Celebrate with Sensational Sangria Recipes

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Celebrate the warmer months with these sensational sangria recipes featuring your favorite Biltmore wines! Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or rosés, there’s a perfect option in the following recipes to help you create fun and fruity sangrias for solo sipping and friendly gatherings all season long.

Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops or find a Biltmore wine retailer close to you.

White Wine Sangria

Bottle of Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc and glasses of sangria with fruit garnish.
Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc is the star of this refreshing white sangria dreamed up by Marley Goldin / @marleysmenu following a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. (Photo courtesy of @marleysmenu.)

Sip on this delightful Sauvignon Blanc-based sangria recipe, created for Biltmore by Marley Goldin of @marleysmenu.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons, washed and sliced in wheels
  • 2 limes, washed and sliced in wheels
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup triple sec
  • 1 bottle of Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc (or your favorite Biltmore white wine)
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries, washed, tops removed, halved
  • 2 cups club soda
  • Ice

Instructions:

  • Into a large pitcher, add the lemon and lime slices and granulated sugar. Muddle for 30 seconds until the sugar combines with the citrus juices.
  • Add the triple sec, then stir to combine.
  • Add the Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc and sliced strawberries to the pitcher and stir again.
  • Just before serving, add ice and club soda. Serves 8.
  • Tip: This recipe can be made up to 24 ahead of time! The longer the fruit sits in the liquid, the more its flavor infuses. Hold off on adding the club soda and ice until just before serving.

Masterpiece Sangria

Four bottles of Biltmore Masterpiece Collection wine with orchid labels
Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rose Wines

Although traditional sangria recipes tend to feature red wines, this version with our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White or Rosé Wines is a cool, refreshing treat for warm weather. Enjoy with friends and, should you have any leftover (we doubt you will!), freeze it for a fun take on grown-up popsicles or slushies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection White Wine or Rosé Wine
  • 4 ounces simple syrup
  • 4 ounces brandy
  • 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 limes, sliced in wheels
  • 1 lemon, sliced in wheels then halved
  • 1 Fuji apple, cubed
  • 1 Anjou pear, cubed
  • 1 mango, cubed
  • Seeds from ½ pomegranate (optional)

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir until well mixed, adding pomegranate seeds at the end for presentation as they tend to fall to the bottom after stirring.
  • Serve over ice. If sangria sits overnight, add simple syrup to taste as additional juices will come forward the next day. 
  • Serves 4-6.

Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria

Biltmore Estate Cardinal's Crest wine with a pitcher of sangria
Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest wine is perfect for sipping, savoring, and sangria!

Take time for yourself with a glass of Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria—the perfect sparkling treat for a leisurely Sunday morning brunch or a long afternoon on the porch.

Ingredients:

  • 3 ounces Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest
  • ½ ounce Orange Curacao
  • ½ ounce St. Remy Brandy
  • ¾ ounce orange juice
  • ¼ ounce grapefruit juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 1 ounce Biltmore Estate® Brut sparkling wine
  • Lime wedge and an orange wedge (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  • Add the first 6 ingredients to a small pitcher or shaker; mix until combined.
  • Pour over ice in a wine glass and top with 1 ounce sparkling wine and garnish with lime and orange wedges.
  • Serves 1, but can be easily multiplied for sharing.

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Sweet Potato Skins Recipe

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This arugula salad recipe was created especially for Biltmore by Chef Vivian Howard of A Chef’s Life on PBS and is a perfect blend of taste and texture for spring!

Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pairs well with many of our crisp, dry white wines including Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay and Vanderbilt Reserve® Sauvignon Blanc.

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parm and Sweet Potato Skins
Savor this elevated spring salad by Chef Vivian Howard!

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Sweet Potato Skins

Total time: 1 hour Serving Size: 4 people

Ingredients:

  • 4 roasted sweet potatoes (scoop out flesh and reserve for other use)
  • Vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 6 ounces mature spicy arugula leaves
  • 1 cup shaved Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, or Ricotta
  • Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and kosher salt to taste

Maple Reduction

  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
  • 1 pinch chili flakes

Instructions:

  • Roast sweet potatoes in a 450°F oven for 45–60 minutes. Cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh; reserve for other use.
  • Cut your sweet potato skins into strips or wedges. Add enough oil to a sauté pan so that it climbs about a third of an inch up the pan’s sides. Heat the oil over medium heat and brown the skins on both sides. Some parts of the skin will be browner than others. Drain the skins on paper towels and season them liberally with kosher salt.
  • Meanwhile in a small sauce or sauté pan simmer together the maple syrup, coriander seeds, vinegar and chili flakes till it reduces ever so slightly.
  • Toss arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and shaved cheese together in a bowl. Portion onto four plates and top each serving with sweet potato skins. Drizzle with maple reduction.

