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
Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius Posted on August 10, 2022 at 4:55 pm.Written by Jean Sexton This exhibition has ended, but please enjoy the archived information. The wonders of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius await you at Biltmore now through February 20, 2023. Five centuries after his death, Leonardo da Vinci still captivates our imagination with his remarkable discoveries and creations. Learn more about the man, the mysteries, and his masterpieces with this immersive exhibition created and produced by Grande Experiences and hosted on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. An Enigmatic Life The Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius exhibition includes stunning projections of his artwork like the details of “Madonna with Carnation” show here. Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (Leonardo, son of ser Piero from Vinci) was born out of wedlock in Vinci, Italy, 20 miles outside of Florence. He would change the world, becoming an artist, scientist, inventor, musician, philosopher, and more. Beyond his astonishing body of work, however, existed a fascinating person who remains enigmatic to this day. Despite the more than 7,000 pages of sketches, notes, and lists he left behind, the personal life of Leonardo da Vinci is shadowed by mystery. An Artistic Legend Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, painted in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy Da Vinci’s artistic talents first emerged in childhood. After receiving a basic education in reading, writing, and mathematics, at 14 years old he began an apprenticeship with the famous Florentine painter and sculptor Andrea del Verrocchio. By the age of 20, Da Vinci joined other notable artists in the guild of Saint Luke. A constant tinkerer, Da Vinci experimented with different mediums and techniques such as using his palm and fingers along with a brush to create three-dimensional effects. Prolific even into middle age, in his mid-forties to early fifties Da Vinci painted Last Supper and Mona Lisa. The former became one of the most reproduced works of art in the world; the latter, one of the most iconic. A Scientific Trailblazer Replicas of the machine models created by Leonardo da Vinci are included in the exhibit at Biltmore, “Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius.” Now on display at Amherst at Deerpark. Photo credit: The Biltmore Company. Insatiably inquisitive, there seemed to be no area of study in which Da Vinci did not maintain an interest. Skilled in left-brain talents as well as right, the artist pursued projects in botany, geology, architecture, aviation, physics, engineering, chemistry, mathematics, zoology, anatomy, and more. Centuries ahead of their time and written in precise detail, Da Vinci’s sketches depict inventions such as the helicopter, an armored tank, a calculator, a lifebelt, and various bridge designs. This replica of a paddle boat design by Da Vincie is included in the immersive, multi-sensory exhibition hosted at Biltmore now through February 20, 2023. His notes contain theoretical suppositions describing plate tectonics, hydrodynamics, and industrial machinery. Da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man, based upon the work of the Roman architect Vitruvius, bridged art and science by illustrating the proportions of the human body with blueprint-like clarity. Leonardo da Vinci and George Vanderbilt: Kindred Spirits Now through February 20, 2023, immerse yourself in the wonders of “Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius”, created and produced by Grande Experiences and hosted on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s magnificent Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. One could say that George Vanderbilt and Leonardo da Vinci would have enjoyed each other’s company had they not been born more than 400 years apart. Both possessed a love of learning, boundless curiosity, a dedication to art, a commitment to innovation–even a shared love of wine, with Da Vinci accepting a vineyard near Milan as payment for his masterpiece Last Supper, and Vanderbilt known as a thoughtful collector of wine. Now, the two remarkable men come together at Biltmore during the one-of-a-kind immersive, multi-sensory experience, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, the third installment in the well-received Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore series. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius Guests enjoying aspects of the exhibition Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius, hosted at Biltmore. Set to a Renaissance-inspired soundtrack of classical music, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 years of Genius will envelop you in more than 3,000 images of the Italian polymath’s masterpieces, inventions, notes, sketches, and personal reflections. You’ll also see replicas of some of Da Vinci’s amazing machines and models. Don’t miss this must-see exhibition hosted at Biltmore’s Amherst at Deerpark® venue now–February 20, 2023. Plan a Blue Ridge Mountain Escape at Biltmore! Plan your Blue Ridge Mountain escape at Biltmore today! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Biltmore and extend your visit with a reservation at one of our hotels or private historic cottages. In addition, you can enhance your stay with a complimentary wine tasting at the Winery in Antler Hill Village, a wide range of outdoor activities, shopping, dining, and so much more! Featured image: Images of Mona Lisa as part of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius
