serving Size: 6 people Ingredients: For the biscuit roulade 3 whole large eggs 6 large egg yolks 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour 3 large egg whites Powdered sugar, for dusting and shaping For the peanut butter filling 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 cup creamy peanut butter 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract ½ cup heavy cream For the Italian buttercream 2 cups granulated sugar ½ cup water 1 tablespoon light corn syrup 5 large egg whites 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened and cut into ½-inch pieces For decoration (optional) Marzipan mushrooms, cocoa powder, chocolate Florentine lace cookies, fresh rosemary, fresh or sugared cranberries, etc., as desired Instructions: First, make the biscuit roulade: Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of a half-sheet pan (approximately 18x13x1 inches) with cooking spray; line the bottom with parchment paper, then spray the parchment with cooking spray. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, beat whole eggs, egg yolks and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture reaches the “ribbon stage,” or turns thick, pale, foamy and forms ribbons in the batter when the whisk is lifted. Fold in flour until just combined. In a separate large bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat 3 egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the egg-flour mixture until just combined. Pour and spread the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until the cake is just baked through and lightly golden. Sprinkle the top of the hot cake generously with powdered sugar (this will help to keep the cake from sticking). Run a paring knife along the edge of the cake to loosen it from the edges of the sheet pan. Top the cake with a light, clean kitchen towel and a large cutting board; carefully but quickly, invert the cake onto the towel/cutting board. Remove the sheet pan and parchment paper from the cake. Sprinkle the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar. Starting from one short end, tightly roll up the warm cake in the towel; transfer to a cutting board, small sheet pan or large plate, seam side-down. Set aside to cool completely, about 2 hours (you can refrigerate the cake to speed up the cooling process, if desired). Meanwhile, make the peanut butter filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar on medium speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Beat in the peanut butter, melted butter and vanilla extract on medium speed for 1 minute or until well-combined and smooth, scraping the sides often. In a separate large bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold the heavy cream into the cream cheese-peanut butter mixture until just combined. Ready to assemble! Assemble the cake: On a clean work surface, carefully unroll the fully cooled cake. Spread peanut butter filling evenly over the top of the cake all the way to the edges. Reroll the cake and return to the cutting board/sheet pan; cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour to set the cake. Meanwhile, make the Italian buttercream: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir 2 cups granulated sugar, water and corn syrup to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer reads 245°F to 250°F when inserted into the mixture. While the sugar mixture cooks, in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat 5 egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. With the stand mixer still running on medium-high speed, carefully and slowly pour hot sugar mixture into the egg whites. Continue to whip the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is fully cooled and turns to a light, fluffy, glossy meringue. With the stand mixer still running on medium-high speed, add softened butter, one piece at a time, beating until the butter is fully incorporated and a light, fluffy, smooth frosting forms. If the frosting is too thin, cover and refrigerate until more firm. Finally, assemble the cake: Use a sharp knife to cut one end of the chilled cake on an angle a few inches from the end; arrange the cut piece on one side of the cake to form a “branch.” Slice off the very end of the branch for a clean edge, if desired. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the buttercream (you may not use all of the buttercream); use an offset spatula to texture the sides, as desired. Decorate and garnish the cake with marzipan mushrooms, Florentine lace cookies, cocoa powder, etc. as desired. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Tip: Don’t worry if your Peanut Butter Yule Log isn’t as smooth as you’d like—the snowy Italian buttercream frosting and decorations help cover any imperfections!
Biltmore® Grown Meatballs Recipe Posted on November 22, 2023 at 8:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Straight out of grandma’s recipe book, these classic meatballs are styled after a meal that Biltmore’s Estate Executive Chef Mark DeMarco’s grandmother and aunts made countless times during his childhood. For a tour de taste down memory lane, serve them with tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, or with fresh bread and creamy burrata cheese. Wine Pairing Suggestion: The boldness of our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvédre pairs perfectly with the richness of this dish. This versatile recipe can be incorporated into many different dishes, including spaghetti, subs, and stroganoff. Biltmore® Grown Meatballs Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Serving Size: 4-6 people Ingredients: 1½ pounds Biltmore® Grown Ground Beef 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 white onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 large eggs 1 cup parmesan cheese 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs ¼ cup chopped parsley 2 tablespoons dried oregano ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a medium pan, sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft but not browned; season with salt. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, mix onions and garlic with remaining ingredients and let sit for 10 minutes. Add ground beef and mix until well combined. Scoop meat mixture into ½-cup portions and roll between your hands to form smooth meatballs then place meatballs in a baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 155°F and serve immediately with your favorite pasta and sauce. For a meatball sub, place meatballs on toasted baguettes, top with pasta sauce and fresh mozzarella or fontina cheese.
