Pair Biltmore Wine with Cookies for Holiday Cheer

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‘Tis the season to pair Biltmore wine with your favorite cookies to create plenty of holiday cheer!

Pairing wine and cookies

“Whether you’re baking at home, participating in a neighborhood cookie swap, or sending sweets to someone far away, our wine and cookie pairing ideas are the perfect way to pour on the cheer this holiday season,” said Courtney Miller, Director of Biltmore’s Winery and Vanderbilt Wine Club®.

Bottles of Biltmore wine, cookies, and other foods
Pour on the cheer by pairing Biltmore wines with cookies this holiday season

In the recipes below, we’ve paired each cookie with Biltmore wine to make it even easier to match the distinctive flavors with wines that complement them.

“Go ahead and sweeten the season by purchasing Biltmore wines,” advised Courtney, “then bake some cookies, or snag similar styles from your local bakery; we won’t tell!”

Pour on the holiday cheer

According to Courtney, you generally choose a wine that’s a little sweeter than the treat with which you plan to pair it, but richer, heavier sweets can stand up to dryer wines.

“Either way, you’ll be ready to savor a sophisticated treat for the holidays,” Courtney said. “And if you upgrade Santa’s usual glass of milk to a glass of Biltmore wine, I’m pretty sure he’ll add you to his ‘nice’ list!”

Honey Gingersnap Cookies

Gingersnap cookies paired with Riesling
Spice up your holiday wine and cookie pairings by serving Honey Gingersnaps with Biltmore Estate® Riesling!

Heidi Badger, Pastry Sous Chef at Cedric’s® Tavern, developed this recipe. “These honey gingersnaps are soft, tender, and nicely spiced, especially if you use freshly grated ginger. The honey flavor is very subtle,” said Heidi.

Chef Heidi recommends serving these traditional holiday favorites with lightly sweet wines such as our delightful Biltmore Estate® Riesling.

Yield: approximately 3 dozen cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)

Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup sugar
½ cup honey
1 large egg
2 cups flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger or freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Method
In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and honey until fluffy. Mix in egg and set aside.

In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir into wet ingredients until combined.

Chill dough for 1 hour or until slightly firm.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Flourless Fudgy Chocolate Mudslide Cookies

Biltmore Estate Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah paired with holiday cookies.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside–these chocolate cookies pair perfectly with our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah.

“These cookies have a rich, intense chocolate flavor, especially when enhanced by the coffee liqueur,” said Angie Chan, Pastry Chef, Deerpark & Lioncrest. “They feature a crispy outer shell that reminds me of meringue and a fudgy, soft interior. Because the recipe is already flourless, the cookies can be made gluten free.”

For a match made in heaven, Chef Angie suggests pairing these rich chocolate cookies with red wines like our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Petite Sirah-Syrah.

Yield: approximately 2 dozen cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1½-2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)

Ingredients
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup cocoa powder
3 egg whites
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur or coffee syrup*
1–2 tablespoons milk

*Coffee syrup: dissolve 2 teaspoons instant coffee or espresso powder with 1/3 cup sugar in 1/3 cup hot water. Allow to cool and use the same amount noted in the recipe.

Method
In a large bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg whites, coffee liqueur, and vanilla extract until lightly foamy. Combine wet and dry mixtures and stir until well mixed. Dough will be very thick and sticky once it comes together. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to help with mixing, if needed.

Add in the chocolate chips and refrigerate the dough for about 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and coat with a thin layer of non-stick vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.

Scoop 1 tablespoon worth of dough and place onto prepared cookie sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is slightly cracked and dry. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat paired with Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies.
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat is a favorite for many guests, and it pairs perfectly with our Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies!

For an updated version of a classic treat, Chef Angie also created Lemon-Cranberry Shortbread Cookies with bright hints of citrus and the tart tang of cranberries.

“There’s nothing more perfect for the holidays than shortbread cookie like this with fresh flavors to lighten the richness of the recipe,” Chef Angie said. “In addition, they pair perfectly with the hints of tropical fruit in our lightly sweet Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Orange Muscat.

Yield: about 2 dozen
Preparation Time: about 15 minutes
Total Time: about 2 hours (includes 1-hour chill time)

Ingredients
1¾ cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 teaspoons lemon extract (or fresh-squeezed lemon juice as substitute)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ teaspoon salt

Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar, butter, and lemon extract together until light and fluffy.

Add flour, baking soda, and salt and stir until just combined. Add lemon zest and milk, mix well. Gently fold in the dried cranberries. Mixture will be crumbly.

Work dough by hand into a ball and then roll into a log about 2-3 inches thick. Wrap with parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Once dough is chilled and firm, use a sharp knife to carefully slice dough into about ½-inch pieces and place onto parchment-lined cookie sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.

Bake for approximately 11-12 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow to cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Enjoy Biltmore wine and cookies this holiday season!

Biltmore Wines and Holiday Cookies.
Pair Biltmore wines and cookies for holiday gatherings, or indulge in a spot of solo sipping and snacking during the season!

Whether you’re pairing them with cookies, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a peaceful glass by a crackling fire, you’ll find all our award-winning Biltmore wines in our estate shops, online, and close to home with our Wine Finder.

For a special gift for yourself and others, consider joining our Vanderbilt Wine Club®. You’ll enjoy hand-selected Biltmore wines delivered to your door each season, plus all the other privileges membership brings.


Select Biltmore gifts they’re sure to savor!

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This season, select Biltmore gifts that your recipients are sure to savor! Let our estate experts in holiday hospitality help you find everything from a thoughtful thank-you to perfect pairings and more.

We asked Natalie Hackney, Vice President of Retail, and Alisha Forester, Wine Sales Director, for recommendations on selecting Biltmore gifts for everyone you want to delight during your seasonal celebrations. Here are some of their personal favorites:

Ideas for her

Couple gives woman a gift bag with Biltmore wine.
Give her special gifts–including our award-winning wines–from Biltmore this holiday season!

