Celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th Anniversary With Us! Posted on April 15, 2025 at 10:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Biltmore Winery in Asheville, NC, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, and we can’t wait to share our four decades of winemaking craft and care with two exceptional new wines created in honor of this milestone year! Join us as we reflect on the legacy and dedication that goes into handcrafting and sharing our estate wines with you. The beginning of Biltmore’s Winery Biltmore’s Dairy Barn (now the Winery), May 30, 1913 (Courtesy of Alice Marie Lewis) In the early 1970s, William A.V. Cecil, grandson of Biltmore founder George Vanderbilt, asked “What’s more appropriate for a French chateau than vineyards and a winery?” He answered his own question by planting grapes at Biltmore and hiring French winemaster Philipe Jourdain to guide the process. By 1983, work was underway to convert an original estate dairy barn into a state-of-the-art winery. Biltmore Winery is housed in a converted dairy barn that was original to the estate. In May 1985, Biltmore Winery opened to the public. Four decades later, we handcraft more than 150,000 cases of award-winning Biltmore wine annually in our onsite production facility. Biltmore’s woman-led winery Winemaker Sharon Fenchak uses a wine thief syphon in the Barrel Room at Biltmore Winery. Sharon Fenchak has served as Biltmore’s head winemaker since 2018, creating wines worthy of the finest Vanderbilt traditions of taste and style. She handcrafts Biltmore wines with the philosophy of keeping each one true to varietal character and consistent from vintage to vintage. “My love of science at a very young age helped shape what would become my passion for winemaking, and I fell even more in love with the idea and romance of wine when I was serving in the US Army and stationed in Vicenza, Italy,” Sharon says. Sharon Fenchak is a leader in the field of handcrafting fine wines, and she enjoys a hands-on approach to winemaking. While winemaking has traditionally been a male-dominated field, Sharon and other women winemakers are crushing that perception as they continue pouring their talents into their craft. Four decades of award-winning Biltmore wines From our own vineyards on the west side of the estate to our grape-growing partners across the nation from Virginia to California and Washington, we source only the finest fruit for Biltmore wines. Biltmore’s vineyards overlook Long Valley Lake on the west side of the estate. This strategy helps us craft a wide range of palate-pleasing wines, including popular varietals like Pinot Noir and Orange Muscat that don’t thrive in Western North Carolina’s climate. “Our weather isn’t as predictable as that of other major grape-growing regions,” explains Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Manager, “but when conditions are right, the fruit produced in our estate vineyards is exceptional and earns the Biltmore® Reserve label for our finest North Carolina vintages.” Each fall, Philip and his team harvest grapes by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate. According to Philip, when you taste our wines crafted from estate-grown grapes, you’re tasting the heart of the Appalachian Mountains—some of the oldest terroir in the world. 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. Biltmore’s Winery is better than ever! With 40 years of winemaking expertise and gracious hospitality to guide it, Biltmore Winery is more excited than ever to continue entertaining, educating, and delighting you with our family of award-winning wines. Our knowledgeable Tasting Room hosts guide you through a fun and informative tasting of Biltmore wines. “Biltmore Winery offers something for everyone, from the wine enthusiast who wants to learn more about our history and winemaking philosophy to the newcomer who just wants to taste our wines for the first time,” says Courtney Miller, Director of Winery Experience. “That’s what makes it such a wonderful part of any Biltmore visit—it’s a fun introduction to the world of wine!” “Join us for a free tasting,” Courtney advises. “You’ll choose five wines from a seasonal selection of about 20 of our best-selling varietals and blends, and our Winery hosts are on hand to assist you.” Savor a delicious charcuterie plate along with your favorite Biltmore wines at the Wine Bar. Access to Antler Hill Village & Winery is included in all types of estate admission. “The Winery is a great place to unwind at Biltmore,” says Courtney, “and a great place to gather with friends. After all, we’ve had 40 years to practice, and practice makes perfect!” Ruby-red wines for our ruby anniversary To celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary—a milestone traditionally honored with rubies—Sharon handcrafted two exceptional red wines that capture different facets of Biltmore’s working winery. The first is our 40th Anniversary Release Sonoma County Red Blend—a bold, ruby-red fusion of California-grown Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It pairs perfectly with a wide range of foods and occasions, from casual gatherings with family and friends to elegant evening events. Celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary with two exceptional wines: our 40th Anniversary Release Sonoma County Red Blend and Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling 2022. Savor delicious flavors of blackberry, pomegranate, spice, and oak now with aged beef, duck, stuffed mushrooms, and Gorgonzola cheese, or allow the wine’s great tannin structure to enhance its excellent aging potential. Created specifically to mark our 40th anniversary, this bold blend will be available beginning May 1 in estate shops and online while supplies last. We’re also thrilled to share a new release in honor of Biltmore Winery’s 40th anniversary: Biltmore Estate® Château Reserve North Carolina Brut Red Sparkling 2022. Handcrafted in the traditional methode champenoise to create the finest bubbles, the grapes were selected from the best of North Carolina’s 2022 harvest. From appetizers to anniversaries, this outstanding red sparkling wine makes any occasion more special. Find the inaugural vintage in estate shops and online beginning May 20. Visit now and celebrate Biltmore Winery’s 40th Anniversary! After tasting our wines, you can stock up on favorite varietals and accessories in the Wine Shop, savor charcuterie, artisan chocolates, and wines by the glass at the adjacent Wine Bar, and learn more about membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club®.
