Uncorked: Meet Biltmore’s Sommelier

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If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the perfect wine to accompany your meal, Biltmore’s sommelier can help you uncork the “secrets” of selecting something special.

Speaking from experience

Artur Loli, sommelier for The Inn on Biltmore Estate™, knows that great wine is part of what makes fine dining so memorable.  

Guests at The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate

“The Dining Room of The Inn is world-class,” said Artur, “and Chef Eckman’s culinary skills are legendary, so the wines we offer must also be outstanding enough to elevate the entire experience.”

In fact, The Dining Room of The Inn was recently named a new Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Restaurant. According to Charles Thompson, General Manager of The Inn on Biltmore Estate, these illustrious stars are a remarkable achievement.

“The award speaks to the dedication of our talented staff who truly offer our guests an exceptional travel experience” Charles noted.

Rigorous training

Training to become a sommelier is not an easy process, and often requires years of study to understand and appreciate the nuances of the world’s wines.

Some would-be sommeliers opt for courses through organizations such as the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) to gain a solid foundation in wine knowledge before pursuing further certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, the American Sommelier Association, or hospitality schools. Others choose to work in the industry, seeking a combination of hands-on experience and mentorship by working in vineyards, wineries, and wine-driven restaurants.

“You can certainly learn a lot in the classroom,” Artur said, “but there’s no substitute for working in the hospitality industry where you discover what real guests like and dislike. 

Good listener

Artur, who began working in the hospitality field in Santorini, Greece, 25 years ago and has spent the past 16 years with The Inn, knows that good listening skills are one of the most important tools a sommelier can offer.

“Helping someone choose a wine that complements their meal is as much about listening to them as it is about knowing which varietal has good acidity or which vintage is preferable. All our Biltmore wines are outstanding,” he said, “so it’s never about selling more wine or pushing the most expensive wines we offer. What really matters is earning a guest’s trust with wine selections that appeal to their palate, even when that means non-traditional pairings.”

For Artur, the most rewarding thing about being a Biltmore sommelier is that he becomes part of the guests’ experience–especially when they choose to celebrate a special event at The Inn. 

“It is my pleasure to offer a warm welcome to all our guests, from those who have never joined us before to those who have spent more than 500 nights at The Inn. Helping guests select a bottle of wine, for me, is more than a service standard and a job requirement–it is a passion of mine. Countless times, uncorking a bottle of wine sparks a conversation that is the beginning of creating loyal guests for decades to come.”

Plan your getaway today

Ready to experience the four-star elegance of The Inn on Biltmore Estate? Reserve your special getaway today, and be sure to include The Dining Room–with its impressive new Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Restaurant designation–in your plans so that Artur Loli and other members of The Inn’s knowledgeable staff can help make your visit more memorable!

Blog images
— Featured image: Artur Loli serves sparkling wine to guests at The Inn
— First image: Guests enjoying wine at The Dining Room of The Inn
— Second image: Artur brings wine to guests at an outdoor event at The Inn
— Third image: A sommelier is an expert at opening wines as well as choosing them

Fabulous Fashion Find Yields Titanic Results

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With our new exhibition Glamour on Board: Fashion from Titanic the Movie, we are celebrating not only the 20th anniversary of the iconic film that won 11 Oscars®, including Best Picture and Best Costume Design, but also the elegant wardrobes favored by transatlantic travelers in the early 1900s. On display in Biltmore House February 9–May 13, 2018, this exhibition is the first large-scale display of the original Titanic costumes and will showcase the exquisite detail meticulously recreated for these award-winning fashions. Just as portrayed in the movie, long days at sea fostered friendships and romances, including George Vanderbilt’s courtship of Edith Stuyvesant Dresser.


Planning the exhibition

In planning the exhibition, members of our Museum Services team wanted to ensure that guests understood the historical significance of Edwardian fashion as it pertained to Biltmore and the Vanderbilt family.

Leslie Klingner, Curator of Interpretation, conducted specific research related to the costume designers who created the glamorous gowns and dashing suits worn by the principal actors–as well as the extraordinary number of extras–in Titanic. Leslie learned that many of the costumes were original fashions from the era purchased for use in the film; others were created using original elements to make them look and feel as close as possible to authentic clothing of the era.