“For all the ladies on your gift list this season, we’ve got everything from award-winning Biltmore wines to estate-inspired jewelry, elegant handbags, and more,” said Natalie.

Ideas for him

Man holding a glass of Biltmore red wine at a Christmas table.
Surprise the men in your life with special gifts from Biltmore to celebrate the season.

“If you’re looking for gifts for guys during the holidays, consider a mix of Biltmore wines, gourmet foods, and a selection of our delicious seasonings, rubs, and sauces,” Alisha advised.

Fun for kids

Bottle of Biltmore sparkling grape juice with star ornament.
Biltmore Sparkling Grape Juice is perfect for the kids on your list (or anyone who prefers a no-alcohol option).

“We’ve got so many ideas for the young, and the young at heart, that it’s hard to choose!” said Natalie. “But the following list is a fun selection filled with estate-related items that many ages can enjoy.”

For the foodies

Biltmore wines and charcuterie board.
All the foodies on your list are sure to love delicious pairings with Biltmore wines and gourmet goodies.

“The holidays offer so many opportunities for foodies that it’s easy to give gifts of good taste with perfect pairings of Biltmore wines, serving accessories, and gourmet delights,” Alisha said.

Delight wine enthusiasts

Beef Brisket with a bottle of The Hunt.
The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County and makes a perfect partner for hearty holiday recipes like beef brisket.


“We know how important fine vintages are to wine enthusiasts, and these are wines you’ll want to share with those who appreciate the craft of winemaking. As for a gift membership to our Vanderbilt Wine Club®, your recipient will thank you all year round!” said Natalie.

Biltmore gifts under $50

Bottles and glasses of Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Christmas Wines with presents.
Biltmore Masterpiece Collection Red and White Christmas Wines make a perfect gift for someone special.

“In this category, we’ve got some delightful wines that make great gifts,” said Alisha. “The three I’m recommending are lightly sweet and pair perfectly with holiday desserts, as well as being a thoughtful way to thank your host for including you in a seasonal celebration.”

Biltmore gifts under $100

Antler Hill wines with plates and glasses
Handcrafted with premium vintages from the finest growing regions, Antler Hill® wines offer extraordinary taste and excellent aging potential. The handsome labels are reproduced from a sporting print in George Vanderbilt’s collection.

“If you want to give someone a very special gift during the season, our Antler Hill® wines are truly extraordinary. You can savor them now, or allow them to mature and deepen with time,” Natalie said.

Gifts for Biltmore enthusiasts

Woman holding a bottle of Biltmore Estate Chardonnay and Christmas gifts.
Share the gift of Biltmore wines this holiday season!

“This is a special category,” said Alisha, “because these are the folks who love Biltmore in every season! We’ve selected some wonderful wines that they’re sure to savor, whether giving or receiving them as special gifts.”

Season the holidays with cheer!

Group of friends toasting with Biltmore wine
With Biltmore wines, all your holiday gatherings are seasoned with cheer!

In addition to these ideas, find more inspiration and stock up on award-winning Biltmore wines for all your celebrations with our Seasoned with Cheer guide to holiday hospitality.

Holiday Décor Ideas from Biltmore and Balsam Hill

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Once again, Biltmore® and Balsam Hill® have teamed up to help with all your holiday décor ideas, from beautiful basics to helpful hints that tie it all together.

An expert partnership

“Our holiday decorating traditions are always something we look forward to sharing,” said Lizzie Borchers, Biltmore Floral Manager, “and as you prepare to deck your own halls, we hope you’ll be inspired not only by Christmas at Biltmore, but also by our partnership with the experts at Balsam Hill. Together, we can offer helpful ideas for filling your home with the spirit of the season!”

Choose your holiday décor theme

Three decorated Christmas trees by Balsam Hill

Featured: Biltmore Spruce Tree, Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Ornaments, Ribbon, Tree Skirt

“Consider your theme and the type of decorations you want to use, including ornaments and matching ribbons or garlands,” said Lizzie, “just like we do each year at Biltmore.”

For 2021, Lizzie and her team of talented floral designers chose “Christmas carols” as their theme to inspire the holiday décor in Biltmore House.

“You can find inspiration anywhere,” Lizzie noted, “from your interests and hobbies to a color you love or a time period that excites you.”

Since the Christmas tree is usually the central element of any holiday décor, Lizzie recommends completing the look of your tree by picking a tree topper and a skirt, collar, or replacement stand such as a galvanized tub or decorative basket that suits your overall theme.

Light up your holiday décor

Holiday decor: prelit Christmas trees by Balsam Hill

Featured: Silverado Slim Christmas Trees by Balsam Hill

“Pre-lit Christmas trees are a convenient option since they minimize the time you spend setting up,” said Jennifer Derry, Balsam Hill’s Executive Vice President of Product Merchandising, “and they provide effortless elegance and sparkle to your holiday décor.”

Jennifer also noted that you can choose between traditional incandescent lights or energy-efficient LEDs. “Go classic clear, multicolored, or look for pre-lit trees that offer twinkly light shows you can control from your phone,” she said.

5 expert tips for staying on track

Holiday decor: Biltmore Legacy Collection blue and gold ornaments

Featured: Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Ornament Set

Now that you’ve considered some of the basics of how you’d like to decorate, here’s are some tips to help you make the most of your time while creating the perfect holiday mood in your home:

  1. Choose a theme
    Start considering a theme as early as three months before Christmas. At Biltmore, we begin planning a year in advance to make sure we’re ready for the holiday season in America’s Largest Home®!
  2. Make an inventory of your collection
    After selecting a theme, list items needed and set a working budget. If you’re reusing existing decorations, check their condition and look for any damage. Test light bulbs and repair or replace anything as needed.
  3. Clean up before decorating
    It can be tiring to clean and decorate at the same time. If possible, clean the house a day or two before adding holiday décor. This makes the task easier and more enjoyable.
  4. Work with a team
    Ask for help from family members and friends to make setting up more manageable. Start with the big tasks first, and leave simpler jobs for last.
  5. Make time for gift wrapping
    For a special touch, consider matching your gift wrapping materials with your decorative theme. If you have young children or indoor pets, you may want to wait a day or two before Christmas to lay out the gifts.

