Biltmore Holiday Wine Guide Posted on November 3, 2025 at 4:08 pm.Written by Jean Sexton 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 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 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 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. Share fine wines: Consider The Hunt Sonoma County Red Blend or Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Blanc de Blancs and Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling, our finest sparkling wines, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise from outstanding estate-grown grapes. Pair with flair: Opt for long-time guest favorite Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, versatile Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay, or our smooth Biltmore Estate® Red Blend. Sweeten the season: Delight someone special with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine, lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc, and our charming Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection Christmas Wine Duo. Join the club: Become a Vanderbilt Wine Club® member or give a year of wine to someone special with a gift membership. Savor hand-selected Biltmore wines each season, save up to 25% on all wine purchases online or at the estate, enjoy access to first release wines and members-only events, and much more. Savor Christmas with Biltmore wines 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! 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, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo, and Antler Hill® Carneros Pinot Noir. Biltmore Holiday Wine Guide: Bring home the best for your holidays! 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.
Gift giving with Biltmore Wines? Wrap it up! Posted on October 28, 2025 at 1:58 pm.Written by Jean Sexton When holiday gift giving includes Biltmore wines, wrap them up with the following easy DIY options from an estate expert so everyone on your list will know how much they mean to you! Make gift giving more meaningful Share the gift of Biltmore wines this holiday season! After her 23-year career in floral design at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, Hope Wright offers easy options for wrapping bottles of Biltmore wine and wine-themed items to make your gift giving even more meaningful. Dress up a plain wine gift bag with a bright bow and a tassel or other ornamentation. “I love Biltmore wines and I often give them as gifts, especially during the holiday season,” said Hope. “And while there’s nothing wrong with simply placing a bottle of wine in a gift bag, it’s also nice to wrap it in a creative way that says ‘you’re special’ to your recipient.” Timeless natural elements “Here are two easy ideas that look beautiful using a little bit of ribbon and the kind of greenery you can often cut from your own backyard or local park,” Hope said. “It doesn’t take much to make a big impact.” Crown of ivy Craft a simple “crown of ivy” to adorn the top of a wine bottle. Clip an 18-inch strand of fresh ivy. Wrap it several times around the neck of the wine bottle, tucking the end of the vine into itself to keep it in place. Choose a narrow, patterned ribbon to tie a simple shoestring-style bow and attach it to the ivy crown with wired twine. As a finishing touch, clip the ends of the ribbon bow to a length you like and wind the ends of wired twine into a few whimsical tendrils that complement the ivy. Expert tip: Attach the bow off center so the wine label shows prominently.Wine suggestion: Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé offers delicate flavors of cherry, apricot, and raspberry, and the soft coral color shows off natural elements like the crown of ivy to perfection! This gift-wrapping treatment couldn’t be more simple or more beautiful! Ribbon wrapping Wrap a length of burlap ribbon around the wine bottle just below its mid-section, making sure not to cover up the label. Choose a different type of ribbon to tie a simple bow around the bottle, centering it over the first ribbon for contrast. Once you have the ribbons and the bow in place, tuck in any type of greenery you like. Expert tip: Use two different colors of greenery to create more interest and texture. Consider arborvitae (shown here), sprigs of ivy, or twigs with berries—the possibilities are endless! Wine suggestion: Like all of our exceptional Biltmore® Reserve wines, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina is handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, making it a great way to incorporate local items into your holiday gift giving. Wrap up holiday gift giving To wrap these wine bottles for gift giving, Hope used the same wrapping technique on each of them, but varied the wrapping material and trimmings. Taste of travel Create serious travel vibes by wrapping a bottle of Biltmore wine in a vintage map. For the travelers on your gift list, wrap a bottle of wine in a vintage map, like this one that Hope found in a thrift store. For an eco-friendly option, you could also opt for recycled brown craft paper or upcycled paper shopping bags. Select a map or or other interesting paper that’s at least 24″x 24″. Place the wine