“While researching, I came across information indicating that the memorable striped ‘arrival suit’ worn by Kate Winslet’s character Rose as she boards Titanic for the first time was a direct reproduction from the January 1912 issue of Les Modes magazine,” said Leslie. “Knowing that Les Modes was a popular fashion magazine of the period, I wondered if we could find another institution that held that particular issue in order to reproduce the original fashion plate for comparison with the costume.”

January 1912 Les Modes fashion magazine features a costume later used in the film Titanic
A fabulously fashionable discovery

Leslie asked Lauren Henry, Associate Curator, for assistance with the search, and that’s when Lauren made a fabulous fashion find: Edith Vanderbilt not only read Les Modes, she kept a number of issues that are still in our archives–including the January 1912 edition!

“The magazines themselves are gorgeous,” Leslie said. “The covers are printed using a very refined technique called pochoir. This specialized process used a stencil-based method of printing that produced crisp lines and brilliant colors and was often used to illustrate fashion magazines like Les Modes,” explained Leslie. “The issues in our archives have metallic gold highlights on the covers and are in remarkable condition. Many look just as lovely as they would have when they were new!”

Fashion spread featuring five dresses in the April 1911 issue of Les Modes
Titanic connections

We’ve always known that Edith Vanderbilt was considered a trendsetter when it came to fashion, but with the discovery of this treasure trove of magazines, we now know one of the ways she kept up with the latest Parisian styles on a monthly basis. In fact, she may have looked at the very dress in 1912 that would be used to express the height of haute couture more than a century later in the film Titanic. In another twist of fate, George and Edith Vanderbilt would make plans to travel aboard the ill-fated ship just a few months later, and though their personal arrangements were changed before Titanic sailed, a member of their household staff was lost in the tragedy.

Discover The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad

Opening in March 2018, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibit, located in The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, will further showcase the lives of the Vanderbilts as well as treasures collected during their world travels.

Featured image: (L-R) April 1912 and February 1913 covers of Les Modes magazines from Biltmore’s archives

First image: Leslie Klinger displays the large striped hat that accompanies the ‘arrival suit’ worn by Kate Winslet’s character Rose in Titanic

Second image: January 1912 Les Modes photograph featuring original design which inspired the ‘arrival dress’ used in the film Titanic (magazine from Biltmore archives)

Third image: April 1911 Les Modes fashion spread featuring five original gowns from the time period in which Titanic is set (magazine from Biltmore archives)

Olmsted’s Groundbreaking Work: Gardens and Glass

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Chihuly At Biltmore Was On Display From May 17 To October 7, 2018.
Please Enjoy This Archived Content.

Long known as the father of American landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted reached the pinnacle of his professional career with his landscape design for Biltmore–George Vanderbilt’s magnificent private estate.

Portrait of Olmsted by John Singer SargentA vision for the future

In addition to developing the extensive plans for Biltmore, Olmsted was a true visionary–looking ahead more than a century to understand how his designs would mature to create a stunning setting for America’s Largest Home® that future generations would continue to preserve.

From gardens filled with glorious blooms to carefully managed forest lands, Olmsted’s genius is recognized around the world and his contributions to the art and science of landscaping continue to be celebrated.

First in Forestry plaque with Gifford PinchotThe success of Olmsted’s protégées is also directly attributable to his mentorship, from Biltmore’s first forest manager Gifford Pinchot’s who went on to serve as the first chief of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to Chauncey Beadle, Biltmore’s estate supervisor who managed and nurtured Olmsted’s designs for more than 50 years.

Masterpieces in gardens and glass
From May 17–October 7, 2018, Biltmore will host Chihuly at Biltmore, the first-ever art exhibition in our historic gardens. This exhibition features the works of globally-renowned artist Dale Chihuly set in the living backdrop of gardens that remain true to Frederick Law Olmsted’s design intent.

Just as Olmsted is known as a leader in the development of landscape architecture, Chihuly is leader in the development of glass as a fine art and he is celebrated for amazing architectural installations combining brilliant colors and striking forms that have entranced viewers worldwide. Chihuly at Biltmore features awe-inspiring artworks in both Biltmore House & Gardens and Antler Hill Village.

Dazzling by daytime, the exhibition sparkles during Chihuly Nights at Biltmore, when the sculptures are illuminated to showcase their spectacular colors and shapes.