Biltmore Wines: Cheers for Each Tier! Posted on August 9, 2022 at 6:38 pm.Written by Jean Sexton All Biltmore wines are cheers-worthy, from our fine American Series and Limited Release options to our exceptional Reserve tiers and Antler Hill® vintages. Discover what makes our wines worth cheering about with an overview of each collection. Biltmore Estate® American Series Collection Our classic Biltmore Estate® American Series wines are approachable and feature classic varietal character. Look for the “Biltmore burgundy” capsule and a line drawing of Biltmore House on the label. Grapes for this collection are selected from leading growing regions across the nation and handcrafted at our estate winery in Asheville, NC. Each wine captures the true character of the varietal, resulting in an outstanding taste that provides a perfect pairing for any occasion. Example: Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon is a great option in our American Series collection. This smooth wine featuring lush cherry flavors and soft, lingering tannins was awarded 95 points in the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Collection Biltmore Estate® Limited Release wines, distinguished by a matte black capsule and black-and-gold label, are perfect for sipping by the glass or in craft cocktails. Crafted in smaller lots, these exceptional wines include some of our most intriguing varietals and blends that showcase our winemaker’s skillful artistry in each bottle. Limited Release wines are exclusively available on the estate, online, or through the Vanderbilt Wine Club®. Example: Our highly aromatic Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc balances off-dry citrus flavors and a lingering sweet finish. Biltmore® Reserve Collection Our Biltmore® Reserve label honors fine vintages handcrafted with grapes from the estate’s vineyard in Asheville, NC. The collection is distinguished by blue foil capsules and a label showcasing elements of the Vanderbilt family’s table linens and place settings. An invitation to dine with the Vanderbilts at their magnificent home in Asheville, North Carolina, assured you of enjoying gracious hospitality paired with fine wines. Today, their enduring legacy inspires our winemaker to handcraft each wine in our Biltmore® Reserve Collection from grapes grown at the estate’s own vineyard or from local partners in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Example: We handcraft our lovely Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina 2022 to offer delicate sweetness with hints of spice and white pepper. Approachable and easy to drink, the style is reminiscent of classic old-world rosés. Vanderbilt Reserve® collection Each outstanding Vanderbilt Reserve® wine bears the appellation and vintage of its origin. This collection is distinguished by red foil capsules and a label design based on George Vanderbilt’s monogramed china and table linens. These distinguished vintages reflect George Vanderbilt’s interest in collecting fine wines from around the world to share with his friends and family at Biltmore. For Vanderbilt Reserve® wines, our winemaker selects outstanding fruit from partner vineyards in some of the nation’s finest growing regions and oversees the process of handcrafting each one. Each of these wines bears the appellation and vintage of its origin. Example: Our Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2020 showcases its versatile, food-friendly character with good acidity, flavors of strawberry, red raspberry, and cherry, and slight hints of minerality, enhanced by aging 14–16 months in French and American oak barrels. Antler Hill® Collection Handcrafted with premium vintages from the finest growing regions, Antler Hill® wines offer extraordinary taste and excellent aging potential. The handsome label is reproduced from a sporting print in George Vanderbilt’s collection. Antler Hill® wines pair the passion of Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak with the premium harvests and vintages from our small partner vineyards with whom we’ve cultivated long-standing relationships in the nation’s finest wine regions. Each wine is handcrafted with exceptional skill to showcase the varietal, the vintage, and to honor the Vanderbilt family’s heritage of gracious hospitality. Example: From smooth tropical notes to a bright citrus finish, our exceptional Antler Hill® Chardonnay Carneros 2020 offers crisp layers of refreshing un-oaked flavor achieved by careful aging for 12–24 months in stainless steel tanks under the direction of our estate winemaker. Biltmore Estate® Sparkling Collection Each of our sparkling wines is carefully handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, including our exceptional Biltmore Estate® Chateau Reserve Blanc de Blancs created with estate-grown Chardonnay grapes. At Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, NC, we craft both still and sparkling wines. It’s unusual to offer both—most wineries specialize in one or the other—but Biltmore has a long history of doing the unexpected. All our sparkling wines are handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, a process that requires a secondary fermentation in the bottle, and is vital for developing the delicate bubbles that characterize outstanding sparkling wines. Example: Dry and delicate with tiny mousse-like bubbles, Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs North Carolina 2019 is our finest sparkling wine–and it’s handcrafted from our own estate-grown Chardonnay grapes! Learn more about Biltmore wines Learn more about Biltmore wines with a complimentary tasting at the Winery, then enjoy your favorites by the glass or bottle at the adjacent Wine Bar. We invite you to learn more about Biltmore wines by visiting our Winery in Asheville, NC, to taste them for yourself! Your Biltmore Estate admission includes access to Antler Hill Village & Winery, and we encourage you to enjoy a complimentary tasting at the Winery during your visit. Want another great way to discover our wines? Become a member of the Vanderbilt Wine Club® and enjoy seasonal shipments of our handcrafted wines delivered directly to your door.