bottle in the center of the map and pull it up , twisting the material around the neck of the bottle. Knot a length of raffia around the neck of the bottle. Finish the look with a simple ribbon bow in a contrasting color. Expert tip: Once you’ve tied the raffia and ribbon, tuck in a bit of fresh greenery for some holiday flare.Wine suggestion: This journey-themed gift wrap pairs perfectly with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine that was inspired by George Vanderbilt’s world travels! Gift giving in grand style Look for rich fabric remnants to repurpose as gift wrap for bottles of Biltmore wine. “In addition to vintage maps, I look for beautiful fabric remnants that will make gorgeous gift wrap for wines,” said Hope. “Simply wrap the bottle, then tie a coordinating ribbon around the neck–that’s all you need to make it special.” As a bonus, Hope created an elegant pine tassel to set off the regal look of this wine gift: Clip enough white pine needles to get a full-looking tassel Hot glue the tops of the needles together. Bind the top with narrow wired craft twine to hide the glue. Expert tip: While binding the top of the tassel, make a loop of the wired craft twine to go around the neck of the bottle.Wine suggestion: Complement the grand style of this tasseled gift wrap with a bottle of our glorious Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling or award-winning Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Blanc de Blancs. Both are handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise from estate-grown and locally sourced grapes. Step-by-step: tea towel gift wrap To gift wrap a wine bottle in a tea towel, follow the easy steps shown here. “Look at each of steps shown in this instructional collage,” Hope said, “and you’ll see how easy it really is to gift wrap a wine bottle in a tea towel!” Choose a Biltmore holiday-patterned tea towel or one that matches your gift recipient’s kitchen colors. Lay the bottle in the middle of the towel about half-way down as shown in the step-by-step collage. Bring the bottom half of the towel up to partially cover the bottle. Fold the right corners in on each other like an envelope and roll the “envelope” ends around the bottle. Fold the bottom left edge of the towel like an envelope to create a pretty pleat in the fabric and finish rolling the towel around the bottle. Tie a length of wired silk ribbon into a bow around the neck of the bottle and fluff the ends of the tea towel for fullness. Expert tip: To make the gift twice as nice, add a Biltmore Christmas ornament to the bottle. Wine suggestion: Keep them guessing until the last minute when they unwrap their gift to discover an exception bottle of The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County or other favorite Biltmore wine vintage. Gift giving: bundles and baskets Bundle several items with a similar theme, like a stylish cheeseboard, a bottle of Biltmore wine, and a selection of our delicious gourmet mixes and dips. Wrap up a bountiful bundle “Here’s an easy way to create a bundle of gifts that share a common theme,” said Hope. Choose a sturdy cheeseboard and secure a bottle of Biltmore wine to it with a ribbon. Add a stack of Biltmore’s delicious gourmet food mixes and dips to the board and tie a wide ribbon around the whole bundle. For an extra surprise, turn a set of cheese knives and spreaders into a special topper for the bundle. Expert tip: Tuck a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the knives and spreaders in a crowning touch that pulls the culinary theme together and smells wonderful! Holiday hospitality in a basket Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies. Who wouldn’t want to receive a basket of holiday hospitality full of Biltmore wine and gourmet goodies, especially when it is embellished with fresh greenery and ribbons? Choose a medium-sized basket that would easily hold a collection of holiday goodies like a bottle of Biltmore sparkling wine, a selection of Biltmore mixes and dips, Wassail Drink Spice, seasonings and sauces, and a holiday tea towel. Line the basket with any type of recyclable packaging paper, and tuck in a few cardboard risers to keep smaller items from falling to the bottom. Arrange everything to your satisfaction, then fill in the background with magnolia leaves and pine cones or other greenery. Expert tip: Wire an elegant ribbon bow to the basket’s rim, and balance the look with a Biltmore Christmas ornament on the other side.Wine suggestion: Christmas at Biltmore® Sparkling Wine is perfect for all holiday celebrations and special occasions. Make holiday gift giving more merry! Wrap up your gift giving with Biltmore wines, and consider including a bottle of our sparkling grape juice for those who prefer that option. “All the ideas I’ve shown here easy to recreate,” Hope said, “and that was my goal. I hope you’ll be inspired to surprise friends and family with special touches like these that infuse your holiday gift giving with extra meaning.” Wrap up your holiday gift giving with Biltmore wines. Find everything you need to celebrate the season in style, including Biltmore wines, Biltmore sparkling grape juice, and gourmet foods, at estate shops and online.