The Conservatory at BiltmorePlan your visit now

Chihuly at Biltmore is included in your estate admission. The dramatic experience of Chihuly Nights at Biltmore requires a separate ticket purchase and is offered on select evenings by reservation only.

Featured blog image: Biltmore’s Walled Garden
— First image: Frederick Law Olmsted portrait by John Singer Sargent, located in Second Floor Living Hall of Biltmore House
— Second image: First in Forestry plaque at Biltmore, featuring Gifford Pinchot
— Third image: The Conservatory at Biltmore, which will feature several of Chihuly’s Chandeliers during the exhibition

Chef Vivian Howard Visits Biltmore’s Winery

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Biltmore is a proud sponsor of the PBS series A Chef’s Life hosted by chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Vivian Howard. Last fall, Chef Vivian visited Biltmore for a behind-the-scenes look at America’s Largest Home®, which includes America’s most-visited winery. Biltmore winemakers Bernard Delille and Sharon Fenchak were Chef Vivian’s expert guides to help her enjoy learning more about our award-winning Biltmore wines—and tasting them!

We sat down with Vivian recently to reminisce about her visit and learn what she took away from the experience:

Biltmore's vineyard on the west side of the estate

Q: What was the most interesting thing you learned about how wine is made at Biltmore?
A: I was fascinated by the challenges faced by the Biltmore winemakers. Weather is a factor whatever you are growing and it is no different at Biltmore. The vineyard is in a valley, where it gets cold and freezes. Hurricanes from the East Coast and Gulf Coast can also bring lots of rain to the North Carolina mountains. Despite the challenges, I think it speaks to Bernard’s and Sharon’s skills as winemakers that they consistently produce great tasting wines.

Biltmore wine stored in barrels

Q: Were you surprised by any part of the experience? 
A: We did a Malbec barrel tasting, which was really fun. I had never done that before. It was interesting to taste a wine in the middle of the winemaking process. Most people only ever get to taste the finished product.

Biltmore winemakers Bernard Delille and Sharon Fenchak in the labe

Q: What else was a highlight of your visit? 
A: I loved hearing the stories of how Bernard and Sharon ended up at Biltmore. Bernard came from France more than 30 years ago to be the assistant winemaker. He went from the Pyrenees to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sharon, who grew up in Pennsylvania, decided as a nine-year-old who was fascinated with science, fermentation, and yeast that she wanted to become a winemaker. Her parents didn’t drink alcohol. But her time spent in Italy while in the military furthered her ambition. I think it’s interesting how their two very different paths lead them to working together at Biltmore.

Q: What is your approach when it comes to food and wine pairings? 
A: My husband Ben and I try to choose wines that we like and that are relatively food friendly. Neither of us gravitate toward heavily oaked wines. Most of my food pairs well with lighter reds or medium-bodied whites. In fact, the wine list at Chef & the Farmer includes two Biltmore Estate wines: the Biltmore Reserve Viognier 2015 and the Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2015 sparkling wine.

Sparkling wines at Biltmore

Q: What is your favorite Biltmore wine? 
A: I’m fond of their sparkling white wines. My favorite thing to drink right now is an Aperol spritz, which is a traditional Italian cocktail that combines sparkling wine, club soda and Aperol, a sweet orange and bitter liqueur. The Château Reserve Blanc de Blancs, which I mentioned is on our wine list, and their Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir sparkling both make a good Aperol spritz.

Biltmore Winery at sunset

Q: What was your favorite part of the visit? 
A: I am far from a wine expert but I loved learning about wine from Sharon and Bernard. Being in the middle of that breathtaking winery really brought the winemaking process to life. Besides, who wouldn’t want to listen to Bernard’s French accent all day?

Take a tour of Biltmore’s Winery

Want to experience your own behind-the-scenes tour of the Biltmore Winery? Join us for our one-hour tour offered daily for $10 per person.

Christmas at Biltmore Sparkles at The Winery

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If you’re visiting for Christmas at Biltmore, you won’t want to miss the stunning holiday vision situated high above Biltmore’s Winery.

Inspired by the over-the-top holiday decor in a New York City-based restaurant, 7,000 ornaments ranging from large to gigantic are suspended from the ceiling over the winery’s main Tasting Room.

Michaela Schmidlin, a member of Biltmore’s marketing department, lived in New York City for years and knew of the restaurant’s annual eye-catching holiday hall-decking traditions. She proposed a similar – albeit scaled-down – version for Biltmore’s Winery.

