Visit Itinerary: Food & Wine Lover’s Guide to Biltmore

Written by

Beyond the grandeur of the Gilded Age chateau, you might be surprised to learn that Biltmore Estate is a culinary haven for food and wine lovers!

At Biltmore, gracious hospitality has always included an emphasis on fine dining. The Vanderbilts’ table featured the freshest offerings from their market garden, farm, and dairy. If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie, you are cordially invited to savor Vanderbilt-inspired field-to-table freshness with our estate-grown ingredients, gourmet dining, regional comfort foods, and award-winning wines.

This food and wine lover’s guide to Biltmore features a selection of our options and is designed to be easily tailored based on your restaurant preferences, dietary needs, and other estate activities you have planned during your visit to Biltmore.

Bon appétit!

stack of pancakes
Jump start your day with a hearty breakfast at Village Social.

🥞 Morning

Whether you’re waking up on the estate or arriving early, get fueled up for a day filled with exploration, learning, restoration, and adventure with a hearty breakfast at Village Social (inside Village Hotel) or Sunday Brunch at Bistro. Coffee drinkers, be sure to order a cup (or two!) of our exclusive Biltmore coffee blend that you can’t get anywhere else.

If a light breakfast is more your speed, stop by The Kitchen Café (inside Village Hotel) or The Bake Shop (by Biltmore House) for a delectable pastry and cup of Joe on the go.

Friends enjoy food and wine together at Cedric's Tavern
For a more casual food and wine experience, dine at Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village.

🥗 Mid-Day

By the time lunch comes around, you’ve no doubt worked up an appetite! If you’re in the Biltmore House and Gardens area, Stable Café features Appalachian comfort food in a truly unique setting (the historic horse stables) while Courtyard Market and The Conservatory Café are excellent options for more casual, quick bites. 

Meanwhile, in the Antler Hill Village area, you’ll find mouth-watering pub fare at Cedric’s Tavern, European-inspired menus at Bistro, and grab-and-go Carolina barbeque at The Smokehouse Food Truck… all within walking distance!

Wine tasting at Biltmore's estate Winery
Discover our award winning wines with a complimentary wine tasting at the Winery!

🥂 Afternoon

We know that 5 o’clock comes early when you’re on vacation, so be sure to visit our estate Winery (in Antler Hill Village) where you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and shop for your new favorite varietals at the Wine Shop, both housed inside our historic Biltmore Dairy Barn. Just across the “Scholar’s Walk,” you’ll find our Wine Bar, which is perfect for enjoying our award-winning wines by the glass or bottle paired with light fare, like charcuterie.

Craving a little afternoon treat? Discover a match made in heaven with our Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting at the Winery, featuring locally made French Broad Chocolate, or swing by The Creamery (also in Antler Hill Village) for an Instagrammable confection.

If you’re in the mood to channel your inner Vanderbilt, consider booking an elegant Afternoon Tea experience at our four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate.

Food and wine at The Dining Room, inside The Inn on Biltmore Estate.
Indulge in a four-star food and wine experience at The Dining Room.

🍽️ Evening

Cap off your day with an elegant, four-star meal at The Dining Room (inside The Inn on Biltmore Estate), where world-class service inspired by the Vanderbilt legacy and estate-raised ingredients shine.

For more award-winning dining, nearby Cedric’s Tavern offers a more casual atmosphere and classic English pub favorites while Bistro’s menu highlights the charms of Europe and seasonal ingredients.

No matter where you choose to dine on the estate, be sure to raise a glass and toast to a day well spent.

Food and wine at Bistro in Antler Hill Village
Bistro’s menu highlights the charms of Europe and seasonal food and wine pairings.

Additional Food and Wine Visit Planning Tips:

Below are a few additional tips for planning your visit to Biltmore Estate.

  • Plan Ahead: In addition to daily reservations required for entry to Biltmore House, reservations for sit-down meals are strongly recommended and can be made online. To dine on the estate, guests must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.
  • Check Current Hours: Restaurant opening and closing times vary throughout the year, so be sure to check our current Hours of Operations to know what will be available during your visit.
  • Getting Around the Estate: Many guests underestimate the vast size of Biltmore Estate. With miles between points of interest, we recommend allowing your party at least 30 minutes for travel and parking between estate locations. For helpful guidance on estate accessibility, please explore our Help Center.
  • Make it a Getaway: With so many great food and wine experiences to savor, treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable getaway with an overnight stay on Biltmore Estate or join our Passholder family.
  • Field-to-Table Fun: We have multiple ways to learn about our field-to-table philosophy at Biltmore! For in-depth discovery, be sure to visit our Winery and Farmyard in Antler Hill Village or consider booking a guided activity like our Farm to Table Tour & Taste experience (available exclusively to overnight guests and Passholders; availability is subject to change).
  • Don’t Forget Your Mementos: Visit our shops to find unique gourmet treats, like award-winning Biltmore Wines or honey from our estate beehives, to bring the Biltmore legacy home with you.

Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe

Written by

Inspired by our Stable Café chefs, this savory summer salad features grilled Biltmore® Grown Angus Beef and hearty vegetables. Serve with crusty French bread, for a perfect light summer dinner entrée.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pair with a glass of Vanderbilt Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2020.

Grilled Flank Steak Salad
The tannins in red wine help to cut through the fat of the steak.

Grilled Flank Steak Salad Recipe

Total time: 8 hours        

Serving Size: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1½ to 2 pounds Biltmore® Grown Flank Steak

• 2 large Portobello mushrooms

• 1 large red onion, sliced into ¼ inch slices

• 4 Roma tomatoes, cut in quarters

• 1 pound mixed salad greens

• 1 cup blue cheese crumbles

• 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Marinade for Flank Steak

• 2 teaspoons salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

Vegetable Seasoning

• ½ cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced

Instructions:

• Place flank steak in a 1-gallon ziplock bag. Mix marinade ingredients together and pour over the steak. Toss to coat thoroughly. Seal the ziplock, leaving as little air as possible. Marinate flank steak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

• Preheat oven to 275°F. In a large bowl, combine vegetable seasoning ingredients and mix well. Add the mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes, and gently toss to cover with seasoning mix. Let sit for 15 minutes.

• Meanwhile, remove tomatoes from the seasoning mix and place them on a sheet pan. Roast on the roasting rack for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for at least 20 minutes.

• Remove flank steak from marinade. Spray steak with cooking spray and grill until medium rare (about 4-5 minutes on each side). Remove from grill and set aside.

• Coat mushrooms and onions with cooking spray and grill until tender (about 3-4 minutes on each side). Remove from grill and set aside. When cool, slice Portobello mushrooms and cut onion slices in half.

• In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Divide among 4 serving plates. Arrange grilled vegetables and roasted Roma tomato wedges around the outer edges of the salad. Slice flank steak crosswise (against the grain) into 1/8-inch slices. Fan sliced steak over the center of the salad. Garnish the top of each salad with blue cheese crumbles and serve immediately.

Biltmore Wines for Warm Weather Sipping

Written by

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.

Keep it crisp and refreshing

Couple sipping wine on rockers at Biltmore.
Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping!

Biltmore Estate winemaker Sharon Fenchak recommends focusing on lighter, dryer, 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 thirst.

“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.

White wines for warm weather sipping

Couple sipping wine on Patio at Biltmore.
Enjoy warm weather sipping with Biltmore white wines by the glass or bottle.

“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, and our off-dry, approachable Biltmore Estate® Albariño as especially nice options 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.

Pick the perfect rosé for warm weather

Outdoor firepit gathering with wine.
Enjoy summer sipping and entertaining outdoors with your favorite Biltmore wines.

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.

Warm-weather sippers for red wine lovers

Biltmore Cardinal's Crest makes a sensational sangria
Add some sparkle to warm weather sipping with our Cardinal’s Crest Sangria!

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!” 

Biltmore bubbles are festive and fun!

Woman sipping sparkling wine by the pool at The Inn on Biltmore Estate
Enjoy our sparkling wine poolside during warm weather, just like this guest at The Inn on Biltmore Estate.

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.

Cool down with the 20-minute rule

Couple cheers their wine glasses while overlooking mountains at Biltmore
Cheers are on the horizon!

“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.

Enjoy sipping Biltmore wines all summer long

Two women walking out of Biltmore Winery
Put Biltmore wines on your “bucket list” for summer sipping!

Find your favorite Biltmore wines at Biltmore Estate shops, restaurants, and our Winery—or closer to home with our Retail Locator. You can also order by phone at 800-968-0558, or purchase our wines online through Vivino.

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.

Celebrate with Sensational Sangria Recipes

Written by

Celebrate the warmer months with these sensational sangria recipes featuring your favorite Biltmore wines! Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites, or rosés, there’s a perfect option in the following recipes to help you create fun and fruity sangrias for solo sipping and friendly gatherings all season long.

Purchase our award-winning wines in estate shops, online, or find a Biltmore wine retailer near you.