Perfect pairings for seasonal celebrations Posted on October 10, 2025 at 11:49 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Perfect pairings of food and wine for all your seasonal celebrations start with award-winning Biltmore wines to complement your favorite flavors. “For the past 130 years, Biltmore has been welcoming guests with gracious hospitality,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore Winemaker. “Whether you’re planning a holiday happening in your home, traveling to Biltmore for a family getaway, or hosting a virtual visit with faraway friends, we’ll help you pick perfect Biltmore wine pairings for all your gatherings.” Friendsgiving (Saturday before Thanksgiving) Gather everyone around the table for perfect pairings of Biltmore wines and holiday dishes. Traditionally celebrated on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is often a less formal gathering of friends and loved ones, with dishes ranging from traditional to potluck to leftovers. “If you’re not sure what your host is serving, or if you expect a lot of different dishes, it’s a good idea to have both red and white wines on hand,” Sharon said.Friendsgiving food-and-wine pairing suggestions: Charcuterie From cheese to meat to nuts, Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo is a perfect pairing. Biltmore Grown® Beef Meatballs This recipe from Estate Executive Chef Mark Demarco is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Cranberries and Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Serve up this savory side dish with our smooth Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay. Desserts If guests are bringing a variety of desserts, be prepared to toast their thoughtfulness with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) Choose wines like our crisp Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay for perfect pairings with your Thanksgiving menu. “Thanksgiving is probably the most food-oriented holiday of the year,” said Sharon, “and we handcraft outstanding Biltmore wines pair with a wide variety of your favorite dishes.” For a traditional Thanksgiving menu, Sharon offers perfect pairings of these suggestions and recipes with our versatile Thanksgiving Trio: Charcuterie Keep your guests happy before dinner with a hearty grazing board and a glass of award-winning Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest®. Green Beans with Pancetta and Hazelnut Brown Butter Pair this sophisticated take on green beans with our smooth Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay. Roast Turkey The showpiece of your Thanksgiving dinner pairs perfectly with our approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir. Hanukkah (December 14–22, 2025) The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and makes a perfect partner for hearty holiday recipes like beef brisket. Known as the Festival of Lights, this Jewish tradition encompasses eight nights of celebration, including stories, music, gifts, and a variety of special dishes. “While Biltmore wines are not certified Kosher, we would like to offer pairings that complement the delicious foods that are such an important part of the Hanukkah festivities,” Sharon noted. Beef Brisket However you prefer to prepare it (like our Brisket with Texas-Style BBQ Sauce), brisket pairs perfectly with a bold, robust wine such as The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County. Latkes It may come as a bit of a surprise, but crispy fried potato latkes are especially good when paired with a sparkling wine like our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs. Gelt Though usually given to children, these cheerful gold-wrapped chocolate coins offer adults a perfect pairing with the rich flavor of Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine. Winter Solstice (December 21, 2025) Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing! The winter solstice marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate it in some fashion, although there are no well-established traditions for foods or activities. “If you’re planning a winter solstice gathering, or just enjoying some stargazing on the longest night of the year, it’s a good time to sip something hearty like our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec,” said Sharon. Mulled wine Chase away the chill in the air with a steaming cup of mulled wine featuring any of our Biltmore® Wassail Spice Blend mixed with our soft Biltmore Estate® Merlot or lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer. Port-style wine Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine is a port-style wine that warms up winter evenings with rich tastes of sun-dried stone fruit drizzled with hints of caramel. Christmas (December 25) Celebrate the season by pairing your favorite dishes with versatile, food-friendly Biltmore wines. “There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are people who celebrate it,” said Sharon. “Instead of selecting individual wines to complement your menu, we suggest choosing one of our convenient Biltmore wine trios to have on hand for the holidays. That way, you’ll be able to pick perfect pairings for all your seasonal occasions.” Christmas at Biltmore Wine Trio Deck your halls while enjoying our soft, fruit-forward Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection Christmas Red Wine, our fragrant, semi-sweet Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection Christmas White Wine, and our refreshing Christmas at Biltmore® Sparkling Wine. Winemaker’s Trio This outstanding three-bottle set contains our refreshing Biltmore Estate® Fumé Blanc, velvety