Take A Tropical Escape In Our Conservatory Posted on January 17, 2023 at 4:30 pm.Written by Jean Sexton With towering palms and exotic blooms, Biltmore invites you to take a tropical escape in our Conservatory during any season–but it’s never more welcome than in the winter months. Picture yourself here! The Conservatory offers beautiful backdrops for your selfies and photos. “While we welcome the return of warmer weather with our annual Biltmore Blooms celebration each spring, the Conservatory offers a year-round indoor tropical oasis that will make you forget the outside temperatures for a while,” said Todd Roy, Conservatory Horticulturalist. Photograph of the Conservatory from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1910 A passion for horticulture Completed in 1895, the Conservatory embodies the late 19th-century passion for horticulture. It was a collaboration between George Vanderbilt, Frederick Law Olmsted, the estate’s landscape architect, and Richard Morris Hunt, who designed Biltmore House. Hunt designed the structure while Olmsted weighed in on the location. This hidden door in the floor of the Winter Garden in Biltmore House allowed plants to be brought back and forth from the Conservatory without disturbing guests. Like other conservatories in the early 1900s, Biltmore’s glass-enclosed building sheltered exotic and tropical plants from around the world, but it was much more than a pretty place to showcase rare plants; it also fulfilled Vanderbilt’s vision of Biltmore as a self-sufficient, working estate. Some of the poinsettias used for holiday decor at Biltmore are grown in the Production Room of the Conservatory. “Beyond the main areas that Mr. Vanderbilt’s guests would have enjoyed, there is a large Production Room for potting and growing plants and storing tools and equipment,” Todd said. “We still use those areas today.” In 2017, the Conservatory underwent repairs and cleaning. In 2022, all the large wooden exterior doors were replaced. Restoring the Conservatory For a building made primarily of glass, it’s remarkable that the Conservatory’s design and construction stood the test of time for more than a century. In 1997, the structure received an extensive two-year renovation. “Biltmore focused on much-needed repairs while restoring most of the floor plan to the original 1893 design,” said Todd. “I believe George Vanderbilt, who was fascinated with technology and innovations, would have been excited by everything that was done to preserve this historic building.” Purple cattaleya orchids in bloom in Orchid Room in Conservatory Orchids on display One of the highlights of the Conservatory is the Orchid Room which features more than 500 plants in the collection. Peak bloom time is during the winter months, bringing some much-needed warmth and color to the coldest season of the year, though the room is filled with blooms year-round. “Our collection highlights five major groups of orchids,” said Todd. “A large portion is orchids people generally know, like corsage orchids which come in every color imaginable. We also have lady slipper orchids, yellow-flowered dancing lady orchids, and many others.” “They are diverse in every respect, from the shape of their flowers to the way they trick pollinators like bees or hummingbirds because there is rarely any nectar or pollen in the blooms,” said Todd. “Orchids are truly fascinating.” From lush orchids to spiny specimens in the Cactus Room, Biltmore’s Conservatory is filled with fascinating discoveries! Plan your Biltmore Conservatory visit today! Whether you’re a first-time guest who wants to experience as much as possible, or an Annual Passholder who enjoys unlimited free visits for an entire year, the Conservatory, located at the bottom of the Walled Garden, is just one of the wonderful features you’ll discover at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC!
Plan A Romantic Getaway to Biltmore Posted on January 7, 2023 at 11:44 am.Written by Jean Sexton When you’re longing for time away with your beloved, Biltmore serves up the ultimate romantic escape whether you’re seeking a private retreat for renewed connections or fun-filled adventures in the great outdoors. Follow our expert tips and inspiration for planning your next romantic getaway to Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Enjoy the great outdoors together on your next romantic date or getaway at Biltmore! Explore the estate together Create new memories by enjoying the outdoors together while exploring the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain estate. “I can’t think of anything much more romantic than a carriage ride across this stunning estate,” said Heather Brannan, Outdoor Adventure Center Supervisor, “but Biltmore offers so many activities that you’re sure to find something that delights both of you.” Carriage and trail rides Enjoy Biltmore’s property from a different perspective with a carriage or trail ride. Choose guided or private options to suit your style and abilities. Biking and hiking Delight in Frederick Law Olmsted’s distinctive landscape design as you explore the trails at Biltmore. Walk, hike, rent a bike, or pedal your own to get a firsthand view of the estate. Wellness activities Indulge in some self-care as a couple with thoughtful options that quiet your mind and refresh your spirits, such as Morning Yoga or our deliciously relaxing Chocolate Meditation. Falconry is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey. Adventure awaits Team up with your significant other for an adventure that may take you out of your comfort zone, but will also bring you closer together as you learn new skills with the help of our expert guides. Land Rover® Experience at Biltmore Go off-roading in luxury when you engage in a Land Rover® Experience at Biltmore. Book a one- or two-hour session and receive expert training to maneuver on unfamiliar terrain. Extend the adventure with a full-day excursion that includes a mid-day break for a private picnic lunch–now that’s romantic! Falconry Let romance take flight as you experience the ancient art of falconry together. Learn about these fascinating birds of prey as well as hawks and barn owls, and receive expert training on handling and interacting with these captivating raptors. Make a morning reservation for Biltmore House and feel like a guest of the Vanderbilts. Rise and shine Beth Poslusny, Vice President of Destination Guest Experience, suggests making it a truly romantic getaway with accommodations and special packages at The Inn on Biltmore Estate®, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® or one of our private historic cottages. “You’ll have the unique opportunity to awaken on the estate,” said Beth, “and there’s no better way to start a special day together!” Make your date or getaway more romantic with the addition of a Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour: The Biltmore House Backstairs Tour offers enthralling stories of domestic staff while exploring their lives and the areas where they worked. Our Rooftop Tour offers a bird’s eye view of the house, with fascinating little-known details about the construction and design of the 175,000-square-foot home. Enjoy our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting featuring premium Biltmore wines and artisan chocolate truffles from French Broad Chocolates. 📷 by @chelseaericasmith and @thewineshutter Table for two As part of your romantic date or getaway, make time to wine and dine on the estate with your special someone. WinerySurprise your significant other by booking a Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting and learn why the flavors are a match made in heaven–just like the two of you! Round out the romance with the following options: Reserve time for a complimentary tasting where you’ll learn about Biltmore’s winemaking heritage. Unwind at the indoor-outdoor Wine Bar to enjoy Biltmore wines with charcuterie, cheese, and chocolates, then stock up on favorite vintages and accessories at the Wine Shop. Rekindle your memories at home with a membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club®. Delicious Dining“From fine dining to casual, quick-service options and sweet treats, Biltmore offers fabulous flavors to suit every taste,” said Estate Executive Chef Mark DeMarco. “Something as simple as sipping hot chocolate from The Creamery while you stroll around Antler Hill Village can make any date more memorable.” For the ultimate romantic dinner, Chef DeMarco suggests reserving a table for two in The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate–both the restaurant and The Inn have earned a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star rating for world-class service and gracious hospitality. Plan your next romantic date or getaway now No matter what activities light your fire, the variety of things to do at Biltmore will provide the perfect spark for your next romantic date or getaway. Visit Tip: Available guided activities vary throughout the year. We recommend checking our current activities online in advance to make the most of your romantic getaway to Biltmore.