Beef Brisket with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce Recipe Posted on November 8, 2023 at 8:00 am.Written by Karina Hux This is the ultimate cut for all of you pit masters out there! Start with our BBQ Dry Rub, then smoke the brisket and finish it “low and slow” in the oven. Top your mouthwatering brisket sandwich or plate with our simple Texas-style BBQ Sauce and enjoy with your favorite sides. Wine Pairing Suggestion: Beef brisket pairs beautifully with rich red wines like our Biltmore Estate® The Hunt Red Blend or Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo. Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Buche de Noel” is a decadent dessert for the season–especially when paired with Biltmore Estate Riesling! Beef Brisket with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce Total time: 11 hours 30 minutes Serving Size: 4-6 people Ingredients: BBQ Dry Rub 3 pounds Biltmore® Grown Beef Brisket ½ cup paprika ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup chili powder ¼ cup kosher salt ¼ cup black pepper 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons ground cumin Texas-Style BBQ Sauce 4 tablespoons blended oil (such as olive or canola oil) 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped 8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 16 ounces light brown sugar, packed 16 ounces apple cider vinegar 1 bottle (32 ounces) prepared ketchup 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons mustard powder 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons ground black pepper Instructions: Texas-Style BBQ Sauce: sauté onions and garlic in blended oil over medium heat until soft. Add sugar and vinegar; cook until slightly reduced. Stir in ketchup and spices and simmer for 15 minutes. Blend until smooth and use immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days. Smoked Brisket: Rub dry ingredients into brisket and smoke at 275°F for 2 hours. Roast uncovered at 300°F for 6 to 7 hours or until fork-tender. Rest for 30 minutes before slicing then top with BBQ sauce.
Before Biltmore Estate: Earliest Inhabitants Posted on November 3, 2023 at 11:22 am.Written by Heather Angel The 8,000 acres of present-day Biltmore Estate have a rich history of inhabitants dating back millennia. In this two-part blog series, we recognize and share a brief history of some of the many people who have called this land home throughout history. Modern-day viewshed of Biltmore Estate Early Native American Roots George W. Vanderbilt chose to build his home at this site because of the spectacular mountain views and mild climate. Before his time, there were other reasons why people found this location desirable. Due to the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, groups have settled here for almost 10,000 years. There were also two major trade routes that passed through this region, making it a much-used area for people from near and far. Modern archaeological investigations on Biltmore Estate show evidence of significant Native American occupations. They span many years, dating from the Early Archaic period (ca. 8000 BCE) to the late Pisgah phase (ca. 1500 CE) of the Mississippian period. One of the most significant Native American sites on the estate is known as the “Biltmore Mound and Village Site.” This earthen mound dates to the Connestee phase of the Middle Woodland period (ca. 200–600 CE), or around 1,400–1,800 years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that the mound, which has been reduced from several hundred years of plowing, served as the substructure for a series of wooden town or council houses. These buildings were used as the civic and ceremonial centers of the surrounding village and the wider Native American settlements in the area. 1884 Royce, C. C. Map of the former territorial limits of the Cherokee “Nation of” Indians from the collection of the Library of Congress, Geography and Map division. Forced Removal of the Cherokee By the time European settlers began arriving in this region in the late 18th century, this land was officially recognized as Cherokee territory. After the Revolutionary War, pressure on Native populations increased. The Cherokee Nation ceded much of the land that nearly 100 years later would make up Vanderbilt’s 125,000-acre estate to the United States government in the Treaty of Holston and the First Treaty of Tellico in the 1790s. These land cessions were made through coercion and encroachment and rarely represented the wishes of the Cherokee people as a whole. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 granted the government the power to relocate tribes to land west of the Mississippi. Five years later, some members of the Cherokee signed the Treaty of New Echota, which paid them $5 million to leave their ancestral lands in the Southeast. The forced migration to the new Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma in 1838 and 1839 became known as the Trail of Tears. The few who persevered to remain here or return later are the ancestors of the present-day Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). This tribe now mainly calls the Qualla Boundary their home, located about 40 miles west of Biltmore. In 1890, when Biltmore House was under construction, an Extra Census Bulletin from the U. S. Census Office totaled the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina at 1,520 members. Despite their proximity, there seems to have been little interaction between George Vanderbilt or the estate and the EBCI. One exception is the sale of timber by a group of Cherokees to Carl Schenck during his time as Biltmore’s forester. There are also a few known early employees documented as claiming Cherokee ancestry. This photo taken February 25, 1893, shows progress on Biltmore House and the Walled Garden. The new structures contrast with the residence of the Wright family in the foreground, which was purchased by Vanderbilt in June 1888. Remembering Biltmore’s Residents While many people are familiar with the lives of George and Edith Vanderbilt, it is vital to Biltmore’s cultural history to acknowledge the many individuals who came before the Vanderbilts and who lived and worked on this land since their arrival, including thousands of tenants and employees. While there are many oral histories in Biltmore’s archives that speak to the experience of growing up on these grounds in the 20th century, the stories of most of those who came before have unfortunately been lost to time. In lieu of more detailed or personal accounts of individuals and communities who once lived on this land, it is essential that we acknowledge their existence as a way to honor and remember their lives and legacies. Through environmental stewardship practices, land conservation efforts, and collaborative research projects, Biltmore remains dedicated to being good stewards of this storied land that has been home to so many, including Native Americans, the African American Shiloh community, and all descendants of the people who came before us. Further Reading: For information on the transition of land ownership leading up to George Vanderbilt, read part two of this blog series, “Before Biltmore Estate: Changing Ownership.” Additional resources on this topic: As Long as the Grass Shall Grow: A history of Cherokee land cessions and the formation of Buncombe County, by the Buncombe County Register of Deeds The Trail of Tears: A Story of Cherokee Removal by Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian National Park Service Trail of Tears map and guide.
Braised Short Ribs with Gingered Sweet Potato Mash & Cherry Barbeque Sauce Recipe Posted on November 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm.Written by Heather Angel Perfect for chasing the chill in the air, this hearty, multi-layered entrée comes from The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Wine Pairing Suggestion: We suggest pairing it with The Hunt Sonoma County Red Blend 2020. Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Buche de Noel” is a decadent dessert for the season–especially when paired with Biltmore Estate Riesling! Braised Short Ribs with Gingered Sweet Potato Mash and Cherry Barbeque Sauce Total time: 4 hours Serving Size: 4 people Ingredients: 6 pounds (4 pieces) Biltmore® Grown beef short ribs 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ½ pound carrots, peeled and chopped ½ pound celery, chopped ½ pound white onions, peeled and chopped 2 quarts beef stock 2 ounces fresh thyme Cherry Barbecue Sauce 1 tablespoon molasses 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar ½ cup dried sweet cherries Salt and pepper to taste Sweet Potato Mash 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup honey Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Season shortribs with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large heavy pan. Brown short ribs on all sides, remove. Add carrots, celery, and onion to a hot pan; cook until just brown. Return short ribs to the pan along with thyme and beef stock. Cover pan, and place in hot oven. Braise for 3 hours, or until meat is extremely tender and falls away from the bone. Remove meat to a covered platter, and keep warm. Strain and reserve cooking liquid. In a medium saucepan, bring the reserved cooking liquid to a simmer. Reduce until halved in volume. Stir in molasses, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, and dried cherries. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring heavy cream and butter to a simmer. Bring to boil a large pot of salted water. Add diced sweet potatoes. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender. Drain. Run cooked potatoes through a food mill or ricer. Stir in warmed cream and butter along with minced ginger and honey. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve: Divide sweet potatoes between 4 plates. Place one short rib atop each portion of sweet potatoes. Sauce the beef with the cherry barbeque.