Bistro’s Beef Bourguignon Recipe

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Enjoy the hearty flavors of Bistro’s Beef Bourguignon from the comfort of your home! While the Bistro version features Filet Mignon, the home-friendly recipe suggests the robust taste of chuck roast.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: This classic dish can be savored on its own or with velvety mashed potatoes and pairs beautifully with a rich red wines, like Biltmore’s Cardinal’s Crest or Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, for an even more satisfying experience!

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parm and Sweet Potato Skins
Savor this elevated spring salad by Chef Vivian Howard!

Bistro’s Beef Bourguignon

Total time: 6 hours Serving Size: 6-8 people

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds chuck roast, salted and diced into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups celery, diced
  • 4 cups yellow onion, diced
  • 5 cups cremini mushrooms, stems removed and sliced into quarters
  • 1 ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced into quarters
  • 1 ½ teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 1 cup of butter, diced
  • 3 whole cloves
  • ½ pod of star anise
  • ¼ stick of cinnamon
  • 4 bay leaves
  • Approx. 12 whole black peppercorns
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • Small cheesecloth

Instructions:

  1. Salt chuck roast and set aside at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. Prepare carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms according to the ingredient list.
  2. Make an herb bouquet by wrapping the clove, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and peppercorns in the cheesecloth, ensuring it is securely wrapped.
  3. Preheat oven to 300°F.
  4. In a large Dutch oven on medium-high heat, sear the beef in 1 tablespoon of canola oil until lightly browned and a crust forms on the beef. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot. Remove meat from the pot and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add in carrots, celery, and onion and sauté until mostly cooked, about 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and tomato paste.
  6. Add the red wine and gently scrape the bottom to remove the brown bits. Allow to simmer until wine is reduced by half.
  7. Turn off the heat and add the beef, herb bundle, and beef stock.
  8. Put the lid on the Dutch oven and cook at 300°F for 4-6 Hours or until beef is fork-tender. Stir in diced butter and season to taste for serving.

Note: If you prefer to use a crock pot, brown the beef and then add everything to your crockpot to cook on low for 8-10 hours until tender.

Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Buche de Noel” Recipe

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Delight family and friends with a dessert as delicious as it is beautiful. Inspired by the traditional French bûche de Noël or yule log seasonal cake, Biltmore Pastry Chef Aaron Morgan developed a fresh twist on the classic confection with the addition of a rich peanut butter-cream cheese filling and elegant Italian buttercream icing that resembles freshly fallen snow.

Once the cake is assembled, branch out with decorative elements such as marzipan mushrooms, sugared berries, and fresh herbs that help make your yule log the highlight of any holiday or winter-themed gathering.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: Slice and serve with our Biltmore Estate Riesling or Limited Release Dry Riesling.

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parm and Sweet Potato Skins
Savor this elevated spring salad by Chef Vivian Howard!

Peanut Butter Yule Log or “Buche de Noel”

Total time: 5 hours Serving Size: 6 people

Ingredients:

For the biscuit roulade:

  • 3 whole large eggs
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large egg whites
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting and shaping

For the peanut butter filling:

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup heavy cream

For the Italian buttercream:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 5 large egg whites
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened and cut into ½-inch pieces

For decoration (optional):

  • Marzipan mushrooms, cocoa powder, chocolate Florentine lace cookies, fresh rosemary, fresh or sugared cranberries, etc., as desired

Instructions:

  • First, make the biscuit roulade: Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom and sides of a half-sheet pan (approximately 18x13x1 inches) with cooking spray; line the bottom with parchment paper, then spray the parchment with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment, beat whole eggs, egg yolks and 1 cup granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture reaches the “ribbon stage,” or turns thick, pale, foamy and forms ribbons in the batter when the whisk is lifted. Fold in flour until just combined.
  • In a separate large bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat 3 egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the egg-flour mixture until just combined.
  • Pour and spread the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 14 to 16 minutes or until the cake is just baked through and lightly golden.
  • Sprinkle the top of the hot cake generously with powdered sugar (this will help to keep the cake from sticking). Run a paring knife along the edge of the cake to loosen it from the edges of the sheet pan. Top the cake with a light, clean kitchen towel and a large cutting board; carefully but quickly, invert the cake onto the towel/cutting board. Remove the sheet pan and parchment paper from the cake.
  • Sprinkle the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar. Starting from one short end, tightly roll up the warm cake in the towel; transfer to a cutting board, small sheet pan or large plate, seam side-down. Set aside to cool completely, about 2 hours (you can refrigerate the cake to speed up the cooling process, if desired).
  • Meanwhile, make the peanut butter filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar on medium speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Beat in the peanut butter, melted butter and vanilla extract on medium speed for 1 minute or until well-combined and smooth, scraping the sides often.
  • In a separate large bowl using an electric hand mixer, beat heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold the heavy cream into the cream cheese-peanut butter mixture until just combined.
Ready to assemble!
  • Assemble the cake: On a clean work surface, carefully unroll the fully cooled cake. Spread peanut butter filling evenly over the top of the cake all the way to the edges. Reroll the cake and return to the cutting board/sheet pan; cover with plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour to set the cake.
  • Meanwhile, make the Italian buttercream: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stir 2 cups granulated sugar, water and corn syrup to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer reads 245°F to 250°F when inserted into the mixture.
  • While the sugar mixture cooks, in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat 5 egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  • With the stand mixer still running on medium-high speed, carefully and slowly pour hot sugar mixture into the egg whites. Continue to whip the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes or until it is fully cooled and turns to a light, fluffy, glossy meringue.
  • With the stand mixer still running on medium-high speed, add softened butter, one piece at a time, beating until the butter is fully incorporated and a light, fluffy, smooth frosting forms. If the frosting is too thin, cover and refrigerate until more firm.
  • Finally, assemble the cake: Use a sharp knife to cut one end of the chilled cake on an angle a few inches from the end; arrange the cut piece on one side of the cake to form a “branch.” Slice off the very end of the branch for a clean edge, if desired. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the buttercream (you may not use all of the buttercream); use an offset spatula to texture the sides, as desired.
  • Decorate and garnish the cake with marzipan mushrooms, Florentine lace cookies, cocoa powder, etc. as desired. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tip: Don’t worry if your Peanut Butter Yule Log isn’t as smooth as you’d like—the snowy Italian buttercream frosting and decorations help cover any imperfections!

Braised Short Ribs with Gingered Sweet Potato Mash & Cherry Barbeque Sauce Recipe

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Perfect for chasing the chill in the air, this hearty, multi-layered entrée comes from The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: We suggest pairing it with The Hunt Sonoma County Red Blend 2020.

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parm and Sweet Potato Skins
Savor this elevated spring salad by Chef Vivian Howard!

Braised Short Ribs with Gingered Sweet Potato Mash and Cherry Barbeque Sauce

Total time: 4 hours Serving Size: 4 people

Ingredients:

  • 6 pounds (4 pieces) beef short ribs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ pound carrots, peeled and chopped
  • ½ pound celery, chopped
  • ½ pound white onions, peeled and chopped
  • 2 quarts beef stock
  • 2 ounces fresh thyme

Cherry Barbecue Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup dried sweet cherries
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sweet Potato Mash

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.  Season shortribs with salt and pepper.  Heat oil in a large heavy pan.  Brown short ribs on all sides, remove.  Add carrots, celery, and onion to a hot pan;  cook until just brown. Return short ribs to the pan along with thyme and beef stock.  Cover pan, and place in hot oven. 
  • Braise for 3 hours, or until meat is extremely tender and falls away from the bone. Remove meat to a covered platter, and keep warm. Strain and reserve cooking liquid.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the reserved cooking liquid to a simmer.  Reduce until halved in volume.  Stir in molasses, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, and dried cherries.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Bring heavy cream and butter to a simmer.  Bring to boil a large pot of salted water.  Add diced sweet potatoes.  Cook until sweet potatoes are tender.  Drain. Run cooked potatoes through a food mill or ricer.  Stir in warmed cream and butter along with minced ginger and honey.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To serve:  Divide sweet potatoes between 4 plates.  Place one short rib atop each portion of sweet potatoes. Sauce the beef with the cherry barbeque.