Art History at Biltmore: Tales Within Tapestries Posted on January 2, 2023 at 1:53 pm.Written by Jean Sexton At Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, some of the most notable art history in our collection appears as tales within tapestries. Let’s explore some of the pieces that were created during the Renaissance—a time when patrons often commissioned artists to create masterpieces based on religious, mythological, and historical symbols and allegory. Biltmore House Tapestry Gallery At 90 feet in length, the Tapestry Gallery is the longest room in Biltmore House. Painted limestone overmantels above each fireplace visually divide the room into thirds, with each third devoted to one of the three tapestries George Vanderbilt acquired from an original set of seven known as “The Triumph of the Seven Virtues.” The Tapestry Gallery is the longest room in Biltmore House, and was designed to showcase part of a set of tapestries known as The Triumph of the Seven Virtues. Woven from wool and silk in Flanders (now part of Belgium) between 1525–1535, these tapestries were intended to illustrate how the seven virtues−faith, prudence, charity, chastity, temperance, fortitude, and justice−would always prevail over vice. “No one knows exactly who originally commissioned the tapestries or where they hung, but it’s speculated that they would have been displayed in the manor house of a wealthy and aristocratic family,” said Lauren Henry, Curator. Centuries of survival The “Triumph of Charity” shown here is one of the three tapestries from the “Triumph of Seven Virtues” series that George Vanderbilt purchased for Biltmore House. Other examples of the remaining tapestries are housed in just 10 collections across the world, including the Cluny Museum in Paris, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, England, and The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. While multiple sets were created, very few of them survived through the centuries, and there are no examples of the Triumph of Temperance still in existence. “There are three in Biltmore’s collection, arranged from left to right in the Tapestry Galley: The Triumph of Prudence, The Triumph of Faith, and The Triumph of Charity,” Lauren said. Triumph of Prudence Detail from the “Virtue of Prudence” tapestry showing King David and Abigail from 1 Samuel 25. Each virtue is illustrated through biblical stories and symbols that would have been familiar to people in 16th-century Europe. To more modern eyes, however, the meaning of the figures in the tapestries can be a bit mysterious. Detail of one of three fearsome serpent heads featured in the “Triumph of Prudence” tapestry. Triumph of Faith The central figure in the “Triumph of Faith” represents The Church as a body. In the upper left corner, there is a depiction of the story of Jacob’s ladder with an angel climbing into heaven. The chariot of fire next to it represents the prophet Elijah, while the blindfolded woman on the pedestal next to that symbolizes the old law. “The tapestry in the center of the Tapestry Gallery is the Triumph of Faith, which is believed to be the only one still in existence,” said Lauren. The Latin inscription at the top reads “Holy Faith believes by the Divine Word and worships God through every dutiful practice.” Symbolism Detail of the “Triumph of Faith” showing the figure of the winged man riding a lion. The virtue of Faith is depicted as a woman holding a church, chalice and cross. Below her, the figure of a winged man represents the human aspect of Christ, riding on a lion, representing both the apostle Mark and the Resurrection. The ox represents the sacramental nature of Christ. The Eagle represents the apostle John. All four of these symbols were said to have been seen as guardians of the throne of God by the prophet Ezekiel. Grand Staircase Tapestry Woven in rich reds, blues, and golds, this 15th-16th century tapestry depicts the Christ child with the Madonna and Saint Anne. Another beautiful tapestry in Biltmore’s collection is displayed in a frame at the first landing on the Grand Staircase. “This is a Franco-Flemish Renaissance biblical tapestry, created in the late 15th or early 16th century,” said Lauren. “It portrays the Christ child with his mother, the Madonna, and her mother Saint Anne. The three figures are seated on a throne with a chapel and a fortress in the distance.” This tapestry is one of the older pieces in the Biltmore collection, and while Museum Services doesn’t know as much about it as they do some of the others, they continue to look for details in both the provenance of the piece and its symbolism. “One thing we can tell, just from the design, is that it was commissioned by an extremely wealthy patron,” Lauren said. “Notice how much blue is used throughout the tapestry, both in the background, and in the robes of the Madonna and Saint Anne. Before the advent of mass-produced dyes, this ‘ultramarine’ blue—which would have been shockingly vibrant when it was first woven—was incredibly difficult to make and, therefore, very expensive.” Discover Biltmore’s tapestries Plan your visit now to see the remarkable tapestries noted here–plus the grand Venus and Vulcan tapestry series that graces the Banquet Hall. Featured image: Detail from the Triumph of Prudence tapestry in the Tapestry Gallery of Biltmore House.