George Vanderbilt: A Thoughtful Wine Collector Posted on August 1, 2022 at 12:00 am.Written by Ellie Garst George Vanderbilt was a thoughtful wine collector, whether at home or abroad. Taste and style were two hallmarks of his life, and both are reflected throughout Biltmore—his private country estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Visually stunning and technologically advanced, Biltmore House is a testament to Vanderbilt’s vision. A Thoughtful Collector George Vanderbilt’s legacy of gracious hospitality lives on with Biltmore wines handcrafted from grapes grown in the estate’s own vineyard or selected from trusted west coast partners George Vanderbilt was well-known as a collector, travelling the world gathering art, sculpture, furniture, and books. He also enjoyed wine, frequently purchasing it abroad and bringing cases of wine back to his home in Asheville to share with his family and friends. Vanderbilt’s gracious hospitality was legendary, and a visit to his home was characterized by the best in comfort, entertainment, and attention to every detail, including the wines that graced his table and delighted his guests. Wine cellars don’t have to be stuffy–evaluate your space and your lifestyle for options! Wine research at Biltmore In 2008, wine consultant John Hailman visited Biltmore to look at Vanderbilt’s wine cellar and the vintages stored there, and to review wine-related notes and correspondence from the Vanderbilt era. Having been a wine columnist for the Washington Post, with his work nationally syndicated for more than a decade, Hailman is considered one of the foremost authorities on wine. In 2006, he wrote Thomas Jefferson on Wine, an examination of Jefferson’s influence as a wine connoisseur and collector in the early days of the nation. A portion of an archival receipt for a wine and spirits order to be delivered to Biltmore House Through Hailman’s research, we now have a better understanding of George Vanderbilt as a thoughtful wine collector. Archival correspondence, notes, and receipts suggest that Vanderbilt was well-versed in wines, purchasing those he enjoyed sharing. Vanderbilt was also a practical buyer, preferring high quality vintages at reasonable prices, such as wines from Chateau Pontet-Canet which is still in business today in the Bordeaux wine region of France. “Good enough for anybody” Our handcrafted Biltmore bubbles make any occasion more special Vanderbilt’s trusted wine purveyor Alexander Morten was known for his excellent taste and recommendations, and would have been a worthy provisioner for the Vanderbilt lifestyle. George Vanderbilt relied upon Morten’s suggestions and his outstanding contacts in the industry. In one letter dated February 14, 1914, Morten advises Vanderbilt on a particular vintage for an upcoming ball, suggesting: “As to Champagne for a ball:- I can strongly recommend Pierlot 1906. This is a good, sound vintage wine, price $32.50, and is used almost exclusively by many of our customers for dances and entertainments of that ilk. If you have the slightest hesitation, however, I can recommend Pol Roger 1906; price $36. We also have Krug, Clicquot and Pommery of 1906 and 1904; but these are more expensive. The Pierlot is good enough for anybody.” This letter is particularly poignant, as George Vanderbilt passed away in Washington, DC, just a month after he received this letter. We don’t know what type of ball the Vanderbilts might have been planning, but the preparations were apparently abandoned after Mr. Vanderbilt’s unexpected death. “You have only to examine the amount and variety of crystal and stemware in the Biltmore collection—glasses for every possible occasion and type of beverage—to see the importance of wines and spirits as an integral part of dining and entertaining,” said Lauren Henry, curator of interpretation. Delicate crystal glasses with George Vanderbilt’s monogram on the Banquet Hall table “Knowing that George Vanderbilt collected and enjoyed wine—and served it to his guests—forges a very real and logical connection between the Vanderbilts and the wine business their descendants have developed and continue to nurture today,” Lauren said. Savor Biltmore Wines Enjoy Biltmore wines while visiting the estate or savor them at home Be sure to visit Biltmore’s Winery and enjoy a complimentary tasting of some of our most popular wines. Relax and enjoy our wines by the bottle or glass at the adjacent Wine Bar, then stock up on your favorite vintages at estate shops or online. Featured blog image: John Singer Sargent portrait of George Vanderbilt paired with a selection of our fine Biltmore wines, including our Antler Hill series
