10 Fast Facts: Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore Posted on February 22, 2022 at 12:19 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Please enjoy this archived exhibition article. Here are 10 fast facts to help you learn more about each of the three individual Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore exhibition series: Fast Fact #1: George Vanderbilt and Vincent van Gogh share a Dutch heritage A guest explores Van Gogh Alive, created and produced by Grande Experiences Artist Vincent van Gogh, the subject of our Van Gogh Alive exhibition that ends March 5, 2022, was born in 1853 in the Dutch village of Zundert. Jan Aertson Van der Bildt (c. 1620–1704) emigrated from Holland to New Amsterdam (now New York City) around 1650. Jan Aertson had numerous children by several wives. His first three children were by his first wife Anneken Hendricks, who he married around the time he came to America. Among those children was Aris Janse, George Vanderbilt’s great-great-great-great-grandfather.George Vanderbilt was also inspired by his Dutch origin when he selected “Bilt” as the core part of the name for his estate. Fast Fact #2: An interest in Asian art George Vanderbilt visited Japan in 1892 and brought back 32 cases of art and decorative objects, including a suit of samurai armor that dates to Japan’s Edo period (1615–1868). The late 19th century saw an increased fascination with Japan following its opening to the western world, especially in regards to its art and material culture (this trend was referred to as Japonisme). Both Vincent van Gogh and George Vanderbilt demonstrated an interest in Japan: Van Gogh, through the study of Japanese prints that he collected, painting his own interpretations of the “exotic” style. George Vanderbilt personally visited Japan in 1892, ultimately shipping home 32 cases full of “curios” that were scattered throughout Biltmore House. Edith and Cornelia Vanderbilt also visited Japan in the early 1920s. Though Van Gogh never visited Japan, his correspondence shows that he felt that southern France was more evocative of Japanese atmosphere and landscape, which was one of the reasons he was drawn to Arles from Paris. Fast Fact #3: A shared love of sunflowers Enjoy a later-summer getaway with a sea of sunflowers blooming at Biltmore! Vincent van Gogh found great inspiration in sunflowers. He loved their bright color, which many other artists found too garish. During his time in Arles, France, Van Gogh wrote “I find comfort in contemplating the sunflowers,” to Emile Bernard, c. August 18, 1888. Each year, Biltmore plants a swathe of late-summer sunflowers along the path from Antler Hill Village toward the Lagoon. We hope the glowing golden blooms provide inspiration and enjoyment for today’s guests as well as a welcome treat for wildlife! Fast Fact #4: Meet Monet & Friends March 9–July 10, 2022 Breathtaking displays from Monet & Friends, showcasing the life and works of many Impressionist painters From March 9–July 10, 2022, Biltmore will be hosting the multisensory Monet & Friends – Life, Light & Color, created and produced by Grande Experiences, on the grounds of the estate. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in breathtaking paintings projected on an enormous scale, illuminating the bold brushstrokes of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul CĂ©zanne, Edgar Degas, and more.Two landscape painting by Claude Monet–Strada Romana Ă Bordighera (1884) and Belle-ĂŽle, le chenal de Port-Goulphar (1886)–were both purchased by George Vanderbilt from Durand-Ruel, the noted dealer of Impressionist art, in 1892. There was also a third Monet landscape that Vanderbilt collected, though unfortunately it is not in Biltmore’s collection today. Correspondence indicates that at least one of the Monet paintings spent some time in the Vanderbilts’ Paris apartment, but none of them show up in any interior photos of Biltmore House. This is the first time in many years that the paintings are being installed in Biltmore House for more permanent display. Fast Fact #5: Savor a masterpiece Savor our new Masterpiece Collection White Wine! In honor of having two of Monet’s masterpieces on display in Biltmore House, we’ve created a new wine for our Masterpiece Collection. The inaugural release is a crisp, smooth, refreshing white blend handcrafted to honor George Vanderbilt’s legacy as a passionate collector of extraordinary art and exceptional vintages, with a stunning label that features Claude Monet’s colorful Strada Romana Ă Bordighera landscape painting. Fast Fact #6: Breakfast with Renoir (L-R) “Young Algerian Girl” and “Child with an Orange” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Both are on display in the Breakfast Room of Biltmore House. In addition to the Monets he collected, Vanderbilt also acquired two paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir from Durand-Ruel in 1892. Both appear in the earliest photos of the Breakfast Room, meaning they have been on display in America’s Largest Home® for around a hundred years—possibly longer! Child with an Orange (1881) and Young Algerian Girl (1882) represent a lesser-known part of Renoir’s work when he was painting colorful scenes from Algeria rather than life in Paris. George Vanderbilt visited the Mediterranean region several times in his life, including an 1894 trip that included stops in Algeria. Fast Fact #7: Lasting impressions George Washington Vanderbilt. 1897-1903. James McNeill Whistler. Oil on canvas. Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington. Impressionism interested Vanderbilt so much that in the late 1800s he acquired a total of 16 paintings by Claude Monet, Édouard Manet*, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Maxime Maufra, and James McNeill Whistler to furnish his homes. While many of those names have become synonymous in the modern era with Impressionism and high-value art, others (like Maufra) are less well-known. George Vanderbilt seemed to collect those works that he enjoyed, not purely because they were associated with famous names. Correspondence reveals that George Vanderbilt was often acquiring works from artists that he had a personal acquaintance with, most notably in the case of Whistler. Vanderbilt acted as a patron for Whistler, supporting his work and demonstrating a great respect for him as an artist. He even acted as a pall-bearer at Whistler’s funeral. *The Manet paintings are no longer in Biltmore’s collection as they were donated to the National Gallery in Edith Vanderbilt’s will. Fast Fact #8: Curious correspondence Monet’s extraordinary gardens surround you during Monet & Friends, created and produced by Grande Experiences We have letters in our archives from Claude Monet regarding a visit that George and Edith Vanderbilt were hoping to make to him in 1904. We don’t know if the visit ultimately happened, but either way they indicate a certain level of acquaintance between the Vanderbilts and Monet beyond just collectors. We also have correspondence indicating that the Vanderbilts were acquainted with Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt, and that she had been planning to paint portraits of Edith and Cornelia Vanderbilt, but was prevented from doing so by illness. From July 14, 2022–January 8, 2023, immerse yourself in the multi-sensory experience of “Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius” at Biltmore Fast Fact #9: Discover Da Vinci, July 14, 2022–January 8, 2023 Following the conclusion of Monet & Friends, our Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore series will conclude with Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, from July 14, 2022–January 8, 2023. Inventor, artist, scientist, engineer, sculptor, anatomist, musician, architect, philosopher—Da Vinci was all of these things. His brilliance and many extraordinary achievements are brought to vivid life in the world’s most comprehensive and thrilling Leonardo da Vinci experience, created and produced by Grande Experiences. Fast Fact #10: Old Masters and modern favorites Reproduction from the Morgan Library of a Rembrandt etching for the Oak Sitting Room George Vanderbilt’s collection included an interesting combination of Old Masters and more modern artists like the Impressionists mentioned above. The two Old Masters he favored were Rembrandt and DĂĽrer, though his interest did not stop there. His collection includes two prints made after Da Vinci paintings, including The Last Supper and a self-portrait.Vanderbilt’s book collection includes several books about Da Vinci, including Leonardo da Vinci: the Florentine years of Leonardo & Verrocchio (1913) which is in the Biltmore House Library. Don’t miss our Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore series! There’s still time to immerse yourself in Van Gogh Alive before it ends on March 5, 2022. Tickets are on sale now for Monet & Friends, and will be available soon for Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius. All three multisensory exhibitions are created and produced by Grand Experiences and hosted at Amherst at Deerpark® on the grounds of the estate.
National Gallery of Art Calls on Biltmore During World War II Posted on January 3, 2022 at 11:51 am.Written by LeeAnn Donnelly Did you know the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, called on Biltmore during World War II? It was during the winter of 1942 when an unusual array of guests arrived at Biltmore House. Accompanied by guards on their journey from Washington, D.C., 62 paintings and 17 sculptures from the National Gallery of Art were carried into the house and placed in the Music Room. Archival photo of artwork from National Gallery of Art beling placed in moving vans to be returned to Washington DC. Objects were delivered to Biltmore in January 1942 and returned in October 1944. © The Biltmore Company It was a critical time in the nation’s capital, and in 1941 during World War II, American leaders based there began to fear the possibility of an attack. An air raid on a major U.S. city seemed likely. German submarines had been sited along the Atlantic Coast from Maine to North Carolina, bringing the war uncomfortably close to the American shore. Perhaps one of the best known works that Biltmore House stored for the National Gallery of Art was Sandro Botticelli’s The Adoration of the Magi (c. 1478/1482). With that thought in mind, and with information from European sources about Hitler’s relentless efforts to seize and stockpile art—much of which was damaged or destroyed in the process—David Finley, the new director of the National Gallery of Art, contacted Biltmore to discuss the possibility of sending some of the nation’s most important art treasures there for safekeeping. Finley had visited Biltmore previously as a guest and felt that Biltmore House was the perfect choice with its fireproof features and remote location. Edith Vanderbilt graciously agreed. Rembrandt van Rijn’s Self-Portrait (1659) was among the dozens of works stored at Biltmore House during World War II. Rembrandt was coincidentally one of George Vanderbilt’s favorite artists. The unfinished Music Room on the first floor of Biltmore House was refitted with steel doors and other protective measures were taken, as outlined by the National Gallery of Art. On January 8, 1942, the paintings and sculptures arrived in Asheville. Biltmore had opened to the public in 1930 as a means of promoting tourism in Asheville. Guests walked by the Music Room, unaware that some of the world’s greatest artwork was secretly hidden on the other side of the wall. The priceless artwork remained under 24-hour armed guard at Biltmore until the fall of 1944, well after the danger of bombings or invasion had ended. Feature image: Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington (1795)—an iconic portrait of the nation’s first president—was safely stored in America’s Largest Home® from 1942 to 1944.
