Biltmore is the perfect place to plan a romantic date, especially when Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.
Whether you’re looking for a day of special activities or a long weekend getaway, winter is a wonderful time to visit the estate. From the magnificence of America’s Largest Home® to special packages at both of our distinctive hotels, we’ve compiled a list of five sensational ideas for planning your romantic date at Biltmore.
1. Share a sweet treat with someone special
Indulge in a sweet treat from The Bake Shop during your romantic date at Biltmore!
Enjoy fresh–baked pastries and baked goods, excellent espresso, gourmet coffees, and herbal teas from The Bake Shop located in theStable Courtyardnext to Biltmore House. Before or after your self-guided house visit, this is a perfect way to warm up winter’s chill.
Romantic date tip: While you’re in the neighborhood, take time to visit the collection of gift shops located inside the Stables–you’re sure to find a charming memento of your time together!
2. Escape to the tropics!
Wander among tropical treasures in Biltmore’s Conservatory
Indoor enchantment awaits in Biltmore’s Conservatory. Possibly one of the warmest spots in North Carolina’s mountains during winter, the Conservatory is filled with thousands of exotic plants, including an expansive orchid display at its showiest peak in the peaceful winter months.
Romantic date tip: Be sure to snuggle up for a selfie together with a lush back drop of tropical treasures!
3. Discover the Vanderbilts’ love story
George and Edith Vanderbilt sitting on the front steps of Buckspring Lodge, their rustic retreat on Mt. Pisgah
The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition highlights the Transatlantic courtship and wedding of George and Edith Vanderbilt with archival letters, personal items and exotic treasures they collected during their world travels. The exhibition is located at The Biltmore Legacy in Antler Hill Village, just steps away from the Winery.
Romantic date tip: After learning more about the Vanderbilts, take time for a sweet treat or light bite from the nearby Creamery.
4. Warm up at the Winery
A match made in heaven–red wine and chocolate!
As soon as you arrive at our Winery, enjoy your complimentary wine tasting and savor a variety of our award-winning Biltmore wines. To make your romantic date truly memorable, enjoy a specialty wine experience like our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting together!
Our 8,000-acre backyard provides natural habitat for a variety of beautiful birds this time of year. Meet them, explore their habits, and learn about their environments with engaging, informative activities that invite you to expand your Biltmore knowledge in a new way. Feathered Friends, Waterfowl Habits, and Guided Bird Walks offer a great way to spend time outdoors with someone special.
Romantic date tip: Let your hearts soar as you discover the ancient art of Falconry together!
Plan your romantic date at Biltmore now!
Plan your romantic getaway at Biltmore!
Join us during Winter at Biltmore for a romantic date, or simply enjoy spending time together with family and friends. We look forward to making you welcome!
“You’ll taste our passion for perseverance in this new Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2020 Barrel Select wine,” said Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore winemaker.
From grape to glass
Vineyard crews picking grapes by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate
“The grapes for this smooth, buttery Chardonnay were carefully nurtured by Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor, and his crew,” Sharon said. “From planting and tending the vines to caring for them throughout the growing season and harvesting the grapes by hand in late September and early October, the vineyard team ensured that we had the best possible fruit to begin this project.”
Biltmore-grown barrels
These barrels are coopered for the Winery from Biltmore-grown oak
According to Sharon, the grapes aren’t the only part of this wine that represents the estate.
“Once this medium-bodied golden Chardonnay was ready to be fermented and aged, we transferred it into a group of very special barrels,” said Sharon.
For the first time in the estate’s winemaking history, wood from oak trees that were grown on the estate was shipped to Seguin Moreau, an artisan barrel-making firm. Now anchored in Napa, California, the company originated in France in 1838 and continues to provide high-quality barrels to the wine industry today.
Chardonnay tasting notes and pairings
“It is remarkable to have Biltmore-grown oak coopered into custom barrels for aging our own Chardonnay,” Sharon said. Now, in addition to having our grapes reflect our Blue Ridge Mountain terroir, the very barrels we use for aging also echo the unique characteristics of weather and soil found here.”
After aging for 12 months in Biltmore oak barrels, this Chardonnay developed a delightful nose of caramel, coffee, and grilled pineapple, plus pleasant hints of oak that continue on the palate along with flavors of Meyer lemon, vanilla, and kiwi ahead of a lingering finish of honey and spice.