Using monochromatic metallic tones, she and Biltmore’s floral displays manager created a look that mimics the bubbles inside of a champagne bottle, a perfect homage to the winery’s popular selection of sparkling wines.

Close-up of bubble decorations at the Winery during Christmas at Biltmore.

And now, the globe-shaped ornaments in gold and champagne tones are dazzling our guests as they sample wines in the Tasting Room. When the light hits them just right, the ornaments look almost like they’re as fizzy as the bubbles in Biltmore’s sparkling wine. It’s a true sight to behold during Christmas at Biltmore.
Couple interacting with wine host with decorations in background during Christmas at Biltmore.

Christmas décor at Biltmore Estate is nothing short of magical. To take in all the sights, be sure to visit America’s Largest Home®, Antler Hill Village, and beyond, our incredibly talented team members manage to inspire young and old alike year after year.

Saving Wine to Savor Later

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Many wines are ready to drink when released, but some taste even better if they are correctly stored and allowed to age.

Chooseing a bottle from Biltmore's wine cellar

Why age a wine?

We asked Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak for tips on why and how to age a wine.

“The reason to store a wine is because you believe it will improve with age. At first tasting, if the wine dries and coats your mouth then it’s obvious you should hold it to drink later. I call it ‘pucker power,’” she said.

Sharon notes that some wines, primarily reds, have more initial tannins at bottling. Aging softens those tannins, creating a more balanced and pleasurable wine experience. As the tannins soften, sediment often settles at the bottom, so don’t be surprised to find sediment in aged wines. With proper decanting, the sediment can be removed, allowing the wine to be more easily enjoyed.

Antler Hill wines suitable for aging

Successful aging tips for wine

Wines age most successfully if you store them in the coolest, most temperature controlled place in your home, and allow for some humidity. Place the bottles upside down to keep the cork from drying out, and keep the wine away from vibrations.

Sharon recommends select red wines from our Vanderbilt Reserve or Antler Hill® series for cellaring (as the experts refer to the process) for up to five years.

Ladies enjoying a glass of red wine

Deciding how long to store a wine is literally a matter of taste. “If you really like a wine, buy a case and in two years try a bottle and take notes,” she said. “If you think it will benefit from more aging, try another bottle in two more years. If you feel it needs more time, open another bottle the following year,” Sharon advised.

Discover our award-winning wines at your local retailers or online.

Featured image: Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak
First image: Choosing a bottle from Biltmore’s wine cellar
Second image: Antler Hill red wines suitable for aging
Third image: Friends enjoy a glass of well-aged red wine

Christmas Craft: Frosted Lanterns

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Frosted Lanterns are a classic way to brighten up your holiday decorating, but buying them in bulk can get pricey. You can get this same look using glass jars and simple crafting materials for cents on the dollar. The process is easy and in the end you’ll be left with a treasure to share for many Christmas’s to come.

Materials

  • Glass jars
  • Self-adhesive stickers
  • Painter’s tape
  • Frosted glass spray paint
  • Double sided tape
  • 22 Gauge wire (about 32 inches per jar)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Protective gloves
  • Battery operated candles

Instructions for Frosted Lanterns

  1. Create a pattern on the jar using painter’s tape and stickers.
  2. Spray the jar lightly and evenly with frosted glass spray paint. Be sure to wear gloves and work outside in a well-ventilated area.
  3. When the spray is dry, use tweezers to carefully peel off the tape and stickers. Try not to touch or scrap the frosted area. Let the jar sit for an hour, then add the handle.
  4. Use needle nose pliers to cut a piece of 22 gauge wire. Wrap it around the neck of the jar once and twist it thoroughly into place. Take the excess wire and create a loop, twisting the end securely to the other side of the jar, creating the handle.
  5. Put a small square of double sided mounting tape on the bottom of a tea light and place on the bottom of your lantern. Use battery operated candles if you plan to place your lanterns near greenery or children and pets.

These sweet, simple frosted lanterns will light your entry way, brighten your home, and provide a warm welcome for holiday visitors. Want to keep the fun going? Take a look at our Christmas Wine Cork Reindeer walkthrough! Reindeer made from wine corks and twigs are inexpensive and easy to make.

