Visit itinerary: Your guide to Biltmore

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From exploring the grand halls of our historic chateau to savoring our handcrafted wines or exploring the rolling hills of our private mountain oasis, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Biltmore!

With so many options to explore, we recommend making the most of your visit by planning to spend two (or more!) full days on Biltmore Estate. This flexible Biltmore visit itinerary is designed to be easily tailored based on your preferences, reservation times, and our current activities and events, allowing you to focus on having fun on our 8,000-acre estate.

Biltmore Italian Garden Pools
Did you know: All estate ticket types allow you to explore the extensive gardens and grounds?

Two-day Biltmore visit itinerary

For a leisurely and immersive visit to Biltmore, we recommend spreading your estate experiences across two full days, where you will have more time (and energy) to truly soak in all that Biltmore has to offer!

Tip: Select ticket types include FREE next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences. Be sure to check your admission type or overnight package for this perk and plan to come back the next day to take advantage of even more time to explore the estate.

DAY ONE

🏰 Morning to mid-day: Biltmore House (1.5 to 2 hours)
Step into the grandeur of America’s Largest Home®, Biltmore House, while learning about the history, the fine art and furnishings, and of course, the people, behind this Gilded Age masterpiece. With our Biltmore House tours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the home and stories through our complimentary Audio Guide or take a deep dive into one of our fascinating expert-guided tours based on your interests.

Tip: Advanced reservations are required for all Biltmore House visits. If your reservation is in the afternoon or early evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first!

🥗 Early afternoon: Lunch at an Estate Restaurant (1 to 1.5 hours)
Savor a delightful field-to-table meal at one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, or Village Social. If casual grab-and-go or picnic is more your style, be sure to stop by The Bake Shop or Biltmore Dairy Bar near Biltmore House, or the Smokehouse food truck or The Creamery in Antler Hill Village. Fine dining is available at our four-star Dining Room at The Inn.

Tip: Dining reservations are highly recommended. If you’re planning to explore the gardens next, we recommend taking advantage of dining options in the Stable Courtyrd area next to Biltmore House.

🌷 Late afternoon: Gardens and Conservatory (1 to 2 hours)
Spend time finding your new favorite flower and indulging your senses with a visit to Biltmore’s historic gardens and glass-ceilinged Conservatory. Admire the meticulously maintained historic greenhouses filled with tropical plants year-round.

Tip: Select ticket types include FREE next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences.

DAY TWO

🥗 Mid-day to early afternoon: Lunch at an Estate Restaurant (1 to 1.5 hours)
Savor a delightful field-to-table meal at one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, or Village Social. If casual grab-and-go or picnic is more your style, be sure to stop by The Bake Shop or Biltmore Dairy Bar near Biltmore House, or the Smokehouse food truck or The Creamery in Antler Hill Village. Fine dining is available at our four-star Dining Room at The Inn.

Tip: Dining reservations are highly recommended.

🧭 Afternoon: Guided experience (1.5 to 2 hours)

Choose from a variety of expert-guided tours and experiences to help make your visit to Biltmore even more memorable! Consider upgrading your visit to include expert-led tours to rarely accessed areas of Biltmore House, guided (or self-guided) outdoor adventures through our historic landscapes, or even a guided wine tasting featuring locally made chocolate pairings.

Tip: Select ticket types and overnight stay packages include exclusive guided tours of Biltmore House! Be sure to check currently available activities to make the most of your visit.

🥂 Evening: Antler Hill Village and Winery (2+ hours)
Stop by our award-winning winery to toast two fun-filled days at Biltmore with one of our handcrafted estate wines! Linger into the evening in Antler Hill Village, where you can shop for unique gifts, such as gourmet treats, wines, and the perfect mementos, learn about the Vanderbilt family and their life at home and abroad at The Biltmore Legacy, and savor field-to-table dining.

Tip: If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to visit Pisgah Playground, the Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn for educational family fun for all ages.

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A couple walks hand-in-hand as they approach the entrance to Biltmore's Winery.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or want to experience your first wine tasting, be sure to stop by our estate Winery.

One full day Biltmore visit itinerary

If you only have one day to explore our historic estate, here’s what we recommend prioritizing for an action-packed way to experience all that is included in your Biltmore admission.

Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add-on guided experiences. Be sure to check your admission type or overnight package for this perk and plan to come back the next day to take advantage of even more time to explore the estate.

🌤️ Morning: Embark on an adventure (1 to 2 hours)
Your estate admission grants you access to come early to explore the gardens, grounds, shops, and more. Take advantage of this quiet time of day to stretch your legs with a morning stroll or bike ride along estate trails, participate in a guided experience through our Outdoor Adventure Center, or arrive early to explore the gardens before your Biltmore House visit.

Tip: Look for special overnight stay packages that feature exclusive early morning visits to Biltmore House.

🥗 Mid-day: Lunch at an estate restaurant (1 to 1.5 hours)
Savor a delightful field-to-table meal at one of Biltmore’s distinctive restaurants, including Stable Café, Cedric’s Tavern, Bistro, or Village Social. If casual grab-and-go or picnic is more your style, be sure to stop by The Bake Shop or Biltmore Dairy Bar near Biltmore House, or the Smokehouse food truck or The Creamery in Antler Hill Village. Fine dining is available at our four-star Dining Room at The Inn.

Tip: Reservations are highly recommended.

🏰 Afternoon: Biltmore House (1.5 to 2 hours)
Step into the grandeur of America’s Largest Home, Biltmore House, while learning about the history, the fine art and furnishings, and of course, the people, behind this Gilded Age masterpiece. With our Biltmore House tours, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the home and stories through our complimentary Audio Guide or take a deep dive into one of our fascinating expert-guided tours based on your interests.

Tip: Advanced reservations are required for all Biltmore House visits. If your reservation is in the afternoon or early evening, you may choose to explore the Gardens or Antler Hill Village first!

🌷 Late afternoon: Gardens and Conservatory (1 to 2 hours)
Find your new favorite flower and indulge your senses with a visit to Biltmore’s historic gardens and glass-ceilinged Conservatory. Admire the meticulously maintained historic greenhouses filled with tropical plants year-round.

Tip: Select ticket types include free next-day access to explore the estate’s gardens and grounds, visit the Winery, or add on guided experiences.

🥂 Evening: Antler Hill Village and Winery (2+ hours)
Stop by our award-winning winery to toast a fun-filled day with one of Biltmore’s handcrafted estate wines! Linger into the evening in Antler Hill Village, where you can shop for unique gifts, such as gourmet treats, wines, and the perfect mementos, or learn about the Vanderbilt family and their life at home and abroad at The Biltmore Legacy, and savor field-to-table dining.

Tip: If you’re traveling with small children, be sure to visit Pisgah Playground, the Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn for educational fun for all ages.

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Family walks along trail in Antler Hill Village
Plan ahead! Allow yourself plenty of time to relax, play, and enjoy all that your estate visit has to offer.

Helpful Biltmore visit tips:

Below are a few additional tips for your Biltmore visit itinerary. For even more helpful information to help you prepare for your Biltmore Estate visit, we recommend exploring our Visitor Information site section.