Our Sparkling Wines Make New Year’s Shine! Posted on November 3, 2022 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Biltmore sparkling wines make New Year’s shine–and they’re perfect for any other holiday or special occasion! Add Biltmore sparkling wines to all your holiday and New Year’s celebrations “George and Edith Vanderbilt were known for their hospitality,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore’s Winemaker. “And when it came to their holiday and New Year’s celebrations, they made sure to add even more sparkle, so to speak, for their guests to enjoy while visiting Biltmore.” We love to carry on Vanderbilt family traditions—and create new ones—by adding our sparkling wines to New Year’s celebrations along with favorite red, white, and rosé selections from our estate Winery. Here are Sharon’s helpful tips for serving and pairing sparkling wines: Serve sparkling wines like a pro Biltmore sparkling wines are characterized by fine, tiny bubbles Sparkling wines are best served at 33-40 degrees. Chill the bottle in the refrigerator prior to opening. The cold temperature helps preserve the bubbles when opening the bottle. To open sparkling wine, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle. Loosen the cage and hold the cork. Gently twist the cork until you hear a whisper of a pop. Holding a towel over the cork when opening will help catch any spills that may occur. After opening, all sparkling wines begin to lose their bubbles, so it’s best to drink them as soon as possible. Biltmore bubbles add sparkle to any occasion Keep plenty of Biltmore bubbles on hand to help season the holiday with cheer! From easy appetizers and classic cocktails to decadent desserts, add extra sparkle to your New Year’s celebrations with the delightful handcrafted bubbles of Biltmore sparkling wines! Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir: Fruit-forward and refreshing with flavors of cherries and strawberries and a pretty pink holiday hue. Pairing suggestions: flounder, mahi-mahi, turkey, pound cake, brie cheese, and fresh fruit Easy appetizer to delight your guests: Kahlúa®-Pecan Brie Pas de Deux® Sec: Semi-sweet and bursting with tiny bubbles, this aromatic wine features the essence of orange blossom and flavors of wild strawberry and lemon. Pairing suggestions: fresh fruit, chocolate-covered strawberries, crème brulee, pumpkin pie Decadent dessert to grace your holiday table: Praline Pumpkin Pie Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs: Our finest sparkling wine, handcrafted from exceptional Chardonnay grapes harvested in Biltmore’s own vineyard. Pairing suggestions: caviar, pâté, oysters on the half shell, aged asiago cheese, ceviche, and wedding cake Classic cocktail to toast the New Year: French Rose 75 Stock up on sparkling wines now for your New Year’s celebrations Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies Just in time for New Year’s toasts and midnight munching, stock up on all your favorite Biltmore wines and gourmet foods in estate shops and online.
Menu Makeover: Updating a 1904 Thanksgiving Meal Posted on October 18, 2022 at 8:24 am.Written by Jean Sexton We caught up with Estate Executive Chef Mark DeMarco to do a complete menu makeover of the Vanderbilt family’s 1905 Thanksgiving menu. Knowing how much tastes have changed in the last century, we’ve put together a real feast for you! Biltmore’s archival menu book dated Saturday, November 12, 1904 A food-focused holiday “Thanksgiving is a food-focused holiday,” said Lauren Henry, Curator of Interpretation, “and that tradition is as true today as it was in 1904 when George and Edith Vanderbilt celebrated the holiday with a multi-course dinner for family and guests.” According to Lauren, Biltmore’s archives include a handwritten menu for Thanksgiving Dinner 1904 that features time-honored favorites like turkey, ham, and sweet potatoes, plus more unusual offerings such as braised calves’ brains. “While some of those dishes don’t sound as appealing today, they were the height of elegant dining during the Gilded Age,” Lauren said. In addition, the original holiday menu topped out at eight courses. That seems like a lot of food to modern diners, but Lauren noted that the portions were fairly small, and it was also common for a formal dinner of the era to last two hours or more. Elegant and easy, make these salmon rillettes a day in advance and chill them until you’re ready to serve. Menu makeover: easy appetizers The Vanderbilts’ 1904 celebration began with oysters on the half shell, followed by “Consomme Royal” and broiled Spanish mackerel. For a more modern adaptation, Chef DeMarco kept the seafood theme with an appetizer of Salmon Rillettes. Salmon Rillettes Ingredients: 8 ounces fresh salmon 6 ounces smoked salmon, minced 1 large shallot, minced 3 tablespoons chive, minced 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 cups white wine Salt and pepper to taste Baguette for serving Instructions: In a small pot, add fresh salmon and shallot, and cover with white wine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; do not boil. Allow to cook for 4 minutes or until the middle is opaque. Remove salmon and shallot from the pot and cool in refrigerator for an hour or until cold. Discard white wine. Place cooked salmon and shallot in a large bowl and flake into bite-sized pieces. Add smoked salmon, chives, and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, and mix gently until combined. Season with salt and pepper and serve on toasted or grilled baguette. Wine pairing suggestion: Savor your salmon rillettes with our Biltmore Estate® Reserve Chardonnay—it’s a perfect complement for this rich, savory appetizer and a wonderful way to welcome family and friends to the table! There’s no right or wrong way to put a charcutier board together—just have fun with it! “There was a real emphasis on meat on the Vanderbilts’ menu—both roast turkey and Virginia ham were served, plus those previously noted calves’ brains,” said Chef DeMarco. “While turkey is still the main feature at most Thanksgiving dinners, today’s cooks also give just as much attention to the accompanying dishes.” Mix and match an array of meats (George’s favorite!), cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, preserves, and spreads. For a special touch, check out your local artisan shops for some amazing goodies, and consider adding our favorites: Marcona almonds, crunchy crostinis, and seasonal preserves. It’s all about what you love and what looks delicious! Wine pairing suggestion: Light-bodied reds, like the Vanderbilt Reserve® Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2020, have fresh berry flavors that counterbalance salty, nutty cheeses. Pair traditional roast turkey with Biltmore Estate® Reserve Chardonnay. Menu makeover: updating George Vanderbilt’s favorite dish We know from archival information that George Vanderbilt loved roast turkey and it was frequently served at Biltmore. For our modern menu makeover, Chef DeMarco recommends our Simple Brined and Roasted Turkey to ensure you bring the most tender, flavorful main dish to the table. Simple Brined and Roasted Turkey Ingredients: 1 18–20 pound turkey Brine 2 gallons water ½ cup white wine vinegar ½ cup granulated sugar 2 cups kosher salt 3 tablespoons black peppercorns 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons yellow or brown mustard seeds 2 tablespoons whole fennel seeds 1 tablespoon whole cloves 12 cloves fresh garlic 3 sprigs fresh thyme Roasting 1 brined turkey 1 stick unsalted butter, melted Salt and pepper to taste Butcher’s twine Instructions: Brine Method You will need a heavy-duty plastic brining bag and an ice chest large enough to hold a 20-pound turkey. In a four-quart saucepot, combine 2 quarts of water, vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, red pepper, mustard seeds, and fennel. Simmer the brine for 5 minutes, ensuring that the salt and sugar have dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature. Crush garlic cloves. Fill a quarter of the ice chest with ice. Place the turkey in the brining bag along with the cooled salt-water mixture, crushed garlic, thyme, and the remaining water. Tie the bag securely and cover with as much ice as the cooler will hold, packing it around the sides and top. Let the turkey brine overnight or up to 24 hours. Roasting Method You will need butcher’s twine and a roasting rack. Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a roasting pan and a roasting rack. Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and place it in the roasting pan, breast side up. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 45-60 minutes. Brush all over with butter and season liberally with salt and pepper, including inside the cavity. Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs together with twine. Roast for 2 ½-3 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the dark meat. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving. Wine pairing suggestion: Enjoy the classic varietal character of our smooth Biltmore Reserve® Chardonnay—handcrafted from estate-grown grapes—with your Thanksgiving turkey, on its own, or as part of our Thanksgiving Wine Trio, carefully curated to complement your celebration. Dress up your green beans with brown butter, pancetta, and hazel nuts. Menu makeover: sensational sides Cranberry jelly and a medley of vegetables appear on the 1904 menu. Our modernized dinner brings brighter flavors to the meal with two different styles of cranberry sauce—elegant and easy Red Wine Cranberry Sauce and the sophisticated flavors of Bittersweet Cranberry Sauce—alongside Green Beans with Pancetta and Hazelnut Brown Butter, a dish that elevates green beans to something sublime! Green Beans with Pancetta and Hazelnut Brown Butter Ingredients: 1¼ pounds thin green beans 1/3 cup toasted hazelnuts 4 ounces pancetta 2 ounces butter 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes Kosher salt Instructions: Trim any stems from the ends of the green beans and set aside. Crush hazelnuts with the side of a knife or rolling pin and reserve. Set a six-quart pot filled with water over high heat and bring to a boil. Salt the boiling water to taste. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Dice pancetta into 1/4-inch pieces and add to the skillet. Cook until crisp on the outside but still tender on the inside, about 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove cooked pancetta from the skillet and set aside. Add butter to the same skillet. Cook the butter over medium heat until it becomes light brown, about 30 seconds, and then turn off the heat. Add green beans to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 2 minutes for haricots verts. Remove the cooked green beans from the water and add them to the skillet with the browned butter. Add the reserved pancetta and hazelnuts to the skillet. Toss well to coat the green beans, and season to taste with salt. Wine pairing suggestion: While it’s normally considered a bit difficult to pair certain sides with wines, our Thanksgiving Wine Trio brings together Biltmore Reserve® Chardonnay, The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County, and Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine covers most options. We think Edith Vanderbilt would have enjoyed this delicious Pumpkin-Pecan Layer Cake. Menu makeover: dessert decadence Cake was one of Edith Vanderbilt’s favorite desserts, so the inclusion of pineapple cake (along with mince pie) on the 1904 menu is not surprising. For our updated interpretation of classic holiday flavors, try our Pumpkin and Pecan Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—it’s a flavorful combination to round out your holiday meal in style! Pumpkin and Pecan Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients: Cake 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 3/4 teaspoons ground allspice 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1½ cups sugar 1 cup (packed) golden brown sugar 1 cup canola oil 4 large eggs 1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Caramel pecan filling 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter 1/2 cup heavy cream 4 cups toasted pecans Frosting 2 pounds cream cheese 12 ounces butter 6 cups confectioner’s sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 vanilla bean Instructions: Cake Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter two 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1½-inch-high sides. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper and dust with flour. Sift 3 cups flour and the next 7 ingredients into a medium bowl. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat both sugars and oil until combined (the mixture will look grainy). Add eggs one at a time, beating until well blended after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla and beat until well blended. Gradually add the flour mixture, beating just until incorporated. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cakes completely in pans on a rack. Run a knife around the cakes to loosen, then invert onto racks. Remove parchment paper and turn cakes over, rounded side up. Using a serrated knife, trim the rounded tops to level and cut each layer in half. Fill with Caramel Pecan filling and top with Cream Cheese Vanilla Bean Frosting. Filling Stir sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil without stirring, occasionally swirling the pan and brushing down the sides with a wet pastry brush, until the caramel is deep amber, about 12–15 minutes. Add honey and return to a boil, stirring often for about 1 minute longer. Add butter and stir until blended. Add cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously) and whisk until smooth. Stir in pecans and let cool until spreadable. Apply the mixture to each cake layer. Frosting Soften cream cheese and butter and mix together until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and vanilla bean seeds, and beat until smooth. Spread over the top and sides of the cake. Wine pairing suggestion: Uncork the festive bubbles of Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine with a decadent dessert like this and offer a toast to celebrate the occasion. Bring our Thanksgiving Wine Trio to the table Our Thanksgiving Wine Trio offers perfect pairings for your holiday menu! Whether your Thanksgiving table is laden with tried-and-true classics or modern new dishes, we hope your holiday is filled with fellowship, good memories, and delicious wine-and-food pairings like our menu makeover options and our favorite picks for Thanksgiving wine pairings: Complement creamy mashed potatoes or a vegetarian main course with our crisp Biltmore Reserve® Chardonnay. Savor heartier meat dishes with The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County, a bold Bordeaux-style blend. Bring on the Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs bubbles for everything from a heartfelt toast at the beginning of dinner to the most decadent of desserts, at the end.
