Taste Passion And Perseverance In This Chardonnay!

Written by

“You’ll taste our passion for perseverance in this new Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2020 Barrel Select wine,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore winemaker.

From grape to glass

Workers pick Chardonnay grapes in Biltmore's vineyard
Vineyard crews picking grapes by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate

“The grapes for this smooth, buttery Chardonnay were carefully nurtured by Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor, and his crew,” Sharon said. “From planting and tending the vines to caring for them throughout the growing season and harvesting the grapes by hand in late September and early October, the vineyard team ensured that we had the best possible fruit to begin this project.”

Biltmore-grown barrels

Biltmore wine barrels for Chardonnay
These barrels are coopered for the Winery from Biltmore-grown oak

According to Sharon, the grapes aren’t the only part of this wine that represents the estate.

“Once this medium-bodied golden Chardonnay was ready to be fermented and aged, we transferred it into a group of very special barrels,” said Sharon.

For the first time in the estate’s winemaking history, wood from oak trees that were grown on the estate was shipped to Seguin Moreau, an artisan barrel-making firm. Now anchored in Napa, California, the company originated in France in 1838 and continues to provide high-quality barrels to the wine industry today.

Chardonnay tasting notes and pairings

“It is remarkable to have Biltmore-grown oak coopered into custom barrels for aging our own Chardonnay,” Sharon said. Now, in addition to having our grapes reflect our Blue Ridge Mountain terroir, the very barrels we use for aging also echo the unique characteristics of weather and soil found here.”

After aging for 12 months in Biltmore oak barrels, this Chardonnay developed a delightful nose of caramel, coffee, and grilled pineapple, plus pleasant hints of oak that continue on the palate along with flavors of Meyer lemon, vanilla, and kiwi ahead of a lingering finish of honey and spice.

Biltmore wines and charcuterie grazing board
Savor our outstanding Biltmore wines with a grazing board at your next gathering

To further enhance the rich notes of this exceptional Chardonnay, Sharon suggests warming it slightly to around 60 degrees, then gathering friends together to savor a glass with a grazing platter featuring blue cheese drizzled with local honey, pistachios, and smoked trout dip.

Other excellent pairings include seafood cioppino, Caribbean-style red snapper, and mussels with a butter-and-garlic sauce and plenty of toasted baguettes for dipping.

Passion and perseverance

Bottles of Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay sitting on a barrel
The label for this distinctive Chardonnay features an original watercolor painting of Biltmore’s vineyard

Sharon and the wine production team have called Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2020 Barrel Select wine “the taste of 2020 in a glass.”

“That’s not a negative attribute,” Sharon noted. “It really refers to the fact that 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, but even so, we poured our passion, determination, and perseverance into this wine, and we see it as a tribute to North Carolina grape growing.”

For the label, Lisa Vogel, Art Director, painted an original watercolor to distinguish this one-of-a-kind wine.

“I chose to include an iconic oak tree in the estate’s vineyard,” said Lisa, “as a visual way to represent the grapes and the barrels that earned this outstanding wine our exclusive Biltmore® Reserve Barrel Select designation.”

Join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® now to experience this Chardonnay

Vanderbilt Wine Club shipment
Vanderbilt Wine Club members receive a shipment of Biltmore wines each season, plus access to exclusive vintages, virtual tasting events, and more.

This wine will be released exclusively to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members. Explore membership options at the Winery or online, and stock up on your favorite Biltmore wines at biltmoreshop.com.

Taste The Terroir Of Biltmore Wines

Written by

When you taste the terroir of Biltmore wines, you’re tasting some of the oldest terroir in the world in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Terroir refers to the complete natural environment in which the grapes for wine are grown and in which the wines themselves are produced and aged. It includes factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.

Long established among European winegrowers, the concept of terroir is becoming more important in the U.S. and other nations.

Interestingly, there is no exact translation of terroir from its French language origins—it loosely means “a sense of place,” and can be as broad as an entire region or as narrow as a few rows in a specific vineyard.

What is the terroir of Biltmore wines?

Grapes ripening in Biltmore's vineyard
Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard

Biltmore’s acreage—including the vineyard—is classified as a Low and Intermediate Mountain System between 1,400–4,600 feet above sea level with soil influenced by elevation, slope aspect, exposure, and vegetation. As part of the ancient Appalachian Mountain chain that formed 480 billion years ago, the Blue Ridge Mountains feature lower elevations and a soft, weathered appearance that shows much they’ve worn away over the years.

When George Vanderbilt’s grandson William A.V. Cecil envisioned developing an estate vineyard and winery, he felt it should be possible to grow grapes at Biltmore.