  • Plan ahead: Don’t wait to purchase your Biltmore admission or special overnight packages to secure your preferred dates and times!
  • Getting around the estate: Many guests underestimate the vast size of Biltmore Estate. With miles between points of interest, we recommend allowing your party at least 30 minutes for travel and parking between estate locations. For helpful guidance on estate accessibility, please explore our Help Center.
  • Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers appropriate for the season and the types of activities you plan to do during your visit, especially if you opt to participate in any outdoor adventure activities.
  • Watch the weather: The weather in our region can change quickly, which may result in unexpected temporary closures of our trails or outdoor activities during severe weather. We appreciate your understanding!
  • Make it a getaway: With so much to experience, treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable getaway with an overnight stay on Biltmore Estate. Book an overnight package or stay that includes Biltmore House admission to enjoy a daytime visit to Biltmore House with an audio guide at your leisure and as often as you would like during the length of your stay!
  • Make the most of your experience: All Biltmore admission types include access to explore Antler Hill Village & Winery and our historic gardens and grounds. Explore ticket types that include access to Biltmore House, an exclusive 90-minute guided tour, Luminere™ (hosted on select evenings), free next-day grounds access, and more! Additional add-on experiences, such as guided outdoor activities, are available as well.
  • Don’t forget your mementos: Visit our exclusive estate shops to find unique gifts and gourmet treats, like award-winning Biltmore Wines or honey from our estate beehives, to bring the Biltmore legacy home with you.
  • Find more tips: For even more guidance on what activities you might want to consider during your Biltmore visit for family fun, outdoor adventure, or food and wine, be sure to check our other itineraries and guides.

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Ready to plan your visit to Biltmore? Let’s go!

The Luminere experience: Magic in the making

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To understand our new Luminere™ experience, we invite you to go behind-the-scenes with us to see how this magical event was created.

“Luminere is an outdoor light and sound event that encompasses the façade of Biltmore House and its historic gardens,” said Travis Tatham, Director of Events and Guest Experience Development. “We started planning this illuminating experience in 2017 to give our guests a new way to enjoy the estate during evening hours.”

Two men talking and taking notes in a garden area.
Bill Quade, Director of Horticulture (left), and Ricardo Rivera of Klip Collective (right) discuss ideas for Luminere in the Italian Garden.

Based on wonderful family stories, including archival descriptions of 1920s-era garden parties at Biltmore, Luminere began to take shape as a way to share the magic of those long-ago shimmering celebrations.

This experience was years in the making and involved extensive collaboration and co-creation between our Biltmore teams, from Museum Services, Engineering, Horticulture, Construction Trades, and others to the teams at Klip Collective, the company selected to develop Luminere for us.

“Now that it’s operational, all Biltmore teams play a vital role in providing gracious hospitality to our guests. Biltmore is blessed with talented employees who pride themselves on creating memorable guest experiences as part of Luminere and throughout your entire Biltmore visit,” Travis said.

Magic in the making of Luminere

Luminere vignettes on the facade of Biltmore House.
Klip Collective created colorful vignettes based on Biltmore’s archival stories to illuminate the facade of the house.

Klip Collective uses high-tech projection mapping, lighting, and sound design to create site-specific, immersive sensory experiences for destinations like Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, Arizona’s Desert Botanical Garden, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas. All together, Klip utilized a dozen vendor partners and Biltmore hired six local vendors to create and complete the many different aspects of this project.

“What I love about Luminere is that were were able to pay attention to the historical storytelling aspects of the family and the house as well as the physical beauty of the gardens,” said Ricardo Rivera, Creative Director and Founder of Klip. “Biltmore is a very rich canvas and we saw a great opportunity to do something extra special. This is the greatest example of the best work we’ve done at Klip Collective all in one place, and I’m very proud of that.”

Composing Luminere’s signature musical score

Woman playing a harp.
Portions of the signature musical score for Luminere were recorded in Biltmore House, including this performance in the Oak Sitting Room by harpist Lelia Lattimore.

In addition to creating the visual Luminere experience, Klip partnered with composer Julian Grefe and the talented musicians of Asheville Symphony Orchestra and Budapest Film Orchestra & Budapest Film Choir to create the signature musical score that is such an integral part of Luminere. Special guests included three local musicians who have been performing at Biltmore for the past 40 years.

From new arrangements of classics such as Mendelsohn’s beloved Wedding March and excerpts from Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, which was one of George Vanderbilt’s favorite operas, to original music featuring a variety of traditional instruments, vocal performances, and groundbreaking techniques, the sounds of Luminere are as striking as the illuminations.

In some cases, Biltmore House even served as the recording studio, with musical tracks captured in the Oak Sitting Room and indoor Swimming Pool. For the main them, the music was formulated from actual architectural features such as the roofline and windows.

Illuminations for Biltmore House & Gardens

“Ricardo and the artists with Klip Collective understood what we really wanted to delight our guests,” said Travis. “Luminere is a very specialized, curated story, sharing the construction of Biltmore House, telling the family story and what was it like to visit Biltmore at the turn of the century as a guest of the Vanderbilts.”

The Luminere experience continues in Biltmore’s historic gardens, bringing different areas to life with the same cutting-edge artistry Klip created for the facade of Biltmore House.

Colored lights illuminate plants in Biltmore's Conservatory.
From the Italian Garden to the Conservatory (shown here), the wonders of Luminere fill our historic gardens

“You’ll be amazed at the difference between night and day in the gardens,” Travis said. “Daytime is all about the beauty of the plants and Frederick Law Olmsted’s designs, but at night, Luminere turns the gardens into a dreamscape that’s a little mysterious and a little playful. From the Italian Garden to the Conservatory, the illuminations and the signature musical score will draw you deeper into the wonders of the experience.”

Addressing infrastructure

Two small buildings on either end of the Front Lawn retaining wall at Biltmore.
Twin projection units for Luminere sit atop the Rampe Douce at the end of the Front Lawn.

To support the stunning illuminations and the soaring musical score for Luminere, we added new infrastructure around Biltmore House & Gardens, including two limestone-clad projection units atop the Rampe Douce and speaker structures in various locations.

“Every effort was made to incorporate the new infrastructure elements as seamlessly as possible,” said Travis. “For example, the exterior of the projection units was covered in limestone similar to that of Biltmore House. Once they’ve weathered in place for a bit, they’ll fade further into the background.”

Experience Luminere for yourself

Biltmore House facade during a Luminere evening.
During Luminere evenings, Biltmore House becomes a canvas that illuminates its remarkable story, and our renowned gardens dance before you with breathtaking artistry.

Now that you’ve taken a peek behind the scenes, get ready to experience Luminere for yourself. Tickets are available now for select evenings March 26–October 18, 2026. Plan your getaway today to experience Biltmore in a whole new light!

Enhance your Luminere experience with Artistic Legacies, an all-new 60-minute expert-guided tour that explores the Vanderbilt family’s art collections with never-before-shared stories, and consider an overnight stay at one of our hotels or private cottages with special packages that include admission to Luminere.

Visit itinerary: Biltmore’s Luminere evening experience

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As day turns to dusk, Biltmore’s Blue Ridge Mountain views and stunning landscapes set the stage for romantic strolls, playful family time in the Italian Garden, and deeper exploration of our remarkable history. 

Since every part of the day at Biltmore offers something special, we’ve curated this Luminere itinerary to help you make the most of your visit experience. Customize it for a perfect evening with your loved ones. 

🏰 Morning through afternoon: Explore Biltmore House and Gardens  
🍨 Afternoon: Unwind in Antler Hill Village  
🎫 Early evening: A warm Luminere welcome and exclusive Artistic Legacies tour  
🍷 Evening to sunset: Wine, dine, unwind (and even family playtime!)
✨ After dark: Biltmore’s story comes alive 
🗓️ Next day: Come back for even more fun

Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

Select Luminere admission tickets and overnight stay bundles include a daytime Biltmore House visit!