Celebrate Small Moments That Matter With Biltmore Posted on October 27, 2021 at 10:05 pm.Written by Jean Sexton This season, celebrate the small moments that matter most with Biltmore. “Gracious gatherings, special events, and festive decorations accompany the holiday season, but many times it’s the small moments that we really remember most, like catching up with friends over a glass of Biltmore wine,” said Jan Douglas, Director of Guest Relations. With Biltmore wines, all your holiday gatherings are seasoned with cheer! Make it meaningful “Amidst the exciting rush of the holidays, it’s important to celebrate small moments that matter. Remembering what’s meaningful, carving out time for ourselves, and prioritizing family and cherished friends is truly what this joyful season is all about,” Jan said. We’ve gathered some of our guests’ favorite memories and traditions to inspire your own celebrations. Collecting special memories Discover all the delightful details that make this collectible Jim Shore Biltmore® Santa so special! For Cheri Compton, a long-time Passholder from Knoxville, Tennessee, time spent at Biltmore with her mother was a cherished Christmas tradition. “My mother and I went to Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore for several years before she was unable to travel,” Cheri explained. “We would spend hours looking at the trees and the beautiful decorations, and her favorite thing was to be sure we were there while there was seasonal music in the house.” When her mother could no longer make the trip, Cheri continued the tradition with friends and always brought her mother a keepsake Biltmore Santa for her collection. Handwritten holiday wishes Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine Mailing handwritten Christmas cards is Paige Price’s favorite way to send a hug to the special people in her life. “At Christmas, I like to take time to remember friends and former co-workers whom I no longer see on a regular basis,” she said. “In preparation, I make a trip to Biltmore every fall from my home in Lexington, Kentucky, to choose my Christmas wine to save for the card-writing occasion,” Paige said. “When I sit down to begin composing notes to each person and reflect on the memorable times we spent together, I celebrate them, and the season, by having a glass!” This year, Paige opted for a bottle of our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs to add special sparkle to the small moments that matter most to her. Sounds of the season Music strikes a special chord for many guests at Biltmore Kim Meade of Tennessee has been a professional pianist for most of her life, but a Christmas performance at Biltmore 30 years ago still holds a special place in her heart. “I was blessed to be part of a church group that performed at Biltmore House,” Kim said. “Talk about a dream come true! There are few places left that allow you the feeling of stepping back in time. Biltmore is one of those, and that night was an evening I will never forget.” Kim remembers the decorated trees in every room, and the feeling that for one moment in time, she and all the others were special guests of the Vanderbilts. “We felt as if George and Edith Vanderbilt might just walk in at any moment to make sure every detail was in place!” said Kim. “Being a small part of the magic of Biltmore during Christmas was a forever moment for me.” Seek out small moments that matter most Savor all your special small moments with Biltmore wines! As the holiday season gets under way, we hope you’ll make time to visit Biltmore and discover your own small moments that matter. Like many of our guests whose special Christmas memories are created with Biltmore as the backdrop, we invite you to join us to celebrate your own small moment traditions—or create new ones—that will bring you closer to family, friends, and what matters most to you. Find everything you need to celebrate the season, from award-winning wines and gourmet food to jewelry and gifts, in our Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide.