Plan a Friends’ Getaway at Biltmore Posted on July 29, 2022 at 12:53 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Ready to plan your next friends’ getaway? With 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty to explore, there’s no better destination for your next friend’s getaway than Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. “Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want uninterrupted time to reconnect with someone special, anytime is a perfect time to plan a friends’ getaway with us,” said Beth Poslusny, General Manager of Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate®. “We’ve hosted girls’ getaways, guys’ getaways, bachelor and bachelorette parties, retreats for sororities and fraternities, reunions with high school classmates, and long weekends with multi-generational family members reconnecting, and everything in between,” Beth said. “There is never a shortage of activities to help you enjoy your time together here at Biltmore!” Stay at Biltmore for your friends’ getaway Experience a four-star getaway with your girlfriends at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. 📸 by @worldofwanderer A friends’ gathering just wouldn’t be the same without late-night reminiscing and storytelling. Book a room at any of Biltmore’s distinctive lodging properties so the good times can continue! Visit Tip: Try Village Hotel for convenient access to Antler Hill Village & Winery, The Inn on Biltmore Estate® for a luxurious, four-star experience, and for groups of four to five friends or family members, consider one of our private historic Cottages on Biltmore Estate™—the ultimate way to experience our 8,000 acres like a guest of the Vanderbilts. Sample some of these friends’ getaway ideas! Enjoy morning beverages at The Inn on Biltmore Estate before starting the day. 📸 by @chelseaericasmith and @thewineshutter × Exploring Biltmore House with your gal pal is a must-do. 📸 by @jasmineling × Make lifelong memories with mother and daughter getaway during Christmas at Biltmore. 📸 by @consistentlyketo × Sip on your favorite sparkling wines while overlooking Antler Hill Village. 📸 by @grapechic × Sip award-winning vino Savor award-winning wines with your friends at Biltmore’s Winery and Wine Bar. 📸 by @shelbyywiggins Did you know that there is an award-winning winery on Biltmore Estate? Wake up your taste buds with your best buds during a visit to Biltmore’s state-of-the-art Winery. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting in our Tasting Room, then linger at the adjacent Wine Bar to sip something special together—perhaps one of our handcrafted sparkling wines. Before you go, visit the Wine Shop to stock up on the vintages that pleased your palate most so you can enjoy your favorites at home. Visit Tip: If you missed snagging the perfect wine, find it online at Biltmore Shop, or consider joining the Vanderbilt Wine Club® so you’ll receive seasonal shipments all year round to remind you of your fabulous friends’ getaway! Capture moments that matter Mother and daughter enjoy a special moment in front of the Conservatory at Biltmore. 📸 @sincerelydeidra Don’t forget to capture photos together for a special way to document the smiles that only a special getaway together can bring. Picturesque locations abound at Biltmore for the most casual or frame-worthy images. Have a Biltmore team member snap a picture for you, or use Frederick Law Olmsted’s majestic landscape designs as a breathtaking backdrop. Our historic gardens and grounds offer stunning photo opportunities in every season, and the Conservatory features year-round tropical treasures under its grand glass roof. Visit Tip: To capture memorable pics with your besties in late summer and early fall, look for swathes of glorious golden sunflowers along the road to Antler Hill Village. Plan your friends’ getaway at Biltmore today! Plan a weekend getaway with your girlfriends to Biltmore. 📸 by @chelseaericasmith and @thewineshutter Uninterrupted escapes with the special people in your life lead to laughter-filled hours, story-worthy scenarios, and closer relationships. There is no better location than Biltmore when you’re ready to hit the “pause” button on life and make meaningful memories with those you love most. “Check Biltmore’s website for special offers such as the Morning at Biltmore package at Village Hotel,” Beth said. “It comes with a fascinating pre-opening tour of Biltmore House, plus admission to Italian Renaissance Alive, which is the final experience in our Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore series that you simply do not want to miss.” Visit Tip: Planning to spend multiple days at the estate? Consider becoming a Biltmore Annual Passholder to take advantage of the exclusive benefits we reserve just for Passholders, like bringing your children 16 and younger with you for free, plus special discounts on shopping, dining, activities, and overnight stays at our two hotels! Gather your friends together at Biltmore and celebrate time well spent at this magnificent mountain destination! 