🏰 Morning through afternoon: Explore Biltmore House and Gardens  

Long before the sun sets, historic Biltmore House reveals architectural delights, fine art and furnishings, and meaningful personal stories of the family who made this Gilded Age masterpiece their home. 

For daytime Biltmore House access (and the best value), either a Luminere, House & Grounds ticket or special overnight package will provide an enlightening audio-guided experience of an epic American landmark. Or, if you prefer, simply awaken your senses wandering Biltmore’s historic gardens and discovering exotic flora in the Conservatory. 

Tip: Select Luminere evening tickets offer access (same or next day) to explore the estate grounds, including our gardens, grounds, Antler Hill Village & Winery, shops, and restaurants.  For details on complimentary same or next-day access, visit our FAQs here.  

Throughout the estate, you’ll find Luminere-inspired field to table dining options.

🍨 Afternoon: Unwind in Antler Hill Village  

A perfect way to immerse yourself in the Biltmore experience is to spend an afternoon in our charming, European-inspired village—savoring estate-crafted wines at the Winery or Wine Bar, discovering Luminere-inspired menus and estate-grown delicacies at our restaurants, strolling curated boutique shops, or enjoying live music on select dates in the village center.  

Families will find plenty of things to do with the Outdoor Adventure Center, Pisgah Playground, Farmyard, and Antler Hill Barn. Make it even more memorable with tasty treats from The Creamery!  
 
When it is time to head to the Luminere event, allow ample time to travel to the Biltmore House & Gardens area. It can take 30–45 minutes to drive from Antler Hill Village, The Inn, or the main estate entrance to the event location—but it’s worth it to take in the enthralling historic and natural sites along our beautiful, expansive, and still thriving estate. 

Tip: Daytime guests can bypass event check-in at the Biltmore House area by stopping at the Guest Services station in Antler Hill Village to pick up required Luminere wristbands. Overnight guests will receive wristbands from your front desk concierge and enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the event. 

During the new Artistic Legacies tour, you’ll dig deeper into the fascinating art history of Biltmore House and the family’s patronage of art throughout the generations.

🎫 Early evening: A warm Luminere welcome and exclusive Artistic Legacies tour  

To ease into your evening, our “Park & Ride” lots offer complimentary shuttles to and from the event. After check-in, you’ll enjoy a scenic ride featuring exclusive melodies that welcome you to Luminere. If you prefer to walk, choose our “Park & Walk” lots and stroll toward Biltmore House, where you will check in for the evening’s event at the North Gate. Guests who stay with us at The Inn, Village Hotel, or one of our premium Cottages on the estate enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the event, melting into the estate’s expansive scenic views and Luminere’s signature sounds along the way! 

Special evening access to Biltmore House is available only with a Luminere, Exclusive Tour & Grounds ticket for our all-new Artistic Legacies guided tour.  At your reserved time, expert guides greet your party at the entrance of Biltmore House for an experience that uncovers untold family stories through Vanderbilt art collections, a never-before-seen display of Cornelia Vanderbilt’s original artwork, and a view into how the family’s lasting love of the arts continues today. 

Tip: After 5 p.m. on Luminere evenings, the House & Gardens area (including the Conservatory, shops, and restaurants) will only be accessible to guests with Luminere admission. Pick up your required Luminere wristband for smooth access to the full experience! Available at the Park & Ride building, Park & Walk North Gate entrance, hotel front desks, or Guest Services locations at Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village.

As the sun begins to set, settle into your evening with a pre-ordered Chef picnic, games, or a glass of Biltmore wine!

🍷Evening to sunset: Wine, dine, unwind (and even family playtime!) 

Arrive well before nightfall for an evening to remember. Biltmore’s gardens and grounds are open for you to enjoy with loved ones, as originally designed (but with contemporary delights)! 

For a romantic night out, you can pre-order a Chef-prepared artisanal picnic, enjoy estate-grown delicacies from the evening menu at Stable Café, and browse for mementos in boutique shops. As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the softening light through the historic gardens or share a toast with handcrafted Biltmore wines and specialty cocktails while admiring panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views from the South Terrace. 

Biltmore has always been a magical place for little ones, so we created a family-friendly zone with both Gilded Age-era lawn games and modern activities in the Italian Garden. Grab kid- and adult-friendly light bites in the Stable Courtyard, then spread a blanket and play into the evening.   

Look around and remember, these are the spectacular views that inspired George Vanderbilt to create this special place 130 years ago, and what his descendants continue to preserve today.

Tip: Some areas have stairs or uneven, unpaved paths due to the historic design. All guests can ride the complimentary Garden Shuttle for an easy trip from the Walled Garden back up to Biltmore House, as well as to the Parking Lot locations. Lodging guests have dedicated shuttles that return to the hotel locations. All shuttles are wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. For more information, click here. 

After dark, get ready to experience Biltmore Estate like never before!

✨ After dark: Biltmore’s story comes alive

As night falls, Biltmore House & Gardens transform into an enchanting nightscape featuring seven different areas illuminated with light, sound, and story!  

Under starlit skies, the Biltmore House façade becomes a canvas for an animated reflection of the lives upstairs and downstairs inside this grand home. Watch as today’s generation of family members welcomes you to discover its unique 130-year history and appreciation for the community that has sustained it.

Wandering throughout Biltmore’s gardens, you will discover dream-like scenes with colorful lightscapes and custom musical scores that illuminate the night. As you meander, seamless transitions between gardens allow you to pause, ponder, and play at your own pace.

As evening draws to a close and you lean into your unforgettable memories, we hope that you feel the warm embrace of our family and the appreciation of the community that built this cherished place together. Inspired by the Vanderbilts’ love and patronage of the art, design, and architecture reflected throughout the estate, Luminere continues the family’s commitment to preserving the beauty of the past while creating new artistic experiences for future generations to explore. 

Tip: Luminere illuminations begin after dark. The brief show on the Biltmore House façade replays throughout the evening, so that you can catch an optimal view any time. A designated Accessible Viewing Area near Biltmore House will ensure clear, comfortable sightlines for everyone. A map will be available to help you navigate this experience.

Did you know grounds access includes a complimentary tasting at our estate winery?

🗓️ Next day: Come back for even more fun

With so much included with your Luminere ticket or overnight stay package, you’ll definitely want to plan to come back the day after your Luminere visit! With free next-day grounds access, you can spend the day exploring Bilmore’s sprawling gardens and grounds, stroll through Antler Hill Village, discover handcrafted wines at the Winery, or anything else you may have missed or want to revisit… for free!

Tip: Consider spreading your daytime activities across two days for the most liesurely way to enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

Not only does Biltmore House come alive at night during Luminere… so do the gardens!

How to make the most of your Luminere evening: 

To prepare for your Biltmore Estate visit, we recommend exploring our Visitor Information section. 