Ready…set…decorate!

Woman fluffing the branches of an artificial Christmas tree
Take time to properly fluff up artificial trees and greenery–it makes a big difference in how good your holiday décor looks!

“One of the most important things we do when we begin decorating for Christmas at Biltmore is to properly fluff up the branches of any artificial Christmas trees or greenery before adding decorations,” said Lizzie. “It makes a world of difference in how full and natural your display looks.”

To prevent dislodging or breaking ornaments, Lizzie suggests working your way down from the top of the tree. Start with those items that need to be hung all the way around your tree, such as light strings, ribbons, and garlands.

Expert Tip: Spread out ornaments in various sections of your tree. Every once in a while, step back to check if everything looks balanced.

Holiday décor ideas to make your mantel merry

Holiday decor: Biltmore Gilded Stockings hanging on a mantel
Make your mantel merry with Biltmore Gilded Stockings

Featured: Biltmore Gilded Stockings

“Once you’ve decorated your Christmas tree, think about other focal points in the room,” said Jennifer. “A wreath above the fireplace mantel draws the eye and immediately establishes a holiday tone.”

The addition of garland or greenery softens the architectural details of the mantle and can also enhance family pictures or holiday collectibles you want to highlight in that space.

“One of my favorite holiday touches is to hang a group of stockings on the mantel,” Jennifer said. “It creates a merry mood and helps bring out the child-like wonder in all of us!”

Jennifer also suggests creating holiday scenes with tabletop accents like musical snow globes and figurines, noting that console tables also provide nice display areas for flameless candles, greenery, and more.

Expert Tip: Small details matter—they make your holiday décor individual to you and much more meaningful.

Find holiday décor and more!

Perfect pairings: Biltmore wine and cheeseboard gift
Perfect pairings: choose Biltmore gourmet foods and a favorite Biltmore vintage as a gift for someone special.

We hope these ideas have helped you prepare for your own holiday decorating.

Look for more holiday décor inspiration throughout the season, plus browse the newest Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Collection by Balsam Hill featuring ornaments and accessories in glorious jewel tones that are sure to delight!

Find everything you need to celebrate the season, from award-winning wines and gourmet food to jewelry and gifts, in our Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide.

Featured image: Biltmore Spruce Tree, Biltmore Legacy Sapphire & Gold Ornaments, Ribbon, Tree Skirt


Celebrate Small Moments That Matter With Biltmore

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This season, celebrate the small moments that matter most with Biltmore.

“Gracious gatherings, special events, and festive decorations accompany the holiday season, but many times it’s the small moments that we really remember most, like catching up with friends over a glass of Biltmore wine,” said Jan Douglas, Director of Guest Relations.

Group of friends toasting with Biltmore wine
With Biltmore wines, all your holiday gatherings are seasoned with cheer!

Make it meaningful

“Amidst the exciting rush of the holidays, it’s important to celebrate small moments that matter. Remembering what’s meaningful, carving out time for ourselves, and prioritizing family and cherished friends is truly what this joyful season is all about,” Jan said.

We’ve gathered some of our guests’ favorite memories and traditions to inspire your own celebrations.

Collecting special memories

Jim Shore Biltmore Santa keepsake
Discover all the delightful details that make this collectible Jim Shore Biltmore® Santa so special!

For Cheri Compton, a long-time Passholder from Knoxville, Tennessee, time spent at Biltmore with her mother was a cherished Christmas tradition.

“My mother and I went to Candlelight Christmas Evenings at Biltmore for several years before she was unable to travel,” Cheri explained. “We would spend hours looking at the trees and the beautiful decorations, and her favorite thing was to be sure we were there while there was seasonal music in the house.”

When her mother could no longer make the trip, Cheri continued the tradition with friends and always brought her mother a keepsake Biltmore Santa for her collection.

Handwritten holiday wishes

Bottles of Biltmore wine on a table
Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine

Mailing handwritten Christmas cards is Paige Price’s favorite way to send a hug to the special people in her life.

“At Christmas, I like to take time to remember friends and former co-workers whom I no longer see on a regular basis,” she said.

“In preparation, I make a trip to Biltmore every fall from my home in Lexington, Kentucky, to choose my Christmas wine to save for the card-writing occasion,” Paige said. “When I sit down to begin composing notes to each person and reflect on the memorable times we spent together, I celebrate them, and the season, by having a glass!”

This year, Paige opted for a bottle of our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs to add special sparkle to the small moments that matter most to her.

Sounds of the season

Hands playing a piano
Music strikes a special chord for many guests at Biltmore

Kim Meade of Tennessee has been a professional pianist for most of her life, but a Christmas performance at Biltmore 30 years ago still holds a special place in her heart.

“I was blessed to be part of a church group that performed at Biltmore House,” Kim said. “Talk about a dream come true! There are few places left that allow you the feeling of stepping back in time. Biltmore is one of those, and that night was an evening I will never forget.”

Kim remembers the decorated trees in every room, and the feeling that for one moment in time, she and all the others were special guests of the Vanderbilts.

“We felt as if George and Edith Vanderbilt might just walk in at any moment to make sure every detail was in place!” said Kim. “Being a small part of the magic of Biltmore during Christmas was a forever moment for me.”

Seek out small moments that matter most

Couple toasting a small moments with Biltmore wine
Savor all your special small moments with Biltmore wines!

As the holiday season gets under way, we hope you’ll make time to visit Biltmore and discover your own small moments that matter.

