Biltmore Wines for Warm Weather Sipping Posted on June 20, 2024 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Our award-winning Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping, whether you’re packing a picnic, entertaining friends and family outdoors, or simply relaxing on your porch or patio this summer! Here are suggestions from our winemaker… Put Biltmore wines on your “bucket list” for summer sipping! Keep it crisp and refreshing Biltmore Estate winemaker Sharon Fenchak recommends focusing on lighter, drier, more acidic wines during the warmest months of the year. According to Sharon, these wines refresh your palate in the same way lemonade does when the weather heats up and you feel more thirsty. “Sweeter wines tend to leave you thirsty, while wines with higher acidity such as our own crisp Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc can actually quench your thirst on a warm spring or summer day,” Sharon said. Enjoy warm weather sipping with Biltmore white wines by the glass or bottle. White wines for warm-weather sipping “Another great choice is Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Fumé Blanc. It features notes of tropical fruit notes with hints of oak, vanilla, and spice,” said Sharon, “and it pairs beautifully with salads, chicken, and grilled fish–the kinds of food you tend to serve in warmer weather. Sharon also recommends Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio. With its spicy citrus finish, it’s an especially nice option for sipping outdoors on spring and summer evenings. Prefer a cool, elegant classic white wine for summer sipping? Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay offers crisp fruit flavor and hints of oak to complement everything from grilled vegetables to chicken and seafood. Enjoy summer sipping and entertaining outdoors with your favorite Biltmore wines. Pick the perfect rosé for warm weather Rosé drinkers will appreciate our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé, a surprisingly dry wine with delicate layers of berry flavors. It’s perfect with chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage–serve it along with all those smoky grilled favorites at your next backyard barbecue–or enjoy it as an ingredient in a refreshing cocktail. Add some sparkle to warm weather sipping with our Cardinal’s Crest Sangria! Warm-weather sippers for red wine lovers Sharon recommends mellow, versatile reds for the warm-weather sipping; one of the best is Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest—a smooth, easy-to-drink blend. “Enjoy it by the glass, or mix up a pitcher of fruity sangria to sip in the shade,” Sharon said. “Your friends will thank you!” Enjoy our sparkling wine poolside during warm weather, just like this guest at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. Biltmore bubbles are festive and fun! Like something bubbly? Sparkling wines like our Biltmore Estate® Brut, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise style, are perfect for warm weather sipping on their own and as the base of mimosas or other cocktails. Cheers are on the horizon! Cool down with the 20-minute rule “Whatever wine you prefer, make sure you chill it first, even if it’s a red wine,” said Sharon. She suggests that you cool reds for about 20 minutes before you serve them. For white wines, remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to serving so their aromas and flavors can be released. “The most important rule of wine? Drink what you like, regardless of the time of year!” Sharon said. Biltmore wines are perfect for your warm-weather gatherings! Enjoy sipping Biltmore wines all summer long Find your favorite Biltmore wines at Biltmore Estate shops, restaurants, and our Winery—or closer to home with our Wine Finder. You can also order by phone at 800-968-0558, or purchase our wines online. In addition, summer is a great time to explore our Vanderbilt Wine Club®, with seasonal shipments delivered directly to your door, plus invitations to members-only events and more!
Growth in Biltmore’s Vineyard Throughout the Year Posted on May 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Believe it or not, Biltmore’s first vines were planted right next to America’s Largest Home® around 1971. What started as a testing ground for hybrid varietals has flourished into a 50-acre vineyard on the west side of the estate with varietals such as Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. From bud break to harvest, we invite you to follow along as Phil Oglesby, Vineyard Manager, shares a glimpse at the stages of growth in our Bitlmore Estate vineyards throughout the year. During the bud break stage of the vineyard lifecycle, the vines are extremely sensitive at this time and young shoots must be protected. Early Spring: Buds break and new growth begins “The first major event of spring in any vineyard is bud break,” said Phil, “and Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate is no different. Even though we’re already working with the vines, that first hint of a bud breaking open gives us a sense of urgency that the growing season is underway.” Once bud break occurs, typically around late March, the vineyard crew becomes even more vigilant because Western North Carolina remains under a frost warning until mid-May. “Protecting the tender, developing green shoots is a priority. We have several strategies we can deploy during a spring freeze to help mitigate damage,” Phil said. “There are wind turbines in the field to keep the air moving so the frost doesn’t settle on the fragile buds, and we can spray the vines with water so they’re encased in ice, which protects them from freezing temperatures, but grapes are still a field crop that is affected by the weather.” The flower bud (inflorescence) contains hundreds of flowers, but not all will turn into berries. In order to thrive, warmth and sunlight are crucial. Late Spring: Biltmore’s vineyard blooms As spring’s