Pumpkin Spice Sangria Recipe Posted on November 1, 2023 at 8:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Fall in love with this ‘not-so-basic’ Pumpkin Spice Sangria that’s just as cozy as your favorite sweater. This refreshing blend combines the crispness of autumn fruit with an unexpected punch of pumpkin spice. Whether you’re serving it in a wine glass or out of a punch bowl, it’s the ideal way to add some spice to your fall festivities. Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, online, or find a Biltmore wine retailer near you. Biltmore Estate Chardonnay is the star of this cozy fall sangria. Pumpkin Spice Sangria Total time: 5 minutes Serving Size: 1 gallon Ingredients: ¾ cup granulated sugar 11 ounces pineapple juice 11 ounces apple juice 4 ounces pumpkin syrup 3 bottles Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay 10 ounces club soda 3 granny smith apples 5-6 cinnamon sticks Instructions: Pour the sugar and pineapple juice into a small saucepot. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely. Transfer the mixture to a punch bowl. Add the apple juice, pumpkin syrup, and Biltmore Estate Chardonnay to the bowl. Stir to combine. Slice or chop the apples (according to your preference) and add them to the sangria, along with several cinnamon sticks. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Just before serving, stir in the club soda. Serve and enjoy!
5 Biltmore-Inspired Tips for Eco-Friendly Christmas Décor Posted on October 25, 2023 at 12:36 pm.Written by Heather Angel Environmental stewardship is a critical part of Biltmore’s mission that dates back to George Vanderbilt’s original vision for his country retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. This extends to the actions that our teams take over a century later as they deck the halls of America’s Largest Home® with twinkling lights and festive decorations each year for Christmas at Biltmore. Let’s explore a few Biltmore-inspired, eco-friendly Christmas decor tips for decking your halls for the holidays. Each year, over 60 trees are decorated around Biltmore Estate, including a cut 14-foot tree displayed in the lobby of The Inn. Choose Natural and Low-Impact Christmas Trees According to experts like The Nature Conservancy, natural-cut Christmas trees are a responsible décor option when farmed sustainably. Biltmore has been sourcing our famous Banquet Hall Christmas tree, front lawn trees, and many other cut trees placed around the estate from a family-owned farm, Andrews Nursery in nearby Newland, North Carolina, for over 40 years. When your cut Christmas tree is ready to be taken down, don’t add it to the landfill! Instead, natural trees can be chipped into mulch for garden beds like we do on Biltmore Estate, composted, donated to local organizations, or even placed outside in wooded areas to serve as a natural habitat for small birds during winter months. Alternatively, you may also consider choosing a potted tree that can be replanted after the holidays or even explore the option of renting a living tree. For those who prefer artificial trees, opt for high-quality models that can be reused for many years. Christmas “pomanders” are a classic Christmas decoration made of clove-studded oranges. Embrace Nature’s Bounty Bring the beauty of nature indoors by incorporating natural elements into your eco-friendly Christmas decor. Clove-studded oranges, like shown here in the Servant’s Dining Hall of Biltmore House in years past, are a classic Christmas decoration that brings a sense of warmth and a lovely scent to your holiday décor. Gather fallen pinecones, twigs, dried flowers, and branches to create unique centerpieces, wreaths, or garlands. Not only will these decorations add a touch of rustic charm, but they will also offer a sustainable alternative to store-bought decorations. Biltmore’s Floral designers begin planning for Christmas almost a full year in advance! Repurpose and Upcycle Each year, Biltmore’s Floral team repurposes thousands of ornaments, ribbons, and other decorative items for adorning our historic estate for the holidays. Before heading out to buy new ornaments, take a look at what you already have. You might be surprised at how many old ornaments, ribbons, and decorations can be repurposed or upcycled into something new. Get creative by transforming old Christmas cards into gift tags, using scraps of fabric to make unique tree ornaments, or upcycling your Biltmore Wine corks into adorable DIY wine cork reindeer! Antler Hill Village illuminates after dusk with the festive glow of thousands of twinkling LED lights. Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting Instead of traditional incandescent lights, opt for energy-efficient LED lights like we use around Biltmore Estate, including inside Biltmore House, at the Winery, and around Antler Hill Village! LED bulbs consume significantly less electricity and have a longer lifespan, saving you money on your energy bill while reducing your carbon footprint. Remember to turn off the lights when not in use and consider investing in a timer to avoid unnecessary energy consumption at nighttime. Simple evergreen clippings and leftover ribbon pieces can help elevate your wine gift-giving this holiday season. Be Mindful of Packaging The holiday season often brings an abundance of packaging waste. When buying new decorations, gifts, and wrapping papers, opt for items with minimal packaging or items made from recycled and sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, try to reuse or recycle any packaging you receive, reducing your contribution to the waste stream. For additional guidance on gifting, check out our tips for creative ways to wrap wine bottles for gift-giving! By making small changes to embrace eco-friendly Christmas decor practices, we can all do our part to create a festive atmosphere that brings joy to our homes while being good stewards of our natural resources.