In his book Lady on the Hill, Cecil wrote that “Asheville was about the same latitude as Gibraltar in the Mediterranean, and with an altitude between 2,100 and 2,500 feet, the fields of the estate would enjoy warm days and cool nights in the summer.”

West coast advantages

California partner vineyard
Partner vineyards in California

Unlike the conditions of the Mediterranean and other classic grape-growing regions, however, the climate of Western North Carolina is notoriously unpredictable, averaging 47 inches of rain per year—more than twice the average amount that falls in Napa Valley.

In addition to a drier climate, California growers have another advantage when it comes to terroir: the geologic age of the area is much “younger” than that of the east coast. Wine grapes typically fare better in lower-nutrient, more alkaline soils preferably with gravelly or rocky substrates.

The idea is that the plants’ roots will grow deeper in such circumstances to seek nutrients and water, allowing the plant and eventually the fruit to express the unique characteristics of the specific location that the grower has chosen.

“Our west coast vineyard partners like those in Cienega Valley have the benefits of a maritime climate and rocky soils that create more intensity and richness in the grapes,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Manager. “They may have lower yields there, but flavors develop more fully.”

Climate affects terroir

Picking red grapes at Biltmore
Grapes being picked by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard

“Soil and climate have significant impact on grape quality, but climate is the more important factor at Biltmore,” said Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor. Grapes can be more reactive to certain weather conditions than some crops, but when the weather is right in Western North Carolina, the fruit produced in our vineyards is exceptional.”

Try any of our Biltmore Reserve wines, such as Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina, handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, and you’ll taste not only the character of the varietal, but the distinctive influence of our unique Blue Ridge Mountain terroir.

Fun Fact

The state soil of North Carolina is known as Cecil soil. Named for Cecil County, Maryland where the soil type was first documented rather than the family name of George Vanderbilt’s descendants, it is nonetheless a delightful coincidence that Biltmore’s vineyard and Winery are rooted in Cecil soil!

Purchase Biltmore® Reserve wines now and taste the terroir!

Bottles of Biltmore Reserve Rose North Carolina wine
Only wines handcrafted from estate-grown grapes earn our Biltmore® Reserve label

Find Biltmore wines, including Biltmore® Reserve wines, in estate shops and online.

Facebook Fans Help Create Our Christmas Wine Labels

Written by

For 2021, our Facebook fans helped create the labels for our Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines.

Facebook Fans helped create our Christmas wine labels
Facebook fans voting online chose the elements for both of our 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels

“This is the fourth year that we’ve used this crowdsourcing process,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Marketing Manager. “By voting for their favorite holiday styles and themes, our Facebook fans really help us capture the spirit of our annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration on our Christmas wine labels.”

Local artist chosen to create our Christmas wine labels

Biltmore employee by Biltmore House column
Local artist and Biltmore employee Craig Sponsellor

The Biltmore wine marketing team selected artist Craig Sponseller of Asheville, North Carolina, to create two original paintings that would incorporate the holiday images and elements selected by Biltmore’s Facebook followers for our 2021 Christmas wine labels.

According to Craig, this project was especially meaningful because in addition to being an artist, he has also been a Biltmore employee for the past 10 years.

“I work in Mail Services,” said Craig, “and my days are filled with routines related to ensuring that mail is picked up and delivered. This opportunity to develop the artwork for the 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels allowed me to tap into my creative side while focusing on all the beauty of the season here at the estate.”

Facebook fans select two distinct themes

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

After two rounds of online voting, some distinct themes emerged: our fans wanted both a wintry outdoor scene featuring the iconic architecture of Biltmore House, and a warm and wonderful tribute to the towering Banquet Hall Christmas tree inside America’s Largest Home®.

Capturing the exterior of Biltmore House

Sketch for the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label
Part of Craig’s creative process is the creation of sketches like this that help him refine the details he’ll include in a painting

Craig began the process of creating the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label by sketching the exterior elements of Biltmore House. He started with a pencil sketch, then refined the details with pen and ink.

“I’m a watercolor artist,” Craig explained, “and it is a very unforgiving medium. If you make a mistake or need to move something around, it’s impossible. That’s why I do the preliminary sketches and refinements so I can be sure I’m on the right track.”

Craig chose to showcase the familiar view from the wall at the end of the Front Lawn. To further the holiday mood, he added a touch of snow to give the painting a frosty feel.

Exterior pencil sketch of Biltmore House with touches of watercolor
Craig refined his initial sketches before adding layers of color washes to the final painting

As for the cheerful red cardinal on the rail, that’s the state bird of North Carolina, and a familiar sight around the estate during this time of year.

“The cardinal was a very specific element that Biltmore’s Facebook fans voted to include on both labels,” Craig said. “It was a challenge to portray a small bird in front of such a large house, but I placed it on the Rampe Douce railing so the cardinal would appear larger in the foreground.”