Savor our outstanding Biltmore wines with a grazing board at your next gathering
To further enhance the rich notes of this exceptional Chardonnay, Sharon suggests warming it slightly to around 60 degrees, then gathering friends together to savor a glass with a grazing platter featuring blue cheese drizzled with local honey, pistachios, and smoked trout dip.
Other excellent pairings include seafood cioppino, Caribbean-style red snapper, and mussels with a butter-and-garlic sauce and plenty of toasted baguettes for dipping.
Passion and perseverance
The label for this distinctive Chardonnay features an original watercolor painting of Biltmore’s vineyard
Sharon and the wine production team have called Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina 2020 Barrel Select wine “the taste of 2020 in a glass.”
“That’s not a negative attribute,” Sharon noted. “It really refers to the fact that 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, but even so, we poured our passion, determination, and perseverance into this wine, and we see it as a tribute to North Carolina grape growing.”
For the label, Lisa Vogel, Art Director, painted an original watercolor to distinguish this one-of-a-kind wine.
“I chose to include an iconic oak tree in the estate’s vineyard,” said Lisa, “as a visual way to represent the grapes and the barrels that earned this outstanding wine our exclusive Biltmore® Reserve Barrel Select designation.”
Join the Vanderbilt Wine Club® now to experience this Chardonnay
Vanderbilt Wine Club members receive a shipment of Biltmore wines each season, plus access to exclusive vintages, virtual tasting events, and more.
This wine will be released exclusively to our Vanderbilt Wine Club® members. Explore membership options at the Winery or online, and stock up on your favorite Biltmore wines at biltmoreshop.com.
When you taste the terroir of Biltmore wines, you’re tasting some of the oldest terroir in the world in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Terroir refers to the complete natural environment in which the grapes for wine are grown and in which the wines themselves are produced and aged. It includes factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.
Long established among European winegrowers, the concept of terroir is becoming more important in the U.S. and other nations.
Interestingly, there is no exact translation of terroir from its French language origins—it loosely means “a sense of place,” and can be as broad as an entire region or as narrow as a few rows in a specific vineyard.
What is the terroir of Biltmore wines?
Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard
Biltmore’s acreage—including the vineyard—is classified as a Low and Intermediate Mountain System between 1,400–4,600 feet above sea level with soil influenced by elevation, slope aspect, exposure, and vegetation. As part of the ancient Appalachian Mountain chain that formed 480 billion years ago, the Blue Ridge Mountains feature lower elevations and a soft, weathered appearance that shows much they’ve worn away over the years.
When George Vanderbilt’s grandson William A.V. Cecil envisioned developing an estate vineyard and winery, he felt it should be possible to grow grapes at Biltmore.
In his book Lady on the Hill, Cecil wrote that “Asheville was about the same latitude as Gibraltar in the Mediterranean, and with an altitude between 2,100 and 2,500 feet, the fields of the estate would enjoy warm days and cool nights in the summer.”
West coast advantages
Partner vineyards in California
Unlike the conditions of the Mediterranean and other classic grape-growing regions, however, the climate of Western North Carolina is notoriously unpredictable, averaging 47 inches of rain per year—more than twice the average amount that falls in Napa Valley.
In addition to a drier climate, California growers have another advantage when it comes to terroir: the geologic age of the area is much “younger” than that of the east coast. Wine grapes typically fare better in lower-nutrient, more alkaline soils preferably with gravelly or rocky substrates.
The idea is that the plants’ roots will grow deeper in such circumstances to seek nutrients and water, allowing the plant and eventually the fruit to express the unique characteristics of the specific location that the grower has chosen.
“Our west coast vineyard partners like those in Cienega Valley have the benefits of a maritime climate and rocky soils that create more intensity and richness in the grapes,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Manager. “They may have lower yields there, but flavors develop more fully.”
Climate affects terroir
Grapes being picked by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard
“Soil and climate have significant impact on grape quality, but climate is the more important factor at Biltmore,” said Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor. Grapes can be more reactive to certain weather conditions than some crops, but when the weather is right in Western North Carolina, the fruit produced in our vineyards is exceptional.”
Try any of our BiltmoreReserve wines, such as Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina, handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, and you’ll taste not only the character of the varietal, but the distinctive influence of our unique Blue Ridge Mountain terroir.
Fun Fact
The state soil of North Carolina is known as Cecil soil. Named for Cecil County, Maryland where the soil type was first documented rather than the family name of George Vanderbilt’s descendants, it is nonetheless a delightful coincidence that Biltmore’s vineyardand Winery are rooted in Cecil soil!