warmer weather returns, our estate vineyard sees substantial leaf growth in the young shoots fueled by the carbohydrates stored during the dormant winter months. Soon, the vines will bloom with tiny self-pollinating flowers that are destined to become grapes. Nature is the best protector during these critical times. We focus on creating an optimal habitat through sustainable practices. Biltmore’s vineyards are flush with bright green grape clusters during the summertime. Early Summer: Fruiting in time for NC Wine Month Each May serves as a time for celebration for Biltmore Wines. Not only is it the anniversary month for the opening of our Winery in 1985, but it’s also North Carolina Wine Month. Meanwhile, the days are getting longer and warmer and the danger of frost has passed. Fruit clusters begin to form under the leaves. Known as “berries,” these hard green fruits don’t look much like mature grapes, but they continue to ripen. The summer months set the stage for the fall harvest. As the berries develop, also known as fruit set, our growers get their first look at the amount of grapes the vineyard will potentially yield and the amount of wine we will produce. The swelling of the grapes with water increases the sugar and tannin levels while reducing the acid levels, all the while accumulating color and flavors. Mid-Summer: Veraison signals the countdown to harvest In the beginning, all berries are green, but as they ripen, they transform into beautiful hues of red, purple, and golden through a process called veraison. Phil said, “By mid-July, you should notice some color coming into the grapes—light gold for the Chardonnay and speckles of purple for the Cabernets.” This noticeable change in color marks a tipping point in the growth process where the plant begins focusing energy on ripening and sweetening the fruit. This change also signals to the teams that the countdown to harvest is underway! Biltmore’s grapes are harvested by hand every year! Late Summer: Gearing up for harvest season In every wine-growing region, harvest preparation is one of the busiest times of the year for vineyards and wineries. Phil and his crew work to prepare the equipment, including hand clippers and flat containers for carrying grape clusters without damaging the fruit. “Executive Winemaker Sharon Fenchak frequently visits the vineyard, especially as the fruit develops on the vine,” said Phil. “We work together to try predicting harvest yields and we keep a close watch for potential problems that can be minimized with our control. The vineyard team has a shared goal of providing the Winery with the best possible fruit we can produce.” The crafting of fine wines relies on cooperation and good communication between the teams. A close look at Biltmore wines—especially during harvest—reveals the benefits of such a relationship. The ripeness of grapes and weather conditions determine the start of harvest. Sweetness, alcohol content, and acidity are all affected by time. Early Fall: Harvesting our finest fruit Once harvest begins, the crew will work from sunrise to late afternoon, carefully gathering the ripe fruit that will become the heart of our Biltmore wines in the years to come. Chardonnay is one of the early-ripening grapes on Biltmore’s west side vineyard. With Mother Nature’s cooperation, Phil and his team will typically begin harvesting this varietal in late August. All grapes are hand-picked, with harvests averaging 130 tons annually, and transported to our winery and production facility located in Antler Hill Village where the winemaking process begins. Snow protects the vines against icy winter temperatures and aids their hibernation. Winter: Caring for the vines during cooler months Despite what you might think, the vineyard work continues during the winter months. Though the weather may have turned, the dormant vines still need care. Our teams remain hard at work, pruning and protecting the vines to keep them healthy and strong. While the vines rest, our winemaker continues to craft the recent harvest into wines worthy of sipping and savoring. Barrels are filled to the bung hole to compensate for natural evaporation (or for a taste test!), ensuring the quality of the wine inside. And then, like clockwork, each year, winter gives way to early spring and the cycle begins again… Our viticulture program honors the Vanderbilt heritage to create new opportunities for the family’s estate in harmony with Biltmore’s mission of preservation. Year-Round: Sourcing the finest fruit for our wines You may have “heard through the grapevine” that in addition to our estate vineyard, we also work closely with partner growers in California and Washington who help supply fruit for our portfolio of wines, most of which are handcrafted at the estate. “Our partners are an important part of our wine program at Biltmore’s Winery,” says Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “We spend a lot of time with growers from around the Monterey, Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino wine regions.” Sharon explains that the importance of these long-standing relationships with all our partner growers ensures that the quality of our wines is as consistent as possible from vintage to vintage. For a true grape-to-glass experience, savor our Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina varietals, each featuring estate-grown grapes. Savor the fruits of our labor Join us at Biltmore’s Winery and Wine Bar in Antler Hill Village to discover new and favorite vintages of our award-winning wines. Be sure to look for varietals featuring estate-grown grapes, like our Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Chardonnay. Our wines are also available in estate shops, at retailers near you, online, and through our Vanderbilt Wine Club®. No matter where you’re enjoying your Biltmore wines, we invite you to raise a glass in honor of our grape growers, vineyards, and winemakers across the nation!