Creating the Banquet Hall view

Our Facebook fans also voted to see the beauty of the season inside Biltmore House, and Craig was happy to oblige.

Orange tree centerpieces in the Banquet Hall
Inspiration for Facebook fans included this Banquet Hall scene with iconic orange tree centerpieces i

For the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label, Craig was able to include many of the wonders in the Banquet Hall, from the grand Fraser fir that dominates the scene during the holidays to a grouping of festive orange tree centerpieces atop the massive dining table.

Pencil sketch for Biltmore Christmas wine label
One of Craig’s early pencil sketches for the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label includes the cardinal ornament on the tree in the foreground

“The real challenge here was how to include a cardinal in an indoor scene,” said Craig, “but I was able to work it in as an ornament!”

Stock up for the season on our Christmas wines and more!

Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines with Facebook fans labels
Make sure your holiday is seasoned with cheer when you choose Biltmore wines!

Whether you’re in the mood for a fragrant, semi-sweet white wine or a soft, fruit-forward red, our Christmas at Biltmore Wines offer a classic complement to your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table. As an added bonus, the lovely labels make both wines a charming gift of the season for someone special.

Find our Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines and all your other handcrafted favorites in estate shops, online, or with our Retail Locator.

5 Reasons to “Fall” in Love with Rosé Wine

Written by

With five great reasons to “fall” in love with rosé wines this fall, they’re not just for spring and summer sipping any more!

1. Rosé wines are very versatile

Glass and bottle of Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé wine on an outdoor table
Nothing could be finer than sipping our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé with all your favorite flavors!

“Rosé wines are more versatile than you think,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore’s winemaker. “They pair well with cooler weather and the heartier dishes that accompany the season.

A perfect example is our Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina–an exceptional wine handcrafted from outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines in our estate vineyard as well as local grapes grown at a lower elevation. This lovely wine features a delicate sweetness, hints of spice and white pepper, plus roundness and good mouthfeel.

Approachable and easy to drink, the style is reminiscent of classic old-world rosés. Enjoy it year-round with charcuterie, mustard-glazed salmon, pesto pizza, smoked gouda cheese, and serve it with holiday favorites like glazed ham.

2. A dynamic hybrid wine

Toasting with glasses of rosé
Rosé wines are a dynamic hybrid between red and white wines.

Rosé wine is a dynamic hybrid of tannic reds and fruity white wines, which enhances its versatility.

“Rosés offer the best of both worlds,” Sharon said. “To create a rosé, you begin by crushing red grapes, but you don’t leave the juice in contact with the skins as long as you would for a red wine. This process imparts the classic rosy color and also allows the juice to keep some of the natural tannins in red grapes, but keeps the wine crisp and fruity–more like a white wine.”

3. Rosé wine is an affordable option

Woman pouring rosé wine into a glass
Rosés are not only crisp and refreshing, they can also be more affordable than some other options.

As we head into the holiday season, we often focus on heartier red wines for cool weather and finer wines for gift-giving occasions and special celebrations. Since distinguished reds and gift-worthy wines tend to be pricier than others, rosés can be a more affordable option.

“Even though rosés are becoming more and more popular year-round, there are some very affordable wines to consider, like our Biltmore Estate® Zinfandel Blanc de Noir,” said Sharon.

“Blanc de noir refers to a rosé or blush style wine created by pressing a red grape such as Zinfandel,” Sharon explained. “I handcraft ours to offer tropical fruit aromas and bright berry flavors that pair well with casual fare including chicken, pasta with cream or red sauce, pizza, and spicy cuisine.”

4. Transition the season with rosé wines

Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir wine being poured in glasses
Add festive bubbles to any occasion with our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir, a sparkling rosé wine.

According to Sharon, rosé makes an excellent transitional wine between seasons.

“If you’re used to sipping rosés in spring and summer, keep enjoying them during the warmer days of fall,” said Sharon. “They’re just as crisp and refreshing on a sunny afternoon in October as they are in April. I personally recommend our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise to create fine, tiny bubbles!”

With delicious fruit-forward flavors of cherries and strawberries, this pretty-in-pink Biltmore bubbly pairs well with turkey (hello, Thanksgiving!), mahi-mahi, pound cake, brie cheese, and fresh fruit.

5. Fall flavor profile

Refreshing and crisp, rosé wines mirror the essence of the fall season, making them perfect for autumnal sipping.

Couple enjoying fall picnic with Biltmore wines
Be sure to pack some Biltmore wines to enjoy with your favorite fall activities!