Books by the Thousands: A Bibliophile’s Collection Posted on August 4, 2021 at 12:03 pm.Written by Amy Dangelico At the age of 12, George Vanderbilt began keeping meticulous records in a series of journals called “Books I Have Read,” a habit he continued throughout his life. By his death in 1914, he had logged 3,159 books, which means that between 1875 and 1914, he read an average of 81 books a year. Three volumes of George Vanderbilt’s “Books I Have Read” journal series It was well known that George was a bibliophile. A turn-of-the-century New York journalist wrote of him: “He was a bookworm, a student… And his love of books came all from his own inner consciousness, for he was not graduated from any college, and his education, while not neglected, had not been carried beyond the ordinary limits of high schools, though now, I doubt not, he is one of the best read men in the country.” A testament to his passions for books and collecting, the walls of the Library in Biltmore House are lined with walnut shelves housing about half of George’s personal collection of 20,000 volumes. The collection ranges in subject from American and English fiction to world history, religion, philosophy, art, and architecture. About one-third of the volumes were antiquarian purchases, the oldest of which is an Italian work published in 1561. Cedric, George Vanderbilt’s beloved Saint Bernard, lounging in the Library, 1898 The collection also includes many French titles—4,326 to be exact—and George’s “Books I Have Read” journals show that he read many of them. Both fiction and non-fiction, the volumes speak to George’s interest in France and its culture as well as his fluency in the French language. Just as the journals help us to understand how well-read he was, they give us insight into which authors George favored, though it’s difficult to say who his favorite actually was. An excerpt from one of the “Books I Have Read” journals with a note on the birth of George Vanderbilt’s daughter We know he was fond of French author HonorĂ© de Balzac’s work. George noted having read more than 80 Balzac titles and there are a total of 218 books by the author in his collection. We also know that of the 30 works by Charles Dickens listed in his journals, George read many of them more than once. For instance, there are two mentions of The Pickwick Papers, which George read at age 13 and again when he was 25. The elegant binding on the books in George Vanderbilt’s collection are each a work of art George also favored Sir Walter Scott. He read many of his 273 books by Scott two or three times. He read Waverly, a groundbreaking historical novel, in 1875, 1897, and again in 1910. Most of the books George collected were sent to one of the great bookbinders of the period, such as Riviere, Stikeman, Lortic, or David. A few months later, they would return, beautifully bound in Moroccan leather with gilt lettering and decoration, to be placed on the shelves of the Library in Biltmore House.
A guide to Biltmore trails: 22 miles to explore Posted on April 6, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico Whether you’re visiting for the day, staying with us overnight, or you’re a Biltmore Annual Passholder, exploring Biltmore Estate’s 22 miles of mixed-use trails is an excellent way to get some outdoor exercise and take in the scenic beauty of our vast mountain retreat. From leisurely garden strolls to trail runs, hiking to mountain biking, or even trailside picnics, our private estate trails offer a variety of routes that can be tailored to your skill level with spectacular views in every season. 🗺️ Download our Trail Map! Trail hours vary seasonally and may be closed at any time. Pardon our progress: Due to utility work, a section of the Farm Trail, from the French Broad River bridge across from Antler Hill Village to the start of the Arbor Trace Trail, is temporarily closed through April. Please obey posted signs. Explore interconnecting garden paths to find charming views, like the historic Boat House and Bass Pond! 🟢 Easy to Moderate Biltmore Trails Historic Gardens (walking) Our historic garden paths incorporate the Italian Garden (gravel), Shrub Garden (paved), Walled Garden (paved), and Spring Garden (mulch). Routes stretch approximately 1-2 miles, depending on which paths you choose. Enjoy seasonal blooms with benches nearby to take a break and soak it all in. Azalea Garden (walking) This mostly paved walking path can be accessed from either the Spring Garden or the Walled Garden. It is a great opportunity to go even deeper into Biltmore’s historic gardens, offering benches along the way, and leading to Bass Pond Waterfall and the Boat House. Take in spectacular views across the Bass Pond at approximately 1 mile. Learn more about the different gardens and paths in our Garden Lover’s Guide. The Lagoon offers a striking reflection of the west side of Biltmore House. 🟦 Moderate to Strenuous Biltmore Trails Lagoon Trail (walking, running, biking) This mostly flat, paved trail leads to the Lagoon, which offers a striking view of the west side of Biltmore House (a popular picnic spot). Start and end at Antler Hill Village for a pleasant 3-mile trip. The French Broad River and estate farmland provide pleasant scenery as you explore the path. Farm Trail (walking, running, biking) This flat gravel and dirt road runs along the perimeter of Biltmore’s grounds and the French Broad River in Antler Hill Village. Totaling 6 miles, this trail leads to the Arbor Trace Trail at one end and the Lagoon Trail at the other. Westover Trails (hiking, trail running, biking) Access this set of Biltmore trails from the Bike Barn in Antler Hill Village or The Inn on Biltmore Estate® to see Biltmore’s beautiful woodlands. The green (1.7 miles) and blue routes (2.8 miles) immerse you in nature while offering wide trails for a comfortable experience with a few challenging hills. The iconic Deer Park Trail offers sweeping mountain views and wide-open meadows. ◼️ Strenuous to Challenging Biltmore Trails Westover Trails (hiking, trail