📸 by map.wanderer With everything there is to see and do at Biltmore, we invite you to make a long weekend of your friends’ getaway so you’ll have plenty of time to explore, discover, and reconnect here in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Visit Tip: Whether you’re driving or flying into the Asheville area, we generally enjoy good weather most of the year with colorful springs, warm summers, cool autumns, and mild winters, so don’t hesitate to plan your friends’ getaway at Biltmore Estate in any season! Share your memories with Biltmore! During your next trip to Biltmore with your friends, be sure to tag @biltmoreestate #biltmore for a chance to be featured on our official accounts.
Biltmore’s Bass Pond: Re-Creating the Missing Island Posted on July 8, 2022 at 2:17 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico Did you know Biltmore’s Bass Pond originally had two islands within it? One of the islands (or “islets,” as landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted referred to them) mysteriously disappeared over the years. However, our horticulture team recently worked to re-create this feature as part of our mission to preserve the estate in Asheville, North Carolina. About the Bass Pond’s Design Biltmore’s Bass Pond—referred to as “the lake” in some archival documents—was part of Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscape plan for the estate, created more than 125 years ago. Designed to provide still water for the Vanderbilts and their family and friends to go boating, the six-acre body of water was created by damming a nearby creek and enlarging its millpond. Archival image of the Bass Pond with both original islands visible, ca. 1895. Olmsted wrote about the Bass Pond islands in a January 29, 1891 letter to George Vanderbilt: “There were four reasons for designing the islets near the north margin of the lake: first, the effect of them would be to enlarge the apparent extent of the water… and there would at least be more effect of intricacy and mystery; second, [because of] the steepness of the ground almost everywhere at our proposed water-line on the main shore… the islands, being low and flat, are intended to serve was a disguise and relief to this circumstance; third, the islands will save cost of construction; fourth, they are needed as breeding places for shy waterside birds, many of which will only make their nests in the seclusion of thickets apparently inaccessible.” Our team sourced the clay-based soil for the new island from another estate location. Re-Creating the Missing Island During the early months of 2022, our horticulture team began the preliminary work to install the missing island. First, they drained the Bass Pond so that the water level was below the height of the new island. Then, the pond was dredged and our crew disposed of the old sediment and material. Finally, our team brought in clay-based soil from another location on the estate to re-create the island. Transporting the selection of plants to the newly established island was a project in and of itself. Landscaping of the island took place in May 2022. Six members of our horticulture team transported iris, Cliftonia, and Juncus to the island via several rowboat trips. The selection of plant material was in line with Olmsted’s original intention for the islands’ purpose. Juncus, for example, is a water-loving grass that offers habitat for wildlife, in particular the shy waterside birds referenced by Olmsted in his letter to George Vanderbilt. Our team intentionally selected plants that would remain true to Olmsted’s original vision. On your next trip to the estate, we invite you to linger along the shores of the Bass Pond. Consider strolling there via the Azalea Garden Path after your Biltmore House visit. Marvel at its historic boat house and waterfall. And of course, watch the newly re-created island for those shy waterside birds—just as Olmsted intended. Re-Creating Biltmore’s Missing Bass Pond Island