Like many of our guests whose special Christmas memories are created with Biltmore as the backdrop, we invite you to join us to celebrate your own small moment traditions—or create new ones—that will bring you closer to family, friends, and what matters most to you.

Find everything you need to celebrate the season, from award-winning wines and gourmet food to jewelry and gifts, in our Seasoned with Cheer holiday hospitality guide.

Take Note: Pairing Biltmore Wines with Christmas Carols

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Happy memories are sparked when you hear the opening notes of traditional holiday music, and pairing Biltmore wines with Christmas carols can certainly season the moment with even more cheer!

Catch up with Biltmore’s team of talented floral designers and discover some light-hearted pairings of the season’s merriest melodies with our award-winning Biltmore wines.

Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina + Deck the Halls

Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay
There’s nothing finer than a glass of our smooth Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay handcrafted of estate-grown grapes

“I am inspired by the warmth and good cheer of the carol Deck the Halls and its reference to “boughs of holly” because that’s exactly what Mr. Vanderbilt brought in to use for décor during the first Christmas celebration at Biltmore,” said Lesley, a member of Biltmore’s floral team.

To capture that feeling of Biltmore’s halls decked for the season, nothing could be finer than a pairing with Biltmore® Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina, especially since this smooth, classic wine is handcrafted from estate-grown grapes.

Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio + 12 Days of Christmas

Our Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio makes a great gift
Savor the delights of our 2021 Tree Raising Wine Trio

“To complement the baronial splendor of the Banquet Hall, I’m inspired by the traditional Christmas colors of red, green, and shades of gold,” said Lucinda, Floral Designer, “and added touches of blue and orange to reflect some of the more whimsical details included in the song 12 Days of Christmas.”

With that carol in mind, we suggest pairing the majesty of the Banquet Hall and its 35-foot-tall Fraser fir Christmas tree with our Biltmore Tree Raising Wine Trio that includes Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine, Christmas at Biltmore White Wine, and Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina. That way, you can sip and savor throughout the 12 days of Christmas!

Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer + Here We Come A’Wassailing

Biltmore wine with mulling spices.
Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing!

As a floral designer, Christy shared her experience of selecting ornaments for the holiday season. She loves choosing a lot of copper, cream, and gold-colored ornaments to follow the theme of the traditional English carol, Here We Come A’Wassailing. The ornaments had vanilla and spice hues that echoed the ingredients present in a seasonal wassail drink.

Our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Gewürztraminer makes a lightly sweet and aromatic pairing. For a richer, deeper flavor to spice up a winter’s evening, go “a’wassailing” with our award-winning Biltmore Estate® Cabernet Sauvignon.

Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina + Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Bottle of Biltmore Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and two glasses.
Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 18 months in oak barrels.

Designer Don draws inspiration from Jolly Old St. Nicholas, a lively carol that’s sure to set a cheerful mood. “I choose classic reds, greens, and golds, but I also allowed the playfulness of the song to shine through.”

It’s easy to imagine Mr. Vanderbilt by the crackling fire, his beloved St. Bernard named Cedric napping by his side, waiting for jolly old St. Nicholas to arrive. A worthy pairing with Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina—an outstanding wine handcrafted from estate-grown grapes.

Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs + Joy to the World

Bottles of Biltmore wine on a table
Celebrate the season with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine

Inspired by Joy to the World, the most-published Christmas carol in America, designer Joslyn, recommends a monochromatic magenta color scheme for a unique seasonal complement to this popular melody.

Allow the sweet strains of the joyful carol that Joslyn chose to bubble up into a perfect pairing with Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine and let’s raise a glass to the Vanderbilts, who definitely added joy to the world with their gracious hospitality for the holidays.

Vanderbilt Reserve wines
Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with Christmas carols!

Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir + O Holy Night

Inspired by the beautiful words of O Holy Night, Kyla, Floral Supervisor, selects translucent, jewel-toned decorations. “The carol has a worshipful tone,” said Kyla, “and that led me to think about All Souls Cathedral and the Vanderbilt family’s ties there, so I have selected ornaments reminiscent of stained glass.”

As a perfect partner for pairing with this carol is our Vanderbilt Reserve Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. It’s an exceptional wine that’s still very approachable. It starts out soft and lovely, then soars, and then it lingers with you, much like the notes of O Holy Night.

Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec + Canta, Rie, Bebe

Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec on a tray with candles
Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec

Floral team member Lesley pulls in shades of red, pink, blue, and pewter to portray the energetic beat of Canta, Rie, Bebe (Sing, Laugh, Drink), a traditional Spanish Christmas carol.

This is the perfect Christmas carol to pair with the bold flavors of Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Malbec, This spicy, award-winning wine has Spanish origins.

Celebrate the season with Biltmore wines

We hope you’ve enjoyed our perfect pairings with Biltmore wines and Christmas carols. You can find our award-winning wines—and everything else you need to celebrate the season—on Biltmore Shop.

Top 10 Staff Favorites for Christmas at Biltmore

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What are the top 10 staff favorites for Christmas at Biltmore? Among the multitude of joys experienced during the holiday season at America’s Largest Home®, we’ve collected a special list to inspire your imagination and assist with gift giving.

Staff favorites: Biltmore wine and gourmet food in a basket.
Surprise someone special with a gift basket filled with Biltmore sparkling wine, gourmet food, and other goodies.

“Many of our staff members have been part of the Biltmore family for decades, but their joy and wonder during the holiday season never fades,” said Terri Koestler, Senior Director of Employee Experience. “From festive food and drink to mementos and special moments, these top 10 staff favorites offer a special glimpse into our employees’ perspectives.”

Our holiday legacy continues

On an unforgettable Christmas Eve in 1895, more than 20 members of George Vanderbilt’s family gathered at Biltmore House for the first time. Their awestruck delight has been repeated throughout the decades as today’s guests experience Biltmore during the holidays.