“Fall brings tailgating at football games, hiking to take in scenic views, and cool evenings when you gather around the fire pit,” said Sharon, “so you’ll want to have plenty of Biltmore rosé wines on hand to complement all the casual activities that characterize the season.

Our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé as the perfect pick for all your favorite fall functions. Bright, fruity layers of berry flavor make this wine an outstanding partner for chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage–especially when your fire up the grill and gather your friends together to enjoy it with you!

Fall for all your favorite Biltmore wines today!

Biltmore wines in an ice bucket
Stock up on all your favorite Biltmore wines–including our outstanding rosés–for fall.

Stock up on our outstanding rosés and other award-winning Biltmore wines now in estate shops, online, and with our Retail Locator.

Craft Incredible Cocktails with Biltmore Wines

Written by

Craft incredible cocktails with Biltmore wines and enjoy a refreshing new way to savor summer sipping on the porch, patio, or by the pool!

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

Biltmore Basil & Bee Cocktail

Biltmore Estate ingredients shine in this craft cocktail featuring Biltmore sparkling wine, honey, and basil!

When served at the restaurants on Biltmore Estate, this bright and herbal cocktail features hyper-local ingredients including Biltmore basil, honey, and sparkling wine, as well as Chemist Spirits, an Asheville favorite. Enjoy it year-round at our restaurants or follow this recipe to enjoy it at home.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz Chemist Spirits American Gin
  • 1 oz Honey-Basil Syrup
  • ¾ Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 Dashes of Orange Bitters
  • 2 oz Biltmore Sparkling Brut

*Honey Basil Syrup Recipe

  • ½ cup Biltmore Honey
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 cup Basil (use large leaves for making syrup and pluck smaller leaves for garnishes)
  • 1 Star Anise
  • 1 Lemon peel

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Honey Basil Syrup: Simmer water and basil on low heat for 5 minutes. Add honey and stir to dissolve. Add star anise and lemon peel. Allow to cool before straining and setting aside.
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey basil syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold, about 30 seconds.
  3. Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Top with Biltmore Sparkling Brut and orange bitters. Garnish with small basil leaves and serve.

White Wine Mojito Cocktail

White wine mojito made with Biltmore Estate Limited Release Semillon
Craft this White Wine Mojito Cocktail featuring Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sémillon for summer sipping all season long

Summer is the perfect time to craft incredible cocktails featuring wines handcrafted here at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina. And if you are looking for a lower-proof version of your favorites, simply switch out the spirit for a similar style of Biltmore wine. In the case of the white wine mojito below, we swapped the traditional rum for Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sémillon. It makes a perfect “shady afternoon sipper” to enjoy while reading in the hammock (naps optional!).

Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sémillon
  • 2 ounces Italian lemon soda
  • ¾ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ¼ ounce simple syrup
  • 4 mint leaves

Instructions:

  • Muddle 4 mint leaves thoroughly in 2 ounces of Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sémillon using a rough edge muddler. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and shake briefly on ice in a Boston shaker. Double strain into a martini glass and top with Italian lemon soda.
  • Serve straight up with a floating mint leaf as a garnish so ice does not overly dilute the cocktail. (Muddle different types of fruit to bring new flavors to this recipe—we give you a license to be creative!) Serves 1.

Summer Riesling & Tonic Cocktail

Wine and tonic cocktail with Biltmore Estate Limited Release Riesling
Savor the flavor of your favorite fruits in this Summer Riesling and Tonic cocktail

Fresh fruit and wine pair beautifully together, and warmer weather is the perfect time to experiment with your favorites and share the delicious results. Whether you’re serving craft cocktails on the patio, porch, or poolside, outdoor entertaining takes on a new meaning when you invite a special guest like rum. Yum!

Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling
  • 8 ounces white rum
  • 1 cup blackberries
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 lemons (sliced into thin wheels and halved)
  • Elderflower tonic

Instructions:

  • The day before you want to serve these cocktails, pour Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling and your choice of white rum into a pretty pitcher. Submerge several basil leaves and blackberries in the mixture and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready to serve, use your favorite glassware and build each drink with ice, blackberries, basil leaves, and a couple of lemon wheels. Fill glasses a quarter of the way with elderflower tonic, and the rest of the way with the chilled wine and rum mixture. Enjoy! Serves 6.

Chenin Blanc Pineapple Slushies

Pineapple slushie cocktail with Biltmore Estate Limited Release Chenin Blanc
Treasure the tropical taste of our Pineapple Slushie Cocktail!

This craft cocktail is a fun way to liven up a summer gathering. There’s a bit of nostalgia to any slushie drink, but this is definitely a grown-up version of the ones you remember from childhood!

Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of chilled Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc
  • 4 ounces chilled Plantation Pineapple Rum (used as a float)
  • 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1 cup frozen mango chunks
  • 6 ounces pineapple juice
  • 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces ginger syrup (recipe below)
  • 4 dashes Bittermen’s Tiki Bitters (or your favorite brand)
  • Ice

*Ginger Syrup

  • 1 cup of water
  • 1½ cups organic sugar
  • 1 medium ginger root, sliced

Instructions:

  • Tip: Put wine in the freezer 30 minutes prior to mixing these cocktails.
  • Prepare the Ginger Syrup: Place all ginger syrup ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly so the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 1 hour while it cools. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes 1½ cups of syrup.
  • Craft the cocktails: Place all ingredients except rum in a blender. Blend until you have obtained a super slushy consistency. Pour into a glass, leaving room to float 1 ounce of Plantation Pineapple Rum on top, then garnish with extreme creativity! Serves 4.

Aperol Spritz

This lower-alcohol content cocktail is perfect for summertime sipping.

Summertime wouldn’t be complete without a classic Aperol Spritz, highlighting the bittersweet and citrusy flavor of the namesake liqueur. While traditionally made using Italian Prosecco, any dry sparkling white wine will do the trick.

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz. Biltmore Estate® Brut
  • 2 oz. Aperol
  • 1 oz. soda water

Instructions:

  • Chill all ingredients and fill a wine glass with ice to chill before you begin.
  • Add sparkling wine, Aperol, and soda water to the chilled glass and gently stir to combine.
  • Garnish with a freshly sliced orange wheel, if desired.

Tip: If you find the cocktail is too bitter or too sweet for your taste, you can easily adjust the ratio of ingredients.

Perfect Pairings: Red Wine and Chocolate at Biltmore

Written by

If you’re looking for a match made in heaven, look no farther than the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting offered daily at Biltmore’s Winery.

How it works

“Pairing red wines with chocolates is an exciting way to discover nuances in both flavors,” said Les Norman, one of several knowledgeable Winery hosts who guide guests through the tasting.

Biltmore host for Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Biltmore Winery host Les Norman guides guests through the Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting

“Biltmore has partnered with French Broad Chocolates to provide several different delectable chocolates to pair with some of our premium Biltmore wines,” Les said. “In some cases, this local artisan chocolate company that specializes in bean-to-bar products has created a new flavor to match specific characteristics in a certain wine.”

Pouring red wines for the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting
Pouring Biltmore red wines for the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting

Getting started

Les likes to begin the tasting with a bit of background about Biltmore Winery and the award-winning wines handcrafted there. He offers guests a fascinating glimpse into the estate’s vineyards, production methods, and winemaking philosophy under the direction of Winemaker Sharon Fenchak.

Biltmore red wines and chocolates
Enjoy our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting featuring premium Biltmore wines and artisan chocolate truffles from French Broad Chocolates.

Once he sets the scene, Les describes the process of tasting wines, and has participants take a fun jellybean “test” to better understand how smell and taste affect sensory perceptions.

Pairing red wines and chocolates

“Now we’re ready to pair our red Biltmore wines with chocolates!” Les declares.

Les makes sure guests take time to savor the bouquet of each wine and understand its flavor profile as they taste the possibilities.

He offers interesting details about viscosity and alcohol content, effortlessly blending his extensive knowledge of wines with the delightful pairings.

Glass of Biltmore red wine and a chocolate truffle
A fresh raspberry truffle pairs perfectly with our Antler Hill Zinfandel Rockpile 2017

The tasting continues with amazing pairings of some of our premium red wines with exceptional chocolate truffles crafted by locally owned French Broad Chocolates.

Some truffles work well with several of the wines, so be sure to save a sip or two in each glass!

Discover the delights of red wine and chocolate

Biltmore Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting at the Winery
Biltmore Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting at the Winery

Our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting is offered daily at the Winery at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. The cost is $55 per person, and capacity is limited to 10 guests for each one-hour event.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended for these popular daily tastings. To reserve, you must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or an overnight stay booked at one of our properties. Guests must be 21 years of age and older with a valid ID to attend this or any other specialty wine experience.

To reserve your spot, call 1800-543-2961 or visit any Guest Services location on the estate.

Highlights From Our 2019 Vineyard Harvest

Written by

In 2019, Biltmore’s vineyard produced 177.5 tons of grapes on approximately 45 acres of mature vitis vinifera vines—that’s almost double last year’s output.

Biltmore vineyard supervisor Philip Oglesby
Biltmore vineyard supervisor Philip Oglesby

“Harvest began on August 22, and that’s the earliest start I remember in more than 20 years,” said Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor. “We picked until October 11, and the weather cooperated with long, hot, dry days that allowed the grapes to mature to their full potential.”  