smooth Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest, and richly layered Vanderbilt Reserve® Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Kwanzaa (December 26, 2025–January 1, 2026) Pair the rich flavors of Praline Pumpkin Pie with the light sweetness of Biltmore Century Sweet White Wine. This week-long celebration of African cultures and principles is usually individualized by families or communities, but often includes singing, dancing, storytelling, and a bountiful meal on the final night. “A Kwanzaa menu can incorporate many different foods, with as much emphasis on the sides and desserts as the main offerings,” said Sharon. “For that reason, we’ve suggested Biltmore wine pairings with a selection of some of the more traditional dishes.” Jerk chicken For spicier dishes like this, a crisp, refreshing wine like Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé is a great complement to intense flavors and peppery heat. Savory Butternut Squash Tart Savor this irresistible combination of warm spices and buttery crust with our crisp, unoaked Antler Hill® Chardonnay Carneros. Praline Pumpkin Pie A wine should always be slightly sweeter than the dessert with which it’s paired, like the unbeatable combination of Praline Pumpkin Pie with our aromatic Biltmore® Century Sweet White Wine. New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day (December 31 to January 1) Add some festive fun to your New Year’s celebrations with sparkling cocktails, like this Vanilla Pear Mimosa! Ring in the new year with a fun and festive cocktail featuring sparkling wines and good tidings for the year ahead. While New Year’s Eve is all about sparkling wine, the traditional menu for New Year’s Day calls for a bit more than bubbles to bring good luck in the coming months: Pork tenderloin, Hoppin’ John, and collard greens Some bold red wines are too much, while some white wines are too little, so we recommend pairing your New Year’s Day meal with our soft, approachable Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir—it’s just right for the occasion! Valentine’s Day (February 14) Romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day are pair perfectly with Biltmore wines. “On this most romantic holiday, there are numerous ways to celebrate, so we’ve listed some wine-and-food suggestions that allow you to pick perfect pairings for your special occasion,” Sharon said. Breakfast and brunch Start the day off right with an Orange Muscat Mimosa featuring our delightful Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat. Red wine and chocolates Pair your favorite chocolates with Ventágeo® Red Dessert Wine. Romantic dinner Prepare Bistro’s Beef Bourguignon together and pair it with Cardinal’s Crest or Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Perfect pairings for all your seasonal celebrations! Celebrate the season by pairing your favorite dishes with versatile, food-friendly Biltmore wines like Cardinal’s Crest. Find these Biltmore wines for perfect pairings—plus all your other handcrafted favorites—in estate shops, online, and close to home with our Wine Finder.
Red wine and chocolate: A perfect pairing Posted on July 28, 2025 at 3:12 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Red wine and chocolate tastes like a match made in heaven. Learn why with our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting offered daily at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, NC. How it works “Pairing red wines and chocolates is an exciting way to discover nuances in both of them,” said Tim Rutherford, one of our outstanding Winery hosts who will guide you through the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Meet your Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting host at the La Farge Window display inside Biltmore Winery. Your experience begins inside Biltmore Winery where you’ll meet your host at the La Farge Windows and kick off your experience with a glass of Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. Bubbles in hand, follow your host down Scholar’s Walk with its view of the clock tower that once kept Biltmore’s original dairy operation running on time. A sparkling start Your experience begins with a glass of Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir bubbles! As you walk–and sip your sparkling wine–your host offers a fascinating glimpse into the Biltmore’s past, from its champion Jersey dairy cows to George Vanderbilt’s grandson’s vision to develop vineyards and a winery for his family’s estate. Pairing red wines and chocolates Biltmore red wines and artisan chocolates await each member of the group. Upstairs* in the Clock Tower Room, you’ll have a chance to look over into the Tank Room where our still wines are fermented and the Champagne Bottling Room where our sparkling wines are bottled, corked, and labeled. You’ll also learn more about today’s production methods and winemaking philosophy under the direction of Executive Winemaker Sharon Fenchak. Next, take a seat at one of the bistro-style tables where your red wines and chocolates await your tasting experience. “Biltmore partners with Asheville-based Timothy Maguire Chocolates for the artisan truffles that we pair with a selection of premium Biltmore red wines,” Tim said. “This local chocolatier is able to create flavor profiles that highlight characteristics in our wines.” We pair red Biltmore wines with stunning selection of decadent artisan chocolates from Timothy Maguire Chocolates. This is the current tasting list featuring four premium Biltmore red wines and the delicious artisan chocolates selected for each pairing: Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir paired with a milk chocolate-roast pear truffle Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec paired with bourbon-pecan chocolate Antler Hill® Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with a dark chocolate fudge-filled truffle and a dark cranberry chocolate Antler Hill® Rockpile Zinfandel paired with a red raspberry chocolate You’ll taste the wines one at time in order of body style, beginning with the light-bodied Pinot Noir and moving through to the full-bodied Zinfandel. Before you begin the tasting, your host will walk you through the “4 S” method that you’ll use for each wine: See (look at the wine for color, depth, and body), Swirl (carefully swirl the wine in the glass for a few seconds to release its bouquet), Sniff (get your nose in the glass and smell the different aromas in the wine), then Sip (delicious!). Your host will have you see and swirl the wine before you smell it and sip it. What do you smell and taste in each wine? There are as many different answers as there are participants. This is a great opportunity to compare notes with the group and see what everyone else is experiencing. “While there are classic aromas and flavors associated with each wine, every person has a unique palate that reflects their individual taste buds and the types of things they’ve tasted as a reference,” said Tim. Your Winery host will guide you through each step of the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting. After you’ve tasted a wine, you’ll try the delightful chocolate selected to pair with it, and then you’ll taste them together and see how wine elements like mouthfeel and tannins are affected by cocoa levels and flavors in the chocolates. “We’ll take each wine and its corresponding chocolate one at a time for this guided tasting,” Tim said, “but afterwards, if you have any wine or chocolate left over, you can try an impromptu pairing to see how they work together.” Discover the delights of red wine and chocolate 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 $75 per person, and capacity is limited to 20 guests for each 45-minute experience. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for these popular daily tastings. To attend, you must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or be a guest at one of our hotels or cottages on the estate. Guests must be at least 21 years of age with a valid ID to participate in a specialty wine experience. To reserve your spot, call 800-543-2961 or visit a Guest Services location on the estate. *An elevator is also available to access the Clock Tower Room.
Stir up sensational sangrias with Biltmore Wines Posted on July 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton 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. White Wine Sangria Masterpiece Sangria Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, online, or try our Biltmore Wine Finder. White Wine Sangria 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 this delightful Biltmore Estate® 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 Our Masterpiece Collection wines honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a collector of fine vintages. Although traditional sangria recipes tend to feature red wines, this version with our Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection White Wine 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 (available in estate shops and online) 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 is perfect for sipping, savoring, and sangria! Take time for yourself with a glass of Biltmore Estate® 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.
Celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary with us! Posted on April 15, 2025 at 10:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Biltmore Winery in Asheville, NC, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, and we can’t wait to share our four decades of winemaking craft and care with two exceptional new wines created in honor of this milestone year! Join us as we reflect on the legacy and dedication that goes into handcrafting and sharing our estate wines with you. The beginning of Biltmore’s Winery Biltmore’s Dairy Barn (now the Winery), May 30, 1913 (Courtesy of Alice Marie Lewis) In the early 1970s, William A.V. Cecil, grandson of Biltmore founder George Vanderbilt, asked “What’s more appropriate for a French chateau than vineyards and a winery?” He answered his own question by planting grapes at Biltmore and hiring French winemaster Philipe Jourdain to guide the process. By 1983, work was underway to convert an original estate dairy barn into a state-of-the-art winery. Biltmore Winery is housed in a converted dairy barn that was original to the estate. In May 1985, Biltmore Winery opened to the public. Four decades later, we handcraft more than 150,000 cases of award-winning Biltmore wine annually in our onsite production facility. Biltmore’s woman-led winery Winemaker Sharon Fenchak uses a wine thief syphon in the Barrel Room at Biltmore Winery. Sharon Fenchak has served as Biltmore’s head winemaker since 2018, creating wines worthy of the finest Vanderbilt traditions of taste and style. She handcrafts Biltmore wines with the philosophy of keeping each one true to varietal character and consistent from vintage to vintage. “My love of science at a very young age helped shape what would become my passion for winemaking, and I fell even more in love with the idea and romance of wine when I was serving in the US Army and stationed in Vicenza, Italy,” Sharon says. Sharon Fenchak is a leader in the field of handcrafting fine wines, and she enjoys