Biltmore Wines Timeline
1895
Biltmore’s story begins in Asheville, North Carolina with the completion of George Vanderbilt’s country estate. George Vanderbilt first welcomed family and friends to his new home on Christmas Eve 1895. Mr. Vanderbilt’s love of entertaining extended to his being a thoughtful and practical wine collector.
1960
George Vanderbilt’s grandson William A.V. Cecil takes on management of the family estate. Continuing his grandfather’s vision of a self-sustaining property, he considers the development of a vineyard and a winery for Biltmore.
1970s
Honoring the agricultural heritage of his grandfather’s estate, Cecil plants French-American hybrid vines below Biltmore House in the early 70s. The inaugural vintage was bottled in the Conservatory basement. By the late 70s, the vineyards were moved to their current location on the west side of the estate, where 150 acres are planted with vinifera grapes. Also, during this time Cecil travels to France and hires Biltmore’s first winemaker, Philippe Jourdain.
1980s
In 1984, Biltmore Wines bottle their first wines crafted from North Carolina grapes. The two wines are the 1983 vintages of Château Biltmore Merlot and Château Biltmore Cabernet Sauvignon. Bill Cecil, son of William Cecil and great-grandson of George Vanderbilt, opens the Biltmore Winery to the public in 1985. In 1986, Bernard Delille, joins the team as assistant winemaker.
1990s
When head winemaker Philippe Jourdain retires in 1995, assistant winemaker Bernard Delille is promoted to head winemaker and Vice President of the Wine Production. In 1999, Sharon Fenchak joins the team as assistant winemaker.
Early 2000s
The addition of Sharon Fenchak to the team was a natural complement to winemaker Bernard Delille’s traditional and artistic perspective, and in 2003 Sharon Fenchak is promoted to winemaker. When Bernard retired in 2018, Sharon became winemaker and Vice President of Wine Production.
Today
Biltmore Wines produces a storied portfolio of over 150,000 cases of wine annually. Their wines have been honored with countless awards and medals and are now available in retailers and restaurants in 19 states and can be directly shipped to 40 states. In 2020, Biltmore Winery celebrated its 35th anniversary.
