Red Wine and Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing Posted on January 7, 2020 at 3:58 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Red wine and chocolate tastes like a match made in heaven. Learn why with our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting offered daily at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, NC. How it works “Pairing red wines and chocolates is an exciting way to discover nuances in both of them,” said Tim Rutherford, one of our outstanding Winery hosts who will guide you through the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting. Biltmore Winery host Les Norman guides guests through the Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting “Biltmore partners with Asheville-based Timothy Maguire Chocolates for the artisan truffles that we pair with a selection of premium Biltmore red wines,” Tim said. “This local chocolatier is able to create flavor profiles that highlight characteristics in our wines.” Pouring Biltmore red wines for the Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting A sparkling start Your Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting begins inside Biltmore Winery where you’ll meet your host at the La Farge Windows and kick off your experience with a glass of Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir sparkling wine. Bubbles in hand, follow your host down Scholar’s Walk with its view of the clock tower that once kept Biltmore’s original dairy operation running on time. As you walk–and sip your sparkling wine–your host offers a fascinating glimpse into the Biltmore’s past, from its champion Jersey dairy cows to George Vanderbilt’s grandson’s vision to develop vineyards and a winery for his family’s estate. You’ll also learn more about today’s production methods and winemaking philosophy under the direction of Executive Winemaker Sharon Fenchak. Enjoy our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting featuring premium Biltmore wines and artisan chocolate truffles from French Broad Chocolates. Once he sets the scene, Les describes the process of tasting wines, and has participants take a fun jellybean “test” to better understand how smell and taste affect sensory perceptions. Pairing red wines and chocolates “Now we’re ready to pair our red Biltmore wines with chocolates!” Les declares. Les makes sure guests take time to savor the bouquet of each wine and understand its flavor profile as they taste the possibilities. He offers interesting details about viscosity and alcohol content, effortlessly blending his extensive knowledge of wines with the delightful pairings. A fresh raspberry truffle pairs perfectly with our Antler Hill Zinfandel Rockpile 2017 The tasting continues with amazing pairings of some of our premium red wines with exceptional chocolate truffles custom-made by chocolatier Timothy McGuire. Some truffles work well with several of the wines, so be sure to save a sip or two in each glass! Discover the delights of red wine and chocolate Biltmore Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting at the Winery Our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting is offered daily at the Winery at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. The cost is $75 per person, and capacity is limited to 20 guests for each 45-minute experience. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for these popular daily tastings. To reserve, you must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or an overnight stay booked at one of our properties. Guests must be 21 years of age and older with a valid ID to attend this or any other specialty wine experience. To reserve your spot, call 1800-543-2961 or visit any Guest Services location on the estate.