a hands-on approach to winemaking. While winemaking has traditionally been a male-dominated field, Sharon and other women winemakers are crushing that perception as they continue pouring their talents into their craft. Four decades of award-winning Biltmore wines From our own vineyards on the west side of the estate to our grape-growing partners across the nation from Virginia to California and Washington, we source only the finest fruit for Biltmore wines. Biltmore’s vineyards overlook Long Valley Lake on the west side of the estate. This strategy helps us craft a wide range of palate-pleasing wines, including popular varietals like Pinot Noir and Orange Muscat that don’t thrive in Western North Carolina’s climate. “Our weather isn’t as predictable as that of other major grape-growing regions,” explains Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Manager, “but when conditions are right, the fruit produced in our estate vineyards is exceptional and earns the Biltmore® Reserve label for our finest North Carolina vintages.” Each fall, Philip and his team harvest grapes by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate. According to Philip, when you taste our wines crafted from estate-grown grapes, you’re tasting the heart of the Appalachian Mountains—some of the oldest terroir in the world. 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. Biltmore’s Winery is better than ever! With 40 years of winemaking expertise and gracious hospitality to guide it, Biltmore Winery is more excited than ever to continue entertaining, educating, and delighting you with our family of award-winning wines. Our knowledgeable Tasting Room hosts guide you through a fun and informative tasting of Biltmore wines. “Biltmore Winery offers something for everyone, from the wine enthusiast who wants to learn more about our history and winemaking philosophy to the newcomer who just wants to taste our wines for the first time,” says Courtney Miller, Director of Winery Experience. “That’s what makes it such a wonderful part of any Biltmore visit—it’s a fun introduction to the world of wine!” “Join us for a free tasting,” Courtney advises. “You’ll choose five wines from a seasonal selection of about 20 of our best-selling varietals and blends, and our Winery hosts are on hand to assist you.” Savor a delicious charcuterie plate along with your favorite Biltmore wines at the Wine Bar. Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery is included in all types of estate admission. “The Winery is a great place to unwind at Biltmore,” says Courtney, “and a great place to gather with friends. After all, we’ve had 40 years to practice, and practice makes perfect!” Ruby-red wines for our ruby anniversary To celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary—a milestone traditionally honored with rubies—Sharon handcrafted two exceptional red wines that capture different facets of Biltmore’s working winery. The first is our 40th Anniversary Release Sonoma County Red Blend—a bold, ruby-red fusion of California-grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It pairs perfectly with a wide range of foods and occasions, from casual gatherings with family and friends to elegant evening events. Celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary with two exceptional wines: our 40th Anniversary Release Sonoma County Red Blend and Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling 2022. Savor delicious flavors of blackberry, pomegranate, spice, and oak now with aged beef, duck, stuffed mushrooms, and Gorgonzola cheese, or allow the wine’s great tannin structure to enhance its excellent aging potential. Created specifically to mark our 40th anniversary, this bold blend will be available beginning May 1 in estate shops and online while supplies last. We’re also thrilled to share a new release in honor of Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary: Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling 2022. Handcrafted in the traditional methode champenoise to create the finest bubbles, the grapes were selected from the best of North Carolina’s 2022 harvest. From appetizers to anniversaries, this outstanding red sparkling wine makes any occasion more special. Find the inaugural vintage in estate shops and online now. Visit now and celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th Anniversary! After tasting our wines, you can stock up on favorite varietals and accessories in the Wine Shop, savor charcuterie, artisan chocolates, and wines by the glass at the adjacent Wine Bar, and learn more about membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club®.
Our Winemaker’s guide to red wines Posted on January 15, 2025 at 6:06 pm.Written by Jean Sexton 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 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 wine 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 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? 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 counterparts, full-bodied reds like guest-favorite The Hunt Sonoma County Red Blend or 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 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 wines: what’s the difference? 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 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 your red wines 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 Savor the Bistro’s hearty Beef Bourguignon recipe featuring red wine from the comfort of home. If winter weather Consider tackling 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 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!”