With an average yield of more than four tons per acre, our 2019 harvest can be considered one of the best in recent memory.

Picking red grapes at Biltmore
Grapes being picked by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard

Quantity and quality

In addition to the quantity, the quality of fruit produced in 2019 was outstanding. Weather played an important role in the process as relatively mild spring temperatures gave way to the kind of hot, dry summer conditions that create earlier-than-normal ripening times.

Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina
Grapes for our Biltmore Reserve wines are grown at the estate or selected from local partners

“As always, we look forward to the fine wines that will be handcrafted following the harvest—especially our Biltmore® Reserve wines that are created from estate-grown grapes,” Philip said. “This special designation represents our finest local vintages and our continued commitment to our agricultural heritage.”

Highlights from Biltmore’s vineyards: 

  • Cabernet Franc                                                         37 tons on 8.2 acres
  • Cabernet Sauvignon                                              32 tons on 10.2 acres
  • Chardonnay                                                            103 tons on 25 acres
  • Merlot  5.5 tons on 1.2 acres

Total: 177.5 tons on 44.6 acres

Highlights from our partner vineyards

Grapes ripening in Biltmore's vineyard
Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard

Washington:

Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak selected approximately 160 tons of grapes from the state of Washington (America’s second largest producer of wine grapes), with average brix (measurement for the number of grams of sugar present per 100 grams of liquid) around 25, which is comparable to last year.

  • September was very rainy and a hard freeze in early October preventing the grapes from ripening further.
  • Varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Verdot, and Tempranillo.
  • Increased selection by 12% compared to 2018.
Clusters of ripe red grapes in Biltmore's vineyard
As the grapes ripen in our vineyards, the fruit must be protected from uninvited guests such as robins, geese, and turkeys.

California:

Sharon selected approximately 25 different varietals from multiple growing regions throughout the state with an average brix of 23, which was slightly higher than 2018. 

  • Arroyo Seco, CA
    • Approximately 18,000 acres located along the central coast in Monterey County.
    • Cold winter, mild-but-wet spring, and a few summertime heat spikes left grapes with a little more hang-time and a later harvest by about 2–3 weeks.
    • Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Mendocino County, CA
    • North coast; 14, 512 acres includes 10 different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) with very diverse climates.
    • Wet spring and late bud break gave way to moderate weather for most of the growing season; yields were light-to-average, with good fruit quality for the vintage.
    • Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
  • Russian River Valleyin Sonoma County, CA
    • About 15,000 acres of vineyards; known for cool-climate grapes.
    • Heavy rain in late winter and a wet spring led to a moderate yield with a good and healthy crop.
    • Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. 
    • We selected about 120 tons of fruit from the region, with the majority being Pinot Noir, of which about half will be handcrafted to become Vanderbilt Reserve wines.
Pouring Biltmore wine into a glass
Tempranillo is a great way to spice up your wine selections

Savor Biltmore Wines

Whether you’re visiting the estate and enjoying complimentary tastings at our Winery or stocking up on your favorite varietals in your neighborhood or online, we invite you to savor our award-winning wines today!

Romance Sparkles at Biltmore

Written by

In addition to being America’s Largest Home®, Biltmore also features a state-of-the-art working winery.

There are other distinctions that set Biltmore’s Winery apart, such as the fact that our winemaker crafts both still and sparkling wines here. It’s unusual to offer both—most wineries specialize in one or the other—but Biltmore has a long history of doing the unexpected.

Our sparkling legacy

One reason for our sparkling wine program is to honor the legacy of Edith Stuyvesant Vanderbilt’s family.

Edith Stuyvesant Dresser's formal engagement photo, 1898
Edith Stuyvesant Dresser’s formal engagement photo, 1898

On May 31, 1898, the Asheville Citizen reported the following story in connection with the upcoming marriage of George Vanderbilt and his fiancée Edith Stuyvesant Dresser:

The wine with which the health of the bride is to be drunk at the wedding breakfast of Miss Edith Stuyvesant Dresser and George Vanderbilt Thursday has a history, according to the Washington Post. Many years ago the wine cellar of Daniel Le Roy, one of the pioneer summer residents of Newport, was famous, and large sums were offered for what remained of it when Mr. Le Roy died.

None of this famous wine was ever sold, but as the stock decreased Mrs. Le Roy directed that it should not be used except at the wedding of her grandchildren and their descendants, a certain number of bottles being apportioned to each.

“Once we discovered this story,” said Jill Whitfield, senior marketing manager for Biltmore Wines. “We wanted to share the details so that everyone could enjoy it. It continues to inspire us as we create different styles of sparkling wines perfect for all celebrations,” Jill said.

Isn’t it romantic?