Here’s how even our long-time Biltmore staff members catch the spirit of the season every year:

1. Laura’s favorite: the sounds of music

Staff favorites: Harpist playing in the Third Floor Living Hall
A harpist plays Christmas carols in the Third Floor Living Hall

Laura Cope, Collections Manager, ensures the proper care of Biltmore’s priceless furniture, art, and objects. An avid music lover, she enjoys the talented musicians who play at Biltmore–especially at Christmastime.

“I always get sentimental at Christmas when I hear a harp play inside Biltmore House,” she raid. “To hear What Child is This? or The Nutcracker Suite within these beautifully decorated rooms really gives you a sense of what guests of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt would have experienced. It’s something that I look forward to every year!”

2. Jeff’s favorite: going a-wassailing

Biltmore wine with mulling spices.
Perfect pairings: Biltmore wines go a-wassailing!

“Love and joy come to you” are among the New Year wishes sung in this traditional Christmas carol, and Jeff Jones, Carriage House Supervisor, enjoys the song’s warm sentiment while sipping a cup of spicy wassail.

“Nothing tastes as much like Christmas as a cup of wassail,” said Jeff. “It’s not just one of our staff favorites—our guests love it as soon as they sample it in our estate shops!”

According to Jeff, all three varieties of Biltmore’s Wassail Spice Blend can season your favorite wine, cider, or other hot beverage with cheer during the holidays and all year round.

3. Staff favorites: party starters

Staff favorites: Biltmore cheeseball and wine
Make entertaining easy with Biltmore’s delicious cheeseball and dip mixes

Another staff favorite? The ability to bring a bit of Biltmore elegance to any holiday gathering with our best-selling gourmet cheeseball and dip mixes.

With festive options such as Christmas at Biltmore Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball Mix, along with traditional crowd favorites like Biltmore® Spinach Dip Mix, no more than two additional staple ingredients are needed for a quick and easy way to let the fun begin!

4. Staff favorites: dazzling “decorations”

Staff Favorites: Oaken Necklace by Southern Gates®
Drawn from elements in Biltmore House, jewelry by Southern Gates® is a charming remembrance of the time you spent at Biltmore.

Biltmore staff members carry the legacy of the estate close to their hearts at Christmastime and beyond by wearing a piece of Biltmore-inspired jewelry or choosing it as a gift for someone special.

Staff favorites include collections by CRISLU and Southern Gates® that feature tiny tokens of timeless luxury found at the estate and highlight some of Biltmore’s most memorable features using precious gemstones and custom-designed charms.

5. Hannah’s favorite: wrapping up gift giving

Handcrafted from estate-grown grapes, Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make wonderful gifts for the holidays.

As Visual Assets Coordinator, Hannah Parks sees the beauty of Biltmore through photographs and videos, including places that guests rarely visit, like the vineyards on the west side of the estate.

“I’m excited that the 2019 vintages of Biltmore® Reserve Cabernet Franc North Carolina and Biltmore Reserve® Cabernet Sauvignon North Carolina have been released just in time for the holidays,” said Hannah. “Not only are they two of my all-time favorite Biltmore wines, but the fact that they are handcrafted from estate-grown grapes makes them really wonderful local gifts. I’ve already bought several bottles to share with friends and family, and I may go back for more!”

6. Kyle’s favorite: the nicest spices!

Perfect pairings include wine and meatballs
Enhance all your Biltmore Grown® Beef selections with Spicewalla® Rubs

Many Biltmore staff members are fans of Spicewalla, a home-grown Asheville business that has gained worldwide attention for its unique small-batch spice blends.

“To complement your holiday meals, I suggest the robust rubs that Spicewalla has created especially for the estate’s Biltmore Grown® Beef selections, including Biltmore Grown Brisket Rub, Biltmore Grown Steak Rub, and Biltmore Grown Burger Rub,” said Kyle Mayberry, Director of Agriculture for the estate.

7. Courtney’s favorite: sipping and savoring all year-round

Women with Vanderbilt Wine Club shipment
Give someone special the gift of membership in our Vanderbilt Wine Club®.

According to Courtney Miller, Wine Club Manager, membership in the Vanderbilt Wine Club® is a fabulous gift for a loved one, or a decadent one for yourself!

“Surprise someone special with a gift membership that lasts for 12 whole months,” Courtney said. “You’ll definitely be on their ‘nice list’ every time a seasonal shipment arrives!”

Wine Club members receive their preference of red wines, white wines, a mix of red and white wines, or sweet wines each season along with tasting notes and chef-inspired recipes, plus exclusive access to special discounts, promotions, and invitations to members-only special events. 

8. Staff favorites: seasonal spreads

Sideboard filled with Biltmore wine, spreads, and dips
Delight your guests with gifts of good taste, including Biltmore’s jams, jellies, spreads, and syrups

Just as the Vanderbilts loved to host and entertain family during the holidays, our staff knows how to show hospitality to their own Christmas guests with more than two dozen gourmet flavors of Biltmore jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and syrups that delight at the breakfast table, enhance a charcuterie board, and make perfectly delicious gifts throughout the season—especially when paired with Biltmore wines!

9. Staff favorites: crowdsourcing our Christmas wine labels

Shop our special edition 2023 Christmas Wines online!

Since 2018, Facebook followers of Biltmore have weighed in on the one-of-a-kind labels found on our bottles of Christmas at Biltmore’s Red and White Wines. Our Biltmore staff members love giving these special bottles as thoughtful hosting or Christmas gifts, and many buy an extra bottle for themselves as a collectible keepsake!

10.  Brent’s favorite: raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree

Celebrate Biltmore's tree-raising tradition virtually
Raising the Banquet Hall Christmas tree is a guest and staff favorite tradition at Biltmore

The rooms of Biltmore House will be filled with more than 60 hand-decorated Christmas trees each year, but the one that stirs the hearts and imaginations of our guests and staff members the most is the 35-foot-tall fresh-cut Fraser fir in the tapestry-lined Banquet Hall.