5 Biltmore-Inspired Tips for Eco-Friendly Christmas Décor

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Environmental stewardship is a critical part of Biltmore’s mission that dates back to George Vanderbilt’s original vision for his country retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. This extends to the actions that our teams take over a century later as they deck the halls of America’s Largest Home® with twinkling lights and festive decorations each year for Christmas at Biltmore.

Let’s explore a few Biltmore-inspired, eco-friendly Christmas decor tips for decking your halls for the holidays.

Each year, over 60 trees are decorated around Biltmore Estate, including a cut 14-foot tree displayed in the lobby of The Inn.
Each year, over 60 trees are decorated around Biltmore Estate, including a cut 14-foot tree displayed in the lobby of The Inn.

Choose Natural and Low-Impact Christmas Trees

According to experts like The Nature Conservancy, natural-cut Christmas trees are a responsible décor option when farmed sustainably. Biltmore has been sourcing our famous Banquet Hall Christmas tree, front lawn trees, and many other cut trees placed around the estate from a family-owned farm, Andrews Nursery in nearby Newland, North Carolina, for over 40 years.

When your cut Christmas tree is ready to be taken down, don’t add it to the landfill! Instead, natural trees can be chipped into mulch for garden beds like we do on Biltmore Estate, composted, donated to local organizations, or even placed outside in wooded areas to serve as a natural habitat for small birds during winter months. Alternatively, you may also consider choosing a potted tree that can be replanted after the holidays or even explore the option of renting a living tree. For those who prefer artificial trees, opt for high-quality models that can be reused for many years.

Christmas “pomanders” are a classic Christmas decoration made of clove-studded oranges.
Christmas “pomanders” are a classic Christmas decoration made of clove-studded oranges.

Embrace Nature’s Bounty

Bring the beauty of nature indoors by incorporating natural elements into your eco-friendly Christmas decor. Clove-studded oranges, like shown here in the Servant’s Dining Hall of Biltmore House in years past, are a classic Christmas decoration that brings a sense of warmth and a lovely scent to your holiday décor. Gather fallen pinecones, twigs, dried flowers, and branches to create unique centerpieces, wreaths, or garlands. Not only will these decorations add a touch of rustic charm, but they will also offer a sustainable alternative to store-bought decorations.

Biltmore’s Floral designers begin planning for Christmas almost a full year in advance!
Biltmore’s Floral designers begin planning for Christmas almost a full year in advance!

Repurpose and Upcycle

Each year, Biltmore’s Floral team repurposes thousands of ornaments, ribbons, and other decorative items for adorning our historic estate for the holidays. Before heading out to buy new ornaments, take a look at what you already have. You might be surprised at how many old ornaments, ribbons, and decorations can be repurposed or upcycled into something new. Get creative by transforming old Christmas cards into gift tags, using scraps of fabric to make unique tree ornaments, or upcycling your Biltmore Wine corks into adorable DIY wine cork reindeer!

Antler Hill Village illuminates after dusk with the festive glow of thousands of twinkling LED lights.
Antler Hill Village illuminates after dusk with the festive glow of thousands of twinkling LED lights.

Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting

Instead of traditional incandescent lights, opt for energy-efficient LED lights like we use around Biltmore Estate, including inside Biltmore House, at the Winery, and around Antler Hill Village! LED bulbs consume significantly less electricity and have a longer lifespan, saving you money on your energy bill while reducing your carbon footprint.

Remember to turn off the lights when not in use and consider investing in a timer to avoid unnecessary energy consumption at nighttime.

Simple evergreen clippings and leftover ribbon pieces can help elevate your wine gift-giving this holiday season.
Simple evergreen clippings and leftover ribbon pieces can help elevate your wine gift-giving this holiday season.

Be Mindful of Packaging

The holiday season often brings an abundance of packaging waste. When buying new decorations, gifts, and wrapping papers, opt for items with minimal packaging or items made from recycled and sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, try to reuse or recycle any packaging you receive, reducing your contribution to the waste stream. For additional guidance on gifting, check out our tips for creative ways to wrap wine bottles for gift-giving!