Wrap Up Holiday Gift Giving with Biltmore Wines! Posted on October 16, 2022 at 1:58 pm.Written by Jean Sexton When you wrap up your holiday gift giving with Biltmore wines, everyone on your gift list will know how much they mean to you! Floral designer Hope Wright recently retired from a 23-year career at Biltmore where she specialized in floral design at A Gardener’s Place gift shop below the Conservatory. We caught up with Hope for some expert guidance on gift wrapping wine to make it even more special. Dress up a plain wine gift bag with a bright bow and a tassel or other ornamentation “I love Biltmore wines and I often give them as gifts, especially during the holiday season,” said Hope. “And while there’s nothing wrong with simply placing a bottle of wine in a gift bag, it’s also nice to wrap it in a creative way that says ‘you’re special’ to your recipient.” Timeless natural elements “Here are two easy ideas that look beautiful using a little bit of ribbon and the kind of greenery you can often cut from your own backyard or local park,” Hope said. “It doesn’t take much to make a big impact.” Crown of ivy Create a simple “crown of ivy” to adorn the top of a wine bottle To create this “crown of ivy” topper for our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé, Hope clipped an 18-inch strand of small leaf ivy and wrapped it several times around the neck of the bottle, tucking the end of the vine into itself to keep it in place. She used about 18 inches of narrow, patterned ribbon to tie a simple shoestring-style bow and attached it to the ivy crown with wired twine. “I purposely attached the bow off-center,” said Hope, “so the wine label shows prominently,” As a finishing touch, Hope clipped the ends of the bow to a length she liked and wound the ends of wired twine into a few whimsical tendrils that complemented the ivy. Ribbon wrapping This gift-wrapping treatment couldn’t be more simple–or more beautiful! Hope wrapped a length of burlap ribbon around the bottle just below its mid-section, making sure not to cover up the label. Our Biltmore Reserve wines on this outstanding Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina. Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, all of our Biltmore® Reserve wines offer an excellent way to give a local item as a gift. She used a different type of ribbon to tie a simple bow around the bottle, centering it over the first ribbon for contrast. “Once you have the ribbons and the bow in place, you can tuck in any type of greenery you like. I used two different colors of arborvitae to create more interest and texture, but sprigs of ivy would work, or a twig with berries–the possibilities are endless!” Hope noted. Wrap up your holiday gift giving To wrap these wine bottles for gift giving, Hope used the same wrapping technique on each of them, but varied the wrapping material and trimmings. Global journey Create serious travel vibes by wrapping a wine bottle in a vintage map For the travelers on your gift list, wrap a bottle of wine in a vintage map, like this one that Hope found in a thrift store. For an eco-friendly option, you could also opt for recycled brown craft paper or upcycled paper shopping bags. To fully cover a Biltmore Wine bottle with your paper of choice, you’ll need a 24″x 24″ section of the paper. After wrapping the wine, Hope knotted a length of raffia around the neck of the bottle, then added a simple bow of red ribbon and a bit of greenery for some holiday flare. Wrap it royally Look for rich fabric remnants that you can repurpose for wrapping a bottle of Biltmore wine “In addition to vintage maps, I look for beautiful fabric remnants that will make gorgeous gift wrap for wines,” said Hope. “Simply wrap the bottle, then tie a coordinating ribbon around the neck–that’s all you need to make it special.” As a bonus, Hope created an elegant pine tassel to set off the regal look of this wine gift, She clipped enough white pine needles to get a full-looking tassel, hot-glued the tops together, and bound the top with narrow wired twine to hide the glue. While binding the top, she also made a loop of the wired twine to go around the neck of the bottle. Step-by-step: tea towel wine gift wrap To gift wrap a wine bottle in a tea towel, follow the easy steps shown here Hope chose a Biltmore tea towel with a Christmas pattern to gift wrap this exceptional bottle of The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County. After fluffing the ends of the tea towel, she tied an elegant bow of wired silk ribbon around the neck. To make the gift twice as nice, Hope added a pretty Biltmore Christmas ornament to the bottle. “Look at each of steps shown in this instructional collage,” Hope said, “and you’ll see how easy it really is to gift wrap a wine bottle in a tea towel!” Gift giving: bundles and baskets Bundle several items with a similar theme, like a stylish cheeseboard, a bottle of Biltmore wine, and a selection of our delicious gourmet mixes and dips Wrap up a bountiful bundle “Here’s an easy way to create a bundle of gifts that share a common theme,” said Hope. “Choose a sturdy cheeseboard and secure a bottle of Biltmore wine to it with a ribbon. Add a stack of Biltmore’s delicious gourmet food mixes and dips to the board and tie a wide ribbon around the whole bundle.” For an extra surprise, Hope turned a set of cheese knives into a special topper for the bundle, then tucked a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the tools. “The rosemary is the crowning touch that pulls the culinary theme together,” Hope noted, “and it smells wonderful, too!” Holiday hospitality in a basket Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies Who wouldn’t want to receive a basket of holiday hospitality full of Biltmore wine and gourmet goodies, especially when it is embellished with fresh greenery and ribbons? “For this gift giving example, I chose a medium-sized basket that would easily hold a bottle of Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, a selection of Biltmore mixes and dips, Wassail Drink Spice, seasonings and sauces, and a holiday tea towel,” said Hope. She lined the basket with a type of honeycomb packaging paper that’s recyclable, and tucked in a few cardboard risers to keep smaller items from falling to the bottom. Once everything was arranged to Hope’s satisfaction, she filled in the background with magnolia leaves and pine cones, wired an elegant golden bow to the basket’s rim, and balanced the look with a Biltmore Christmas ornament on the other side. Make holiday gift giving more merry! Wrap up your gift giving with Biltmore wines, and consider including a bottle of our sparkling grape juice for those who prefer that option. “All the ideas I’ve shown here easy to recreate,” Hope said, “and that was my goal. I hope you’ll be inspired to surprise friends and family with special touches like these that make your holiday gift giving even more meaningful.” Find everything you need to celebrate the season in style–including Biltmore wines, Biltmore sparkling grape juice, and gourmet foods–at estate shops and online at biltmoreshop.com.