White Wine Sangria

Bottle of Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc and glasses of sangria with fruit garnish.
Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc is the star of this refreshing white sangria dreamed up by Marley Goldin / @marleysmenu following a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. (Photo courtesy of @marleysmenu.)

Sip on this delightful Sauvignon Blanc-based sangria recipe, created for Biltmore by Marley Goldin of @marleysmenu.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lemons, washed and sliced in wheels
  • 2 limes, washed and sliced in wheels
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup triple sec
  • 1 bottle of Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc (or your favorite Biltmore white wine)
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries, washed, tops removed, halved
  • 2 cups club soda
  • Ice

Instructions:

  • Into a large pitcher, add the lemon and lime slices and granulated sugar. Muddle for 30 seconds until the sugar combines with the citrus juices.
  • Add the triple sec, then stir to combine.
  • Add the Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc and sliced strawberries to the pitcher and stir again.
  • Just before serving, add ice and club soda. Serves 8.
  • Tip: This recipe can be made up to 24 ahead of time! The longer the fruit sits in the liquid, the more its flavor infuses. Hold off on adding the club soda and ice until just before serving.

Masterpiece Sangria

Four bottles of Biltmore Masterpiece Collection wine with orchid labels
Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines

Although traditional sangria recipes tend to feature red wines, this version with our Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White or Rosé Wines is a cool, refreshing treat for warm weather. Enjoy with friends and, should you have any leftover (we doubt you will!), freeze it for a fun take on grown-up popsicles or slushies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle Biltmore® Masterpiece Collection White Wine or Rosé Wine
  • 4 ounces simple syrup
  • 4 ounces brandy
  • 2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 limes, sliced in wheels
  • 1 lemon, sliced in wheels then halved
  • 1 Fuji apple, cubed
  • 1 Anjou pear, cubed
  • 1 mango, cubed
  • Seeds from ½ pomegranate (optional)

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir until well mixed, adding pomegranate seeds at the end for presentation as they tend to fall to the bottom after stirring.
  • Serve over ice. If sangria sits overnight, add simple syrup to taste as additional juices will come forward the next day. 
  • Serves 4-6.

Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria

Biltmore Estate Cardinal's Crest wine with a pitcher of sangria
Biltmore Estate® Cardinal’s Crest wine is perfect for sipping, savoring, and sangria!

Take time for yourself with a glass of Cardinal’s Crest Red Sangria—the perfect sparkling treat for a leisurely Sunday morning brunch or a long afternoon on the porch.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  • Add the first 6 ingredients to a small pitcher or shaker; mix until combined.
  • Pour over ice in a wine glass and top with 1 ounce sparkling wine and garnish with lime and orange wedges.
  • Serves 1, but can be easily multiplied for sharing.

Exotic Orchids Bloom on This Wine Label

Written by

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

Orchids in bloom inside Biltmore's Conservatory
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.

Series of nine colored pencil sketches of orchids.
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.

Watercolor painting of an orchid in progress
Bryan created original watercolor paintings featuring four different orchids for the Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines.

Wine tasting notes and pairing suggestions

Four bottles of Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rosé Wines with glasses and fruit.
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

Bottles of Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White and Rose Wines
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.

Biltmore® Grown Meatballs Recipe

Written by

Straight out of grandma’s recipe book, these classic meatballs are styled after a meal that Biltmore’s Estate Executive Chef Mark DeMarco’s grandmother and aunts made countless times during his childhood. For a tour de taste down memory lane, serve them with tomato sauce over your favorite pasta, or with fresh bread and creamy burrata cheese.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: The boldness of our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Mourvédre pairs perfectly with the richness of this dish.

Grilled Flank Steak Salad
The tannins in red wine help to cut through the fat of the steak.

Biltmore® Grown Meatballs

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes   

Serving Size: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

  • 1½ pounds Biltmore® Grown Ground Beef
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F. In a medium pan, sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft but not browned; season with salt.
  • Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, mix onions and garlic with remaining ingredients and let sit for 10 minutes.
  • Add ground beef and mix until well combined. Scoop meat mixture into ½-cup portions and roll between your hands to form smooth meatballs then place meatballs in a baking dish.
  • Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 155°F and serve immediately with your favorite pasta and sauce.

For a meatball sub, place meatballs on toasted baguettes, top with pasta sauce and fresh mozzarella or fontina cheese.

Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe

Written by

Simple and versatile—just the way we like it! Add a touch of elegance to your next gathering with this Tarte Tatin recipe from the minds of our creative chefs at The Dining Room at The Inn on Biltmore Estate®.

Wine Pairing Suggestion: Pair with a glass of Biltmore Estate® Riesling, or for festive occasions, a Biltmore Estate® Brut Sparkling.