Purchase Biltmore® Reserve wines now and taste the terroir!
Only wines handcrafted from estate-grown grapes earn our Biltmore® Reserve label
‘Tis the season to pair Biltmore wine with your favorite cookies to create plenty of holiday cheer!
Pairing wine and cookies
“Whether you’re baking at home, participating in a neighborhood cookie swap, or sending sweets to someone far away, our wine and cookie pairing ideas are the perfect way to pour on the cheer this holiday season,” said Courtney Miller, Director of Biltmore’s Winery and Vanderbilt Wine Club®.
Pour on the cheer by pairing Biltmore wines with cookies this holiday season
Wine and cookie pairings
In the recipes below, we’ve paired each cookie with Biltmore wine to make it even easier to match the distinctive flavors with wines that complement them.
“Go ahead and sweeten the season by purchasing Biltmore wines,” advised Courtney, “then bake some cookies, or snag similar styles from your local bakery; we won’t tell!”
Pour on the holiday cheer
According to Courtney, you generally choose a wine that’s a little sweeter than the treat with which you plan to pair it, but richer, heavier sweets can stand up to dryer wines.
“Either way, you’ll be ready to savor a sophisticated treat for the holidays,” Courtney said. “And if you upgrade Santa’s usual glass of milk to a glass of Biltmore wine, I’m pretty sure he’ll add you to his ‘nice’ list!”
Honey Gingersnap Cookies
Spice up your holiday wine and cookie pairings by serving Honey Gingersnaps with Biltmore Estate® Riesling!
Heidi Badger, Pastry Sous Chef at Cedric’s® Tavern, developed this recipe. “These honey gingersnaps are soft, tender, and nicely spiced, especially if you use freshly grated ginger. The honey flavor is very subtle,” said Heidi.
Chef Heidi recommends serving these traditional holiday favorites withlightly sweet wines such as our delightful Biltmore Estate® Riesling.
Yield: approximately 3 dozen cookies Preparation Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)
Ingredients 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature ½ cup sugar ½ cup honey 1 large egg 2 cups flour 2 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground ginger or freshly grated ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Method In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and honey until fluffy. Mix in egg and set aside.
In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir into wet ingredients until combined.
Chill dough for 1 hour or until slightly firm.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Flourless Fudgy Chocolate Mudslide Cookies
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside–these chocolate cookies pair perfectly with our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah.
“These cookies have a rich, intense chocolate flavor, especially when enhanced by the coffee liqueur,” said Angie Chan, Pastry Chef, Deerpark & Lioncrest. “They feature a crispy outer shell that reminds me of meringue and a fudgy, soft interior. Because the recipe is already flourless, the cookies can be made gluten free.”
Yield: approximately 2 dozen cookies Preparation Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)
Ingredients 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup cocoa powder 3 egg whites 3 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or coffee syrup* 1–2 tablespoons milk
*Coffee syrup: dissolve 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder with 1/3 cup sugar in 1/3 cup hot water. Allow to cool and use the same amount noted in the recipe.
Method In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract until lightly foamy. Combine wet and dry mixtures and stir until well mixed. Dough will be very thick and sticky once it comes together. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help with mixing, if needed.
Add in the chocolate chips and refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and coat with a thin layer of non-stick vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
Scoop 1 tablespoon worth of dough and place onto prepared cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and dry. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat is a favorite for many guests, and it pairs perfectly with our Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!
For an updated version of a classic treat, Chef Angie also created Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies with bright hints of citrus and the tart tang of cranberries.
“There’s nothing more perfect for the holidays than shortbread cookie like this with fresh flavors to lighten the richness of the recipe,” Chef Angie said. “In addition, they pair perfectly with the hints of tropical fruit in our lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat.
Yield: about 2 dozen Preparation Time: about 15 minutes Total Time: about 2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)
Ingredients 1¾ cup all-purpose flour 2/3 cup granulated sugar 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2 teaspoons lemon extract (or fresh-squeezed lemon juice as substitute) 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon lemon zest ½ cup dried cranberries ¼ teaspoon salt
Method Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar, butter, and lemon extract together until light and fluffy.
Add flour, baking soda, and salt and stir until just combined. Add lemon zest and milk, mix well. Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Mixture will be crumbly.
Work dough by hand into a ball and then roll into a log about 2-3 inches thick. Wrap with parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Once dough is chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to carefully slice dough into about ½-inch pieces and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Enjoy Biltmore wine and cookies this holiday season!