Brent Merrell, Director of Engineering Services, oversees the installation of the towering tree. “Every year, we experience excitement mixed with some nerves on the day we bring in the massive tree, which weighs 2,500 to 3,000 pounds,” explained Brent. “The tree-raising is virtual again this year, but this tradition is always a staff favorite because it truly marks the beginning of the Christmas season at Biltmore.” 

What are your top 10 favorites for Christmas at Biltmore?

Our employees, both new and seasoned, enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for this special time of year with our guests. We hope you will join them and create your own top 10 list of favorites during Christmas at Biltmore! Be sure to share your favorites with us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok with #ChristmasatBiltmore.

Find everything you need to season your celebrations with cheer at Biltmore, or from the comfort of home with the convenience of online shopping at shop.biltmore.com.

Facebook Fans Help Create Our Christmas Wine Labels

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For 2021, our Facebook fans helped create the labels for our Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines.

Facebook Fans helped create our Christmas wine labels
Facebook fans voting online chose the elements for both of our 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels

“This is the fourth year that we’ve used this crowdsourcing process,” said Jill Whitfield, Senior Wine Marketing Manager. “By voting for their favorite holiday styles and themes, our Facebook fans really help us capture the spirit of our annual Christmas at Biltmore celebration on our Christmas wine labels.”

Local artist chosen to create our Christmas wine labels

Biltmore employee by Biltmore House column
Local artist and Biltmore employee Craig Sponsellor

The Biltmore wine marketing team selected artist Craig Sponseller of Asheville, North Carolina, to create two original paintings that would incorporate the holiday images and elements selected by Biltmore’s Facebook followers for our 2021 Christmas wine labels.

According to Craig, this project was especially meaningful because in addition to being an artist, he has also been a Biltmore employee for the past 10 years.

“I work in Mail Services,” said Craig, “and my days are filled with routines related to ensuring that mail is picked up and delivered. This opportunity to develop the artwork for the 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels allowed me to tap into my creative side while focusing on all the beauty of the season here at the estate.”

Facebook fans select two distinct themes

Facebook fans helped choose the labels on Biltmore Christmas wine
The 2021 Christmas at Biltmore wines makes a perfect gift for someone special

After two rounds of online voting, some distinct themes emerged: our fans wanted both a wintry outdoor scene featuring the iconic architecture of Biltmore House, and a warm and wonderful tribute to the towering Banquet Hall Christmas tree inside America’s Largest Home®.

Capturing the exterior of Biltmore House

Sketch for the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label
Part of Craig’s creative process is the creation of sketches like this that help him refine the details he’ll include in a painting

Craig began the process of creating the Christmas at Biltmore White Wine label by sketching the exterior elements of Biltmore House. He started with a pencil sketch, then refined the details with pen and ink.

“I’m a watercolor artist,” Craig explained, “and it is a very unforgiving medium. If you make a mistake or need to move something around, it’s impossible. That’s why I do the preliminary sketches and refinements so I can be sure I’m on the right track.”

Craig chose to showcase the familiar view from the wall at the end of the Front Lawn. To further the holiday mood, he added a touch of snow to give the painting a frosty feel.

Exterior pencil sketch of Biltmore House with touches of watercolor
Craig refined his initial sketches before adding layers of color washes to the final painting

As for the cheerful red cardinal on the rail, that’s the state bird of North Carolina, and a familiar sight around the estate during this time of year.

“The cardinal was a very specific element that Biltmore’s Facebook fans voted to include on both labels,” Craig said. “It was a challenge to portray a small bird in front of such a large house, but I placed it on the Rampe Douce railing so the cardinal would appear larger in the foreground.”

Creating the Banquet Hall view

Our Facebook fans also voted to see the beauty of the season inside Biltmore House, and Craig was happy to oblige.

Orange tree centerpieces in the Banquet Hall
Inspiration for Facebook fans included this Banquet Hall scene with iconic orange tree centerpieces i

For the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label, Craig was able to include many of the wonders in the Banquet Hall, from the grand Fraser fir that dominates the scene during the holidays to a grouping of festive orange tree centerpieces atop the massive dining table.

Pencil sketch for Biltmore Christmas wine label
One of Craig’s early pencil sketches for the Christmas at Biltmore Red Wine label includes the cardinal ornament on the tree in the foreground

“The real challenge here was how to include a cardinal in an indoor scene,” said Craig, “but I was able to work it in as an ornament!”

Stock up for the season on our Christmas wines and more!

Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines with Facebook fans labels
Make sure your holiday is seasoned with cheer when you choose Biltmore wines!

Whether you’re in the mood for a fragrant, semi-sweet white wine or a soft, fruit-forward red, our Christmas at Biltmore Wines offer a classic complement to your favorite flavors at the holiday buffet or dessert table. As an added bonus, the lovely labels make both wines a charming gift of the season for someone special.

Find our Christmas at Biltmore Red and White Wines and all your other handcrafted favorites in estate shops, online, or with our Wine Finder.

Biltmore rosé wines pair perfectly with every season

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Biltmore rosé wines pair perfectly with every season, and here are 5 great reasons to fall in love with them throughout the year.

1. Rosé wines are very versatile

Glass and bottle of Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé wine on an outdoor table
Nothing could be finer than sipping our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé with all your favorite flavors!

“Rosé wines are more versatile than you think,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “They pair well with cooler weather and the heartier dishes that accompany the season.

A perfect example is our Biltmore® Reserve Rosé North Carolina—an exceptional wine handcrafted from outstanding grapes grown in our estate vineyard. This lovely wine features a delicate sweetness, hints of spice and white pepper, plus roundness and good mouthfeel.

Approachable and easy to drink, the style is reminiscent of classic old-world rosés. Enjoy it year-round with charcuterie, mustard-glazed salmon, pesto pizza, smoked gouda cheese, and serve it with holiday favorites like glazed ham.