  • Plan ahead: Luminere is an all-new evening experience, so even the most experienced visitors may require extra guidance. Prepare for your visit by reviewing guides (like this one!) and helpful Biltmore emails in your inbox after your ticket purchase.  For even more info on what to expect and FAQs, explore our Plan Your Luminere Visit page.
  • Stay comfortable: This is an outdoor event, so prepare for changing evening temperatures and daily weather forecasts by dressing accordingly and wearing comfortable shoes to navigate garden paths and varied terrain. You may bring your own blanket or chair to sit on if you’d like, but remember that they cannot go inside Biltmore House if you’ve booked a daytime house visit.
  • Arrive before sunset: Make the most of your estate admission by arriving early on the day of your Luminere ticket to experience all the estate has to offer, including special activities, exclusive dining options, access to gardens and grounds, and Artistic Legacies guided tour. (Daytime access will vary based on which Luminere ticket or overnight stay package you purchase.) 
  • Enjoy at your own pace: Luminere is a self-guided evening event, allowing you to easily venture to various points of interest throughout the evening based on your interests.
  • Navigating the estate: Biltmore Estate is expansive, with miles between the event location and other points of interest. We recommend allowing at least 30 minutes for travel and parking between locations. Park & Ride Shuttles and Garden Shuttles are available to all event attendees. A shuttle service between the event and estate lodging is provided to overnight guests.  
  • Make it a getaway: A special Luminere overnight stay package is available for the ultimate getaway. While staying on the estate, you can explore everything that Biltmore has to offer, including exclusive estate shops, dining, and outdoor activities with the added comfort and convenience of a stay on Biltmore Estate. 
  • Watch the weather: The weather in our region can change quickly, which may result in unexpected temporary closures of outdoor activities. Should severe weather impact your Luminere evening, you will be notified as swiftly as possible by employees, along with loudspeaker announcements with instructions. We appreciate your understanding! 
  • Seasonal experiences: Luminere’s outdoor experience guarantees that no two visits will be the same, as spring tulips, summer fireflies, and the rich colors of fall promise to make each experience memorable. 
  • Share your Luminere memories! Snap photos and videos to capture your memories and share with friends and family. Tag @biltmoreestate #BiltmoreLuminere on social media to be a part of our community. 
You won’t want to miss taking advantage of golden hour views, chef-curated picnics, and special activities!

Ready for your perfect evening at Biltmore’s new Luminere experience? 

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, we invite you to slow down, savor the moment, take in the scenery, and discover Biltmore in a whole new light! 

Explore our tickets and overnight stay packages to book your Luminere visit today. 

Our winemaker’s guide to red wines

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While Biltmore’s handcrafted red wines pair perfectly with cozy winter weather, this guide to red wines by Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore’s winemaker, offers great tips for finding red varietals and blends to enjoy all year long.

Meet your red wine guide

Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak in the Barrel Room with a glass of red wine.
Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak in the Barrel Room at Biltmore’s Winery.

With decades of winemaking experience, Sharon Fenchak can offer helpful guidance on understanding and approaching all wines, including red ones. The U.S. Army veteran has been with Biltmore since 1999, starting as an assistant to winemaker Bernard Delille, then taking on the role of head winemaker after Bernard’s retirement in 2018.

“From meals that feature hearty winter fare to cozy movie nights and more, a glass of red wine is a welcome complement to cooler weather activities,” said Sharon. “But once the weather warms, don’t shelve your reds. Learning a few basics about red wines will enable you to choose what fits the season, your palate, and your mood, any time of the year.”

Sweet red wines v. drier options

Glass of red wine with a plate of chocolate truffles.
Biltmore Century Sweet Red Wine is a guest favorite in the Winery’s Tasting Room.

According to Sharon, the sweetness or dryness of a wine depends on several factors, including the residual sugar left in the wine after fermentation. Biltmore® Century Sweet Red Wine is a good example of a sweeter style that pairs well with cheeses and decadent chocolate desserts.

With red wines such as our Vanderbilt Reserve® Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, most of the sugar has been converted into alcohol, resulting in a drier style that complements rich fare and offers good aging potential.

Other factors that affect the sweetness and dryness of wines:

  • Acidity: Wines with higher acidity levels tend to taste drier. 
  • Tannins: These bitter compounds in red grape skins contribute to the signature mouthfeel of drier red wines. 
  • Grape variety: Some varietals have inherently higher sugar levels that contribute to a sweeter taste. The flavor profile of others might feature a lot of ripe fruit notes that give the perception of sweetness, even if the wine doesn’t contain high amounts of residual sugar. 

What is body style?

Two bottles of red wine sit on a table while red wine is being poured into a glass on the left.
We handcraft red wines in a variety of body styles.

“Wine is often described in terms of body style, from light to medium to full-bodied,” said Sharon. “Body refers to viscosity—the weight and feel of the wine when you take a sip.”

If you’re just learning about wines, Sharon suggests it may be helpful to think about body styles of milk, a more familiar beverage. Whole milk is full-bodied with a heavier, richer mouth-coating feel while light-bodied fat-free milk has a smoother, lighter texture.

In general, lighter-bodied red wines like our Biltmore Estate® Pinot Noir have a slightly lower alcohol content and tend to be refreshing and easy to drink. You may even enjoy them with some foods that would traditionally be paired with white wine, like roast turkey or pork loin.

Medium-bodied red wines such as our estate-grown Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Merlot tend to complement a wide range of flavors, making them a good choice for sipping on their own or savoring with a meal.

Like their medium-bodied counterparts, full-bodied reds including The Hunt Sonoma County Red Blend and Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon work in symphony with foods, but complex flavors and a fuller body allow them to give a star solo performance.  

Take cues from red wine hues

Two people toasting with glasses of red wine in front of a firepit.
Red wines can range in color from purple to maroon–and every shade in between!

“One of the most beautiful aspects of red wines are the color variations, but there is much more to it than just pigmentation,” Sharon said.

Black, red, or purple grape varietals are used to create red wines, but the finished product can come in many shades such as pink, purple, ruby, and garnet.

“The color of the grape’s skin obviously affects the wine,” explained Sharon, “but so does the varietal character of the grape, the climate in which it’s grown, and the length of time the wine has been aged.”

Typically, the lighter a red wine’s color, the younger the vintage, while wines that are aged longer have deeper colors. Neither wine is superior; it’s simply a matter of what fits the occasion and which you find most appealing.”

Still and sparkling red wines: what’s the difference?

Bottle and glasses of Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir sparkling wine and a plate of macarons.
Add festive bubbles to any occasion with our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir, a sparkling wine crafted with Pinot Noir grapes.

“The biggest difference between any still and sparkling wines occurs in the fermentation process,” Sharon said. “For our Biltmore sparkling wines, we utilize the classic méthode champenoise in which a still wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle. It is the traditional way to create the fine, tiny bubbles that make sparkling wine so special.”

Sparkling wines are similar to still wines when it comes to other characteristics such as sweetness, dryness, and body style. A sparkling wine like our pink-hued Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir—handcrafted from red Pinot Noir grapes—is perfect for year-round occasions, from romantic Valentine’s Day celebrations and summer wedding toasts to all your fall and holiday gatherings.

Quick tips for storing and serving red wines

A bottle of red wine on a table with people socializing in the background. On the image is a tip recommending serving red wine slightly chilled.
Red wines are best served slightly chilled.
  • Red wine is best served slightly chilled at around 55–65 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider putting red wines in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before serving.
  • Choose glasses with a wider bowl that allows the wine to aerate before you drink it.
  • Red wines may also benefit from being decanted before being served.
  • Red wines typically age more smoothly than white wines due to the presence of tannins. Allow bottles to age for six months to a year and see if the flavor has changed perceptibly.
  • All wines should be stored in a cool, dark place. If you don’t have a dedicated space for storage, consider a kitchen cabinet (away from the stove and not above the refrigerator!) or a guest room closet to minimize light and vibration. Keep the bottle tilted downward toward the cork, if possible.