Celebrate the Season with Biltmore Christmas Wines Posted on November 12, 2024 at 11:58 am.Written by Jean Sexton For the 2024 holiday season, Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines are available at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, in our online store, and in many local retail and grocery stores in the Southeast. Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines For 2024, our Christmas at Biltmore wine labels feature an exterior view of Biltmore House and the facade of the Conservatory in the Walled Garden. “The release of our annual Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines marks the start of the holiday season, and we welcome you to taste them at the Winery during our Christmas at Biltmore celebration,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. Local artist creates our Christmas labels Asheville artist Olga Dorenko created original artwork for our Christmas at Biltmore wines. In one of our favorite time-honored traditions, we selected a local artist to create original designs for the label of each Christmas at Biltmore wine. Olga Dorenko of Asheville, NC, was asked to capture two different aspects of Biltmore’s beauty during the Christmas season. For the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine, she showcased the iconic exterior of Biltmore House with decorated Christmas trees on the Front Lawn and a swirl of bright leaves framing the scene. Olga’s vivid artwork work showcases her emphasis on color and nature. The Conservatory graces the label of this year’s Christmas at Biltmore White Wine. Olga caught it just at sunset when the last of the light casts a rosy glow over the grand, glass-topped structure in the Walled Garden. “My paintings, inspired by local, national, and international landscapes, highlight color and light,” said Olga. “I have always had a deep appreciation for color.” Olga at work in her studio. During her time as a classical art student, Olga noted that she spent a considerable amount of time mixing and blending colors. This longstanding and intense relationship with color in her artistic training is displayed in her current work, including the two Christmas at Biltmore wine labels “Through my use of color, I can lend a contemporary interpretation to my otherwise realistic landscapes,” said Olga. Pour on the cheer with Biltmore wines! Savor this year’s Christmas at Biltmore Red and White wines with your favorite holiday flavors! Whether you’re in the mood for a fragrant, semi-sweet blended white wine or a soft, fruit-forward red blend, 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 anyone on your gift list. Savor our Christmas at Biltmore wines with a complimentary tasting at the Winery and purchase them in estate shops. You’ll also find our Christmas wines—and all your other handcrafted favorites—online at shop.biltmore.com or in select local retailers.
Halloween How-to: Pairing Biltmore Wine with Candy Posted on October 10, 2024 at 10:34 am.Written by Jean Sexton There’s nothing scary about enjoying Biltmore wines with your favorite sweets! Take spooky-season fun to the next level with our special Halloween how-to on pairing Biltmore wine with classic candy at home. The same principles that apply to successful food-and-wine pairings also work with candy. For desserts, you’d normally choose a wine that’s sweeter than the dish you’re serving, but this Halloween how-to focuses on pairings that add a little sophistication and a lot of fun to the mix. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling pairs perfectly with tri-colored candy corn Complement candy corn For those who love the seasonal stripes and sugary sweetness of old-fashioned candy corn, it’s twice as nice with a glass of Biltmore Estate® Riesling. Our Riesling features sweet apricot aromas, light honey flavors, and a crisp finish that provides a pleasant balance for the pure sweetness and soft, waxy texture of candy corn. For a special Halloween treat, savor smooth, creamy peanut butter cups with our approachable Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay Peanut butter perfection If your Halloween traditions include snagging all the chocolate-covered peanut butter cups out of the treat bags to savor later, we suggest you consider complementing the dynamic duo with our approachable Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay. This is a pairing that surprises people, because you don’t normally pair peanut butter with wine. But if you think about it, what’s more perfect with peanut butter than grape jelly, which gives you a point of reference. Our Chardonnay also works well because it’s a delightfully smooth wine with fruit flavors and hints of oak that enhance most food flavors. It’s also crisp and offers good acidity to balance the higher fat content and rich mouthfeel of peanut butter. Savor the dark side by pairing Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvédre with peppermint patties Savor the dark side While chocolate is frequently served with red wine, the combination of dark chocolate and a strong mint filling makes pairing classic peppermint patties a bit of a challenge, but we say it’s okay to savor the dark side with our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvèdre. This wine offers wonderful aromas of black cherry, vanilla, and soft oak that carry through to the palate with flavors of chocolate, blueberry, vanilla, subtle hints of cedar, and soft tannins. It has a kind of rustic elegance that complements the sophisticated notes of dark chocolate and peppermint. Create a sweet-and-sour surprise by pairing Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc with sour gummy candy! Sweet-and-sour surprise This is another surprising pairing, mostly because nobody thinks about trying sweet-and-sour Halloween candy with wine—especially an elegant white varietal like Sauvignon Blanc! The pairing works on two levels, beginning with the bright citrus aromas of Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc that complement the playful scent of the candy. Smell them separately and you’ll start to understand how they can work together. The Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, with refreshing flavors of peach and a touch of minerality that keeps the candy from being overly sweet, making them perfect partners for each other. Cheer to pairing Halloween candy with your favorite Biltmore wines! Halloween how-to with Biltmore wine Ready to try our Halloween how-to and savor Biltmore wines at home with your favorite trick-or-treat candy? Find our award-winning wines at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, online, or close to home with our Wine Finder.