Biltmore Furniture Conservator is a Desk Detective

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Although her day-to-day responsibilities may include anything from cleaning 100-year-old china to inhibiting biologic growth on outdoor statuary, when Genevieve Bieniosek, Furniture Conservator, tells you she has a desk job, she means it literally.

Desk detective

Biltmore furniture conservator is a desk detective
Photo of the desk paired with some of its component parts, including six of the eight legs

Biltmore’s Museum Services team has been working for several years to return the Oak Sitting Room to its original appearance during the Vanderbilt era of 1895-1914.

Like detectives, team members carefully sift through photographs, letters, and other details for clues to the furnishings and objects that were found in the room originally.

Historic details

One prominent item that will be displayed in the Oak Sitting Room is a massive desk or bureau Mazarin, named for its association with Cardinal Mazarin, a chief minister to Louis XIV, the king of France in the seventeenth century.

This type of desk was developed in France in the mid-1600s and functioned as a writing table with drawers on either side of a kneehole.

Such furnishings were often decorated with intricate wood and brass marquetry in the style of Andre-Charles Boulle, a royal cabinetmaker to Louis XIV.

While thes desk is original to the Biltmore collection, itt only appears in archival photos dating from the 1930s when the house was first opened to the public.

Conservator's tools
A selection of tools needed for this project

A massive project takes shape

That’s where Genevieve’s expertise comes into play. “The desk was probably already an antique when George Vanderbilt purchased it,” Genevieve said. “When we began this project, the desk had been stored as separate pieces for many years. There are multiple layers of old repairs, from both before and after Vanderbilt used it.”

In addition to locating all the pieces, like the legs that were discovered in a drawer in the conservation lab and a bag of tiny brass shapes that had come off the desk over the years, Genevieve must be able to understand how earlier repairs were made, including the mix of adhesives that might have been used to reattach sections of delicate brass marquetry that have lifted or come loose from the desk’s elegantly veneered ebony surface.

Rubbings taken from pieces of brass
Rubbings are created from sections of brass and identified according to its original placement

Slow and steady progress

“We originally allowed two years to complete the repairs,” said Genevieve, “and three or four people have been working on the desk on and off during that time. We are re-gluing sections of brass and wood that are loose, and in cases where the brass or veneer is missing, we make templates and cut replacement pieces to fit.”

Pieces of brass marquetry for the desk
New brass marquetry shapes cut to fit the original desk

The original brass marquetry was also engraved in fine detail, adding depth to the design, but Genevieve says they will paint the lines rather than cutting them, to distinguish modern repairs from the original.

A decorative desk leg showing old and new brass marquetry
Desk leg shows contrast of newly repaired and polished design with original

“It’s important that we document everything we’ve done so that future conservators don’t have to wonder or guess,” Genevieve said. “Not knowing how or why something was done makes the repairs that much more difficult and time-consuming.”

Featured image: Genevieve Bieniosek carefully polishes the decorative brass marquetry on one of the desk’s eight legs

Capture Holiday Memories Forever

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At Biltmore, we believe the holidays are a perfect time to slow down and rediscover the wonder of the season—to reconnect with family and friends the way the Vanderbilts did more than a century ago.

Framed family recipe

The holidays are also a wonderful time to make memories, and custom-framed photos or other keepsakes are the perfect gift to give or receive. For most unique and thoughtful gifts of the season, visit your local frame shop for help in creating something truly special. Need ideas? Here are our top picks to delight family and friends!

Savored Recipes

Display a cherised family recipe—and reference it easily—by framing the heirloom. Gift the piece to a family member or choose to  display it in your own kitchen.

Childhood Memories

Capture the smallest details of the newest member of the family for a lovely, one-of-a-kind treasure that can be handed down through the generations. Preserve baby handprints and footprints on archival paper or use a favorite bib or photo in a custom frame.

Wedded Bliss

For your first Christmas as a married couple, consider gifting loved ones with a beautiful wedding photo—perhaps one that includes the recipient. Silver, champagne-like tones work particularly well for custom framing wedding photos because metallic hints add an extra touch of richness that echoes the elegance of your special day.

Framed wedding photo

Family Portrait

Nothing says Christmas like a family portrait—especially one that features several generations together. Gather grandparents, parents, and grandkids for a classic photo by the fireplace or Christmas tree, or find a candid shot from a past multi-generational vacation. Choose a custom frame that enhances the image and give the framed photo to every member of the family.