Pair Biltmore wines and cookies for holiday gatherings, or indulge in a spot of solo sipping and snacking during the season!
Whether you’re pairing them with cookies, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a peaceful glass by a crackling fire, you’ll find all our award-winning Biltmore wines in our estate shops, online, and close to home with our Wine Finder.
For a special gift for yourself and others, consider joining ourVanderbilt Wine Club®. You’ll enjoy hand-selected Biltmore wines delivered to your door each season, plus all the other privileges membership brings.
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 withBiltmore 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.
Happy memories are sparked when you hear the opening notes of traditional holiday music, and pairing Biltmore wines with Christmas carols can certainly season the moment with even more cheer!
Catch up with Biltmore’s team of talented floral designers and discover some light-hearted pairings of the season’s merriest melodies with our award-winning Biltmore wines.
Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina + Deck the Halls
There’s nothing finer than a glass of our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay handcrafted of estate-grown grapes
“I am inspired by the warmth and good cheer of the carol Deck the Halls and its reference to “boughs of holly” because that’s exactly what Mr. Vanderbiltbrought in to use for décor during the first Christmas celebration at Biltmore,” said Lesley, a member of Biltmore’s floral team.
To capture that feeling of Biltmore’s halls decked for the season, nothing could be finer than a pairing with Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina, especially since this smooth, classic wine is handcrafted from estate-grown grapes.
Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio + 12 Days of Christmas
Savor the delights of our 2021 Tree Raising Wine Trio
“To complement the baronial splendor of the Banquet Hall, I’m inspired by the traditional Christmas colors of red, green, and shades of gold,” said Lucinda, Floral Designer, “and added touches of blue and orange to reflect some of the more whimsical details included in the song 12 Days of Christmas.”
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer + Here We Come A’Wassailing
Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing!
As a floral designer, Christy shared her experience of selecting ornaments for the holiday season. She loves choosing a lot of copper, cream, and gold-colored ornaments to follow the theme of the traditional English carol, Here We Come A’Wassailing. The ornaments had vanilla and spice hues that echoed the ingredients present in a seasonal wassail drink.
Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina + Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 18 months in oak barrels.
Designer Don draws inspiration fromJolly Old St. Nicholas, a lively carol that’s sure to set a cheerful mood. “I choose classic reds, greens, and golds, but I also allowed the playfulness of the song to shine through.”
It’s easy to imagine Mr. Vanderbilt by the crackling fire, his beloved St. Bernard named Cedric napping by his side, waiting for jolly old St. Nicholas to arrive. A worthy pairing withBiltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina—an outstanding wine handcrafted from estate-grown grapes.
Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs + Joy to the World
Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine
Inspired by Joy to the World, the most-published Christmas carol in America, designer Joslyn, recommends a monochromatic magenta color scheme for a unique seasonal complement to this popular melody.
Allow the sweet strains of the joyful carol that Joslyn chose to bubble up into a perfect pairing withBiltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine and let’s raise a glass to the Vanderbilts, who definitely added joy to the world with their gracious hospitality for the holidays.
Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with Christmas carols!
Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir + O Holy Night
Inspired by the beautiful words of O Holy Night, Kyla, Floral Supervisor, selects translucent, jewel-toned decorations. “The carol has a worshipful tone,” said Kyla, “and that led me to think about All Souls Cathedral and the Vanderbilt family’s ties there, so I have selected ornaments reminiscent of stained glass.”
As a perfect partner for pairing with this carol is our Vanderbilt Reserve Sonoma County Pinot Noir. It’s an exceptional wine that’s still very approachable. It starts out soft and lovely, then soars, and then it lingers with you, much like the notes of O Holy Night.
Floral team member Lesley pulls in shades of red, pink, blue, and pewter to portray the energetic beat of Canta, Rie, Bebe (Sing, Laugh, Drink), a traditional Spanish Christmas carol.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our perfect pairings with Biltmore wines and Christmas carols. You can find our award-winning wines—and everything else you need to celebrate the season—on Biltmore Shop.
What are the top 10 staff favorites for Christmas at Biltmore™? Among the multitude of joys experienced during the holiday season at America’s Largest Home®, we’ve collected a special list to inspire your imagination and assist with gift giving.
Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies.
“Many of our staff members have been part of the Biltmore family for decades, but their joy and wonder during the holiday season never fades,” said Terri Koestler, Senior Director of Employee Experience. “From festive food and drink to mementos and special moments, these top 10 staff favorites offer a special glimpse into our employees’ perspectives.”