running, biking) The black route totals 3.5 miles round-trip inside Biltmore’s beautiful woodland, set back behind Antler Hill Village and The Inn on Biltmore Estate. The narrow trail offers steep hills and is great for a technical single-track bike ride or an authentic hiking experience. Arbor Trace Trail (hiking, trail running, biking) This trail can only be accessed by first following the Farm Trail from Antler Hill Village. The 3.5-mile round-trip route travels in and out of the woods, providing scenic views of the estate’s agriculture and the historic Market Gardener’s Cottage on Biltmore Estate™. The last stretch of the trail (black) is quite narrow and an optional loop. Deer Park Trail (walking, running, biking) This challenging uphill trek is quite popular due to the stunning view of Biltmore House it offers. To extend the challenge, start at Antler Hill Village and take the Farm Trail to the Lagoon Trail, which leads to the Deer Park Trail. You can also access a trailhead through a decorative iron gate at the far end of the South Terrace and Tennis Lawn steps, or by passing through gates from the Meadow Trail that leads to the Bass Pond. Learn more about Biltmore’s trail system from adventure guide, Alana Get Ready to Hit the Trails Be sure to check out, download, or print our trail map before you embark. Orientation and detailed maps are available at the Bike Barn and Outdoor Adventure Center in Antler Hill Village. All of Biltmore’s private trails are pet-friendly, maintained, and accessible only to Passholders, lodging guests, and ticketed guests. If you’re looking for a more curated experience, consider one of our guided hiking or biking offerings. See you on the trails! Please note: We may temporarily close our trails and wooded areas without advance notice during inclement weather. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with trail closure signage. Access to Biltmore’s private trail system requires an admission ticket, Biltmore Annual Pass membership, or an overnight stay.
Experience Our Annual Biltmore Blooms Celebration Posted on March 27, 2021 at 12:00 am.Written by designsensory Enjoy this archived Biltmore Blooms content from Spring 2021! Experience our annual Biltmore Blooms celebration across the estate as winter loosens its grip to make way for spring! Gardens and grounds From the earliest flowering shrubs and vivid blooms in the Walled Garden–including this year’s colorful kaleidoscope of yellow, white, pink, purple, and red tulips in the patterned beds–to the glorious progression of color along the Approach Road, we’ve been delighting guests with our annual Biltmore Blooms celebration for more than three decades. The Approach Road to Biltmore House is lined with azaleas each spring The splendid spring show isn’t limited to the outdoors, however; our Floral and Museum Services teams have worked together to develop an “Art in Bloom” theme featuring beautiful arrangements throughout Biltmore House. Inspired by Biltmore’s collections “This year for Biltmore Blooms we are celebrating the fact that George Vanderbilt envisioned Biltmore not just as a home, but also as a platform to showcase the incredible works of art he collected,” said Leslie Klingner, Curator of Interpretation. “Vanderbilt developed a passion for art early in life,” Leslie said,” and he amassed an impressive collection. To highlight some of these amazing pieces, our floral team has created designs inspired by works throughout Biltmore House.” Art in Bloom “Each year during Biltmore Blooms, our floral designs reflect not only the welcome return of spring, but they also showcase the scale and grandeur of America’s Largest Home®,” said Lizzie Borchers, Floral Displays Manager. Floral designer Cristy Leonard creating a larger-than-life arrangement for the Third Floor Living Hall (design inspired by a painting of a ship in that room) “For ‘Art in Bloom’ in 2021, we envisioned flowers as the paints, pastels, and pencils of spring, turning our arrangements into works of art themselves,” Lizzie said. “When you visit this season, see how our designs highlight the colors, textures, shapes, and forms in the artwork.” A sneak peek at Biltmore Blooms details! In the Breakfast Room, Biltmore floral designer Lucinda Ledford drew inspiration from two works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Young Boy with an Orange, painted in 1881, and The Young Algerian Girl, painted in 1882. The vibrant colors of Renoir’s “Child with Orange” painting inspired the details of this floral arrangement for the Breakfast Room Giovanni Boldini’s lovely 1910 portrait of Edith Vanderbilt that hangs in the Tapestry Gallery near the entrance to the Library inspired floral designer Jodee Mitchell to create a sweeping arrangement featuring delicate white flowers and greenery. Design sketch for a Biltmore Blooms arrangement featuring lilies of the valley and other white flowers, inspired by Giovanni Boldini’s stunning portrait of Edith Vanderbilt Based on the series of mid-16th-century Renaissance tapestries detailing the history of Roman mythological gods and goddesses in Biltmore’s Banquet Hall, floral designer Cristy Leonard developed a glorious spring centerpiece befitting the massive table in that room. Cristy carefully selects each element in an enormous Biltmore Blooms floral arrangement for the Banquet Hall table These are just a few of the wonderful arrangements in Biltmore House this spring; there are countless others to discover! Experience Biltmore Blooms this spring Visit now and enjoy spring across our 8,000 acres! Experience all the excitement of Biltmore Blooms included with your daytime admission to Biltmore. Make required Biltmore House reservations now while your preferred dates and times are still available, and experience the spectacular seasonal show in our historic gardens. In addition to Biltmore Blooms, enjoy the delights of Biltmore Gardens Railway in the Conservatory and Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty in Antler Hill Village, also included in daytime admission.
Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary with Sparkling Wine Posted on December 30, 2020 at 5:55 pm.Written by Jean Sexton To celebrate our 125th anniversary, Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak created a sparkling wine to commemorate the occasion. Here’s a brief history of the first Christmas event at Biltmore, and the seasonal spirit that inspired our new Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Release Brut sparkling wine. Biltmore’s first Christmas The towering Banquet Hall Christmas tree has been a tradition for 125 years On Christmas Eve of 1895, George Vanderbilt welcomed his friends and family to celebrate the holiday in his magnificent new home. The following account of “Christmas at Biltmore” was reported in The Times-Democrat newspaper from New Orleans, Louisiana, two days later: Newspaper account of the celebration Garlands and greenery are still used to decorate Biltmore House “For many days workmen were enhancing the splendor of the chateau with decorations appropriate to the Christmas season, under the direction of Mr. Vanderbilt. His suggestions have covered every detail, and a beautiful and elaborate scene was unfolded before his guests yesterday. Decoration of the planthouse (Winter Garden) is the chief feature. The design called for an unobstructed view from all the approaches within the chateau, and the idea is thoroughly realistic. The exquisite charm of the enclosed garden is apparent at the first glance as the guests enter the main floor. The Winter Garden decorated for Christmas at Biltmore in 2020 Above, from a symmetrical dome, fall great festoons of spruce and waxen holly, forming arching lines, while garlands of the same evergreens adorn each point of vantage. The effect is as if a vast green canopy had been erected under the span of the dome, the supports of which, also laden with green, serve as pillars of the canopy.About the floor of the planthouse innumerable palms and ferns are arranged in such a way as to give all the natural effect of a garden in the opening of a tropical forest. That eye may not be wearied with one unvaried hue of green, many plants in full bloom are placed here and there in the planthouse, their color being used to the fullest advantage. This enormous berry-and-ribbon wreath in the Library recalls the natural decor from Biltmore’s first Christmas celebration The forests of Biltmore estate afforded a wealth of the desired foliage, and plants from a New York florist, who arranged the whole scene, and bushels of scarlet holly berries were ordered from the marshes of Eastern Carolina and were used in ornamentation of the chateau.” The tradition continues This year marks the 125th time that the halls of Biltmore House have been decked in honor of Christmas. As part of the celebration, Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak spent months developing our new Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Release Brut. Celebrate Our 125th Anniversary with Sparkling Wine Add sparkle to your celebrations with Biltmore sparkling wines “This sparkling wine is handcrafted in the traditional mĂ©thode champenoise with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes selected from partner vineyards in California,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Marketing Manager. “It’s a wonderful wine with a touch of rose gold color and aromas of tangerine, yeast, strawberry, and honey,” Jill said. “The taste is refreshing and nicely balanced with tiny bubbles and hints of strawberry, mint, and Meyer lemon.” Celebrate our anniversary–or yours–with the new Biltmore Estate 125th Anniversary Release Brut According to Jill, this is an excellent sparkling wine to pair with charcuterie and cheese boards, fresh fruit, caviar, steak tartar, scallops, and angel food cake with strawberries. Perfect for any occasion! Include Biltmore wines in your Valentine’s Day celebration! “It’s also perfect for ringing in the New Year, or giving as a thoughtful gift of the season,” noted Jill. “And be sure to have plenty of our exceptional Biltmore bubbles on hand for your Valentine’s Day celebrations!”