Create perfect pairings with red wines

A plate of hearty Beef Bourguignon with Biltmore red wine
Make Bistro’s hearty Beef Bourguignon recipe, featuring dry red Biltmore wine, at home with this easy recipe.

If you’re looking for a hearty recipe that features red wine, Bistro’s Beef Bourguignon is a great place to start.

As the weather warms for spring and summer, consider a sensational red sangria showcasing our versatile, food-friendly Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest®. For fall and the holidays, enjoy the warm comfort of our Wassail Spice Blend with your favorites in Biltmore’s red wine collection.

“The topic of red wines is expansive and endlessly fascinating,” said Sharon, “and Biltmore’s wide range of red wines can provide perfect pairings for any season, lifestyle, palate, meal, and occasion.”

Learn more with a Vanderbilt Wine Club® membership

A group of people around an outdoor chimney with Biltmore wines.
Learn more about Biltmore red wines with a complimentary tasting at the estate’s Winery or with a Vanderbilt Wine Club membership.

Now that you know a bit more about red wines, we invite you to discover new favorites with a complimentary wine tasting at our estate winery in Antler Hill Village, and explore new varietals each season by joining our Vanderbilt Wine Club®.

In addition to enjoying your preferred Club style of Red, White, Mixed Red and White, or Sweet wines seasonally, you’ll receive invitations to virtual wine tastings, in-depth notes, recipes, and, of course, you’ll gain early access to our newest wine releases.

Become a member today, and have the season’s best delivered right to your doorstep. “The Vanderbilt Wine Club is an exciting and effortless way to learn about the best wines for each time of year,” Sharon said, “and to experience firsthand why I never tire of my profession!”

Biltmore® Grown harvest chili cornbread recipe

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To showcase the one-of-a kind flavors of Biltmore® Grown products and those of local partners like Spicewalla, our estate chefs love to create special recipes that include these signature ingredients. Their fresh take on the comfort-food combo of chili and cornbread is a warm and welcome dish that you can enjoy any time of year!

Want to elevate this simple recipe into something sublime? Pair it with our food friendly, versatile Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest®, a velvety smooth award-winning red blend featuring flavors of cherry and black currant with soft tannins.

Serves: 4–6
Total Time: 1 hour

Biltmore Grown Harvest Chili Cornbread on a plate with a glass and bottle of Biltmore Estate Cardinal's Crest red wine, Spicewalla rub, Biltmore Grown Sunflower Oil, Biltmore Grown Cornmeal Mix, and chili toppings.
For a delicious meal any time of year, pair Biltmore Grown Harvest Chili Cornbread with Biltmore Estate Cardinal’s Crest.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Biltmore® Grown Ground Beef*
  • 1 pound Biltmore® Grown Pork Sausage*
  • 1 white or yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Biltmore Spicewalla Steak Seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne (optional)
  • 1 cup Biltmore® Grown Cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons Biltmore® Grown Sunflower Oil
  • Chili toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and hot sauce (optional)

*Look for fresh or frozen Biltmore® Grown Ground Beef and Pork Sausage at Gate House Gift Shop, located at the main entrance/exit of the estate.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Generously butter a 3-quart casserole dish and set aside.

In large cast iron pan brown ground beef and sausage, stirring to break up. When meat is well browned, add onions, pepper, and garlic, and cook until onions are translucent, approximately 3 minutes. Stir in corn, tomatoes, black beans, broth, Spicewalla Steak Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

While chili is simmering, combine cornmeal mix and sugar in a medium bowl and whisk to incorporate. In separate bowl combine milk, egg, and oil, and whisk to combine. Whisk the milk mixture into the cornmeal mixture and combine well.

Pour chili into prepared 3-quart casserole dish and cover with the cornbread mixture. The cornbread mixture will sink initially, but will rise during baking.

Place in oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until cornbread is well browned. Serve immediately with sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, hot sauce, and other favorite chili toppings.

Solving a mystery in the Kitchen Pantry

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Solving a mystery in the Kitchen Pantry at Biltmore took some detective work, but our Museum Services staff finally cracked the case!

“Among the many place settings of china in the Biltmore collection, one set had remained a mystery for many years,” said Lori Garst, Curator.

Solving a mystery in the Kitchen Pantry
A cup, saucer, and plate from the collection of unidentified china

While the set was often referred to as “the Christmas china” because it was used during a 1931 holiday party, or “the employee china” because it was later used by staff members, the origin of the china—and its original purpose in Biltmore House—remained unclear.

Cup, saucer, and teapot featuring George Vanderbilt's monogram
George Vanderbilt’s elegant white china with burgundy and gold trim. It was manufactured by Minton and Spode-Copeland, and used for everyday occasions.

George Vanderbilt’s china pattern

“Most of the china in Biltmore House was chosen by George Vanderbilt,” Lori said. “He selected an elegant white china with a burgundy and gold pattern, manufactured by both Minton and Spode-Copeland. It features his monogram and was used every day for family and guest meals.”

Cornelia Vanderbilt’s china matches her father’s pattern but includes her own CSV monogram.

China featuring Cornelia Vanderbilt's monogram
While Cornelia Vanderbilt’s china closely matches the pattern her father selected for use in Biltmore House, their monograms distinguish one set from another

“We know that Edith Vanderbilt ordered Cornelia’s china in 1923,” said Lori. “And Mrs. Vanderbilt requested that Cornelia’s monogram be in the same style as her father’s.  I think it is sweet that her service blended in with the style her father had chosen.”

Searching for clues about the mystery china

But what of the mysterious china collection on the shelves of the Kitchen Pantry in the Basement?

Museum Services began to look for clues about its history. While not as fine as the monogrammed Vanderbilt china, the gold-trimmed white pattern rimmed in crisp navy was definitely elegant and the amount of it suggested it had been purchased with a large number of people in mind.

Solving a mystery in the Kitchen Pantry of Biltmore House
Trimmed in gold and rimmed in navy, this china is elegant, but more sturdy than the monogrammed family china in the collection

“We began with the manufacturer’s mark on the bottom of each piece,” said Lori. “Kniffen & Demarest Co. manufactured hotel and steam ship supplies, so the china was well-made and rather sturdy to stand up to use by guests and passengers in public settings.”

Biltmore conservator shows manufacturer's mark on the bottom of a china saucer
A conservator shows the Kniffen & Demarest Co. name on a piece of the so-called mystery china

Wedding details solve the mystery!

While Museum Services was researching details for our Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film exhibition, they finally discovered written references to the china in conjunction with Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil’s wedding. 

“This set was also sometimes referred to as ‘the wedding china,’ but we never knew which of its three names was correct until recently,” said Lori. “The pieces came together at last, and we realized that this was the china that had been ordered for the buffet at Cornelia Vanderbilt and John Cecil’s wedding breakfast.”

After the ceremony at All Souls Church in Biltmore Village, the wedding guests and additional reception guests (500 people were invited to the ceremony and reception; another 2500 were invited only to the reception) arrived at Biltmore House.

John and Cornelia Cecil wedding party at breakfast in the Winter Garden of Biltmore House
John and Cornelia Cecil and their attendants at the wedding breakfast in the Winter Garden of Biltmore House

The newlyweds and their attendants were served at a table in the Winter Garden, and all the other guests enjoyed a buffet in the Banquet Hall, which featured this china.