By making small changes to embrace eco-friendly Christmas decor practices, we can all do our part to create a festive atmosphere that brings joy to our homes while being good stewards of our natural resources.

Spring Squash Carbonara Recipe

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Savor this spring-inspired pasta dish from our estate chefs featuring quail eggs! Quail eggs elevate any dish and pair especially well with bacon, black truffles, asparagus, caviar, and mushrooms.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: Our Limited Release Pinot Grigio pairs well with the Carbonara. Winemaker Sharon Fenchak says its crispness and citrus notes complement the richness of the quail eggs in this dish.

Arugula Salad with Shaved Parm and Sweet Potato Skins
Savor this elevated spring salad by Chef Vivian Howard!

Spring Squash Carbonara

Total time: 1.5 hours Serving Size: 6 people

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried spaghetti
  • 1 pound smoked bacon, diced
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 pound zucchini, chopped
  • ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
  • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 10 squash blossoms, halved lengthwise (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 6 quail eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Put bacon in a medium saucepan and place over low heat. Slowly cook until the bacon begins to brown. Drain most of the fat, leaving a few tablespoons in the pot. Add the onions and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the zucchini and cook until tender. Remove from heat.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. When the water begins to boil, add the spaghetti and stir. Cook the pasta for 6–8 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Place the zucchini mixture back over medium heat. Add the pasta, 1 cup of pasta water, and egg yolks to the zucchini mixture and stir continuously. When a creamy sauce begins to form, add the Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, squash blossoms, lemon zest and ¼ cup chopped chives. Mix well and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Divide the pasta evenly into 6 bowls and top each with a sunny side up quail egg, the reserved chives, and more Parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

Pair Biltmore Wine with Cookies for Holiday Cheer

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‘Tis the season to pair Biltmore wine with your favorite cookies to create plenty of holiday cheer!

Pairing wine and cookies

“Whether you’re baking at home, participating in a neighborhood cookie swap, or sending sweets to someone far away, our wine and cookie pairing ideas are the perfect way to pour on the cheer this holiday season,” said Courtney Miller, Vanderbilt Wine Club® Manager.

Bottles of Biltmore wine, cookies, and other foods
Pour on the cheer by pairing Biltmore wines with cookies this holiday season

In the recipes below, we’ve paired each cookie with Biltmore wine to make it even easier to match the distinctive flavors with wines that complements them.

“Go ahead and sweeten the season by purchasing Biltmore wines,” advised Courtney, “then bake some cookies, or snag similar styles from your local bakery; we won’t tell!”

Pour on the holiday cheer

According to Courtney, you generally choose a wine that’s a little sweeter than the treat with which you plan to pair it, but richer, heavier sweets can stand up to dryer wines.

“Either way, you’ll be ready to savor a sophisticated treat for the holidays,” Courtney said. “And if you upgrade Santa’s usual glass of milk to a glass of Biltmore wine, I’m pretty sure he’ll add you to his ‘nice’ list!”

Honey Gingersnap Cookies

Gingersnap cookies paired with Biltmore Estate Riesling
Spice up your holiday wine and cookie pairings by serving Honey Gingersnaps with Biltmore Estate® Riesling!

Heidi Badger, Pastry Sous Chef at Cedric’s® Tavern, developed this recipe. “These honey gingersnaps are soft, tender, and nicely spiced, especially if you use freshly grated ginger. The honey flavor is very subtle,” said Heidi.

Chef Heidi recommends serving these traditional holiday favorites with lightly sweet wines such as our delightful Biltmore Estate® Riesling.

Yield: approximately 3 dozen cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)

Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup sugar
½ cup honey
1 large egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger or freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Method
In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and honey until fluffy. Mix in egg and set aside.

In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir into wet ingredients until combined.

Chill dough for 1 hour or until slightly firm.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Biltmore Estate Limited Release Petite Sirah paired with holiday cookies
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside–these chocolate cookies pair perfectly with our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah.

Flourless Fudgy Chocolate Mudslide Cookies

“These cookies have a rich, intense chocolate flavor, especially when enhanced by the coffee liqueur,” said Angie Chan, Pastry Chef, Deerpark & Lioncrest. “They feature a crispy outer shell that reminds me of meringue and a fudgy, soft interior. Because the recipe is already flourless, the cookies can be made gluten free.”

For a match made in heaven, Chef Angie suggests pairing these rich chocolate cookies with red wines like our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah.