Exotic Orchids Bloom on This Wine Label Posted on March 11, 2024 at 2:23 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Discover how the exotic orchids that “bloom” on the labels of our latest Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Wines are entwined with our history. Orchids at Biltmore Glorious blooms in the Orchid Room inside the Conservatory at Biltmore. Each release in our Masterpiece Collection is specially created to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a collector of extraordinary treasures and exceptional vintages. “We chose orchids for the labels of our latest Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Wines because George Vanderbilt enjoyed them,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “I love orchids, too, and appreciate sharing that connection with Mr. Vanderbilt.” Local artist creates the labels Artist Bryan Koontz of Weaverville, NC, spent time in the Orchid Room in the Conservatory, studying the beautiful blooms–some of which are the same varieties that landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted originally ordered for Biltmore. Bryan Koontz created this series of sketches, eventually narrowing the field down to four specific blooms. After sketching many different orchids, the field was narrowed to four different varieties. Bryan then painted original watercolors of each bloom to create a series of four labels that capture each of the different orchids with all their glorious details. Bryan created original watercolor paintings featuring four different orchids for the Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines. Wine tasting notes and pairing suggestions Savor our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines separately, or collect the entire “bouquet” with four beautiful orchid labels! For this Masterpiece Collection release, Sharon handcrafted two different wines: a crisp, smooth, and refreshing white blend and a fragrant, fresh, and delicious rosé. Masterpiece Collection White Wine is light-to-medium-bodied and features a soft floral aroma with hints of spice and citrus followed by flavors of white peach and clementine. With nicely balanced acidity and sweetness, it pairs perfectly with quiche, pasta Alfredo, Italian wedding soup, and delicate spring vegetables. Masterpiece Collection Rosé Wine is light-to-medium-bodied and opens with delicate vanilla and floral aromas that give way to juicy flavors of strawberry and rock candy, plus bright acidity. Sip this well-balanced wine as an aperitif before serving with charcuterie, shellfish, olives, crudités, or a classic bagna cauda dipping sauce for fresh vegetables. Both Masterpiece Collection wines are perfect for brunch, light luncheons, and spring celebrations. Enjoy them separately or collect a beautiful “bouquet” featuring all four orchid varieties! Discover all of our wines, including the Masterpiece Collection Enjoy our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines at your next brunch or luncheon! Find all of our wines, including Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines, in estate shops, online, or through your local retailer. These limited release wines are available while supplies last.
Pumpkin Spice Sangria Recipe Posted on November 1, 2023 at 8:00 am.Written by Karina Hux Fall in love with this ‘not-so-basic’ Pumpkin Spice Sangria that’s just as cozy as your favorite sweater. This refreshing blend combines the crispness of autumn fruit with an unexpected punch of pumpkin spice. Whether you’re serving it in a wine glass or out of a punch bowl, it’s the ideal way to add some spice to your fall festivities. Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, online, or find a Biltmore wine retailer near you. Biltmore Estate Chardonnay is the star of this cozy fall sangria. Pumpkin Spice Sangria Total time: 5 minutes Serving Size: 1 gallon Ingredients: ¾ cup granulated sugar 11 ounces pineapple juice 11 ounces apple juice 4 ounces pumpkin syrup 3 bottles Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay 10 ounces club soda 3 granny smith apples 5-6 cinnamon sticks Instructions: Pour the sugar and pineapple juice into a small saucepot. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely. Transfer the mixture to a punch bowl. Add the apple juice, pumpkin syrup, and Biltmore Estate Chardonnay to the bowl. Stir to combine. Slice or chop the apples (according to your preference) and add them to the sangria, along with several cinnamon sticks. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Just before serving, stir in the club soda. Serve and enjoy!