Fans Choose Our 2020 Christmas Wine Labels Posted on September 8, 2020 at 4:02 pm.Written by Jean Sexton (Please enjoy this archived content from Christmas 2020.) For the past three years, our Facebook fans have been the ones to choose the style of our Christmas at Biltmore Wine labels. Crowdsourcing our Christmas wine labels Indoor and outdoor holiday elements were chosen by our Facebook fans for 2020 “It’s worked so well that we keep doing it,” said Chris Price, Wine Marketing Manager. “By voting for the Christmas wine label styles and themes on Facebook, our fans really help us capture the spirit of the season.” Working with a North Carolina artist The Biltmore wine marketing team selected artist Denise Nelson of Sherrils Ford, North Carolina, to create two original paintings that would incorporate the holiday images and elements selected by Biltmore’s Facebook followers for our Christmas wine labels. Your virtual tasting theme can be anything you like, including Christmas at Biltmore white and red wines! Two winning themes emerged after two rounds of online voting: a wonderfully warm vignette in the grand Library of Biltmore House, and a whimsical outdoor scene featuring the iconic architecture of America’s Largest Home®. Images tell a special story Paintings in progress: artwork for both labels side-by-side in Denise Nelson’s studio According to the artist, her assignment felt a little overwhelming at first because both the Library and the house are so richly detailed, but as she began working with the two different ideas that were selected, the images began to tell their own special stories. Denise builds layers of warm color and delightful detail for the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label painting “I started with the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label,” Denise said. ” It was delightful to present an interior view of the house that includes a child’s rocking horse and Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ beloved Saint Bernard, resting on the hearth in front of the massive fireplace.” Denise captured Cedric the St. Bernard in magnificent detail, from the rough texture of his coat to the firelight reflected in his eyes Denise was able to work in other wonderful Library details, like cheerful Christmas dĂ©cor and a glimpse of Pelligrini’s The Chariot of Aurora ceiling painting soaring overhead. Classic architecture meets frosty fun Denise kept her colors cool for the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label Fans also voted to see a snowy outdoor scene featuring Biltmore House at night, and Denise was happy to oblige. For the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label, Denise painted a timeless winter scene that looks as if the Vanderbilts and their guests might have created this cheerful snowman before returning to the warmth of Biltmore House! “I imagined a nicely chilled bottle of Christmas at Biltmore White Wine,” said Denise, “and that helped me capture the tone of the season. You’ll see the windows of Biltmore House alight for the holidays, and a cheerful snowman in a red scarf adds a bit of frosty fun to the formal architecture.” Give a thoughtful gift of wine this season Christmas at Biltmore Wines are perfect for gift giving and for complementing your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table Whether you’re in the mood for a fragrant, semi-sweet white wine or a soft, fruit-forward red, our Christmas at Biltmore Wines offer a classic complement to your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table. As an added bonus, the lovely Christmas labels make both wines a charming gift of the season for someone special.
Take Virtual Tours of Biltmore House and Gardens Posted on April 10, 2020 at 11:26 am.Written by Jean Sexton Ready to experience virtual tours of Biltmore House and Gardens? From the comfort of your own home, discover the timeless architecture of America’s Largest Home, renowned landscape design, breathtaking views, and storied history of this National Historic Landmark in Asheville, North Carolina. Experience Biltmore virtual tours now Like a jewel crowning the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore House–an American castle–was completed in 1895. It is still owned and operated by descendants of founder George Vanderbilt. PLEASE NOTE: While each of our brief Biltmore virtual tours last less than two minutes, a typical self-guided Biltmore House visit takes about two hours, spanning three floors and the basement of George and Edith Vanderbilt’s luxurious family home–and you can spend hours discovering the wonders of Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds! We hope you enjoy the following brief glimpse at the marvels of this historic place. Bonus: 360° Blue Ridge Mountain Views from the Loggia This is an interactive 360° video. Use your finger or cursor to look around*. Bonus: 360° View Inside the Butler’s Pantry This is an interactive 360° video. Use your finger or cursor to look around*. * Some web browsers do not support 360° video. We recommend Google Chrome or Safari. Virtual tour: Biltmore’s historic Conservatory Located in the heart of Biltmore’s Walled Garden, this architectural treasure was designed in collaboration between George Vanderbilt, Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Completed along with the house in 1895, Biltmore’s Conservatory is a year-round tropical oasis with more than 2,000 exotic plants beneath its expansive glass roof. In the summer months, Biltmore’s expert staff of horticulturalists bring the tropics outdoors by filling the alleyways with exotic and fragrant plants for guests to enjoy. This brief Biltmore virtual tour video gives you an opportunity to see highlights from the Conservatory: Virtual tour: Biltmore’s gardens and grounds When George Vanderbilt first began planning his grand country retreat in 1888, he envisioned a self-sustaining estate that would nurture the land and its resources for years to come. Vanderbilt selected Frederick Law Olmsted, the founding father of American landscape architecture, to design the gardens and grounds of his estate. Perhaps best known as the designer of Central Park in New York City, Olmsted envisioned Biltmore to include formal gardens and naturalized areas, a major arboretum and nursery, and acres of systematically managed forest land. This brief Biltmore virtual video offers a quick overview of Olmsted’s masterpiece: Plan your Biltmore visit soon Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina We hope you have enjoyed each of these Biltmore virtual tours, as well as the bonus 360° videos of the Loggia and Butler’s Pantry!