Hosts in Biltmore House: A Brief History Posted on October 10, 2022 at 11:46 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Our Interpretive Hosts are integral to visits to Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. Whether you’re enjoying the main tour route of America’s Largest Home® or exploring via one of our more in-depth, behind-the-scenes tours, these trained storytellers strive to offer an accurate and entertaining interpretation of Biltmore’s history and collections. But did you know that Interpretive Hosts weren’t always part of the Biltmore House experience? Let’s take a look back at the history of touring Biltmore, which began before the house was even opened. Archival estate admission ticket, ca. 1920. Visiting the Gardens & Grounds of the Estate According to archival correspondence, George Vanderbilt allowed the public to drive on estate roads as early as 1894—before the construction of Biltmore House was even completed! But it wasn’t until October 1903 that a formalized pass system was developed, which included an admission cost for everyone, except select guests of the Vanderbilts. The reverse side of these original estate tickets included the following regulations: The plucking of flowers or breaking of trees or shrubs is forbidden.It is forbidden to drive over planted areas or the borders of roads.The taking of photographs anywhere on the Estate is prohibited. And the admission rates at this time were as follows: 25c for a vehicle drawn by one horse and carrying 1 or 2 persons, or for a person on horseback.50c for a 2-horse vehicle carrying not over five persons. For each additional person 10c; for each additional horse 25c.10c for a single person on foot or with a bicycle. According to our records, not much changed in terms of regulations or pricing for the first 18 or so years after this initial pass system was developed. In 1921, charges for admission were updated as follows: 5 passenger car (4 passengers & driver) $1; 7 passenger car (6 passengers & driver) $1.50. Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil and John A. V. Cecil (center) at the public opening of Biltmore House, 1930. Visiting Biltmore House In 1930, George Vanderbilt’s daughter Cornelia and her husband John A. V. Cecil opened Biltmore House to the public. This decision was made in response to requests to increase tourism in the Asheville area during the Depression and to generate income to preserve the estate. This milestone was a fundamental shift in the way the public was able to experience Biltmore. Previous to this, only select guests of the Vanderbilts were fortunate enough to see the interiors of America’s Largest Home® and the invaluable collection it housed. “Mr. Cecil and I hope that through opening Biltmore House to the public, Asheville and Western North Carolina will derive all the benefit they deserve and that the people who go through the house and the estate will get as much pleasure and enjoyment out of it as Mr. Cecil and I do in making it possible. I also want to say that we both feel in doing this, it is a fitting memorial to my father. After all, it was his life’s work and creation.” — Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil’s welcome speech at the opening of Biltmore House, March 15, 1930, as quoted in the Asheville Citizen One of our Biltmore Interpretive Hosts leads a small group tour in the Winter Garden. Hosts in Biltmore House In the late 1980s, hosts were introduced to the Biltmore House experience. For the first time, guests were offered accurate information about the collection, the Vanderbilt family, and the house itself. Today, our Interpretive Hosts undergo extensive training to ensure they have knowledge about every object on display—yet they do not follow a script, making each of their interactions with our guests truly unique. We invite you to discover all of our wonderful tour offerings at Biltmore House, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience every time, thanks to our talented Interpretive Hosts.