Stocking, Storing, And Savoring Biltmore Wines Posted on September 28, 2023 at 9:20 am.Written by Jean Sexton Whether you’re stocking, storing, or savoring Biltmore wines, this is our most important tip: enjoy the process! Wine cellars don’t have to be stuffy–evaluate your space and your lifestyle for options! Lots of people think that stocking a wine cellar or storing wines is a stuffy, old-fashioned business, but that’s an outdated idea. We want you to enjoy every part of the experience—especially savoring Biltmore wines! 1. Evaluate your storage options No wine cellar? No problem–consider dedicating a cabinet in your kitchen or other area of your home. When deciding which wines to stock, first evaluate your available storage space. Don’t worry if you don’t have the luxury of a wine cellar (few of us do), but instead ensure that your space is dark, away from movement or vibrations, not too hot or cold (55F˚ is ideal), and has a humidity level between 50% and 80%. A cool spot in a closet or cabinet away from exterior walls and removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of your home will allow your wine to rest comfortably until it is called into service. 2. Consider your lifestyle With Biltmore wines, all your holiday gatherings are seasoned with cheer! Reflect on your favorite ways to indulge when stocking your wines. Are you a homebody who will be drinking a weeknight wine to relax after work? Or a social butterfly who regularly attends cocktail and dinner parties? Map out your month and decide what will work best for your needs and your budget. Include which foods you are more likely to cook at home (see our wine recommendations list below for ideas!) in your decision-making process. 3. Try different wines Savor our outstanding Biltmore wines with a grazing board at your next gathering For a fun and economical way to taste and choose, host a wine party with a variety of sweet and spicy hors d’oeuvres and invite your guests to bring a “new to them” bottle within a designated price limit. While you’re out and about, watch for sales to try something different with less risk. For an even more targeted experience, savor a tasting at Biltmore Winery and discuss your options with our experienced wine hosts while you sample a selection of award-winning favorites*. 4. Plan ahead Enjoy your favorite red wines any time, from fireside sipping to celebrating special occasions. Review the special occasions that lie on your winter horizon. Will you be marking a milestone birthday, enjoying a romantic Valentine’s Day meal, or attending an intimate gathering with friends? Invest in a few choice bottles to have on hand so you’ll always have a thoughtful gift or be able to celebrate your own meaningful moments. Be sure to set aside a bottle or two for special occasions in years to come–this gives you a perfect opportunity to experiment with the effects aging will have on different varietals. Biltmore’s wine recommendations Enjoy savoring a wide selection of Biltmore wines! To start or stock your cellar, try these winning Biltmore wines: Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay: When grilling outdoors, the subtle oak flavors of Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay pair perfectly with salmon, chicken, and foil-wrapped vegetable packets. Indoors, think creamy pasta or clam chowder. Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé: If you think it’s just for summer, it’s time to rethink rosé! Ours is refreshing whether served chilled or at room temperature and features crisp layers of delicate berry flavors that complement chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec: A wild game dish like venison or bison burgers will be the perfect complement to a Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec, or try spicy, vibrant flavors such as those found in chimichurri sauce or Spanish tapas. Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon: Steak, short ribs, and hearty vegetables such as squash and portabella mushrooms are perfect with the smooth, vanilla-scented flavor of Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon. Vanderbilt Reserve® Sonoma County Pinot Noir: Elegant and easy to drink, this versatile wine is right at home whether accompanying roasted pork and poultry or classic pasta dishes with a tomato-based sauce. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo: For a well-rounded wine that can stand on its own or complement hearty flavors, sip our spicy, fruit-forward Tempranillo by the glass or serve with beef, pork, or lamb dishes and Gruyère cheese. Biltmore Estate® Sparkling Wines: Handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise at our estate winery, each of our spectacular sparkling wines offers crisp, refreshing flavor and fine bubbles perfect for toasting special occasions or pairing with your favorite foods. Savor Biltmore wines now Savor all your special small moments with Biltmore wines! The world of wine is fascinating, and the more you learn, the more addictive it can become. Relish the journey of discovery and make it a fun process. Keep your stock replenished from the comfort of home with the convenience of online shopping, or join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® to receive a curated shipment delivered to your door each season. You’ll thank yourself the rest of the year!
Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest® Wine Takes Flight! Posted on March 16, 2023 at 2:17 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest wine takes flight with a breathtaking new label that will help you see this long-time guest favorite in a whole new light. Cardinal’s Crest tasting notes Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest Winemaker’s Blend is an easy-drinking red wine that pairs well with a wide variety of your favorite flavors. Scents of tobacco, herbs, blackberry, and pepper hint at the savory side of Cardinal’s Crest while flavors of cherry and black currant with soft tannins make the velvety smooth red blend a soft, easy-drinking wine perfect for pairing with traditional Southern fare and other hearty favorites. Historic inspiration One of two ornate embroidered 17th-century Cardinal Richelieu hangings that George Vanderbilt collected. Both original textiles are now in storage due to their age and fragility. “For many years, Cardinal’s Crest has enjoyed a loyal following with those who appreciate how approachable it is,” said Meghan Forest, Associate Curator. “But you may not know that this wine’s story is rooted in one of George Vanderbilt’s most interesting possessions: a pair of 17th-century hangings embroidered with gold and silver threads.” According to Meghan, the original hangings once belonged to Cardinal Richelieu (1585–1642), a French clergyman, nobleman, and statesman who served as Chief Minister for King Louis XIII. This likeness of Cardinal Richelieu, engraved by Robert Nanteuil, is one of many prints that George Vanderbilt collected and displayed in Biltmore House. “These ornate textiles are a fascinating part of Biltmore’s extensive collection, and they definitely illustrate George Vanderbilt’s deep interests in history, politics, religion, and the arts,” said Meghan. “The hangings are a beautiful dark red silk velvet with embroidery and threadwork in real gold and silver. They hung in Biltmore House in the past, and though we wish we could still display these exceptional pieces for our guests, textiles tend to become very fragile as they age, so we have now placed them in storage to conserve them and prevent further deterioration,” Meghan said. Modern inspiration The Northern Cardinal is North Carolina’s state bird. The distinctive red coloration and black markings denote the male (left) while the female (right) has more subdued protective coloration. “The name Cardinal’s Crest was selected to honor these extraordinary hangings in Biltmore’s collection, and to echo the rich, velvety red depths of the wine itself–a perfect pairing of past and present!” said Meghan. It is difficult to tell such a complex story on the back label of a wine bottle, and over time, Cardinal’s Crest became associated with a different type of cardinal: North Carolina’s state bird. “It makes sense because male cardinals are a vivid red with a distinctive crest of feathers on their head, and because Biltmore is so deeply rooted in North Carolina history,” Meghan said. Creating the new Cardinal’s Crest label In 2022, Biltmore’s wine team decided it was time to share the story of Cardinal’s Crest more broadly, so they turned to Lisa Vogel, Art Director, for a new label that would illustrate the appeal of this easy-drinking red blend. “For years, Cardinal’s Crest has flown under the radar of many wine enthusiasts, but Biltmore’s winemakers have always handcrafted it with the same high-quality grapes that you’d expect from any of our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release wines,” said Lisa. Flight of fancy The new Cardinal’s Crest label features production techniques such as gold foil and holographic foil stamps that create iridescence and a sense of movement. If you look closely at the cardinal, you’ll see that it’s composed of elements from the original hangings, while the gold lines in the background reference the golden embroidery threads. Lisa took inspiration from the historic Richelieu hangings and the modern take on North Carolina’s state bird, weaving both halves of the story together in a stunning label that immediately makes you want to know more about the wine in the bottle. The Richelieu family coat of arms includes a central silver ground with three crimson chevrons like you see in the hangings. The motto ‘Semper Idem’ translates to ‘Always the Same’ in Latin, which is also a good motto for a delicious wine like Cardinal’s Crest that is consistent from vintage to vintage! “I took some of the most compelling details from the original hangings and created a dynamic cardinal in flight,” Lisa said. “It was a bit of ‘upcycling,’ if you will–using existing elements from a piece in Biltmore’s collection to create a fresh look for a new generation of wine enthusiasts.” Using a variety of production techniques to further enhance the finished design, Lisa including a gold hot foil stamp printed on the label to mimic the original gold threads. Detail of the 17th-century Cardinal Richelieu hangings in the Biltmore collection. The star symbol is a reference to the Order of the Holy Spirit, an order of chivalry awarded to leading French nobles to recognize their loyalty to the Crown. (You’ll see the same symbol in the engraved print of Richelieu by Robert Nanteuil previously referenced in the blog.) “There is also an iridescence to the labels when you see them in person; this is due to the holographic foil stamp used in addition to the gold foil stamp. Along with a textural emboss and spot varnish, all of the production finishes together create a label that is as luxe as the original textile!” said Lisa. An unidentified guest in Biltmore House standing in front of the Cardinal Richelieu hangings, ca. 1898. Even though the original hangings must remain in storage, Lisa hopes her design for the Cardinal’s Crest label will give you a glimpse of their ornate beauty. Savor Cardinal’s Crest by the glass, bottle, or pitcher! Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest wine is perfect for sipping, savoring, and sangria! This delightful red wine—inspired by a flight of fancy with the Cardinal Richelieu hangings in Biltmore’s collection—pairs our winemaker’s passion for her craft with the estate’s cardinal mission of preservation. That’s why it’s designated a Winemaker’s Blend, to reflect Sharon Fenchak’s careful attention to sourcing and selecting outstanding fruit to handcraft our velvety smooth Cardinal’s Crest. Purchase Biltmore Estate Cardinal’s Crest in estate shops and online. It’s perfect for sipping on its own, pairing with your favorite hearty fare, and it makes a sensational sangria!