Yield: approximately 2 dozen cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)

Ingredients
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup cocoa powder
3 egg whites
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or coffee syrup*
1–2 tablespoons milk

*Coffee syrup: dissolve 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder with 1/3 cup sugar in 1/3 cup hot water. Allow to cool and use the same amount noted in the recipe.

Method
In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract until lightly foamy. Combine wet and dry mixtures and stir until well mixed. Dough will be very thick and sticky once it comes together. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help with mixing, if needed.

Add in the chocolate chips and refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and coat with a thin layer of non-stick vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.

Scoop 1 tablespoon worth of dough and place onto prepared cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and dry. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Biltmore Estate Limited Release Orange Muscat wine paired with Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread cookies
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat is a favorite for many guests, and it pairs perfectly with our Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!

For an updated version of a classic treat, Chef Angie also created Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies with bright hints of citrus and the tart tang of cranberries.

“There’s nothing more perfect for the holidays than shortbread cookie like this with fresh flavors to lighten the richness of the recipe,” Chef Angie said. “In addition, they pair perfectly with the hints of tropical fruit in our lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat.

Yield: about 2 dozen
Preparation Time: about 15 minutes
Total Time: about 2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)

Ingredients
1¾ cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 teaspoons lemon extract (or fresh-squeezed lemon juice as substitute)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ teaspoon salt

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar, butter, and lemon extract together until light and fluffy.

Add flour, baking soda, and salt and stir until just combined. Add lemon zest and milk, mix well. Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Mixture will be crumbly.

Work dough by hand into a ball and then roll into a log about 2-3 inches thick. Wrap with parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Once dough is chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to carefully slice dough into about ½-inch pieces and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Enjoy Biltmore wine and cookies this holiday season!

Biltmore wines and cookies
Pair Biltmore wines and cookies for holiday gatherings, or indulge in a spot of solo sipping and snacking during the season!

Whether you’re pairing them with cookies, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a peaceful glass by a crackling fire, you’ll find all our award-winning Biltmore wines in our estate shops, online, and close to home with our Retail Locator.

For a special gift for yourself and others, consider joining our Vanderbilt Wine Club®. You’ll enjoy hand-selected Biltmore wines delivered to your door each season, plus all the other privileges membership brings.


Select Special Gifts They’re Sure to Savor!

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Let Biltmore’s experts in holiday hospitality help you select special gifts that your recipients are sure to savor. From thoughtful thank-you gifts to perfect pairings and more, we’ve got everything you need to uncork the cheer all season long.

We asked Natalie Hackney, Vice President of Retail, and Alisha Forester, Wine Sales Director, for recommendations on selecting special gifts for everyone you want to delight during your seasonal celebrations. Here are some of their personal favorites:

Gifts for Her

Couple gives woman a gift bag with Biltmore wine
Give her special gifts–including our award-winning wines–from Biltmore this holiday season!

“For all the ladies on your gift list this season, we’ve got everything from award-winning Biltmore wines to estate-inspired jewelry, elegant handbags, and more,” said Natalie.

Gifts for Him

Man holding a glass of red wine
Surprise the men in your life with special gifts from Biltmore to celebrate the season

“If you’re looking for gifts for guys during the holidays, consider a mix of Biltmore wines, gourmet foods, and a selection of our delicious seasonings, rubs, and sauces,” Alisha advised.

Gifts for Kids

Biltmore sparkling grape juice with star ornament
Biltmore Sparkling Grape Juice is a perfect gift for the kids on your list (or anyone who prefers an option without alcohol)

“We’ve got so many ideas for the young, and the young at heart, that it’s hard to choose!” said Natalie. “But the following list is a fun selection filled with estate-related items that many ages can enjoy.”

Gifts for Foodies

Biltmore wines and charcuterie board
All the foodies on your list are sure to love delicious pairings with Biltmore wines and gourmet goodies

“The holidays offer so many opportunities for foodies that it’s easy to give gifts of good taste with perfect pairings of Biltmore wines, serving accessories, and gourmet delights,” Alisha said.

Gifts for Wine Enthusiasts

Biltmore Grown Beef Brisket with a bottle of The Hunt
Perfect pairings: The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and Biltmore Grown® Beef Brisket


“We know how important fine vintages are to wine enthusiasts, and these are wines you’ll want to share with those who appreciate the craft of winemaking. As for a gift membership to our Vanderbilt Wine Club®, your recipient will thank you all year round!” said Natalie.