Happy Birthday, Frederick Law Olmsted Posted on January 10, 2020 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Frederick Law Olmsted, born on April 26, 1822, is often referred to as the “father of landscape architecture in America,” and is best known for New York’s Central Park, which he co-designed with architect and landscape designer Calvert Vaux. We honor Olmsted’s visionary work as the designer of the artful landscape surrounding Biltmore House year-round. However, the breathtaking beauty of our gardens in bloom during Spring at Biltmore aligning with this birthday in April calls for extra celebration! Learn about Olmsted’s visional design of Biltmore’s landscapes. Frederick Law Olmsted and daughter Marion Olmsted near the French Broad River at Biltmore, ca. 1895. (Photo courtesy of the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site.) Envisioning Biltmore’s Landscapes Olmsted knew William Henry Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt’s father, when they both lived on Staten Island, and the designer had already worked on several Vanderbilt family projects when George Vanderbilt approached him in 1888 to advise on the first 2,000 acres of North Carolina property he’d already purchased. “Now I have brought you here to examine it and tell me if I have been doing anything very foolish,” Vanderbilt reportedly told Olmsted. The mountain views from Biltmore House you see today are the same Vanderbilt and Olmsted would have taken in over a century ago. Olmsted’s Initial Assessment of Vanderbilt’s New Estate After visiting Vanderbilt’s acreage in Asheville, North Carolina, Olmsted gave his young client a frank assessment of the property: “The soil seems to be generally poor. The woods are miserable, all the good trees having again and again been culled out and only the runts left. The topography is most unsuitable for anything that can properly be called park scenery. My advice would be to make a small park in which you look from your house, make a small pleasure ground and gardens; farm your river bottoms chiefly and…keep and fatten livestock with a view to manure and…make the rest a forest.” Photograph from 1892 (left to right) Purchasing agent and agricultural consultant Edward Burnett; architect Richard Morris Hunt; landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (seated middle); George Washington Vanderbilt; architect Richard Howland Hunt, son of Richard Morris Hunt (seated right). Olmsted’s Collaboration with Richard Morris Hunt Plans for both Biltmore House and its surrounding landscape changed in 1889 when Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt toured France together and the scale of Vanderbilt’s new estate expanded. Olmsted wrote that he was nervous, not sure how to “merge stately architectural work with natural or naturalistic landscape work.” But the architect and landscape designer worked together “without a note of discord,” and Olmsted biographer Witold Rybczynki says that the landscape architect achieved something completely original at Biltmore: the first combination of French and English landscape designs. Portrait of Frederick Law Olmsted, Biltmore landscape designer, painted by John Singer Sargent. Designing a living masterpiece Transitions between formal and natural gardens were important, as was the use of native plants, small trees and large shrubs, and color and texture year-round. Biltmore Estate would prove to be Olmsted’s last design. As he approached the end of his work on the estate, he said: “It is a great work of peace we are engaged in and one of these days we will all be proud of our parts in it.” He said Biltmore was “the most permanently important public work” of his career. More than 125 years later, we continue to benefit from his vision. Spring at Biltmore offers a dazzling view of Olmsted’s visionary design. Experience Biltmore in Bloom This Spring Spring is a wonderful season to experience the mature landscape that Frederick Law Olmsted envisioned. Plan a visit now during our annual celebration of spring. Featured image: Portrait of Frederick Law Olmsted by John Singer Sargent