By the Numbers: Making Hallmark’s “A Biltmore Christmas” Movie Posted on October 4, 2023 at 11:00 am.Written by Heather Angel Fans of the holidays, mystery, time travel, and romantic comedy were in for a treat when A Biltmore Christmas premiered on Hallmark Channel in November 2023! Take a peek behind the scenes with some fun, “by the numbers” tidbits about the making of this festive yuletide movie. How to watch this year: Check your local listings for viewing on Hallmark Channel or stream on-demand with Hallmark TV, Netflix, Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTubeTV, and other subscription services. Bethany Joy Lenz as Lucy Hardgrove in “A Biltmore Christmas,” by Hallmark Media. @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer David Scott Holloway. About A Biltmore Christmas Filmed at Biltmore in January 2023, this Hallmark movie features locations across the historic estate, including the Gardens, Conservatory, and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Biltmore’s long history as a film location dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, but for the first time, Biltmore House has a central role in the storyline of A Biltmore Christmas. The film centers on the fictional story about a modern-day screenwriter Lucy Hardgrove (Bethany Joy Lenz) and Jack Huston (Kristoffer Polaha), the dashing lead of the beloved holiday movie His Merry Wife!, first filmed at Biltmore House in 1947. The classic movie is scheduled to be re-filmed at the iconic estate, but a mysterious hourglass intervenes, and Lucy is transported back in time to 1946 as the cast and crew prepare to re-make the classic movie. Kristoffer Polaha as Jack Huston in “A Biltmore Christmas,” produced by Hallmark Media. @2023 Hallmark Media/Photographer David Scott Holloway A behind-the-scenes look by the numbers: 8 vintage cars were used during the filming of A Biltmore Christmas. 200 yards of artificial snow were used. 300 Asheville-area locals were hired as extras in the movie. 8,000+ people submitted applications online to be cast as extras, which Hallmark producers said is the most they’ve ever received. 9 rooms inside Biltmore House were used for filming: The Library, Tapestry Gallery, Main Hallway, Staircase Hall, Vestibule, Winter Garden, Banquet Hall, the corridor around the Winter Garden, and the corridor behind the Banquet Hall. 4 out of the nine rooms were decorated with a 1940s theme. Some of these rooms had multiple variations: some were made to look like an everyday room in the 1940s; a 1940s movie set; or a room set for a 1940s party. Except for the Library, all of the interiors were redecorated for present-day scenes with variations made for the “one-year later” conclusion. Wow, time travel can be confusing! 2 exterior locations directly attached to Biltmore House were used for filming scenes: The Loggia and the Library Terrace. 4 rooms at The Inn on Biltmore Estate were used as film sets: The Lobby, the Library Lounge, and two guest rooms. 11 costumes were worn by star Bethany Joy Lenz in A Biltmore Christmas. Four of them were 1940s-era costumes. Of the collection of 1940s looks costume designer Keith Nielsen created for Lenz’s character Lucy Hardgrove, Lucy’s Finale Ballgown is perhaps the most dramatic. Nielsen sourced an original Carolina Herrera design specifically for its fabric reminiscent of men’s tie patterns of the era. Modifications included a gathered bust that drapes around the back and the addition of a tiered tulle underlayer. Lucy’s necklace is an original 1930s Czech crystal from the collection of Nielsen. This costume will be on display at The Inn on Biltmore Estate throughout the holidays. 1 hourglass is used as a plot point in the movie. Biltmore is mentioned 9 times in the film. 15 days of filming took place at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. In 2023, the Library Christmas Tree was based on the 1940s plot line of Hallmark’s “A Biltmore Christmas” The magic of A Biltmore Christmas During the 2023 Christmas season, Biltmore guests enjoyed a look at the mysterious hourglass in the Library of Biltmore House, several costumes worn by stars Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha, as well as props from the set were on display at The Inn on Biltmore Estate, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, Traditions in Antler Hill Village, and at the estate’s Reception and Ticketing Sales Center. For extra holiday-movie-magic, the décor in the Library was based on the 1940s plot line of the movie, featuring classic red and green elements, with dramatic cascades of silver-sequined tinsel adorning the room’s Christmas tree. Treat yourself to the beloved estate tradition known as Christmas at Biltmore! Now that you’ve enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the making of A Biltmore Christmas, book your tickets or special overnight stay packages on Biltmore Estate so you can experience iconic Hallmark movie magic for yourself this Christmas at Biltmore!