2. A dynamic hybrid wine

Toasting with glasses of rosé
Rosé wines are a dynamic hybrid between red and white wines.

Rosé wine is a dynamic hybrid of tannic reds and fruity white wines, which enhances its versatility.

“Rosés offer the best of both worlds,” Sharon said. “To create a rosé, you begin by crushing red grapes, but you don’t leave the juice in contact with the skins as long as you would for a red wine. This process imparts the classic rosy color and also allows the juice to keep some of the natural tannins in red grapes, but it also keeps the wine crisp and fruity—more like a white wine.”

3. Rosé wine is an affordable option

Bottles of Biltmore Estate Dry Rosé and several glasses.
Rosés are not only crisp and refreshing, they can also be more affordable than some other options.

As we head into the holiday season, we often focus on heartier red wines for cool weather and finer wines for gift-giving occasions and special celebrations. Since distinguished reds and gift-worthy wines tend to be pricier than others, rosés can be a more affordable option.

“Even though rosés are becoming more and more popular year-round, there are some very affordable wines to consider, like our Biltmore Estate® Sweet Rosé,” said Sharon.

Off-dry with scents of cherry, watermelon, and strawberry, it is light, balanced, and offers flavors of lime and mint that pair well with casual fare including spicy cuisine.

4. Rosé wines transition into fall

Bottle of Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir and several flutes of wine on a sideboard.
Add festive bubbles to any occasion with our Biltmore Estate Blanc de Noir, a sparkling wine crafted with Pinot Noir grapes.

According to Sharon, rosé makes an excellent transitional wine between seasons.

“If you’re used to sipping rosés in spring and summer, keep enjoying them during the warmer days of fall,” said Sharon. “They’re just as crisp and refreshing on a sunny afternoon in October as they are in April. I personally recommend our Biltmore Estate® Blanc de Noir, handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise to create fine, tiny bubbles!”

With delicious fruit-forward flavors of cherries and strawberries, this pretty-in-pink Biltmore bubbly pairs well with turkey (hello, Thanksgiving!), mahi-mahi, pound cake, brie cheese, and fresh fruit.

5. Fall flavor profile

Refreshing and crisp, rosé wines mirror the essence of the fall season, making them perfect for autumnal sipping.

Biltmore Estate Dry Rose is perfect for fall.
Crisp, refreshing Biltmore Estate Dry Rose is perfect any time of year.

“Fall brings tailgating at football games, hiking to take in scenic views, and cool evenings when you gather around the fire pit,” said Sharon, “so you’ll want to have plenty of Biltmore rosé wines on hand to complement all the casual activities that characterize the season.

Our Biltmore Estate® Dry Rosé as the perfect pick for all your favorite fall functions. Bright, fruity layers of berry flavor make this wine an outstanding partner for chicken, pork, salmon, and sausage—especially when your fire up the grill and gather your friends together to enjoy it with you!

Find your favorite Biltmore rosé wines wines today!

Biltmore wines in an ice bucket
Stock up on all your favorite Biltmore wines–including our outstanding rosés–for fall.

Stock up on our outstanding rosés and other award-winning Biltmore wines now in estate shops, online, and with our Wine Finder.

New Exhibition Series: Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore

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Please enjoy this archived exhibition article.

Immerse yourself in our new exhibition series, Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore—featuring three different large-scale, multi-sensory experiences—hosted at Biltmore’s event center on the grounds of the estate.

Created and produced by Grande Experiences, each individual component of this must-see series uses the very latest in immersive technology to illuminate the remarkable lives of Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci and their timeless masterpieces of art and design.

In addition, each of the three events offers fascinating ties to George Vanderbilt’s collection of treasures on display in Biltmore House, his magnificent family home in Asheville, North Carolina.

Van Gogh Alive
November 5, 2021–March 5, 2022

Van Gogh Alive multi-sensory experience
A guest explores Van Gogh Alive, created and produced by Grande Experiences

The masterworks of Vincent van Gogh have been displayed in exhibitions around the world for over a century, but never like this.

Described as “an unforgettable multi-sensory experience,” Van Gogh Alive is a powerful and vibrant symphony of light, color, sound, and scent that compels you to leave the world behind and immerse yourself the masterful paintings of Vincent Van Gogh.

Simultaneously enchanting, entertaining, and educational, Van Gogh Alive stimulates all the senses and opens the mind.

Van Gogh and Biltmore founder George Vanderbilt share a Dutch heritage that will be highlighted at the estate during this period.

Monet & Friends — Life, Light & Color
March 9–July 10, 2022

Monet & Friends multi-sensory exhibition
Explore Monet’s masterpieces throughout the Monet & Friends experience

An homage to Claude Monet and the Impressionist painters of the mid-19th century through the early 20th century, this multi-sensory experience explores not only the paintings themselves but the history of the Impressionist movement amid the social and political turbulence of the era.

It transports you back to a time when European art was poised to change forever, and immerses you in the Impressionists’ masterworks as they come to life in a rich display of light, color, and sound.

Breathtaking paintings are projected on an enormous scale, illuminating the bold brushstrokes of Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, and more.

While Monet & Friends – Life, Light & Color is on display at Biltmore’s event center on the grounds of the estate, two original Monet paintings from George Vanderbilt’s personal collection will be displayed inside America’s Largest Home®.

Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius
July 14, 2022–January 8, 2023

Leonardo da Vinci -- 500 Years of Genius experience
Discover marvels of art and invention with Leonardo da Vinci — 500 Years of Genius

Inventor, artist, scientist, engineer, sculptor, anatomist, musician, architect, philosopher—Leonardo da Vinci was all of these things.

His brilliance and many extraordinary achievements are brought to vivid life in Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, the world’s most comprehensive and thrilling Leonardo da Vinci experience.

Biltmore will be showcasing links to estate architecture and artwork in our collection that are influenced by da Vinci’s designs.

Don’t miss our Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore exhibition series!