Our holiday legacy continues
On an unforgettable Christmas Eve in 1895, more than 20 members of George Vanderbilt’s family gathered at Biltmore House for the first time. Their awestruck delight has been repeated throughout the decades as today’s guests experience Biltmore during the holidays.
Here’s how even our long-time Biltmore staff members catch the spirit of the season every year:
1. Laura’s favorite: The sounds of music
A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall
Laura Cope, Collections Manager, ensures the proper care of Biltmore’s priceless furniture, art, and objects. An avid music lover, she enjoys the talented musicians who play at Biltmore–especially at Christmastime.
“I always get sentimental at Christmas when I hear a harp play inside Biltmore House,” she raid. “To hear What Child is This? or The Nutcracker Suite within these beautifully decorated rooms really gives you a sense of what guests of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt would have experienced. It’s something that I look forward to every year!”
2. Jeff’s favorite: going a-wassailing
Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing!
“Love and joy come to you” are among the New Year wishes sung in this traditional Christmas carol, and Jeff Jones, Carriage House Supervisor, enjoys the song’s warm sentiment while sipping a cup of spicy wassail.
“Nothing tastes as much like Christmas as a cup of wassail,” said Jeff. “It’s not just one of our staff favorites—our guests love it as soon as they sample it in our estate shops!”
According to Jeff, all three varieties of Biltmore’s Wassail Spice Blend can season your favorite wine, cider, or other hot beverage with cheer during the holidays and all year round.
3. Staff favorites: party starters
Make entertaining easy with Biltmore’s delicious cheeseball and dip mixes
Another staff favorite? The ability to bring a bit of Biltmore elegance to any holiday gathering with our best-selling gourmet cheeseball and dip mixes.
Drawn from elements in Biltmore House, jewelry by Southern Gates® is a charming remembrance of the time you spent at Biltmore.
Biltmore staff members carry the legacy of the estate close to their hearts at Christmastime and beyond by wearing a piece of Biltmore-inspired jewelry or choosing it as a gift for someone special.
Staff favorites include collections by CRISLU and Southern Gates® that feature tiny tokens of timeless luxury found at the estate and highlight some of Biltmore’s most memorable features using precious gemstones and custom-designed charms.
5. Hannah’s favorite: wrapping up gift giving
Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make wonderful gifts for the holidays.
As Visual Assets Coordinator, Hannah Parks sees the beauty of Biltmore through photographs and videos, including places that guests rarely visit, like the vineyards on the west side of the estate.
“I like to have vintages like our Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina on hand for the holidays,” said Hannah. “Not only is it one of my all-time favorite Biltmore wines, but the fact that it’s handcrafted from estate-grown grapes makes it a really wonderful local gift. I’ve have several bottles to share with friends and family, and I may go back for more!”
6. Kyle’s favorite: the nicest spices!
Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs
Many Biltmore staff members are fans of Spicewalla, a home-grown Asheville business that has gained worldwide attention for its unique small-batch spice blends.
“To complement your holiday meals, I suggest the robust rubs and seasonings that Spicewalla has created especially for the estate’s Biltmore Grown® Beef selections,” said Kyle Mayberry, Director of Agriculture.
7. Dawn’s favorite: sipping and savoring all year-round
Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club®.
According to Dawn Sousa, Wine Club Manager, membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club® is a fabulous gift for a loved one, or a decadent one for yourself!
“Surprise someone special with a gift membership that lasts for 12 whole months,” Dawn said. “You’ll definitely be on their ‘nice list’ every time a seasonal shipment arrives!”
Wine Club members receive their preference of red wines, white wines, a mix of red and white wines, or sweet wines each season along with tasting notes and chef-inspired recipes, plus exclusive access to special discounts, promotions, and invitations to members-only special events.
8. Staff favorites: seasonal spreads
Delight your guests with gifts of good taste, including Biltmore’s jams, jellies, spreads, and syrups
Just as the Vanderbilts loved to host and entertain family during the holidays, our staff knows how to show hospitality to their own Christmas guests with more than two dozen gourmet flavors of Biltmore jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and syrupsthat delight at the breakfast table, enhance a charcuterie board, and make perfectly delicious gifts throughout the season—especially when paired with Biltmore wines!
9. Staff favorites: Christmas wine labels
Shop our special edition 2023 Christmas Wines online!
