Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room

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Inspired by the Vanderbilt tradition of sharing afternoon tea with guests, The Dining Room’s unique take on this elegant experience features Newby Teas, renowned as one of the world’s finest tea purveyors. Tea is served with such delights as fresh-baked scones with clotted cream, honey, and preserves, artfully prepared sweet and savory canapés, and finely cut tea sandwiches. To further enhance this welcome moment of leisure, indulge in a carefully crafted tea-infused cocktail, Mimosa, or Kir Royale.

Resort Elegant attire (slacks, dress shirt, dress) is recommended and encouraged for Afternoon Tea in The Dining Room. Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and faded denims are not appropriate nor permitted.

To participate in this activity guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting

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Discover why chocolate and red wine are a match made in heaven! Featuring locally produced artisan chocolates from French Broad Chocolate, and an opportunity to taste and experience the tactile attribute of a raw cacao bean, this tasting provides information about wine production at Biltmore and its effects upon the finished product.

Minimum age of 21 to attend tasting.

Limited Capacity: 20 Guests per Tasting

Exclusive 90-Minute Tour: A Vanderbilt Christmas

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Famous for holiday hospitality since 1895, Biltmore invites you to experience an exclusive Candlelight Christmas Evenings expert-guided tour of America’s Largest Home®. Not only will you discover the inspiration for this year’s spectacular seasonal décor, you will also enjoy heartwarming stories about the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and staff during this special time of year, as well as access to parts of the house unseen on other tours.


Available only with Candlelight Christmas Exclusive Tour, House, Exhibition, & 2-Day Grounds ticket option. Expedited entry for all exclusive tour guests. Guests must be 10 years of age or older for this tour. Backpacks are not permitted on guided tours; guests are required to store backpacks in a locker or in their vehicle.

Limited Capacity: 8 Guests per Tour

Crafter Workshop: Wood Carving

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The time-honored tradition of wood carving comes to life as one of Biltmore’s talented master crafters guides you in the creation of your very own hand-carved wood spirit face. Talented master wood carver David Trydahl will share his passion for the craft, its connection to the Appalachian Mountain region, and its special place within Biltmore history. He will also provide you with step-by-step examples and instructions about the different types of cuts and techniques involved and how to properly (and safely) hone and sharpen a carving knife. Afterward, you will apply your new-found skills to complete a one-of-a-kind, handmade take-home memento of your time at Biltmore.

All tools and crafting supplies provided, including Kevlar gloves to support the safe handling of carving knives.

Maximum of 6 participants. Activity takes place inside Antler Hill Barn. Advance reservations required. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Must be 15 years of age or older.

Crafter Workshop: Basket Weaving

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The time-honored tradition of basket weaving comes to life as one of Biltmore’s talented master crafters guides you in the creation of your very own 6-inch round basket with a wooden base! Talented master basket weaver Anne Allison will share her passion for the craft, its history, and its special connection to the Appalachian Mountain region. After learning about different types of baskets and their uses, as well as the tools, techniques, and materials associated with basket weaving, you will apply your new-found skills to complete a one-of-a-kind, handmade take-home memento of your time at Biltmore.

All tools and crafting supplies provided.

Maximum of 6 participants. Activity takes place inside Antler Hill Barn. Advance reservations required. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Must be 15 years of age or older.

Falconry

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Discover the ancient art of falconry on Biltmore’s historic grounds. Learn how to handle a trained hawk or falcon, then experience the inimitable thrill of a raptor flying to and landing upon your gloved hand. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to interact with one of these majestic birds of prey.

Maximum of 6 participants, 6 observers.

To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Must be 8 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 17 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. Guests encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes.

Fly Casting Lesson

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Learn the skill of casting a fly rod in this dry casting lesson. You’ll have the opportunity to fish from a drift boat on the Lagoon or an estate lake toward the end of the lesson. Fly-Fishing instruction includes the basic philosophy behind the sport, basic equipment, essentials of casting, and flies and basic knots. Instruction takes place at the Lagoon.

To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. Ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is unavailable during winter.

West Range Loop Guided Bike Ride

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The only opportunity to experience the exclusive West Range of the estate by bicycle, this invigorating 8-mile ride on gravel roads showcases the beauty and agricultural programs of the wilder side of the property. Travel through vineyards, alongside pastures, and around the Long Valley Lake area as our knowledgeable guides point out stunning views rarely seen by guests.

Accompanied by a support vehicle to provide safety, drinks, and snacks as needed, this bike ride is at a leisurely pace with occasional stops. While suitable for riders with basic bike handling skills, it is best enjoyed by riders with at least a moderate level of overall fitness.

Mountain Bikes are available.

Maximum of 8 participants. Advance reservations required. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Two-Hour Land Rover Experience

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Two-hour experiences, like one-hour experiences, cover the basics of expedition-style driving while allowing additional driving time to increase your knowledge, test your off-road skills, and create a more memorable Land Rover adventure.

Please note: No car seats, no passengers under 8 years old, no use of the third rows of seats. In order to drive, you must have a valid driver’s license and be 18 years of age or older. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Kids’ Fishing

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Kids can enjoy fishing in the lagoon area with a fishing instructor using conventional spinning or bait casting rods and tackle. All fishing equipment is provided.

Kids must be ages 7-11 and accompanied by an adult. To participate in this activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. This activity is unavailable during winter.