Discover Biltmore’s Working Winery Posted on March 23, 2022 at 1:48 pm.Written by Jean Sexton Discover Biltmore’s working winery and learn how we handcraft our award-winning Biltmore wines. Here, the process begins long before the first grape is harvested; it begins with planting seeds of thought, from there our vision takes root and the rest is history! Biltmore’s Wine History A portion of an archival receipt for a wine and spirits order to be delivered to Biltmore House George Vanderbilt was known as a thoughtful collector of wines who wove an appreciation for fine wines into the fabric of the Biltmore experience, making it part of his legacy for gracious living. While Mr. Vanderbilt introduced the pleasures of wine to Biltmore, it was his grandson, William A.V. Cecil, who had the vision and determination to develop vineyards and a winery at his family’s estate in the early 1970s. Creating Biltmore’s working winery Experience an award-winning portfolio of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines at Biltmore Winery. In 1983, renovation began on the estate’s original dairy barn to convert it into a state-of-the-art winery, complete with production facilities, a tasting room, and a wine shop. Bill Cecil, Jr., son of William A.V. Cecil and great-grandson of George Vanderbilt, assumed a leadership role in overseeing the project. “It wasn’t easy to turn an old barn into a new working winery,” said Bill, “but we knew it was important to keep the integrity of the original structure, and that helped us make each decision along the way.” Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak Winemaker Sharon Fenchak draws wine from a barrel with a type of syphon called a wine thief in the Barrel Room at Biltmore Winery. Since the Biltmore Winery opened in 1985, we attribute much of our success to our talented winemakers: Philippe Jourdain, Bernard Delille, and Sharon Fenchak, who joined the Winery team as assistant winemaker in 1999 and was promoted to winemaker in 2003. Sharon now oversees Biltmore Wines as winemaker and vice president. Just like her predecessors, Sharon remains committed to handcrafting Biltmore Wines with the philosophy of keeping each wine true to varietal character, food-friendly, and consistent from vintage to vintage. Steel tanks used in the winemaking process at Biltmore “Tastes change over time,” said Sharon. “Our wines are crafted in a classic style, but we keep our production facility up-to-date and we take advantage of technology and trends that help us improve our skills. It’s very important that we constantly learn more about what our guests enjoy so we can continue to produce wines they seek out here at the estate or savor in their own homes.” Biltmore’s vineyard According to Philip Oglesby, Vineyard Supervisor, Biltmore’s harvest season begins in late August with early-ripening white varietals such as Chardonnay. Vineyard crews pick grapes by hand throughout September and into October, giving the red varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc more time to mature. Vineyard crews picking grapes by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate “Within hours of being harvested, the grapes grown in our own vineyard on the west side of the estate are brought to the crush dock behind the Winery,” said Philip. “As the next phase of the winemaking process begins, we look forward to learning which wines will be created—especially those that earn the Biltmore® Reserve label that honors exceptional North Carolina vintages from Biltmore and our local growing partners.” Although most wineries specialize in either still or sparkling wines, we handcraft both here at the estate—just another distinction that sets Biltmore’s working winery apart. Cheers to our working winery and our handcrafted wines! Make a reservation for your complimentary tasting at Biltmore’s working winery! Join us at the Winery to enjoy the fruits of our labor! Experience our Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting in the Tasting Room, take a deeper dive into our working winery on the Farm to Table Tour and Taste, or simply relax at the Wine Bar with any of our wines by the glass or bottle. Purchase Biltmore wines at the estate and online—or become a member of the Vanderbilt Wine Club and enjoy having our wines shipped directly to your door each season.