Every year, the one-of-a-kind labels found on our bottles of Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Christmas Red and White Wines delight staff members who love giving these special bottles as thoughtful hosting or Christmas gifts, and many buy an extra bottle for themselves as a collectible keepsake.
10. Brent’s favorite: raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree
Raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree is a guest and staff favorite tradition at Biltmore
The rooms of Biltmore House will be filled with more than 60 hand-decorated Christmas trees each year, but the one that stirs the hearts and imaginations of our guests and staff members the most is the 35-foot-tall fresh-cut Fraser fir in the tapestry-lined Banquet Hall.
Brent Merrell, Director of Engineering Services, oversees the installation of the towering tree. “Every year, we experience excitement mixed with some nerves on the day we bring in the massive tree, which weighs 2,500 to 3,000 pounds,” explained Brent. “The tree-raising is virtual again this year, but this tradition is always a staff favorite because it truly marks the beginning of the Christmas season at Biltmore.”
What are your top 10 favorites for Christmas at Biltmore?
Our employees, both new and seasoned, enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for this special time of year with our guests. We hope you will join them and create your own top 10 list of favorites during Christmas at Biltmore! Be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with #ChristmasatBiltmore.
Find everything you need to season your celebrations with cheer in estate shops or online at shop.biltmore.com and bring home the best of Biltmore.
Biltmore rosé wines pair perfectly with every season, and here are 5 great reasons to fall in love with them throughout the year.
1. Rosé wines are very versatile
Nothing could be finer than sipping our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé with all your favorite flavors!
“Rosé wines are more versatile than you think,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “They pair well with cooler weather and the heartier dishes that accompany the season.
A perfect example is our Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Rosé—an exceptional wine handcrafted from outstanding grapes grown in our estate vineyard. This lovely wine features a delicate sweetness, hints of spice and white pepper, plus roundness and good mouthfeel.
Approachable and easy to drink, the style is reminiscent of classic old-world rosés. Enjoy it year-round with charcuterie, mustard-glazed salmon, pesto pizza, smoked gouda cheese, and serve it with holiday favoriteslike glazed ham.
2. A dynamic hybrid wine
Rosé wines are a dynamic hybrid between red and white wines.
Rosé wine is a dynamic hybrid of tannic reds and fruity white wines, which enhances its versatility.
“Rosés offer the best of both worlds,” Sharon said. “To create a rosé, you begin by crushing red grapes, but you don’t leave the juice in contact with the skins as long as you would for a red wine. This process imparts the classic rosy color and also allows the juice to keep some of the natural tannins in red grapes, but it also keeps the wine crisp and fruity—more like a white wine.”
3. Rosé wine is an affordable option
Rosés are not only crisp and refreshing, they can also be more affordable than some other options.
As we head into the holiday season, we often focus on heartier red wines for cool weather and finer wines for gift-giving occasions and special celebrations. Since distinguished reds and gift-worthy wines tend to be pricier than others, rosés can be a more affordable option.
“Even though rosés are becoming more and more popular year-round, there are some very affordable wines to consider, like our Biltmore Estate® Sweet Rosé,” said Sharon.
Off-dry with scents of cherry, watermelon, and strawberry, it is light, balanced, and offers flavors of lime and mint that pair well with casual fare including spicy cuisine.
4. Rosé wines transition into fall
Add festive bubbles to any occasion with our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir, a sparkling wine crafted with Pinot Noir grapes.
According to Sharon, rosé makes an excellent transitional wine between seasons.
“If you’re used to sipping rosés in spring and summer, keep enjoying them during the warmer days of fall,” said Sharon. “They’re just as crisp and refreshing on a sunny afternoon in October as they are in April. I personally recommend our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise to create fine, tiny bubbles!”
With delicious fruit-forward flavors of cherries and strawberries, this pretty-in-pink Biltmore bubbly pairs well with turkey (hello, Thanksgiving!), mahi-mahi, pound cake, brie cheese, and fresh fruit.
5. Fall flavor profile
Refreshing and crisp, rosé wines mirror the essence of the fall season, making them perfect for autumnal sipping.
Crisp, refreshing Biltmore Estate Dry Rose is perfect any time of year.
“Fall brings tailgating at football games, hiking to take in scenic views, and cool evenings when you gather around the fire pit,” said Sharon, “so you’ll want to have plenty of Biltmore rosé wines on hand to complement all the casual activities that characterize the season.
Our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé as the perfect pick for all your favorite fall functions. Bright, fruity layers of berry flavor make this wine an outstanding partner for chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage—especially when your fire up the grill and gather your friends together to enjoy it with you!