Explore Biltmore Estate Limited Release Wines Posted on March 14, 2023 at 10:17 am.Written by Jean Sexton Explore our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release wines and learn how winemaker Sharon Fenchak carefully handcrafts each varietal or blend in the series here at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina. Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak in the Barrel Room at Biltmore’s Winery. “When I’m sourcing grapes for our American series wines from one of our California or Washington vineyard partners, I’m also looking for outstanding vintages that inspire me to create distinctive wines for our Limited Release series,” Sharon said. She noted that the Limited Release wines are usually based on smaller amounts of fruit, and that gives her and her production team an opportunity to bring out different qualities of a varietal or to create intriguing blends. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec Our award-winning Biltmore Estate Limited Release Malbec is perfect for sipping by the glass or pairing with your favorite hearty fare. “One of our most popular offerings is our full-bodied, oak-aged Biltmore Estate Limited Release Malbec,” said Sharon. “It opens with scents of cocoa, cedar, molasses, and berries ahead of black raspberry, anise, and rich pecan flavors.” As a varietal, Malbec originated in France and rose to its current popularity in Argentina and California. Ours is rich, fruit-forward, and a bit spicy with smooth, lingering tannins that pair perfectly with grilled meat, kebabs, and andouille sausage. It’s also a surprisingly good partner for smoked cheeses and vegetarian fare like mushroom ragout, Portobello burgers, and tempeh dishes. As delicious as it is now, it offers good aging potential—if you can stand to wait! Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo Try any of our Biltmore Estate Limited Release wines, including our spicy Tempranillo. Most of the world’s Tempranillo is grown in Spain where it is believed to have originated, but this earthy red wine is rapidly gaining a following around the globe. “Tempranillo has a lot of personality,” said Sharon. “Ours is full-bodied and fruit-forward with earthy aromas, rich dried fig flavors, and lingering tannins—just what you’d expect in a classic barrel-aged version of this varietal.” Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo is a hearty red wine that’s a great match for beef, lamb curry, and pork. Explore other Biltmore Estate® Limited Release wines Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat is a favorite for many guests, and it pairs perfectly with our Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies! In addition to these two varietals, there are a number of other wines in our Limited Release series: Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Grenache Blanc Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Dry Riesling Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sangiovese Biltmore Estate Limited Release Fumé Blanc Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvèdre Enjoy Biltmore Estate® Limited Release wines now You’ll find all our Limited Release wines at the Wine Bar adjacent to Biltmore’s Winery. Savor Biltmore Estate® Limited Release varietals and blends–or any of our fine wines–by the bottle or glass at the Wine Bar adjacent to the Winery, or purchase them in estate shops or online.
Raise A Glass To Our Newest Masterpiece Posted on March 8, 2023 at 8:31 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Raise a glass to our newest masterpiece—a delightful blend created exclusively for the 2023 release of our Masterpiece Collection White Wine. Tasting notes Sip something special this spring and summer with the 2023 release of our Masterpiece Collection White Wine. Crisp, smooth, and refreshing, this off-dry white wine was handcrafted to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a passionate collector of extraordinary art and exceptional vintages. It echoes the return of warm weather with citrus and orange blossom aromas, plus wonderful flavors of honeydew, lime, and peach. Inspired by a masterpiece of preservation The hand-painted ceramic tiles on the overmantel above the fireplace in the Tyrolean Chimney Room provided inspiration for our 2023 Masterpiece Collection White Wine labels. For 2023, our Masterpiece Collection White Wine features a set of four labels inspired by hand-painted floral tiles on the overmantel of an 18th-century tile stove known as a kachelöfen that George Vanderbilt likely purchased in his European travels, possibly in Switzerland. Created in the 18th century, the kachelöfen in Biltmore’s Tyrolean Chimney Room is made of tin-glazed earthenware tiles hand-painted with exquisite floral designs. Each of the tin-glazed earthenware tiles is adorned with a lovely bouquet of lush blooms. While the tile was in relatively good condition for its age, Biltmore’s conservators spent hundreds of hours cleaning and in-painting damaged areas of the overmantel in conjunction with the Louis XV Suite restoration project. Our conservators carefully restored the hand-painted tiles in the Tyrolean Chimney Room. The painstaking work required a combination of conservation experience and artistic ability. The results show the vivid colors and delicate florals that inspired the room’s striking design. Choosing the label “We chose the bouquets on these floral tiles as the label for our new Masterpiece Collection White Wine because the blooms are so beautiful, and they capture the feel of warmer weather and the desire all of us feel to enjoy the outdoors during spring and summer,” said Lisa Vogel, Art Director. In fact, all of the tiles were so unique that Lisa couldn’t choose just one for the 2023 Masterpiece Collection label; she selected four separate tiles and created a whole set! The press sheet for our Masterpiece Collection White Wine shows different versions of the labels. “When you see the four labels together, you may notice slight variations in the background behind each bouquet,” Lisa said. “That’s because of the age of the original tiles