Van Gogh Alive exhibition
Explore our Van Gogh Alive exhibition now–March 5, 2022

Each of the three Legends of Art & Innovation at Biltmore multi-sensory experiences will be hosted at Amherst at Deerpark®, our event center on the grounds of the estate.

Plan your visit to Van Gogh Alive, Monet & Friends and Leonardo da Vinci now, and enhance your experience with special overnight offers at our distinctive hotels and historic cottages.

Cornelia Vanderbilt’s Birthday Parties: The Grandest Affairs

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From the day she was born, Cornelia Vanderbilt’s birthday was recognized and celebrated on an extraordinary scale, one befitting of royalty.

Birth Announcements

Named in honor of prominent members of both her mother and father’s family, Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt was born on August 22, 1900 in the grand Louis XV Bedroom in Biltmore House.

George Vanderbilt with newborn daughter Cornelia on the Loggia of Biltmore House, September 30, 1900
George Vanderbilt with newborn daughter Cornelia on the Loggia of Biltmore House, September 30, 1900

Cornelia’s birth was mentioned in the society pages of newspapers across the country, including the Asheville Citizen, which reported:

Stork comes to Biltmore

To Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt a Child is Born

“The advent of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Vanderbilt was announced last evening from Biltmore House. The little stranger is a Buncombe baby—pretty as babies go—but with the Buncombe birthright of the mountain health its days of babyhood will dot in dimpled sweetness and the fairy lines of beauty blend in a vision fitting to its home on the grand estate.“

Edith Vanderbilt with young daughter Cornelia around the time of her christening, October 1900
Edith Vanderbilt with young daughter Cornelia around the time of her christening, October 1900

And from the Spartanburg Journal of upstate South Carolina:

Biltmore’s New Star

“A new star has appeared at famous Biltmore, and the charming mistress of this most gorgeous home is smiling upon her first born, a tiny girl called Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt…”

Early Birthday Celebrations

Although we have no specific descriptions of birthday parties during Cornelia’s childhood, we do know that she had many playmates among her cousins and the children of families who lived on the estate.

Cornelia Vanderbilt with one of her family's Saint Bernards on the Front Lawn of Biltmore House, 1905
Cornelia Vanderbilt with one of her family’s Saint Bernards on the Front Lawn of Biltmore House, 1905

Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 21st Birthday Party: An Elegant Masquerade

As Cornelia Vanderbilt grew older, her birthday parties became grand events. Her twenty-first birthday on August 22, 1921 began with a surprise gathering of 250 estate workers and tenants at 7 a.m. at Biltmore House. The staff clearly had a deep affection for Cornelia, and many of their children had been her playmates since her birth.  

As part of their surprise for Cornelia, whom they had watched mature into a sophisticated young woman, the employees improvised a band that played old-time dance tunes. The group then presented Cornelia with a game-bag as a gift. Later that same evening, more than 200 guests attended a masquerade party at Biltmore House in Cornelia’s honor. 

Employees gathered to celebrate Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 21st birthday, August 1921
Employees gathered to celebrate Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 21st birthday, August 1921

The Asheville Citizen-Times published the following account of the occasion:

“Miss Vanderbilt is accorded honors on reaching majority; masquerade party given on Monday at mansion.

Miss Cornelia Stuyvesant Vanderbilt reached her 21st birthday Monday and was accorded honors becoming the lady of Biltmore mansion. Monday night a large masquerade was given and guests were present in large numbers.  

The social calendar for the week started with one of the most brilliant of the season’s entertainments, the fancy dress ball, given the Monday evening at Biltmore House by Mrs. George Vanderbilt in honor of the birthday of her daughter, Miss Cornelia Vanderbilt. Dancing was enjoyed in the sunken garden where masses of ferns and palms made a pleasing and charming background for the two hundred or more fascinating and gorgeous costumes of the guests. The Garber-Davis orchestra from Atlanta provided the dance music. Late in the evening supper was served in the banquet hall. A special feature of the entertainment was that the assemblage of the guests, at the commencement of the evening, a closed sedan chair was brought in by four attendants, and as the curtains were drawn, Miss Vanderbilt stepped forward in a most attractive costume of a page of the period of the French Renaissance.“

Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 25th Birthday Party: An Open-Air Ball

Cornelia’s birthdays continued to be stunning occasions, even after she married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil in 1924. 

Cornelia Vanderbilt’s wedding portrait upon her marriage to John Francis Amherst Cecil, April 1924
Cornelia Vanderbilt’s wedding portrait upon her marriage to John Francis Amherst Cecil, April 1924

The Asheville Gazette reported on celebrations for Cornelia’s 25th birthday:

“On Friday, August 22, 300 employees attended a garden party and tea at 4 pm with dancing to Guthrie’s Orchestra.  Biltmore Dairy employees gave Cornelia a surprise birthday gift of a giant ice cream cake—4’ high and 2’ square at the base—made of 26 gallons of Biltmore Dairy ice cream.  It “consisted of alternate layers of chocolate parfait, Lady Ashe ice cream, and a covering of vanilla mousse.  The cake was studded with roses and lilies and also bore the inscription ‘May your joys be as many as the sands of the sea.’”

Cornelia celebrated the following evening with an open-air ball for 300 people at 9:30 p.m. Guests danced in a pavilion to the Charles Freicher Orchestra. The lawn was lit with Japanese lanterns placed in trees and shrubbery. 

Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil around age 25, 1925
Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil around age 25, 1925

The Gazette further noted that, “the beautiful array of summer gowns of the many dancers made a scene as beautiful as that of gay moths and fireflies in a fairy garden,” and a buffet supper was served at midnight.

Although we have no further descriptions of Cornelia’s birthday parties, we are sure they were often celebrated in style. From her earliest days as the “Biltmore Baby” to her life as a celebrated socialite of wealth and style, Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil exemplified the Roaring 20s and the Jazz Age that still fascinate us today.