Find your favorite Biltmore rosé wines wines today!
Stock up on all your favorite Biltmore wines–including our outstanding rosés–for fall.
Stock up on our outstanding rosés and other award-winning Biltmore wines now in estate shops, online, and with our Wine Finder.
Biltmore Estate ingredients shine in this craft cocktail featuring Biltmore sparkling wine, honey, and basil!
When served at the restaurants on Biltmore Estate, this bright and herbal cocktail features hyper-local ingredients including Biltmore basil, honey, and sparkling wine, as well as Chemist Spirits, an Asheville favorite. Enjoy it year-round at our restaurants or follow this recipe to enjoy it at home.
1 cup Basil (use large leaves for making syrup and pluck smaller leaves for garnishes)
1 Star Anise
1 Lemon peel
Instructions:
Prepare the Honey Basil Syrup: Simmer water and basil on low heat for 5 minutes. Add honey and stir to dissolve. Add star anise and lemon peel. Allow to cool before straining and setting aside.
Add gin, lemon juice, and honey basil syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until very cold, about 30 seconds.
Strain the drink into a coupe or martini glass. Top with Biltmore Sparkling Brut and orange bitters. Garnish with small basil leaves and serve.
White Wine Mojito Cocktail
Craft this White Wine Mojito Cocktail featuring Biltmore Estate Limited Release Sémillon for summer sipping all season long
Summer is the perfect time to craft incredible cocktails featuring wines handcrafted here at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina. And if you are looking for a lower-proof version of your favorites, simply switch out the spirit for a similar style of Biltmore white wine. In the case of the white wine mojito below, we swapped the traditional rum for Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc, which is a dry medium-bodied white wine with notes of fresh lemon, Granny Smith apple, and a hint of grass. It makes a perfect “shady afternoon sipper” to enjoy while reading in the hammock (nap optional!).
Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe!
Muddle 4 mint leaves thoroughly in 2 ounces of white wine using a rough edge muddler. Add lime juice, simple syrup, and shake briefly on ice in a Boston shaker. Double strain into a martini glass and top with Italian lemon soda.
Serve straight up with a floating mint leaf as a garnish so ice does not overly dilute the cocktail. (Muddle different types of fruit to bring new flavors to this recipe—we give you a license to be creative!) Serves 1.
Summer Riesling & Tonic Cocktail
Savor the flavor of your favorite fruits in this Summer Riesling and Tonic cocktail
Fresh fruit and wine pair beautifully together, and warmer weather is the perfect time to experiment with your favorites and share the delicious results. Whether you’re serving craft cocktails on the patio, porch, or poolside, outdoor entertaining takes on a new meaning when you invite a special guest like rum. Yum!
Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe!
1 cup fresh basil leaves (reserve some for garnish)
2 lemons (sliced into thin wheels and halved)
Elderflower tonic
Instructions:
The day before you want to serve these cocktails, pour Biltmore Estate® Riesling and your choice of white rum into a pretty pitcher. Submerge several basil leaves and blackberries in the mixture and refrigerate overnight.
When ready to serve, use your favorite glassware and build each drink with ice, blackberries, basil leaves, and a couple of lemon wheels. Fill glasses a quarter of the way with elderflower tonic, and the rest of the way with the chilled wine and rum mixture. Enjoy! Serves 6.
Chenin Blanc Pineapple Slushies
Treasure the tropical taste of our Pineapple Slushie Cocktail!
This craft cocktail is a fun way to liven up a summer gathering. There’s a bit of nostalgia to any slushie drink, but this is definitely a grown-up version of the ones you remember from childhood!
Special thanks to The Urban Gastronome for creating this recipe!
4 ounces chilled Plantation Pineapple Rum (used as a float)
2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
1 cup frozen mango chunks
6 ounces pineapple juice
3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
2 ounces ginger syrup (recipe below)
4 dashes Bittermen’s Tiki Bitters (or your favorite brand)
Ice
*Ginger Syrup
1 cup of water
1½ cups organic sugar
1 medium ginger root, sliced
Instructions:
Tip: Put wine in the freezer 30 minutes prior to mixing these cocktails.
Prepare the Ginger Syrup: Place all ginger syrup ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly so the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and allow to steep for 1 hour while it cools. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes 1½ cups of syrup.