Visit itinerary: Food & wine lover’s guide to Biltmore Posted on August 21, 2024 at 8:00 am.Written by Heather Angel Beyond the grandeur of the Gilded Age chateau, you might be surprised to learn that Biltmore Estate is a culinary haven for food and wine lovers! At Biltmore, gracious hospitality has always included an emphasis on fine dining. The Vanderbilts’ table featured the freshest offerings from their market garden, farm, and dairy. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, you are cordially invited to savor Vanderbilt-inspired field-to-table freshness with our estate-grown ingredients, gourmet dining, regional comfort foods, and award-winning wines. This food and wine lover’s guide to Biltmore features a selection of our options and is designed to be easily tailored based on your restaurant preferences, dietary needs, and other estate activities you have planned during your visit to Biltmore. Bon appétit! Jump start your day with a hearty breakfast at Village Social. 🥞 Morning Whether you’re waking up on the estate or arriving early, get fueled up for a day filled with exploration, learning, restoration, and adventure with a hearty breakfast at Village Social (inside Village Hotel) or The Dining Room (inside The Inn). Coffee drinkers, be sure to order a cup (or two!) of our exclusive Biltmore coffee blend that you can’t get anywhere else. If a light breakfast is more your speed, stop by The Kitchen Café (inside Village Hotel) or The Bake Shop (by Biltmore House) for a delectable pastry and cup of Joe on the go. For a more casual food and wine experience, dine at Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village. 🥗 Mid-Day By the time lunch comes around, you’ve no doubt worked up an appetite! If you’re in the Biltmore House and Gardens area, Stable Café features Appalachian comfort food in a truly unique setting (the historic horse stables) while Courtyard Market and The Conservatory Café are excellent options for more casual, quick bites. Meanwhile, in the Antler Hill Village area, you’ll find mouth-watering pub fare at Cedric’s Tavern, grab-and-go Carolina barbeque at The Smokehouse Food Truck, and light bites at The Creamery… all within walking distance! Discover our award winning wines with a complimentary wine tasting at the Winery! 🥂 Afternoon We know that 5 o’clock comes early when you’re on vacation, so be sure to visit our estate Winery (in Antler Hill Village) where you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and shop for your new favorite varietals at the Wine Shop, both housed inside our historic Biltmore Dairy Barn. Just across the “Scholar’s Walk,” you’ll find our Wine Bar, which is perfect for enjoying our award-winning wines by the glass or bottle paired with light fare, like charcuterie. Craving a little afternoon treat? Discover a match made in heaven with our Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting at the Winery, featuring locally made Timothy Maguire Chocolates, or swing by The Creamery (also in Antler Hill Village) for an Instagrammable confection. Indulge in a four-star food and wine experience at The Dining Room. 🍽️ Evening Cap off your day with an elegant, four-star meal at The Dining Room (inside The Inn on Biltmore Estate), where world-class service inspired by the Vanderbilt legacy and estate-raised ingredients shine. For more award-winning dining, nearby Cedric’s Tavern offers a more casual atmosphere and classic English pub favorites, while Bistro’s menu highlights the charms of Europe and seasonal ingredients. No matter where you choose to dine on the estate, be sure to raise a glass and toast to a day well spent. Bistro’s menu highlights the charms of Europe and seasonal food and wine pairings. Additional Food and Wine Visit Planning Tips: Below are a few additional tips for planning your visit to Biltmore Estate. Check Current Hours: Restaurant opening and closing times vary throughout the year, so be sure to check our current Hours of Operations to know what will be available during your visit. Plan Ahead: In addition to daily reservations required for entry to Biltmore House, reservations for sit-down meals are strongly recommended and can be made online. To dine on the estate, guests must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties. 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. Make it a Getaway: With so many great food and wine experiences to savor, treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable getaway with an overnight stay on Biltmore Estate or join our Passholder family. Field-to-Table Fun: We have multiple ways to learn about our field-to-table philosophy at Biltmore! For in-depth discovery, be sure to visit our Winery and Farmyard in Antler Hill Village or consider booking a guided activity like our Farm to Table Tour & Taste experience (available exclusively to overnight guests and Passholders; availability is subject to change). Don’t Forget Your Mementos: Visit our shops to find unique gourmet treats, like award-winning Biltmore Wines or Biltmore Grown foods, including honey from our estate beehives, to bring the Biltmore legacy home with you.