Asheville Artist Reproduces Biltmore Sculpture Posted on June 21, 2022 at 2:04 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Asheville artist Alex Irvine has reproduced a Biltmore sculpture, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the wonderful results! Biltmore sculpture removed for preservation Known as Woman Reading with Dog, this charming depiction of a young woman reading a book with her canine companion at her knees was originally installed on the Library Terrace at Biltmore House. Artist Alex Irvine worked from the original Biltmore sculpture in his Asheville-area studio to create two new versions for display at the estate. Like many of the other sculptures found throughout Biltmore’s historic gardens, Woman Reading with Dog was French in origin. It was produced by Gossin Frères of Paris, a firm well known for their ornamental terra cotta fabrications. After many years of exposure to the elements, Biltmore’s original sculpture had become unstable due to heavy deterioration, and was removed from the Library Terrace for preservation purposes. Asheville artist commissioned to create new Biltmore sculpture “We commissioned a replica from Asheville artist Alex Irvine after he worked with Biltmore’s conservation team on a project that involved recreating a missing arm and floral garland for a terra cotta sculpture located on the South Terrace of Biltmore House,” said Kara Warren, Preventive Conservation Specialist. “We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such an exceptionally skilled ceramic artist who is located just miles from Biltmore Estate.” To reproduce Woman Reading with Dog, Alex employed a multi-step process similar to the one used to create the original sculpture. He began his work by hand building the figure out of clay, scaling it 9% larger than the original to account for shrinkage during the drying and firing of the clay. The entire commission took more than two years to complete. Original terra cotta sculpture (left); new copy (right) being hand-built around a metal armature that will help support the weight of the clay. × (L-R) The original sculpture and the new clay sculpture that will be used in the plaster mold of the final version. The arms are cast and fired separately. × The original sculpture was created by Gossin Frères of Paris. The re-creation is a perfect copy that includes the firm’s mark. × The mold for the new sculpture included 50 different sections, like this piece for one of the hands. × The sculpture’s arms were cast and fired separately from the rest of the figure and attached with steel pins the day after the sculpture was installed on the Library Terrace. × The newly re-created “Woman Reading with Dog” sculpture out of the kiln after being fired. × A close up of the sculpture reveals her serene expression and the beautiful detailing of her face and features. × Kara Warren, Preventive Conservation Specialist, discusses the sculpture with artist Alex Irvine in his studio. Credit: The Biltmore Company × The next step was the creation of a 50-part plaster mold of the replicated statue. The mold was assembled on the floor of the kiln in stages to allow access for handfuls of clay to be pressed into the mold to produce a hollow cast. The legs inside the garment and internal structure were hand-built with slabs of clay. Once cast, the surface details were refined again in preparation for firing. The clay statue was slowly dried over six months and then fired very slowly to 2100ºF in a one-of-a-kind electric kiln built for this commission. Installation of the new sculpture The reproduction of Woman Reading with Dog was installed on the Library Terrace, in the same location as the original. The replica of “Woman Reading with Dog” was carefully crated in Alex Irvine’s studio for its trip to the Library Terrace at Biltmore House. Her arms were attached with steel pins after installation was complete. × Alex Irvine, Kara Warren, and Trip Hudgins, Engineering Operations Manager, assist with the sculpture’s installation on the Library Terrace. × Asheville artist Alex Irvine oversees the prepping of the original limestone plinth on which the sculpture will be installed. × Delicate details like the dog’s tail could easily break during installation, so the artist and members of our Museum Services team handle the project with great care. × The final step of the process was to attach the sculpture’s arms with steel pins once the main installation was complete. × From this angle, you can see some of the wonderful details of the sculpture’s hand and arm, draped fabric, and even the dog’s teeth! × See preservation in action at Biltmore “Woman Reading with Dog” installed on the Library Terrace of Biltmore House In addition to viewing Woman Reading with Dog on the Library Terrace of Biltmore House, you can also view a second reproduction of this sculpture that was made as part of the process. The sculpture will be displayed in a niche in the back courtyard of Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate®.