Gifts under $50

Facebook fans helped choose the labels on Biltmore Christmas wine
The 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wines makes a perfect gift for someone special

“In this category, we’ve got some delightful wines that make great gifts,” said Alisha. “The three I’m recommending are lightly sweet and pair perfectly with holiday desserts, as well as being a thoughtful way to thank your host for including you in a seasonal celebration.”

Gifts under $100

Antler Hill wines with plates and glasses
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.

“If you want to give someone a very special gift during the season, our Antler Hill® wines are truly extraordinary. You can savor them now, or allow them to mature and deepen with time,” Natalie said.

Gifts for Biltmore Enthusiasts

Bottle of Biltmore Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and two glasses
Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 18 months in oak

“This is a special category,” said Alisha, “because these are the folks who love Biltmore in every season! We’ve selected some wonderful wines that they’re sure to savor, whether giving or receiving them as special gifts.”

Seasoned with Cheer

Group of friends toasting with Biltmore wine
With Biltmore wines, all your gatherings are seasoned with cheer!

In addition to these ideas, find more inspiration and stock up on award-winning Biltmore wines for all your celebrations with our Seasoned with Cheer guide to holiday hospitality.

Top 10 Staff Favorites for Christmas at Biltmore

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What are the top 10 staff favorites for Christmas at Biltmore? Among the multitude of joys experienced during the holiday season at America’s Largest Home®, we’ve collected a special list to inspire your imagination and assist with gift giving.

Staff favorites: Biltmore wine and gourmet food in a basket
Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies

“Many of our staff members have been part of the Biltmore family for decades, but their joy and wonder during the holiday season never fades,” said Terri Koestler, Senior Director of Employee Experience. “From festive food and drink to mementos and special moments, these top 10 staff favorites offer a special glimpse into our employees’ perspectives.”

Our holiday legacy continues

On an unforgettable Christmas Eve in 1895, more than 20 members of George Vanderbilt’s family gathered at Biltmore House for the first time. Their awestruck delight has been repeated throughout the decades as today’s guests experience Biltmore during the holidays.

Here’s how even our long-time Biltmore staff members catch the spirit of the season every year:

1. Laura’s favorite: the sounds of music

Staff favorites: Harpist playing in the Third Floor Living Hall
A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall

Laura Cope, Collections Manager, ensures the proper care of Biltmore’s priceless furniture, art, and objects. An avid music lover, she enjoys the talented musicians who play at Biltmore–especially at Christmastime.

“I always get sentimental at Christmas when I hear a harp play inside Biltmore House,” she raid. “To hear What Child is This? or The Nutcracker Suite within these beautifully decorated rooms really gives you a sense of what guests of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt would have experienced. It’s something that I look forward to every year!”

2. Jeff’s favorite: going a-wassailing

Biltmore wine with mulling spices
Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing!

“Love and joy come to you” are among the New Year wishes sung in this traditional Christmas carol, and Jeff Jones, Carriage House Supervisor, enjoys the song’s warm sentiment while sipping a cup of spicy wassail.

“Nothing tastes as much like Christmas as a cup of wassail,” said Jeff. “It’s not just one of our staff favorites—our guests love it as soon as they sample it in our estate shops!”

According to Jeff, all three varieties of Biltmore’s Wassail Spice Blend can season your favorite wine, cider, or other hot beverage with cheer during the holidays and all year round.

3. Staff favorites: party starters

Staff favorites: Biltmore cheeseball and wine
Make entertaining easy with Biltmore’s delicious cheeseball and dip mixes

Another staff favorite? The ability to bring a bit of Biltmore elegance to any holiday gathering with our best-selling gourmet cheeseball and dip mixes.

With festive options such as Christmas at Biltmore Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball Mix, along with traditional crowd favorites like Biltmore® Spinach Dip Mix, no more than two additional staple ingredients are needed for a quick and easy way to let the fun begin!

4. Staff favorites: dazzling “decorations”

Staff Favorites: Oaken Necklace by Southern Gates®
Drawn from elements in Biltmore House, jewelry by Southern Gates® is a charming remembrance of the time you spent at Biltmore.