Biltmore Estate Romance Brut Sparkling wine label
Romance features a stunning floral label

Our Biltmore Estate® Romance Brut honors that charming gesture. Romance is handcrafted from grapes selected from our California vineyard partners, including a hint of Pinot Noir that shows up in its delicate rosy straw color. The soft bouquet offers hints of citrus, apple, and brioche, while fine, tiny bubbles give way to flavors of white peach and a surprisingly creamy mouthfeel. Pair it with your favorite party fare including prosciutto-wrapped melon, chicken salad croissants, brie, and—of course—wedding cake!

In addition to being an exceptional sparkling wine, Romance features a lovely floral label that enhances any special occasion, from bridal showers and receptions to engagements and anniversaries.

Handcrafted in traditional style

Sparkling wine being poured into a glass
Our sparkling wines are handcrafted in the traditional style

“All our sparkling wines are handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise,” said Jill. “This process requires a secondary fermentation in the bottle, and is vital for developing the delicate bubbles that characterize outstanding sparkling wines.”

Let the party bubble up!

Pouring sparkling wine
Sip Pas de Deux Sec with food or create sparkling cocktails

If you’re looking for a versatile sparkling wine that pairs well with a surprising variety of foods, opt for our Pas de Deux® Moscato Sparkling Wine. “This semi-sweet sparkler has a slight orange aroma that complements its flavor profiles, plus flavors of wild strawberry and lemon,” said Jill.

“Our Pas de Deux is a delightful addition to sweet treats such as fresh fruit, pound cake, and crème brûlée, and it’s a perfect partner for spicy cuisines,” Jill noted. “And it was recently awarded 90 points by Beverage Testing Institute!”

More great ratings

Biltmore sparkling wines in an ice bucket
Put Biltmore Estate Brut on your “bucket list!”

Our Biltmore Estate® Brut recently earned 90 Points + Editor’s Choice from Wine Enthusiast, making it another excellent choice for celebrations or any occasion that calls for bubbly.

“It’s a refreshing blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir ,” Jill said, “and it offers a good balance of citrus and strawberries with hints of honey and apricot.”

Our finest sparkling

Pouring Biltmore sparkling wine into a glass
Biltmore sparkling wines are characterized by fine, tiny bubbles

For a truly elegant gesture, Jill suggests serving our Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs.

“This is our finest sparkling wine,” Jill said. “It is crafted from North Carolina Chardonnay grapes and features tiny, elegant bubbles that burst to release tropical and citrus flavors. If you want to make an impression on someone special, this is the wine to choose.”

Biltmore Estate Brut and glasses
Celebrate any occasion with Biltmore sparkling wines

No matter what you’re serving or celebrating, pair your good times with Biltmore wines!

Biltmore Holiday Wine Guide

Written by

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

“The Holiday Wine Guide covers all the different celebrations from Thanksgiving to New Year’s,” said Jill Whitfield, senior wine marketing manager. “There are recommendations for each special occasion, including thanking your hosts and having gifts on-hand for surprise guests.”

Holiday Entertaining with Wines

Biltmore wines with cake and holiday lights
Look for all Biltmore wines online

“For general holiday entertaining, Biltmore® Estate Cabernet Sauvignon–awarded 95 points in the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition–and Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio, which received 90 points from the Beverage Testing Institute, are a great place to start,” Jill said.

Jill recommends rounding out your selections with our Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina 2018, Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley 2017, and our bubbly Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine.

Your Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving table with Biltmore wines
Our Thanksgiving Trio brings everyone to the table

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® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2018, Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2017, and Biltmore Estate® Brut makes it easy to pair all your holiday favorites with a fine wine,” said Jill. “If you want to add a bit more variety, Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé and Biltmore Estate® Merlot are great wines for delighting your guests.”

Wrap-up Gift Giving with Biltmore Wines

Biltmore winter wines with bows
Enjoy the process of stocking and storing Biltmore wines

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.

Consider options such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County 2017, which earned 91 points from Critics Challenge, our charming Mariporta Red Dessert Wine, long-time guest favorite Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, our lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc, or our finest sparkling–Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs North Carolina 2017, handcrafted from outstanding locally-grown grapes.

Savor Christmas with Biltmore Wines

Biltmore wines with Christmas tree and desserts
When planning your virtual wine tasting, choose at least three wines to sample together

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 earned 91 points in the San Francisco International Wine Competition,” Jill said, “while Critics Challenge awarded our Antler Hill® Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 93 points. We think you’ll also enjoy sharing our Biltmore Estate® Riesling, Biltmore® Reserve Viognier North Carolina 2018, and our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec with your special guests.”

New Year’s: Ready, Set, Celebrate!