Cedric the St. Bernard: Biltmore’s Very Good Boy Posted on June 7, 2022 at 3:29 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico Cedric, a smooth coat St. Bernard, was a loyal companion to George Vanderbilt. Though we aren’t sure exactly how George came to own Cedric, we do know he was brought to the estate from Point d’Acadie, George’s summer home in Bar Harbor, sometime around the opening of Biltmore House in 1895. Cedric was likely 1-3 years old at this time. Cedric, George Vanderbilt, and honeymooners Jay Burden and Adele Sloan, George’s niece, June 1895. This is one of the earliest photos of Cedric in the Biltmore House collection. Archival records reveal that Cedric received a lot of leeway around the estate. Correspondence from Biltmore House guests indicates that he had free reign on the first floor. He could often be found sunning on the Loggia or lying on the Library floor. He’s also seen in several pictures taken outdoors during Biltmore’s early days. Cedric sunbathing on the Loggia, ca. 1900. The massive St. Bernard was known to lounge and sometimes snooze in various locations through the first floor of Biltmore House. Cedric was a true member of the Vanderbilt family and was treated as such. In addition to a couple of close friends and employees, Cedric was one of the few attendees at a private ceremony during which George and Edith Vanderbilt oversaw the planting of a commemorative tree to honor the birth of their daughter Cornelia in 1900. George Vanderbilt, Cedric, and Cornelia Vanderbilt being held by her nanny at the planting of Cornelia’s “Baby Tree”, October 1900. The photograph was likely taken by Edith Vanderbilt. By 1901, there was a whole family of St. Bernards living at Biltmore, all adored by the Vanderbilts and their guests alike. In a letter to his wife, Joseph Hodges Choate, the American Ambassador to Great Britain and Biltmore House guest, wrote: “I shall not attempt to describe the house, which is obviously the finest in America, but the dogs are truly magnificent … I wish you could see these great St. Bernards—five of them, father, mother and three children, all big and splendid. They seem to fill the billiard-room and are most affectionate.” Cedric dozing in the Library of Biltmore House, ca. 1896. The beloved St. Bernard was known to sprawl out and relax where ever George Vanderbilt was. George Vanderbilt gifted St. Bernards (believed to have been sired by Cedric) to friends and family. In 1902, George’s friend the Right Rev. William Croswell Doane lost his faithful St. Bernard named Cluny, so George gave him a puppy named Balder. A few years later, George and Edith also gave a St. Bernard puppy to their nephew John Nicholas Brown, who named the dog Cedric. Cornelia with one of her St. Bernards on the Esplanade of Biltmore House, ca. 1903. Sadly, Cedric died in 1902 at Buckspring Lodge, where he was buried. To commemorate the occasion, Biltmore House guest Charlotte Pendleton wrote a poem in his honor, entitled Cedric: A Sonetto in Rondo, in the Nonsense Book. Cedric on the Rampe Douce of the Esplanade in front of Biltmore House. This photograph accompanied a poem in the Biltmore House Nonsense Book honoring Cedric when he passed away in 1902. Cedric Sonetto in Rondo The Moses of your canine race On Pisgah’s sapphire heights you strayed Among her pink beds low you laid Upon the high and lovely place; You down to die where there is space, Amid cathedral pine arrayed With plumed crest and views that braid Their columned stems with waving grace. For your great body to lie down Most fully housed, walk spreading skies On beds of spicy needles, brown, Fragrant; couched in majesty, Rapt in deep solitude, a woven gown Of shrouded mystery. Measuring more than 33 inches around, Cedric’s original leather collar attests to the impressive size and heft of the Vanderbilts’ favorite breed. Today, we honor the legacy of Cedric the St. Bernard, Biltmore’s very good boy, with his eponymous restaurant: Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village. On your next estate visit, be sure to check out the many photographs of Cedric on the tavern’s walls as well as the display of his impressive leather collar.