Outstanding In Our Field: Biltmore’s Farming Legacy Posted on October 10, 2022 at 12:39 am.Written by Jean Sexton When it comes to farming history, Biltmore is truly outstanding in the field. Learn about how we continue to honor this agricultural legacy by connecting our present and future initiatives to our historic past. Archival photograph of our farming history: estate workers harvesting hay at Biltmore Establishing a legacy When George Vanderbilt began planning his grand estate in Asheville, North Carolina, his vision was twofold. First, he wanted to create a relaxing place to entertain friends and family. Just as important, however, was his desire to preserve the Blue Ridge Mountain beauty surrounding his home. In choosing Frederick Law Olmsted, world-renowned landscape architect, to design the expansive gardens and grounds of Biltmore Estate, Vanderbilt was not only setting the stage for some of the most remarkable gardens in America, but he was also availing himself of Olmsted’s years of experience in managing vast tracts of public and private land. Archival farm image of the Historic Horse Barn and Line House Cottages for Biltmore Dairy employees. Olmsted’s advice After visiting the property in 1889 with Vanderbilt, Olmsted wrote: “My advice would be to make a small park into which to look from your house; make a small pleasure ground and garden, farm your river bottom chiefly to keep and fatten livestock with view to manure, and make the rest a forest, improving the existing woods and planting the old fields.” Vanderbilt agreed with Olmsted’s recommendations, including the suggestion that agricultural operations be developed and that Vanderbilt implement Olmsted’s long-term plan for sustainability. From this decision came the nation’s first planned forestry program and the beginning of a family focus on environmental stewardship that continues today with George Vanderbilt’s descendants who still own and manage Biltmore. Agricultural workers and estate residents at the Market Gardener’s Cottage, photographed in front of an elaborate display of estate-raised produce, Farmer Vanderbilt Agricultural operations at Biltmore were intended to achieve three goals: supplying dairy products, meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables for use in Biltmore House; providing income through sales of farm products; and serving as a learning laboratory in successful farming for farmers and educators. Receipts and invoices in the estate’s archives document the construction of farm buildings and cottages, the purchase of animals, supplies, and equipment, and the hiring of farm staff beginning as early as September 1889. Agricultural programs included beef, pork, and poultry farms, an apiary, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, hay for livestock, and more. The most successful of these initiatives would be Biltmore Dairy, which eventually became one of the largest operations in the southeast. Our emphasis on managed forestry continues today across the estate. Forestry continues on the estate Today, more than 4,000 acres of the estate are managed under a plan written by a certified consulting forester. We utilize selection harvest in 15-year rotations, allowing a chance for different species to grow and mature. Instead of focusing on just a profitable bottom line, Biltmore strives to create a true multiuse sustainable forest: one that provides healthy wildlife habitats, beautiful aesthetics, recreation opportunities, and the ability to persist for generations to come. Kyle Mayberry, Director of Agriculture, oversees Biltmore’s current farming operations. Today’s agricultural operations Biltmore currently farms approximately 2,500 acres of land. This includes our estate vineyards, cropland for grains and forages, pasturage for cattle, chickens, hogs, sheep, and horses, and 8,000 square feet of greenhouses that supply estate restaurants with a variety of artisan lettuces, leafy greens, herbs, edible flowers, and heirloom tomatoes. To help preserve one of our most valuable resources—the land—Biltmore seeks to continue the tradition of resource stewardship by following best agricultural practices including rotational grazing of livestock; rotating crops on a four-year cycle to help reduce soil erosion and increasing soil fertility; and using goats to control invasive plant species in areas of steep terrain, which allows maintenance crews to take on other projects while reducing some diesel fuel usage in equipment. Biltmore’s farming operations stretch far outside the estate. Through Biltmore® Grown, you can also savor our high-quality, estate-raised products at your own table, long after your visit to the estate has ended. One way we continue our farming legacy is by raising some of the same heritage breeds that George Vanderbilt favored like these Berkshire hogs. Connecting our past and present farm history Biltmore continues to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy of preserving the land and protecting the environment through many ecological, recycling, and alternative energy programs. Guests visiting the 8,000-acre estate can take a deeper look into our agricultural history at Antler Hill Barn, where you can see antique farming equipment, watch craft demonstrations, and visit friendly farm animals at the Farmyard, and through the Farm to Table Tour & Taste guided experience, which includes a special tour of Biltmore’s farms on the rarely-seen West Side of the estate. Featured image: Archival image of Edith Vanderbilt operating a farm tractor while her daughter Cornelia and others watch.
Our Holiday Gingerbread House Was Built To Last Posted on September 25, 2022 at 12:24 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Biltmore’s holiday gingerbread house was built to last–mostly because it’s not really made from real gingerbread! Although the fanciful replica of America’s Largest Home® appears to be constructed from freshly baked gingerbread that’s been decorated with swirls of snowy icing and old-fashioned candy details, it’s actually an incredibly detailed work of art from our friends at Applied Imagination. Once finished, the faux gingerbread version of Biltmore House had to be carefully transported from Applied Imagination’s workshop in Alexandria, KY, to Asheville, NC These talented artists specialize in handcrafting architectural models, sculptures, and garden railways out of natural materials. They created all of our Biltmore Gardens Railway displays and Ciao! From Italy Sculptural Postcards in Antler Hill Village now through February 19, 2024. In past years, our talented Biltmore Estate pastry chefs created real confectionary replicas of Biltmore House, but it was always a monumental task that took weeks to complete and needed a lot of space to assemble. It was also challenging to transport the finished gingerbread house to the Main Kitchen without losing some wreaths and roof tiles along the way! A firm foundation Jason Pleva puts finishing touches on his scale model of Biltmore House In 2017, Jason Pleva, a member of Biltmore’s carpentry team, used the plans of Biltmore House to build a wooden scale model that could be used as a base for a gingerbread house. It was a good solution that shaved off a lot of construction time, but unfortunately, our chefs found that decorative icing doesn’t cling to wood as well as it does to gingerbread.Because we’d had so many wonderful experiences with Applied