Biltmore staff members carry the legacy of the estate close to their hearts at Christmastime and beyond by wearing a piece of Biltmore-inspired jewelry or choosing it as a gift for someone special.

Staff favorites include collections by CRISLU, ALEX AND ANI®, and Southern Gates® that feature tiny tokens of timeless luxury found at the estate and highlight some of Biltmore’s most memorable features using precious gemstones and custom-designed charms.

5. Hannah’s favorite: wrapping up gift giving

Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make wonderful gifts for the holidays.

As Visual Assets Coordinator, Hannah Parks sees the beauty of Biltmore through photographs and videos, including places that guests rarely visit, like the vineyards on the west side of the estate.

“I’m excited that the 2019 vintages of Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc North Carolina and Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina have been released just in time for the holidays,” said Hannah. “Not only are they two of my all-time favorite Biltmore wines, but the fact that they are handcrafted from estate-grown grapes makes them really wonderful local gifts. I’ve already bought several bottles to share with friends and family, and I may go back for more!”

6. Kyle’s favorite: the nicest spices!

Perfect pairings include wine and meatballs
Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs

Many Biltmore staff members are fans of Spicewalla, a home-grown Asheville business that has gained worldwide attention for its unique small-batch spice blends.

“To complement your holiday meals, I suggest the robust rubs that Spicewalla has created especially for the estate’s Biltmore Grown® Beef selections, including Biltmore Grown Brisket Rub, Biltmore Grown Steak Rub, and Biltmore Grown Burger Rub,” said Kyle Mayberry, Director of Agriculture for the estate.

7. Courtney’s favorite: sipping and savoring all year-round

Women with Vanderbilt Wine Club shipment
Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club®

According to Courtney Miller, Wine Club Manager, membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club® is a fabulous gift for a loved one, or a decadent one for yourself!

“Surprise someone special with a gift membership that lasts for 12 whole months,” Courtney said. “You’ll definitely be on their ‘nice list’ every time a seasonal shipment arrives!”

Wine Club members receive their preference of red wines, white wines, a mix of red and white wines, or sweet wines each season along with tasting notes and chef-inspired recipes, plus exclusive access to special discounts, promotions, and invitations to members-only special events. 

8. Staff favorites: seasonal spreads

Sideboard filled with Biltmore wine, spreads, and dips
Delight your guests with gifts of good taste, including Biltmore’s jams, jellies, spreads, and syrups

Just as the Vanderbilts loved to host and entertain family during the holidays, our staff knows how to show hospitality to their own Christmas guests with more than two dozen gourmet flavors of Biltmore jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and syrups that delight at the breakfast table, enhance a charcuterie board, and make perfectly delicious gifts throughout the season—especially when paired with Biltmore wines!

9. Staff favorites: crowdsourcing our Christmas wine labels

Shop our special edition 2023 Christmas Wines online!

Since 2018, Facebook followers of Biltmore have weighed in on the one-of-a-kind labels found on our bottles of Christmas at Biltmore’s Red and White Wines. Our Biltmore staff members love giving these special bottles as thoughtful hosting or Christmas gifts, and many buy an extra bottle for themselves as a collectible keepsake!

10.  Brent’s favorite: raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree

Celebrate Biltmore's tree-raising tradition virtually
Raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree is a guest and staff favorite tradition at Biltmore

The rooms of Biltmore House will be filled with more than 60 hand-decorated Christmas trees each year, but the one that stirs the hearts and imaginations of our guests and staff members the most is the 35-foot-tall fresh-cut Fraser fir in the tapestry-lined Banquet Hall.

Brent Merrell, Director of Engineering Services, oversees the installation of the towering tree. “Every year, we experience excitement mixed with some nerves on the day we bring in the massive tree, which weighs 2,500 to 3,000 pounds,” explained Brent. “The tree-raising is virtual again this year, but this tradition is always a staff favorite because it truly marks the beginning of the Christmas season at Biltmore.” 

What are your top 10 favorites for Christmas at Biltmore?

Our employees, both new and seasoned, enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for this special time of year with our guests. We hope you will join them and create your own top 10 list of favorites during Christmas at Biltmore! Be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with #ChristmasatBiltmore.

Find everything you need to season your celebrations with cheer at Biltmore, or from the comfort of home with the convenience of online shopping at biltmoreshop.com.