Biltmore’s Blacksmith: Striking While the Iron is Hot Posted on May 26, 2022 at 1:10 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico Did you know America’s Largest Home® has a resident blacksmith? A typical day for Biltmore blacksmith Steve Schroeder is spent demonstrating traditional techniques, telling stories to our guests, and answering their questions in the estate’s original smithy shop at Antler Hill Barn. Blacksmith to Blacksmith During one of his demonstrations, Steve met a guest who was a fellow blacksmith from New Jersey. The guest showed Steve a piece of his own: a metal key ring featuring a golf ball-sized rose with about 40 tiny petals. Blacksmithing is the art of forging metal to create hardware, ornamental objects, and more. Steve was impressed by the rose design and asked the guest about his process. To his surprise, the guest offered to stay at the smithy shop for what ended up being more than an hour to explain the method to Steve as he tried it out. “That’s one of the great things about blacksmiths,” Steve explains. “We’re very open about sharing projects and we’re happy to teach each other different techniques. There are no secrets in blacksmithing.” Blacksmiths use a variety of tools such as a hammer, an anvil, and a hot cut, which helps create indentations in the metal. The Rose Hook Process The upper portion of the rod is heated—as it is throughout the process—and then hammered (above) until it is incredibly thin.The rod is twisted in the middle to define the stem.The flat, upper portion of the rod is placed over a hot cut and struck with a hammer to create indentions along one side, defining the individual petals.The upper portion is bent into a P-shape.The P-shape is tightly coiled, revealing the rose design.The lower portion of the rod bent to create the hook element. Our blacksmith’s early rose hooks are on display near the second floor fireplace in Village Hotel. Perfecting the Petals Steve worked diligently to improve his rose hook technique over the next few months. During that time, news of the fascinating project caught wind around the estate. As result, eight rose hooks were soon installed in the comfortable seating area next to Village Social, located within Village Hotel. Steve peels back the petals of the roses using pliers while the metal is still red-hot to create the blooming effect. However, Steve is quick to point out that the hooks installed in Village Hotel don’t reflect one of his biggest revelations in perfecting his technique, one that actually came from his wife Kylie. “I explained to her that I was having a hard time keeping the petals open in the coiling process,” he says. “She suggested I use pliers to pull the petals back for that nice blooming effect.” Striking While the Iron is Hot Steve knew early on there was potential for his products to be sold on the estate—and Village Hotel guests were asking if the rose hooks were available for purchase on a daily basis. While Steve didn’t want to sell the product until he thought it was in its best possible form, he knew that he had to “strike while the iron is hot.” (Yes, that is a blacksmith pun, and yes, Steve is full of them.) We invite you to watch our blacksmith work and learn more about the craft in Antler Hill Barn. Hours vary seasonally. Finally, after a few months and a few hundred roses, Steve felt confident enough in the design—more specifically, in his ability to replicate the design over and over—and the product hit the shelves of The Barn Door. And the rose hooks are selling just as fast as Steve can make them. He brings a handful of rose hooks to The Barn Door every morning and they’re gone by the afternoon. In the first two weeks, the shop sold more than 50 hooks, making it their best-selling item. Our blacksmith’s rose hooks sell out incredibly quickly and because of the nature of the craft, they’re only available on the estate. As a result of this estate collaboration, the product’s footprint is almost non-existent. When a batch of rose hooks is ready, Steve simply walks them next door to be sold—no additional carbon emissions, packaging, or waste involved. The rose hooks don’t even have price tags. On your next visit to the estate, be sure to make time to visit our blacksmith Steve Schroeder at Antler Hill Barn, then pop in The Barn Door to take home a truly unique piece of Biltmore.