and the fact that they were painted by hand—it gives them subtle shadings and textures that we worked to preserve in these lovely labels.” Pairing this masterpiece with your favorite flavors Perfect with your favorite warm-weather fare, our Masterpiece Collection White Wine is also refreshing as the base of a refreshing white sangria! Our Masterpiece Collection White Wine pairs perfectly with the lighter fare we favor during warmer weather. It’s perfect for spring and summer sipping and entertaining, this wine pairs well with classic fare such as pasta Alfredo and lighter seafood dishes like crab, fried oysters, and salmon. Make a moment memorable by packing a bottle for your next picnic, or enjoy it with friends at brunch or lunch. In addition, you can stir up a cool, refreshing pitcher of Refreshing White Sangria with our Masterpiece Collection White Wine. Enjoy with friends and freeze any leftovers for a fun take on grown-up popsicles or slushies. Select this special masterpiece for spring! Indulge your senses with our delicious Masterpiece Collection White Wine. If you’re looking for a special gift for spring and summer occasions such as Easter, Mother’s Day, bridal luncheons, weddings, and college graduations, this wine’s one-of-a-kind labels make each bottle a charming gift for flower lovers and those who appreciate all things Biltmore. Look for our 2023 Masterpiece Collection White Wine in estate shops and online while supplies last*. *If you order online, your shipment will contain one or more of the label designs chosen at random.
A Collaborative Spirit: Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin Posted on March 1, 2023 at 9:04 pm.Written by Jean Sexton What happens when Biltmore’s legendary gardens come together with an award-winning local distillery? Crafted in collaboration with Chemist Spirits, Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin is the delightful result of a collaboration and craftsmanship between two family-led companies in Asheville, North Carolina. With the addition of Biltmore Estate’s rose petals and red wine barrels, every sip of this outstanding small-batch gin tells a story with its soft pink hue and layers of distinctive flavor. Curious how it was made and what makes it unlike anything else in your bar cart? Let’s pour into the details. Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin crafted is a collaboration with Chemist Spirits in Asheville, NC. Aged to refinement The 84-proof base gin crafted by Chemist Spirits expresses soft juniper notes bursting with bright citrus. It is then matured for several months in red wine-soaked estate barrels, then laid to rest on fresh-picked rose petals from the estate’s Rose Garden for a rich infusion of warm fruit and toasted oak flavors. This one-of-a-kind spirit is pink in hue and offers sweet nuances of pink and white roses, lemon cream, vanilla, ripe strawberry, and grapefruit peel. Mixed or muddled, handcrafted botanical gins are very much on trend, and none surpass the pure elegance of Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin! This is the fourth time we’ve collaborated with Chemist Spirits to handcraft this limited-edition, small-batch Rose Gin. It’s a remarkable way to evoke the classic refinement of Biltmore’s gardens in bloom. Biltmore’s Historic Rose Garden provides perfect pink petals for our collaboration with Chemist Gin. Sourcing the perfect petals To preserve the peak freshness of this limited-edition small-batch gin, hand-plucked rose petals from Biltmore’s Historic Rose Garden are infused into the barreled, rested spirit just days before it is bottled and released. The result is a palate-pleasing botanical gin with a subtle pink hue from the wine barrels and sweet nuances of pink and white rose, lemon cream, vanilla, ripe strawberry, and grapefruit peel that finishes with a smooth, velvety note of dry red wine. May to June – Biltmore’s historic Rose Garden takes center stage as multiple species of roses are in full bloom. Petals from our roses were selected for a spirited collaboration with Asheville’s Chemist Spirits that resulted in Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin. A spirit worth sharing “The rose is symbolic of many powerful emotions, and Chemist Spirits’ Conservatory Rose Gin captures this essence in a bottle that makes for a perfect gift to be enjoyed with friends and family,” said Debbie Word, who founded Chemist Spirits along with her daughter Danielle Donaldson, an accomplished chemist who is also a young mother. “Chemist Spirits is particularly proud to make this special release available in time for Mother’s Day, when roses are traditionally gifted to celebrate our admiration for and the grace of the women in our lives,” Debbie noted. Enjoy a refreshing French Rose 75 Cocktail featuring Biltmore Estate Brut sparkling wine and Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin. Create cocktail chemistry To honor this exclusive collaboration in which Chemist Spirits locally distilled gin is carefully aged in Biltmore wine barrels, along with a fragrant profusion of petals from estate roses, we’re shaking things up by pairing our wines with a splash of spirits to create instant cocktail chemistry:Try an elegant French Rose 75 cocktail with Biltmore Estate® Brut Sparkling and Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin—it’s perfect for any occasion. Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin crafted is a collaboration with Chemist Spirits in Asheville, NC. Savor Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin and Biltmore wines We invite you to enjoy Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin in the ‘spirit’ in which it is intended–as a reminder to slow down and savor those lingering moments that capture the sweeping romance of Biltmore Estate and inspire us to pause and drink in the roses. Enjoy this signature Rose Gin in cocktails at estate restaurants, and find our award-winning wines in estate shops and online. To purchase Biltmore Conservatory Rose Gin by the bottle while supplies last, visit or contact Chemist Spirits in downtown Asheville.