Apple Tarte Tatin
Celebrate fall harvest season and holiday gatherings with this classic French-style apple tarte.

Apple Tarte Tatin Recipe

Total time: roughly 2 hours

Serving Size: 6-8 people

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 12-14 green apples, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons additional butter, softened
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry (store-bought)
  • 1 egg, beaten with a touch of water

Optional Toppings:

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
  • Thinly sliced ripe figs arranged in the center when serving
  • Cranberry sauce or relish
  • Jam

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Blend the 4 tablespoons of butter and ½ cup of sugar in a 9-inch oven-safe skillet and
    cook over medium heat until thick, syrupy, and golden brown.
  • Slice the peeled apples in thin wedges and arrange them on top of the butter-sugar
    mixture in layers. Dot each layer with softened butter and sprinkle with a little bit
    of sugar. Build the apple slices up in the center to come above the rim of the pan.
  • Roll out the puff pastry to 1/8 inch thick, and cover the pan with the pastry. Brush the
    pastry with the egg.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to 375 degrees and continue baking
    until the apples are soft and the pastry is golden brown.
  • Let tarte cool slightly about 10 minutes and then carefully invert it onto a serving
    plate. The apples should have caramelized with the sugar-butter mixture, making
    a delicate brown top for the tarte. Serve warm with optional toppings.

A first-look for Biltmore Annual Passholders

This recipe was originally shared with Biltmore’s Annual Passholders in the Fall/Holiday 2024 issue of Ambassador, our exclusive Passholder magazine. Join our Passholder family to get insider access and exclusive benefits—like unlimited daytime visits for a full year!


Pumpkin Spice Sangria Recipe

Written by

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.

Bottle of Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc and glasses of sangria with fruit garnish.
Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc is the star of this refreshing white sangria dreamed up by Marley Goldin / @marleysmenu following a complimentary wine tasting at Biltmore Winery. (Photo courtesy of @marleysmenu.)

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

Written by

Whether you’re stocking, storing, or savoring Biltmore wines, this is our most important tip: enjoy the process!

Man in a suit examining the library of Biltmore wines in the Winery
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

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

When deciding which wines to stock this winter, first evaluate your available storage space. Worry not 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

Group of friends toasting with Biltmore wine
With Biltmore wines, all your gatherings are seasoned with cheer!

Reflect upon 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. As well, include in your decision-making process what foods you are more likely to cook at home (see our winter wine recommendations list below for ideas!).

3. Try different wines

Biltmore wines and charcuterie grazing board
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. Or, for an even more targeted experience, savor a tasting Biltmore Winery and discuss your options with our experienced wine hosts while you sample a selection of award-winning favorites*.

4. Plan ahead

Couple drinking winter wines while they savor in place at home
Include Biltmore wines in your Valentine’s Day celebration!

Review the special occasions that lie on your winter horizon. Will you be celebrating a milestone birthday, enjoying a romantic Valentine’s Day meal, or attending an intimate gathering with friends? Invest in choice bottles to have on hand, whether for a hostess gift or your own meaningful moment. And, be sure to set aside a bottle or two for fetes in years to come, which is also a perfect opportunity to experiment with the effects aging will have on different varietals.

Biltmore’s winter wine recommendations

Woman shopping at the Wine Shop at Biltmore's Winery
Find your favorite Biltmore wines at the estate or online

For a great winter wine foundation, try these winning Biltmore wines:

Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay: For more temperate nights when grilling outdoors is an option, try the subtle oak flavors of Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay with salmon, chicken, and foil-wrapped veggies, or warm up indoors with 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 winter 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 winter vegetables such as squash and portabella mushrooms are perfect with the smooth, vanilla-scented flavor of Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vanderbilt Reserve® Pinot Noir Russian River Valley: Elegant and easy to drink, this versatile wine is right at home whether accompanying roasted pork and poultry or hearty 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 you’re toasting a special occasion or pairing with your favorite foods.

Savor Biltmore wines now

Couple toasting a small moments with Biltmore wine
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. This winter, relish the journey of discovery, and make it a fun process.

And to keep your stock replenished at a great value shop online or join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® to receive a curated shipment every three months. You’ll thank yourself the rest of the year!

Biltmore Winery Welcomes Chihuly Chandelier

Written by

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.

Portrait of George Vanderbilt and three bottles of wine
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.

Detail of Chihuly Chandelier at Biltmore
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

Stained glass La Farge windows
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.

Tiffany vase
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

Couple on a romantic date entering the Winery at Biltmore
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.