Celebrate with Biltmore sparkling wines
Our handcrafted Biltmore bubbles make any occasion more special

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 Jill. “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 Jill recommends considering a range of other options  including our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo, Biltmore Estate® Pinot Noir, and Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay.

Enjoying Our Wines at Home for the Holidays

Biltmore wines with chocolate desserts
For the holidays, we’ve bundled the best of our award-winning wines to help you simplify your celebrations (and save)!

“If you’re ready to re-stock your wine reserves, you can find Biltmore wines close to home with our Retail Locator,” said Jill.

Join the Vanderbilt Wine Club®

Vanderbilt Wine Club Christmas party
Enjoy members-only events like our annual Christmas party

Give a year of wine to someone special with a gift membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club. Members receive three hand-selected Biltmore wines each season, shipped direct to your door, and the first club shipment ships free.

In addition, members save up to 25% on all wine purchases online or at the estate, plus complimentary premium wine tastings, access to first release wines, members-only events, and much more. 

Crowdsourcing Biltmore’s 2019 Christmas Wine Labels

Written by

Thank you for enjoying this archived information about our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels!

Ready to pour on the cheer this holiday season? We’re excited to share the process of crowdsourcing our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore® Wine labels!

“In previous years, we held a competition for artists to share their interpretation of what Christmas at Biltmore means to them,” said Jill Whitfield, senior wine marketing manager. “We chose several finalists, then asked our online audience to vote for their favorite design.”

Crowdsourcing for creativity

In 2018, Biltmore Wines decided to shake things up a bit. Instead of asking artists to submit their work, they asked our Facebook followers to help them develop that year’s Christmas label, one step at a time.

It worked so well that we decided to repeat the process of crowdsourcing our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Wine labels.

Creating mood boards

Mood boards with frosty and cozy themes

Mood boards featuring #Frosty and #Cozy elements

“First, we worked with Biltmore’s art team to create a pair of mood boards,” Jill explained. “One featured #Frosty elements including a palette of cool, wintry colors and silvery metallics. The other was #Cozy, with warmer tones and sparkling gold ornaments. We then posted them on Facebook and asked our fans and followers to vote for their favorite mood.” 

Setting the tone

For the second phase of voting, Lisa Vogel, Art Director, pulled together two “tone” boards so voters could choose between themes representing a #Vintage look represented by an old-fashioned Christmas card and a #Modern look with a clean graphic feel.

Facebook fans liked both of the themes, but their final preference was for #Vintage.

Theme boards with #Modern and #Vintage elements

Boards with #Contemporary and #Vintage themes

Crowd favorite

With the mood and theme decided, it was time to get Asheville artist Jeff Pittman involved in the project. He drew inspiration from the boards to create two representations of Biltmore on which Facebook followers would have the final vote.

Both #Vista and #Reflections were popular, but #Reflections—featuring the west façade of Biltmore House on the hill above the Lagoon—was the winner.

Jeff refined the initial #Reflections painting he created with more detail and a few more festive touches. “Everyone loved both of Jeff Pittman’s offerings” said Lisa, “but I think it may have been the peaceful pair of Canadian geese crossing the Lagoon that made #Reflections such a crowd favorite!”

Paintings showing different views of Biltmore House

Jeff Pittman’s two representations of a Biltmore Christmas scene

Creating original artwork

What happened next?

“Jeff went to work in his studio,” Lisa said, “and created the final artwork that would become the labels for our 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine and Christmas at Biltmore White Wine.”

Asheville artist Jeff Pitman painting the 2019 Biltmore Christmas Wine label

Jeff Pittman at work on the 2019 Christmas at Biltmore Wine label

The finished label celebrates the natural splendor of this special season at Biltmore. 

“The voters made it clear what they wanted,” said Jill, “and that’s why crowdsourcing is such a great way to engage your audience—it gives your most loyal followers a voice in what you’re creating for them.”

Finished painting for the 2019 Biltmore Christmas wine label

Finished artwork in Jeff’s studio

Join us at the Winery on the following dates in November and December to meet artist Jeff Pittman and have your bottles of Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine and Christmas at Biltmore White Wine signed by him.

Meet the artist

  • November 8, 4 p.m.–6 p.m.
  • December 13, 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

Pour on the cheer with Biltmore wines

Christmas tree with Biltmore wines and desserts

Choose any of our fine wines for holiday celebrations

Purchase any of our fine wines—including Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine (soft and fruit-forward with flavors of berry and spice to complement holiday dishes including ham, turkey, and blackberry pie à la mode) and Christmas at Biltmore White Wine (fragrant and semi-sweet with flavors of apricot, spice, and citrus to pair with holiday dishes like sweet potato casserole, apple pie, and pumpkin pie)—at estate shops or online.