Christmas Tree Tips from Biltmore Posted on October 1, 2023 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Take it from the experts: Biltmore knows Christmas trees, and we’ve got some great tips to make your holiday decorating easier! Christmas tree experts It takes about 50 employees to bring in the 35-foot fresh Fraser fir and raise it in the Banquet Hall each year. For nearly 40 years, Biltmore’s engineering team has handled the logistical challenges of carrying a 35-foot-tall tree through Biltmore House and raising it safely and securely in the Banquet Hall for all to enjoy during Christmas at Biltmore and Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Here are their recommendations for putting up your own special Christmas tree: Christmas tree safety tips Whether you’ve selected a fresh Christmas tree or an artificial one, following basic safety tips can make a brighter holiday for everyone. Purchase the freshest tree possible. Cut off the first inch or so of the base to help the tree absorb more water.Secure your tree in a sturdy base that holds enough water.Select a location in your home that protects the tree from small children and pets. This helps keep everyone safe.For a larger tree, it’s a good idea to install small anchor wires from the tree’s limbs back to the wall using an eye screw or something similar.LED lights are safer than traditional lights. Due to the lower temperature of the lights, there’s less chance of starting a fire. Biltmore-style sparkle Heather Whitlock, floral designer, surrounded by inspiration for Christmas decor. Our floral design team begins planning a year in advance to make Biltmore House and the whole estate come alive for the holiday season. If you’ve ever wondered why our Christmas trees look so special, it’s because the floral team takes time to get everything just right—beginning with the lights. Strands of lights help create the illuminated magic of the season–at Biltmore or in your home. Here’s their 3-step “no-fuss” light-stringing technique you can use on your own tree: Work each light strand from the top of the tree down—in sections—rather than round and round. This cuts down on ladder-climbing time. Work the lights in toward the trunk of the tree, then back out to the tip of the next branch, securing the strand by slipping the branch tip between the two wires of the strand.To make sure the tree is evenly lit, step back, squint your eyes to make things look blurry, and look for dark or overly bright spots. Rearrange or add lights as needed. Tuck ornaments back into the branches of the Christmas tree to add layers of color and texture. Once the lights are in place, tuck shiny ornaments deeply into the tree, starting at the trunk, and working outward. This creates depth, color, and supersized shine. Hang special and more decorative ornaments close to the branch tips. Place the largest ornaments near the bottom To further highlight your décor, place your favorite ornaments into bowls on your dining table, or mix them in baskets with pine cones and pods. Accent your wreaths and garlands with clusters of berries and shiny glass balls of different sizes. A decorative formula To achieve a full look with lots of lights, layers, and textures, our Biltmore design experts recommend the following formulas for some of the most common sizes of Christmas trees. 6-foot tree: 8 sets of lights + 3–4 boxes of ornaments12-foot tree: 26 sets of lights + 7–8 boxes of ornaments14-foot tree: 32 sets of lights + 10–12 boxes of ornaments Featured image: Christmas trees in the Banquet Hall at Biltmore House.