As the years passed, the Kniffen & Demarest china was still used, but its original purpose was forgotten.

Today, it’s stored in the Kitchen Pantry where it receives the same care and attention as all the other china in Biltmore’s collection.

Enjoy your own Vanderbilt-inspired china

Three-piece tea set in the Vanderbilt-inspired china pattern.
Enjoy this lovely Vanderbilt-inspired china pattern in your own home.

Known for their gracious hospitality, George and Edith Vanderbilt shared tea with family and friends on a regular basis. It was a time to relax, reconnect, and enjoy one another’s company.

Steeped in this Biltmore tradition, our Vanderbilt China collection is based on a Sèvres pattern, circa 1888, that the Vanderbilts used at Biltmore House.

While pieces of the original set are on display in the Oak Sitting Room and in The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition at The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, you can enjoy this lovely Vanderbilt-inspired pattern in your own home. Find it in our estate gift shops and online.

Top reasons you’ll want to visit Biltmore this winter

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Traveling to Biltmore Estate in the wintertime may not seem like an obvious choice. But with Asheville’s mild winter weather and our lowest rates of the year, it can be a more peaceful (and romantic!) way to experience the iconic destination compared to peak travel seasons.

Whether you’re traveling with your family, sweetheart, besties, or solo this winter, here are our top reasons why you’ll want to add a relaxing and restorative winter visit to Biltmore to your bucket list.

Imagine curling up by the fireplace with a book in the Library during winter in George Vanderbilt’s era.

6. Discover our great indoors

An audio-guided tour of Biltmore House is yours to behold this winter. With grand interiors, fascinating stories, and cozy decor, you’ll want to linger inside this marvel of architecture, art, and design.

The indoor adventure continues with guided tours* of Biltmore House, such as the Exclusive 90-Minute Guided Tour: Guests of the Vanderbilts for fascinating stories and rarely-accessed areas of the home, the Rooftop Tour for long-range views and unique perspectives on the design of Biltmore House, or the Backstairs Tour for an in-depth look at what it was like to work in America’s Largest Home over a century ago.

Cattleya Mary Schroder orchid in Conservatory
Orchids inside Biltmore’s Conservatory, like this Cattleya Mary Schroder orchid, reach peak bloom during winter months.

5. Take a tropical escape

There’s no better way to shake winter’s chill than with a tropical excursion through Biltmore’s historic Conservatory, located a short distance away from Biltmore House. Each room in this glass-topped greenhouse features an impressive display of towering plants!

As a bonus, orchids reach peak bloom during the winter months, so guests are in for a real treat as the Orchid Room boasts a vibrant collection of over 500 plants.

Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 9 1/2 x 6 x 6′, Biltmore Winery, Asheville, North Carolina, Installed 2023.

4. Sip your favorite winter wines

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or new to the world of viticulture, a Complimentary Wine Tasting at our award-winning Biltmore Winery during your wintertime visit is a great way to discover new and favorite vintages.

At our Wine Shop, you can restock your wine rack while marveling at the stunning blown-glass Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, on permanent display.

Cozy up with your sweetheart during a stop at our Wine Bar and enjoy our favorite red, white, and sparkling winter varietals by the glass or bottle.

Tip: If you’re interested in learning about and becoming a Vanderbilt Wine Club member, our Winery hosts would be happy to help!

Couple hiking near The Inn on Biltmore Estate during the winter season
Wintertime offers spectacular long-range mountain views from the trails and meadows on our private estate.

3. Embrace the great outdoors

There’s a reason that Asheville locals love outdoor exploration in the wintertime. The crisp air and long-range Blue Ridge Mountain views simply cannot be beat! Plus, the Asheville area boasts relatively mild winter weather, making outdoor exploration even more enjoyable.

Bundle up and experience the breathtaking beauty of George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre mountain estate! Though the garden beds are dormant, they are still an impressive sight to behold as you can more easily appreciate the innovative landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted.

For more active explorations, embark on our 22 miles of private nature trails and acres of historic gardens. Nearby, behold the beauty of Pisgah National Forest, which used to be part of the estate!

If a more restorative getaway is what you’re longing for this winter, consider nature journaling, meditation, or even bird-watching!

Tip: Select admission tickets include FREE next-day grounds access, which means you have even more time to explore all that the estate has to offer! Download our Trail Map for current information on which trails are open or closed. Trail hours vary seasonally and may be closed at any time. Please obey posted signs.

Our Farmyard is a fun-for-all-ages way to learn about Biltmore’s farming legacy.

2. Make your way around Antler Hill Village

This European-inspired village boasts unique opportunities to learn about Biltmore’s farming legacy and the Vanderbilt family history, shop for momentos to remember your winter visit to Biltmore, indulge in true field-to-table flavors at our estate restaurants featuring estate-grown ingredients, and savor our handcrafted estate wines… all in one charming and walkable area!

Tip: If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to spend some time at Pisgah Playground!

West facade of Biltmore House in snow
While heavy snowfall isn’t common in our area, it is a spectacular winter treat to see the estate is blanketed in white.

1. Wake to an 8,000-acre winter wonderland

Discover just how cozy, peaceful, and romantic a winter visit to Biltmore Estate can be with an overnight stay! Imagine waking up with tranquil Blue Ridge Mountain beauty, world-class hospitality, all of our top wintertime activities, and easy access to nearby attractions just outside your door.

All this and more is available when you plan your winter visit now to experience Biltmore’s most peaceful season with the lowest rates of the year on admission and special overnight packages. To experience the grandeur of Biltmore all year long, plus exclusive discounts and perks, consider joining our Annual Passholder family.

Roasted beet & goat cheese salad recipe

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Add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your holiday table with this side dish featuring roasted red and golden beets, creamy goat cheese, and a bright lemon parsley vinaigrette. With a beautiful balance of earthy, creamy, and citrusy flavors, this roasted beet salad recipe is especially delightful when paired with a glass of your favorite Biltmore wine!

Wine pairing suggestion: Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir

Roasted beet salad served in oval dish surrounded by holiday dishes and wines.
This colorful roasted beet salad recipe is fresh, festive, and perfect with Biltmore wines!

Serves: 8 guests
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

Lemon-Parsley Vinaigrette (yields 4 cups)

  • 6 oz. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. whole grain mustard
  • 1 shallot or small white onion, minced finely
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp. Biltmore® Grown Honey
  • 24 oz. Biltmore® Grown Sunflower Oil
  • 1 bunch fresh Italian Parsley, washed and dried

Toppings:

  • 1 cup toasted pistachios
  • 10 oz. fresh goat cheese (chevre), crumbled
  • ¾ cup Lemon-Parsley Vinaigrette
  • ½ cup fresh parsley leaves

Instructions:

  1. Prepare vinaigrette: Remove leaves from parsley and reserve ½ cup for garnish. Finely chop remaining parsley and combine in a bowl with lemon juice, mustard, shallots, salt, pepper, and honey. Gradually whisk in sunflower oil to form an emulsified vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your tastes.
  2. Prepare roasted beets: Preheat oven to 375°F. Wash beets thoroughly under cool running water and dry well with paper towels. Rub each beet with sunflower oil and sprinkle with kosher salt before placing them on a lined baking sheet. Roast in oven until fork-tender, approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Peel off the outer skin and cut each beet into quarters or eighths, depending on size. 
  3. To serve: Place roasted beet quarters into a mixing bowl and toss with lemon-parsley vinaigrette, season with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste. Transfer dressed beets into your preferred serving dish and top with crumbled goat cheese, toasted pistachios, and fresh parsley leaves.