Discover Biltmore Wines From Grape to Glass Posted on July 30, 2019 at 1:55 pm.Written by Jean Sexton How do we select the finest fruit for Biltmore wines? Here’s an overview of the process, from grape to glass! Sourcing fine North Carolina vintages In his book Lady On The Hill, George Vanderbilt‘s grandson William A.V. Cecil noted 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.” While the climate of Western North Carolina is not nearly as predictable as that of the Mediterranean or other major grape-growing regions, when conditions are right, the fruit produced in our estate vineyards is exceptional and earns the Biltmore® Reserve label for our finest North Carolina vintages. To ensure we can meet the growing demand for Biltmore wines, however, we also look to our local vineyard partners in Polk County—a lower-elevation region just south of Asheville that experiences slightly warmer temperatures with less danger of late season frost damage. Enjoy the fruits of our labor, by the glass, on the Farm to Table Tour. Beyond Biltmore We also look to our west coast partners for the quality and consistency of grapes needed to handcraft our award-winning wines. Several times each year, Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak schedules extended visits to California to meet with our growing partners and select outstanding vintages for Biltmore wines. “Some of the finest American wine grapes come from the vineyards of coastal California,” Sharon said. “The terroir—the different combinations of weather and soil in each hill and valley—translate into the distinctive flavors and qualities that characterize the wines of that region.” Harvest preparation is one of the busiest times of the year for vineyards and the wineries. California’s Northern Coast This large wine grape-growing region is located north of San Francisco, with a maritime climate that is affected by cool fogs and breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Some of California’s best-known American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Lake County, Napa, and Russian River Valley, are located here. “This AVA is an important one for our Vanderbilt Reserve® series,” said Sharon. “We select grapes from outstanding partner vineyards for some of our most distinctive wines, including our Vanderbilt Reserve Merlot Dry Creek Valley, Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir Sonoma County, Antler Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, and The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County.” Our Biltmore® Reserve label honors fine vintages handcrafted with grapes from the estate’s vineyard in Asheville, NC. The collection is distinguished by blue foil capsules and a label showcasing elements of the Vanderbilt family’s table linens and place settings. California’s Central Coast Stretching from San Francisco Bay south to Santa Barbara County, this region offers a warmer climate that still benefits from the cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean. We partner with vineyards from such prestigious AVAs as Arroyo Seco, Cienega Valley, Monterey, and Paso Robles. “Some of the more unusual varietals we choose from partner vineyards here include Barbera, Marsanne, Mourvedre, Rousanne, and Tempranillo,” Sharon noted. The central coast wine region is one of California’s most fascinating wine regions and is also home to some of the most prestigious wineries in the country. Washington A wide range of grapes are now being grown in the fertile valleys of Washington, making the state an important producer of outstanding wine varietals. Vineyards are found primarily in the eastern half of the state that benefits from a dryer shrub-steppe ecosystem and the rain shadow of the Cascade Range. The state experiences long hours of daylight—approximately two more hours per day during the growing season than California—and milder, more consistent temperatures. “We are excited to be working with some great partner vineyards in Washington,” said Sharon. “We’re selecting a lot of excellent grapes for our American Series and Limited Release Series wines.” With 1,050+ wineries, 400+ grape growers, and 60,000+ acres of wine grapes, Washington State is the 2nd largest wine producing state in the U.S. Handcrafting our award-winning wines While Sharon and her team handcraft the majority of our wines from start to finish at Biltmore’s Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, our Vanderbilt Reserve® wines and Antler Hill wines are created in the particular region where they were grown. This painstaking process is overseen—from selecting the vintage and expressing the varietal character to aging the wine—by Sharon during her visits to California. “All our wines represent the Vanderbilt family’s legacy of gracious hospitality on which Biltmore was founded,” Sharon said, “and as Biltmore’s winemaker, I am committed to handcrafting our wines with the philosophy of keeping each one true to varietal character and consistent from vintage to vintage. Whether I’m at work in North Carolina or California or Washington, I’m focused on creating wines that reflect the quality of this family-owned estate and Winery.” Beautifully balanced Dry Riesling, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, refreshing Pinot Grigio, and smooth, oaky Chardonnay are just a few of the white wines available in Biltmore’s Wine Portfolio. Discover our exceptional wines for yourself Visit Biltmore’s Winery, purchase online, or find them close to home with our Retailer Locator.