Tomato Vidalia Gratin Posted on August 20, 2025 at 3:52 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Our Tomato Vidalia Gratin is a savory dish originally created by our Deerpark Restaurant chefs to showcase the naturally sweet southern Vidalia onion, the spicy notes of fresh basil, and the bounty of heirloom tomatoes from our production gardens on the west side of the estate. This deep dish tomato pie was a mainstay of Deerpark’s buffet during late summer and early fall when fresh seasonal produce was at its peak and bursting with flavor. Tomato Vidalia Gratin showcases the fresh flavors of summer’s bounty any time of year! Tomato Vidalia Gratin was a perennial favorite with guests and staff alike, and although Deerpark has become a special events location that now hosts groups and weddings rather than a restaurant, we still have frequent requests to share this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a brunch centerpiece, enjoy Tomato Vidalia Gratin any time of year with Biltmore Estate® Pinot Grigio, Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé, or other favorite crisp, refreshing Biltmore wines. Serves 4-6Total Time: about 40 minutes Ingredients 1 cup Vidalia (or yellow) onions, diced 1 very large tomato, thinly sliced 1 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 cup shredded cheddar 1 cup shredded mozzarella ½ cup mayonnaise 1 pound of bacon, cooked and chopped (optional) Salt and pepper to taste 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust Instructions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake pie crust for about 8 minutes or until light brown. Cool for 5 minutes. Tomato Vidalia Gratin is perfect as a hearty side or light main dish. Arrange tomato slices in the pie crust and top with chopped basil and diced onions. In a small bowl, mix cheddar, mozzarella, mayonnaise, and bacon until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Press the cheese mixture on top of the pie. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. ©The Biltmore Company. Originally published in Our Table to Yours: Chef’s Selection Cookbook.
Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc in April Posted on April 6, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Since April 23 is National Picnic Day and April 24 is National Sauvignon Blanc Day, it’s a perfect time to celebrate Sauvignon Blanc with a picnic that includes chilled bottles of our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc AND our Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc! Enjoy warm weather sipping with your favorite aromatic Biltmore wines by the glass or bottle! What is Sauvignon Blanc? The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France where it was considered a good blending grape for other white wines rather than a stand-alone varietal. Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard Later, Sauvignon Blanc became widely cultivated in Sancerre and in the 20th century was known by the name of that region rather than the name of the varietal. Sauvignon Blanc (or Sancerre) is highly desirable for its food-friendly qualities that make it a natural to pair with a variety of flavors. Pair our 35th Anniversary Chardonnay with fresh seafood and other flavorful fare A classic Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with a high acidity that can hold its own with rich seafood dishes and cheeses, yet is also delicious when sipped by itself. Discover the Biltmore difference Our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc is handcrafted for true varietal character with bright citrus aromas, fresh peach flavors, and an elegant finish. Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak suggests pairing it well-chilled with everything from crab, lobster, oysters, scallops, or shellfish to goat and gruyère cheeses and green salads. Savor Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc with a variety of cheeses Though crafted from the same varietal, our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc gives our winemaker more leeway to express the possibilities of the grape. “It is definitely refreshing,” said Sharon Fenchak, “but also unexpectedly creamy with hints of toasted coconut, key lime, and oak.” Our Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with oysters and other seafood dishes She enjoys serving it with foods like crab, flounder, oysters, and mozzarella cheese. “It’s a perfect partner for sushi, too,” Sharon said, “which can be very difficult for wine pairings.” Stock up on Sauvignon Blanc and celebrate! Pair Biltmore wines with your favorite comfort foods! Go ahead and stock up on now on both our delightful Sauvignon Blanc styles, then invite friends and family for a backyard picnic, grill some crowd-pleasing Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pizzetas, and raise a glass to good times and great wines!