Stocking, Storing, And Savoring Biltmore Wines Posted on September 28, 2023 at 9:20 am.Written by Jean Sexton Whether you’re stocking, storing, or savoring Biltmore wines, this is our most important tip: enjoy the process! Wine cellars don’t have to be stuffy–evaluate your space and your lifestyle for options! Lots of people think that stocking a wine cellar or storing wines is a stuffy, old-fashioned business, but that’s an outdated idea. We want you to enjoy every part of the experience—especially savoring Biltmore wines! 1. Evaluate your storage options No wine cellar? No problem–consider dedicating a cabinet in your kitchen or other area of your home. When deciding which wines to stock, first evaluate your available storage space. Don’t worry if you don’t have the luxury of a wine cellar (few of us do), but instead ensure that your space is dark, away from movement or vibrations, not too hot or cold (55F˚ is ideal), and has a humidity level between 50% and 80%. A cool spot in a closet or cabinet away from exterior walls and removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of your home will allow your wine to rest comfortably until it is called into service. 2. Consider your lifestyle With Biltmore wines, all your gatherings are seasoned with cheer! Reflect on your favorite ways to indulge when stocking your wines. Are you a homebody who will be drinking a weeknight wine to relax after work? Or a social butterfly who regularly attends cocktail and dinner parties? Map out your month and decide what will work best for your needs and your budget. Include which foods you are more likely to cook at home (see our wine recommendations list below for ideas!) in your decision-making process. 3. Try different wines Savor our outstanding Biltmore wines with a grazing board at your next gathering For a fun and economical way to taste and choose, host a wine party with a variety of sweet and spicy hors d’oeuvres and invite your guests to bring a “new to them” bottle within a designated price limit. While you’re out and about, watch for sales to try something different with less risk. For an even more targeted experience, savor a tasting at Biltmore Winery and discuss your options with our experienced wine hosts while you sample a selection of award-winning favorites*. 4. Plan ahead Enjoy your favorite wines any time, from fireside sipping to celebrating special occasions. Review the special occasions that lie on your winter horizon. Will you be marking a milestone birthday, enjoying a romantic Valentine’s Day meal, or attending an intimate gathering with friends? Invest in a few choice bottles to have on hand so you’ll always have a thoughtful gift or be able to celebrate your own meaningful moments. Be sure to set aside a bottle or two for special occasions in years to come–this gives you a perfect opportunity to experiment with the effects aging will have on different varietals. Biltmore’s wine recommendations Enjoy savoring a wide selection of Biltmore wines! To start or stock your cellar, try these winning Biltmore wines: Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay: When grilling outdoors, the subtle oak flavors of Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay pair perfectly with salmon, chicken, and foil-wrapped vegetable packets. Indoors, think creamy pasta or clam chowder. Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé: If you think it’s just for summer, it’s time to rethink rosé! Ours is refreshing whether served chilled or at room temperature and features crisp layers of delicate berry flavors that complement chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec: A wild game dish like venison or bison burgers will be the perfect complement to a Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec, or try spicy, vibrant flavors such as those found in chimichurri sauce or Spanish tapas. Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon: Steak, short ribs, and hearty vegetables such as squash and portabella mushrooms are perfect with the smooth, vanilla-scented flavor of Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon. Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir: Elegant and easy to drink, this versatile wine is right at home whether accompanying roasted pork and poultry or classic pasta dishes with a tomato-based sauce. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo: For a well-rounded wine that can stand on its own or complement hearty flavors, sip our spicy, fruit-forward Tempranillo by the glass or serve with beef, pork, or lamb dishes and Gruyère cheese. Biltmore Estate® Sparkling Wines: Handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise at our estate winery, each of our spectacular sparkling wines offers crisp, refreshing flavor and fine bubbles perfect for toasting special occasions or pairing with your favorite foods. Savor Biltmore wines now Savor all your special small moments with Biltmore wines! The world of wine is fascinating, and the more you learn, the more addictive it can become. Relish the journey of discovery and make it a fun process. Keep your stock replenished from the comfort of home with the convenience of online shopping, or join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® to receive a curated shipment delivered to your door each season. You’ll thank yourself the rest of the year!