© The Biltmore Company

A tradition begins: The story of Biltmore’s first Christmas

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Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be there when George Vanderbilt opened his home to friends and family for the very first time during Christmas 130 years ago?

We invite you to step back in time and experience the magic of Biltmore’s first Christmas in 1895.

While there are no images from the first Christmas, we know from records that the home was elaborately decorated and a towering tree was raised in the Banquet Hall.

Weeks of preparation

Months before the festivities, preparations for Biltmore House’s grand opening were well underway. On October 26, George Vanderbilt officially moved into his new home, signing the first line of the Guest Book.

Deliveries of food, furniture, and art arrived daily, some by private railcar and others by horse-drawn wagon along the newly built estate roads. Inside, workers carried crates through the snow-dusted courtyard as the sounds of hammering, polishing, and unpacking echoed through the halls. Upholsterers adjusted draperies, maids polished marble floors, and gardeners gathered evergreens for garlands and wreaths. By December, the house was alive with anticipation.

Beyond the estate, word of the preparations spread through Asheville. The Des Moines Register reported that “a great many little sewing women in Asheville are the richer at Christmas for the big orders they receive for dozens of simple garments, heaps of knitted things, and scores of children’s frocks meant for the Biltmore celebration.”

Imagine Biltmore House’s main kitchen abuzz with action in preparation for hosting the first Christmas celebration.

The work behind the wonder

Before dawn on December 24, the kitchens were already humming. Fires were lit in dozens of hearths across the grand home, silver was polished to a mirror shine, and the scent of roasting meats and baked puddings filled the air. Head Housekeeper Mrs. Barker oversaw the final preparations with practiced precision, coordinating footmen, maids, and cooks who had only recently arrived from New York.

Outside, estate workers carted loads of perfectly dried firewood that Vanderbilt had specifically requested, “must be perfectly dry, because if the wood sits in the rain, it snaps when it burns.”

Within the Banquet Hall, last touches were placed on the towering spruce tree that reached nearly forty feet toward the vaulted ceiling. Evergreen garlands, mistletoe, and holly berries adorned the mantels, while the newly installed electric lights glowed softly in the greenery.

Downstairs in the servants’ quarters, anticipation was high. The scent of baking bread mixed with coal smoke, and the echo of hurried footsteps filled the corridor. For the hundreds of employees who kept Biltmore running, the day promised its own well-earned celebration.

During the first Christmas, newly hired staff dressed in equally formal attire served multiple courses of fine cuisine for Vanderbilt and his guests.

An evening of celebration

On Christmas Eve, dozens of Vanderbilt family members and friends arrived by private railcar at the base of the hill, where George Vanderbilt greeted them warmly at the Esplanade, eager to share his new home.

That evening, the Banquet Hall came alive with music from the Imperial Trio and the sparkle of candlelight reflected in crystal and silver. According to The Asheville News and Hotel Reporter, “the guests gathered in the Banquet Hall, where there was a Christmas tree forty feet high, beautifully decorated… the rich costumes of the ladies, the soft lights and tastefully draped garlands created a scene beautiful to look upon.” Beneath the great tree, gifts were exchanged among family and friends before the evening turned to dinner and celebration.

The long dining table stretched nearly the length of the room, adorned with flowers, polished silver, and fine china. Guests dined on multiple courses prepared by Biltmore’s skilled kitchen staff, featuring local game, seasonal produce, and delicacies brought in from New York. It was a feast that embodied both refinement and abundance, setting the tone for the many more Christmases to come.

As shown on this 1907 receipt, George’s future bride, Edith, took over the task of gift giving for their celebrations.

The gift of generosity

The next morning brought a celebration of a different kind. At eleven o’clock, George Vanderbilt opened the Banquet Hall once more, this time to the estate’s employees and their families. According to contemporary reports, the eyes of the children danced with delight as Vanderbilt and several guests distributed gifts from beneath the great tree.

During this first employee Christmas celebration, every estate worker received a gift, and each household a hearty Christmas dinner. The Asheville Citizen later reported that “each servant received an envelope containing ten dollars,” a significant sum in 1895. Hundreds of men, women, and children shared in the young host’s generosity, marking a day that combined grandeur with genuine goodwill.

Portrait of George Vanderbilt by John Singer Sargent
130 years after Vanderbilt first welcomed friends and family to Biltmore, the tradition of hospitality and celebration endures.

From the first Christmas to today

As the festivities continued into the New Year, Biltmore House glowed with the energy of family, music, and firelight. Guests dined beneath the soaring ceiling of the Banquet Hall, toasted “Our Host,” and danced past midnight before greeting 1896 with a chorus of Auld Lang Syne.

Biltmore’s first Christmas was more than a housewarming. It was the beginning of a tradition spanning generations.

As Biltmore marks its 130th Christmas in 2025, Vanderbilt’s vision endures, inviting you and your loved ones to share in the same sense of wonder and welcome of the season.

Avermore Jewelry: Where past meets present

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Avermore Jewelry marks a new chapter in Biltmore’s story and is a testament to the estate’s enduring allure.

Aubrey Vanderbilt Cecil Baliles, the great-great-granddaughter of George and Edith Vanderbilt, is the Founder and Creative Director of Avermore, a fine jewelry brand inspired by the craftsmanship and beauty of Biltmore Estate. Discover how her designs honor her family’s history while embracing a bold, modern vision.

A new chapter in a storied legacy

One of two marble lions in front of Biltmore House.
Avermore Jewelry finds inspiration in the architecture of Biltmore House and the Vanderbilt family.

Inspired by George Vanderbilt’s vision for the estate and Edith Vanderbilt’s unwavering commitment to preserving her husband’s legacy, Aubrey embarked on a mission to create jewelry that encapsulated the estate’s timeless elegance and deep heritage.

“In a world where trends and fast fashion often overshadow the true essence of jewelry, Avermore is dedicated to creating pieces that will be cherished and honored,” said Aubrey. “Our designs are meticulously crafted with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship that reflects our core values.”

The inspiration: Where past meets present

In a recent interview with Town & Country, Aubrey describes how an incident with an emerald was the impetus to go all in with Avermore Jewelry.

An emerald-and-diamond brooch and the yellow sapphire pendant inspired by it from Avermore Jewelry.
Left: Edith Vanderbilt’s emerald-and-diamond brooch. Right: inspired by her great-great grandmother’s heirloom jewelry, Aubrey designed a brooch featuring diamonds around a yellow sapphire that can also be worn as a pendant.

“My great-great-grandmother had an emerald brooch that I love,” Aubrey said. “A few years ago, the matching ring was being worn at a wedding reception dinner. The stone fell out of its setting and ended up in a butter dish, and that was a turning point for me. I saw that I could modernize an heirloom by turning it into a more wearable piece of jewelry that still carried its history and its connection to my family.”

Aubrey’s vision isn’t just about creating jewelry; it’s about creating a legacy that celebrates the past, honors the present, and inspires the future.

Archival photo of Edith Vanderbilt.
Edith Vanderbilt was known not only for her efforts to preserve Biltmore and her philanthropic work, but also for her bold personal sense of fashion and style, as shown in this 1920’s-era photo.