Imagination and the amazing structures they’d created for our Biltmore Gardens Railway displays, we asked if the artists could tackle this Christmas conundrum for us, using Jason’s model as a base for a gingerbread house that would be as long lasting as it was beautiful. In September 2021, Stephanie Winters, Creative Director/Lead Sculptor, and Ava Roberts, Assistant Sculptor, of Applied Imagination finished their version of America’s Largest Home®. The results were breathtaking, and our “gingerbread house” now takes place of pride in our Main Kitchen during Christmas at Biltmore. Fun facts from the gingerbread construction project: Time to complete: 1200 hours over the course of five months Measurements: 78½” wide x 32” deep x 32” high (including spires) Building materials Applied Imagination created wonderful details, right down to the beloved marble lions at the Front Door of Biltmore House Gingerbread Cookie Base Tile grout mixed with Mod Podge® Matte and sponged onto 3/16” Gatorboard shapes Wavy Shingled Roof Wooden fan handles covered with tile grout and Mod Podge Windows and Mullions Window panes created with modeling dowel rods and architectural modeling materials (bass wood). Windows created with poured casting resin sprinkled with clear glitter. Textured windows (exterior staircase) have the addition of large, granular, clear beads mixed with resin. Windows backed with gold shimmer paper to resemble the effect of being lit within. Spires on Roof, Staircase Facade, Window Tops, Railing Tops Antique glass headpins; large and small twist shapes in dark green, light green, purple, and pale ice; top spires painted antique gold Piped Icing Shapes All piped icing that makes up the majority of detail on the Biltmore House model was created completely by hand with Liquid Sculpey® (polymer clay). Shapes were formed using latex cake-decorating molds. Snow Blanket Spackling paste to create a base for sculpting and building shapes Clear glass diamond glitter was sprinkled on wet paste to give snow drifts and mounds the look of fresh powder Trees and Bushes Dry floral design cones and spheres, further sculpted by hand to resemble pine tree shapes. Finished with paint and landscape modeling greenery. Biltmore Lions Paper clay and white acrylic paint with a small amount of gold tinted glitter/mica. Garland Thin and flexible English faux pine rope Faux miniature boxwood/bay leaf roping Feathery evergreen (lions’ necks) Floral accents: faux red and gold berries; red velvet and gold-backed ribbon hand-fashioned into miniature bows The gingerbread house takes place of pride in the Main Kitchen during Christmas at Biltmore Candy decorations Faux Candy Decorations Resin gumdrops and gummies (edge and facade details) Sculpey clay chocolate swirls (base of the spires) Chocolate shavings, glass glitter (soot/embers in chimney tops, base of lions, base of spires, front facade details) Resin chocolate pretzels (fancy railings) Resin chocolate chips (spires inset) Small sugared gum drops, glass/plastic headpins (main detail throughout in purple, orange, yellow, red, green) Variety of candy colored balls of various sizes (beads and headpins) Sculpey clay swirled balls (small detail elements) Cut Cinnamon Sticks Facade details, small railings, wrought iron base for spires Peppermint Sticks Small (vintage paper hand-rolled on dowel rods) Large sticks on main facade (decorative paper on dowel rods) Peppermint balls on main facade (vintage spun cotton and thread) Gumballs, Gingerballs, Round Bulb Ornaments Green and red faux floral berries, gold- and silver-painted floral berries, painted beads Celebrate Christmas at Biltmore The Banquet Hall Christmas Tree is a favorite holiday tradition To see this marvelous piece of eye candy displayed in the Main Kitchen, make reservations for a holiday visit during our annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration, November 3, 2023–January 7, 2024, in Asheville, NC.
Biltmore Test Vineyard Offers a Grape Escape Posted on August 30, 2022 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst Our test vineyard, located below The Inn on Biltmore Estate®, offers an easy “grape escape!”Biltmore’s main vineyards are planted on the west side of the estate in an area not normally seen by guests. Opportunities to visit them are limited, but you can get a sneak peek at growing grapes by visiting our test vineyard. Plantings in the test vineyard Rows of vines (far left) show the location of the test vineyard between The Inn and the Winery. According to Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor, this small display area was planted by the Vineyard team in 2000 to offer guests at the Winery and The Inn an opportunity to see first-hand how Biltmore wine grapes are grown. There were two acres of plantings originally, but a small portion was removed to make room for the walking path between The Inn and Winery once The Inn was finished in 2001. “Cabernet Sauvignon is the grape of choice for the test vineyard because that varietal had already proved hardy in our main vineyards,” said Philip. “We have experimented with other varietals like Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah at times to see how a particular grape performed in our climate, but Cabernet Sauvignon is still the primary variety you’ll find in this little vineyard.” Discover each season in the test vineyard The test vineyard gives guests an opportunity to see how grapes are grown at Biltmore. Since the test vineyard was developed, guests have been able to see a small-scale version of the grape-growing process in each season, from caring for the vines in winter to bud break in spring and ripening fruit during the summer. Each fall, the grapes in this small vineyard are harvested for use in Biltmore wines. It typically takes Philip’s harvest crew of approximately 30 people one full day to pick the grapes by hand and bring them down to the crush dock behind the Winery. Protection from predators As the grapes ripen in our vineyards, the fruit must be protected from uninvited guests such as robins, geese, and turkeys. Today’s visitors will notice a fence around the vineyard—it was added to keep deer from damaging the plants and fruit. In addition to keeping the deer out, Philip’s crew places netting on the vines in August every year to prevent bird damage. “We have to keep birds—especially robins—out of the vineyard or else we would have nothing left there,” said Philip. “Birds aren’t usually a big deal for the west side vineyards during most years, and I honestly do not know why they like to pick on the little Test Vineyard so much!” For the main vineyards on the west side, Philip’s team has to contend with damage by geese (and turkeys, to a lesser extent), which can lead to fairly significant crop loss. “During years when there are fewer wild berries and seeds, I have noticed that smaller birds will also seek out grapes as an alternate food source on the west side, but this is not a frequent problem,” said Philip. Plan your own grape escape now! Enjoy Biltmore wine on the estate and at home. Visit Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, and see the test vineyard for yourself. Make it a real “grape escape” with overnight accommodations at The Inn, Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate, or one of our private historic Cottages on Biltmore Estate™. Featured image: The Inn on Biltmore Estate above the test vineyard