Showcase your Travels

Bring a special journey to life all over again with a custom-frame shadowbox. A knowledgeable framer can help you choose the right height to make the most of the items you want to highlight, while professional framing and glass choices can also keep special items from further deterioration and damage.

Return to SenderHoliday living room scene

Choose a favorite Christmas card from someone special, add a custom frame that enhances the subject, and give it as a special holiday gift to the original sender.

Sharing Santa

Go through old and new holiday photos with an eye for images of the children with Santa. Frame a vintage picture of Mom or Dad on Santa’s lap together with a current shot of kids or grandkids. Even when the holidays have ended, you can enjoy charming memories year-round.

Shop your local frame shop and discover four exclusive Biltmore frame collections inspired by the house and grounds, all suitable for showcasing your fondest memories.

Labor of Love: 40 Years of Christmas at Biltmore

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Now in its fourth decade, Christmas at Biltmore has become a beloved annual tradition for both staff and guests of Biltmore. It is a holiday experience like no other, with more than 50 hand-decorated and styled Christmas trees gracing America’s Largest Home®—including the traditional 35-foot Fraser fir in the Banquet Hall—plus hundreds of wreaths, thousands of lights, and miles of garland that extend across the estate.

2019 Christmas at Biltmore Photo

Christmas at Biltmore

The celebration wasn’t always this elaborate—just ask Cathy Barnhardt, Floral Displays Manager. When she came to work for the estate 40 years ago, Christmas at Biltmore had happened exactly one time before. As part of her job she was asked to “do Christmas,” which amounted to decorating five trees inside Biltmore House.

“I went to work at Biltmore straight out of college, and I didn’t know much about Christmas decorating or Gilded Age décor,” Cathy recalled. “For my first Christmas here, my mom and I sat at a card table and made paper ornaments to hang on the trees!”

Making a change

After planning 40 and implementing 39 holiday seasons at Biltmore, Cathy retired this year. Developing and shaping the Floral Displays program at Biltmore has been her life’s work, and she leaves an indelible stamp across the estate, embodying Biltmore’s gracious hospitality with four decades of creative and elegant designs.

This year’s holiday theme is “A Vanderbilt Christmas,” a fitting finish to Cathy’s career because she always starts her planning with Vanderbilt stories.

“As a child growing up in New York, George Vanderbilt loved Christmas, and his journals reflect how his holidays were centered around traditions and family,” said Cathy. “And the fact he chose to open Biltmore to family at Christmas 1895, even though the house wasn’t completely finished, tells us how much he loved this season.”

Candlelight Christmas at Biltmore

As night falls over Biltmore, Cathy also loves to see Biltmore House begin to glow with candlelight and firelight, changing the mood and the experience. Candlelight Christmas Evenings allow guests to step back in time, experiencing the estate more like Vanderbilt’s guests did that first Christmas Eve 1895. On the Front Lawn, a lit 55-foot Norway spruce surrounded by 20 illuminated evergreens—70,000 lights in all—sets the tone. Soft luminaries line the walkway to the house.

“We started doing Candlelight in response to guests’ requests. At that time, we were only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights,” Cathy explained. “We would work during the day and be at Candlelight at night. I was one of the candle lighters and got to listen to the musicians. Our guests loved it from the beginning.”

Through the years, the small gap between daytime and Candlelight Christmas Evenings remains one of Cathy’s favorite times. “The first evening I take a 30-minute break and simply walk through Biltmore House. It’s quiet, and I see all the planning come together and really look at decorations through our guests’ eyes,” she said. “I have loved that!”

Leaving a legacy

“When I started there were only 50 employees, now we have more than 2,000,” Cathy said.

Her team of seven full-time designers and 10 reserve staff members will continue Biltmore’s incredible decorating heritage, and she has full confidence in them.

“All these folks are awesome, creative people and great designers. Many of them have been here for 15–20 years! I’ve been blessed to work with them, and I will miss them,” said Cathy. “But what a wonderful opportunity this has been for someone like me who loves art and history and flowers!”

Christmas at Biltmore Visit tips

Christmas at Biltmore can be a lot to take in, especially for first-time visitors, so Cathy advises guests to start with the daytime experience, and then come back for Candlelight Christmas Evenings.