“With Avermore, I took a page out of the era in history where women were exchanging corsets for slip dresses, incorporating bold design with Gilded Age sensibilities. Avermore is designed in luxurious metals with architectural features to create timeless pieces with notes of modern refinement for everyday wear,” said Aubrey.

The collection: Statement jewelry for the modern heirloom seeker

Model wearing pieces from the Stuyvesant Collection by Avermore Jewelry.
The Stuyvesant Collection by Avermore features timeless designs with stunning gems set in precious metals.

In an industry often characterized by imitation, Avermore’s commitment to innovative design serves as a key differentiator, with each piece created as a singular work of art.

Designs draw inspiration from a wide variety of elements, with Edith Vanderbilt cited as one of the primary sources for her timeless elegance and self-expression.

Crafted with only solid metals and AAA gemstones, Aubrey’s designs marry sophisticated lines with delicately placed detail. Every element works together in harmony to create a vision of refinement, adding a breath of simplicity and elegance to your day.

Aubrey’s role: Passion, vision, and craftsmanship

Aubrey Vanderbilt Cecil Baliles, founder and designer of Avermore Jewelry.
Aubrey Vanderbilt Cecil Baliles, founder and designer of Avermore.

“For me, Avermore began as a way I could carve out my own path to honor the Vanderbilt legacy. My husband Kyle and I work as a team, building a new part of our own family legacy for generations to come,” said Aubrey.

Aubrey believes that much of today’s jewelry has been defined by mass production, losing the artistry and soul that make each piece meaningful. Every Avermore design is thoughtfully created and handcrafted in Asheville, North Carolina, preserving the integrity of true craftsmanship and the beauty of individuality.

“With Avermore, we are creating unique jewelry designs that come from the heart just as much as they are inspired by history. Through meticulous design and execution, we are delivering timeless jewelry that tells a story while also exceeding the expectations of quality for fine jewelry,” said Aubrey

Elevate your collection: How to own a piece of history

Avermore Jewelry ring.
No detail is overlooked in Avermore, like the inner surface of this elegant silver ring from the Stuyvesant Collection.

“Where timeless elegance and craftsmanship meet generational storytelling—that’s where you will find Avermore,” Aubrey said. “Thoughtful pieces provide first-time buyers and collectors with high-quality heirlooms rooted in the enduring legacy of the family that founded and now preserves Biltmore.”

  • Oak Sitting Collection: Inspired by the ceiling of the Oak Sitting Room, a private family living space into which George and Edith Vanderbilt invited only their most special guests, this collection personifies warmth and intimacy through rich gold and French La Belle Époque style engravings.
  • Stuyvesant Collection: Avermore’s signature collection began with a beautiful heirloom discovered in Edith Vanderbilt’s home and features the finest gemstones—in cut, quality, and color—representing the quality of Edith’s character and offering sophistication and a little extra sparkle for the contemporary wearer.
  • Commodore Collection: Inspired by the bold spirit of Cornelius Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt’s grandfather, these pieces reflect the strength and regal elegance of the iconic marble lions in front of Biltmore House.
  • Avermore Heirlooms Collection: Inspired by the expressive tastes of George and Edith Vanderbilt, this collection draws from the colors and architectural elements of Biltmore House to offer distinctive pieces brimming with artistry and meaning.
A woman's hand adorned with gold rings touches the face of a marble lion in front of Biltmore House.
The iconic marble lions guarding Biltmore House are the “face” of Avermore Jewelry’s Commodore Collection.

Seek the Avermore spirit for yourself with breathtaking displays on the estate at our Traditions and Marble Lion shops and online, and you’ll see what jewelry was always meant to be: timeless treasures, each with a narrative waiting to be discovered, embraced, and shared.

Main image: 1920s-era photograph of Edith Vanderbilt in the Tapestry Gallery of Biltmore House.

Biltmore’s holiday wine guide

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To share the warmth and cheer of Biltmore wines, we’ve created a Holiday Wine Guide to help you make the most of this special season.

“Biltmore’s Holiday Wine Guide covers a variety of different celebrations from Thanksgiving to New Year’s and beyond,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “There are recommendations for each special occasion, including thanking your hosts and having gifts on hand for surprise guests.”

Holiday entertaining with Biltmore wines

Man and woman drinking wine in front of Christmas lights.
Our Holiday Wine Guide makes entertaining with Biltmore wines easy this season!

“For general holiday entertaining, Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon and Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio are a great place to start,” Sharon said. “You have a classic bold red wine and a very approachable white wine and that covers a lot of bases.”

She recommends rounding out your selections with Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Rosé, an American Wine Society gold medal winner handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, elegant Vanderbilt Reserve® Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and our bubbly Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine.

Bring Biltmore wines to your Thanksgiving table

Menu makeover: Thankgiving table and Biltmore wines.
Gather everyone around the table for perfect pairings of your favorite Biltmore wines and Thanksgiving dishes.

Whether you’re adding a leaf to your table to accommodate a crowd or traveling out of town to visit family, Biltmore wines pair perfectly with everything from turkey and dressing to flavorful new “Friendsgiving” favorites.

“Our special Thanksgiving Trio featuring Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay, and Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir makes it easy to pair all your holiday favorites with fine wines,” said Sharon. “If you want to add a bit more variety, Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc and Biltmore Estate® Merlot are both good picks that complement a wide range of savory options.”

Wrap up your gift list with Biltmore wines

Woman holding a bottle of Biltmore Estate Chardonnay and Christmas gifts.
Share the gift of Biltmore wines this holiday season!

Simplify holiday shopping by sharing the gift of Biltmore wines. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone on your list or a special thank-you to your hosts for including you in their celebration.

Savor Christmas with Biltmore wines

Two couples used our Biltmore Holiday Gift Guide to choose perfect wines for the season.
Celebrate the season with your favorite Biltmore wines.

Showcase your Christmas Eve gathering, Christmas Day Brunch, and Christmas Day Dinner with our most versatile, food-friendly wines to complement any cuisine. 

“Our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc has brisk acidity that makes it pair well with rich, buttery dishes,” Sharon said, “while Antler Hill® Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptional partner for traditional fare such as prime rib and leg of lamb. We think you’ll also enjoy sharing smooth Vanderbilt Reserve® Reserve Virginia Viognier, spicy Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec, and our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Riesling with your guests.”

New Year’s: Ready, set, celebrate!

Bottle of Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir and several flutes of wine on a sideboard.
Add festive bubbles to any occasion with our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir, a sparkling wine crafted with Pinot Noir grapes.

For a more memorable midnight on New Year’s Eve or a brunch featuring traditional favorites the following day, be sure to include our sparkling wine, handcrafted in the time-honored méthode champenoise that creates the finest bubbles.

“Shake things up with our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir,” suggested Sharon. “Not only is it delicious, but the soft coral color makes it a feast for the eyes, too!”

Sparkling wines may be traditional for New Year’s, but Sharon recommends considering a range of other options such as Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer, and Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo.

Biltmore Holiday Wine Guide: Bring home the best for your holidays!

Overhead photo of a table set with Biltmore wines and a fruit-covered garland.
Our holiday wine guide offers perfect pairing ideas to bring home the best of Biltmore for all your seasonal celebrations.

“When you’re ready to stock up your wine reserves before or after the holiday season, you can find our award-winning vintages, including our Biltmore Holiday Wine Guide suggestions, in estate shops, online, and close to home with our Wine Finder,” said Sharon.