Craft the cocktails: Place all ingredients except rum in a blender. Blend until you have obtained a super slushy consistency. Pour into a glass, leaving room to float 1 ounce of Plantation Pineapple Rum on top, then garnish with extreme creativity! Serves 4.
Aperol Spritz
This lower-alcohol content cocktail is perfect for summertime sipping.
Summertime wouldn’t be complete without a classic Aperol Spritz, highlighting the bittersweet and citrusy flavor of the namesake liqueur. While traditionally made using Italian Prosecco, any dry sparkling white wine will do the trick.
Savor summer with Biltmore Estate Limited Release white wines, handcrafted by Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker, and refresh your palate all season long.
“Of course, white wines aren’t just for summer,” said Sharon, “but they are uniquely suited to provide crisp, refreshing flavor and pair well with the kinds of lighter foods we enjoy most during warmer weather.”
For our Biltmore Estate Limited Release wines, Sharon seeks smaller lots of exceptional grapes from our partner vineyards in California and Washington, allowing her to showcase her skillful artistry in each bottle.
Let’s take a look at four Limited Release white wines crafted from varietals that may be less well known than more mainstream whites such as Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio:
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release white wines makes any occasion more special!
Originally from Germany’s Rhine River region, Riesling is a versatile white varietal that lends itself to a wide range of styles from lightly sweet to quite dry.
After selecting fruit from our California growing partners, Sharon handcrafts our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Dry Riesling to be refreshing and approachable with light floral notes and hints of spearmint. Delicate flavors of lime, kiwi, and honeydew add to its vibrant profile.
Versatile and round, this light-to-medium-bodied Dry Riesling is perfect for summer sipping and outdoor entertaining. It pairs well with pecan-crusted trout, sushi, and vegetarian pad Thai or lo mein. Sip a glass on the porch after a long day at work, or savor it with dinner—especially if you picked up something tasty on your way home!.
If you’re already a fan of Biltmore’s other food-friendly white wines, we predict you’ll love getting to know our Dry Riesling!
Although it has old-world origins in Italy and France, Orange Muscat is better known today through new-world plantings in the U.S. and Australia.
We handcraft this highly aromatic member of the Muscat family into a straw-colored wine with a luscious fragrant bouquet of peach blossom, honey, and ripe melon.
Light-bodied, nicely balanced, and sweet-forward with flavors of honey and tropical fruit, our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat offers a clean, lightly tart finish that is surprisingly zesty.
Savor this delightful “glass full of summer” with Mexican dishes, crab salad, spicy black bean burgers, Nashville-style hot chicken, fruit salad, angel food cake, and lemon tart.
3. Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Fumé Blanc
Savor summer with Biltmore Estate Limited Release white wines like our versatile Fumé Blanc.
Our handcrafted Fumé Blanc begins with an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc that we’ve allowed to age, deepening into a full-bodied, creamy wine with aromas of toasted coconut and almond. These rich aromas give way to caramelized notes of roasted pineapple and citrus, making this Limited Release white wine both tropical and spicy with a great mouthfeel and a punch of bright acidity.
This medium-bodied pale gold wine offers scents of lime, pear, and coconut. It is soft, round, and nicely balanced with slight hints of minerality along with flavors of lime, kiwi, and tangerine.
Versatile and food-friendly Fumé Blanc is an excellent wine for a picnic or casual dinner at home. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from grilled chicken and shrimp to trout almondine, pistachio pesto pizza with burrata, navel oranges, ruby red grapefruit, and pecorino cheese.
Pair Biltmore Estate Limited Release Gewürztraminer with a variety of flavors.
Though often considered German in origin, Gewürztraminer grapes also have deep roots in Italy and the Alsace region of France. As a wine, it can range in flavor from lightly sweet to dry, making it an excellent choice with a wide range of foods.
Our off-dry Gewürztraminer offers a fragrant bouquet of lychee, apple, and roses, and will delight your palate with slightly spiced notes of honeydew and key lime.
Vibrant and refreshing with a good balance of sweetness and acidity, it pairs well with Caesar salad, Thai dishes, mahi fish tacos, calamari, cheesecake, and key lime pie. Turn a weeknight dinner into something special with this wine and an order of your favorite spicy Asian takeout.
Savor summer with Biltmore Estate® Limited Release white wines
Vanderbilt Wine Club members receive a shipment of Biltmore wines each season, plus access to exclusive vintages, virtual tasting events, and more.
Our Limited Release wines–including the four that we’ve highlighted in this post–are available on the estate, online, or through the Vanderbilt Wine Club®.