Biltmore Winery Welcomes Chihuly Chandelier Posted on January 31, 2023 at 4:32 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Chihuly at Biltmore was on display from March 25, 2024–February 2, 2025. Please enjoy this archived content. Biltmore Winery welcomes you to marvel at Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier created by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly. Learn more about the inspiration, creation, and location of this beautiful Chandelier by artist Dale Chihuly! Inspiration for the Chihuly Chandelier “We are thrilled to share the acquisition of the Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier by Dale Chihuly,” said Bill Cecil, President and CEO of Biltmore and great-grandson of George Vanderbilt. George Vanderbilt (left; portrait by John Singer Sargent) was a thoughtful collector of wines whose legacy continues to inspire our handcrafted Biltmore wines today. “We know that George Vanderbilt was a thoughtful collector of art and wine who enjoyed bringing beautiful objects to fill his home and sharing excellent vintages at his table,” Bill said, “so our family commissioned this piece to represent the importance of wine in our history, from the Vanderbilt era to our modern-day winemaking philosophy.” The stunning chandelier draws inspiration from the vibrant hues found in Biltmore’s red, white, and rosé wines. Creating the intricate composition Travis Tatham (center), Biltmore’s Director of Destination Entertainment and Events, looks at the plans for the new Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier with members of Team Chihuly. × Travis Tatham explores color options for the new Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier × Travis Tatham participates in glassblowing with Team Chihuly in The Hotshop in Seattle, WA. × Chihuly’s Chandeliers are composed of hundreds of blown glass elements that together make up elaborate, intricate compositions. Chihuly began the Chandelier series in 1992 and has since created them for locations all around the world. Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 8x6x6′, ©2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved. “What makes the Chandeliers work for me is the massing of color. If you take hundreds of blown pieces of one color, put them together, and then shine light through them, now that’s going to be something to look at. Hang it in a space and it becomes mysterious, defying gravity or seemingly out of place, like something you have never seen before.” — Dale Chihuly A welcome addition to Biltmore’s collection George Vanderbilt’s father commissioned artist and interior designer John La Farge to create several stained glass panels that represent “The Fruits of Prosperity”. “While we have decorative glass objects in Biltmore’s private collection, such as a Tiffany vase and the La Farge stained glass windows, this commissioned Chihuly Chandelier is the first fine-art glass sculpture to be added to Biltmore’s private collection,” said Ellen Rickman, Director of Museum Services. Part of the Biltmore collection, this handblown vase by famed art glass maker Louis Comfort Tiffany features different layers of glass in different colors, with a gold metallic surface and woven sterling silver overlay. Dale Chihuly is recognized for having a significant impact on the art world, just as artists like Paul Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet did in their time. We are honored to welcome this work of art into our collection alongside important works by other great artists. Savor and share Biltmore Winery’s new Chihuly Chandelier Biltmore’s Winery offers wonderful ways to savor and share all year round, including the new Chandelier by Chihuly. All Biltmore guests with estate admission, Annual Pass membership, or an overnight stay are welcome to view the Chihuly Chandelier inside the Wine Shop of our estate Winery in Antler Hill Village. For current hours of operation, visit biltmore.com/hours. For those who enjoy sharing their memories on social media, we invite you to use our official tags: Handles: @biltmoreestate @biltmorewines @chihulystudio Location tag: Biltmore, 1 Lodge Street Hashtag: #ChihulyatBiltmore #Chihuly #Biltmore Featured image: Dale Chihuly, Iris Gold and Garnet Chandelier, 2022, 8x6x6′, ©2023 Chihuly Studio. All rights reserved.