Sustainability at Biltmore
Biltmore Winery’s efforts are focused on more than just crafting a storied portfolio of wines; Biltmore also strives for environmental stewardship and sustainability in winemaking, every step of the way. The concept of sustainability looms large at Biltmore, dating back to its founding ideals which included George Vanderbilt’s desire that Biltmore be a self-sustaining estate. Vanderbilt looked to the grand working estates of Europe as a model for self-sufficiency. Preserving the surrounding beauty and nurturing the land and its resources for years to come have always been priorities.
Today, sustainability also refers to the role that Biltmore Winery plays within the business model of the estate. By providing additional revenue opportunities, the wine program helps to support estate operations and allows the estate to continue sharing its history and legacy.
Sustainability in Winemaking
Composting Grapes for Fertilizer
At Biltmore Winery, nothing goes unused. All remaining parts of the grapes — including skins, seeds and woody stems — are combined with recycled plants and other organic matter at a large compost site. Ultimately, this makes for a great fertilizer that is used in the gardens as well as for field crops that feed wildlife on the estate.
Repurposing Barrels
When a wine barrel has reached the end of its use at Biltmore Winery, they are re-purposed in a number of ways across the estate. Winemaker Sharon Fenchak says, “Almost all of the businesses on the property have repurposed a barrel at one time or another, so keep an eye out!” Many of the barrels are used for decorative planters for flowers and other plants on the estate. Some barrels are used to create rustic-style bars for outdoor Winery events, while others have been used as towel containers and trash cans. Biltmore Winery has also occasionally passed-on retired barrels when supplies have allowed for re-use within the Asheville craft beer community.
Recycling
Biltmore Winery recycles everything from cardboard, plastic, glass, paper, steel and even wine corks. Biltmore partners with Cork Forest Conservation Alliance through their Cork ReHarvest program to help educate the public on the importance of using and recycling natural corks.Corks are a renewable and biodegradable material harvest through an environmentally friendly process. Biltmore has cork recycling locations located on the estate. Used corks can even be mailed to Biltmore for recycling!
Sustainability Estate-wide
As a designated Century Family Farm, it has taken a great deal of determination and commitment for the family that owns Biltmore to maintain farmland for more than 100 years! It speaks to the long-range vision of agriculture and viticulture as a sustaining foundation for the estate. Outside of winemaking, there are a number of other steps taken at the estate to promote a sustainable future.
Field-To-Table
Antibiotic-free, growth-hormone-free livestock are raised on the estate as a direct continuation of the legacy of self-sufficiency at the estate. Angus cattle are raised to provide meat for a portion of the current restaurant needs on the estate. Berkshire pigs, a heritage breed, also fulfill some of the pork needs of Biltmore’s restaurants. White Dorper sheep are bred to supply a stud program which helps other farmers benefit from the unique characteristics of the breed. Biltmore also produces eggs from free-range hens.
Solar Power
A solar panel installation on the estate provides more than 20% of the estate’s energy needs. The 9-acre, 1.7-megawatt system features 7,000 solar panels and uses advanced technology to perform even on cloudy days. Sheep and chickens occasionally graze in the solar fields, keeping the land agricultural.
Alternative Fuel Sources
For horticulture, viticulture and animal husbandry programs on the estate, a number of different farm vehicles are required. To further reduce environmental impact, Biltmore collects waste cooking oil from estate restaurants which is recycled locally into biodiesel fuel to power vehicles used in farming and horticulture.
Supporting Monarch Butterfly Migration
To encourage growth in threatened Monarch butterfly populations, Biltmore’s landscaping teams plant milkweed in several locations across the estate. This provides vital habitat for the beautiful orange and black butterflies, which pass through the Appalachian Mountains on their yearly migration toward Mexico. Essential to the survival of the species, milkweed is the only plant on which females will lay eggs; the young caterpillars feed upon it during the early stages of their life cycle.
Waterways Management
Best management practices are employed in Biltmore’s agricultural and forestry operations to prevent silt and runoff into waterways. Biltmore has received the River Friendly Farmer Award from the Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation Service for these efforts.
