Biltmore Dairy: An Udderly Fascinating History Posted on May 14, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Kristina Smith George Vanderbilt established Biltmore Dairy operations at his estate in Asheville, North Carolina for three main reasons: to supply dairy products to Biltmore House, to provide an example to others on how to run a successful farm, and to generate income through commercial product sales. Imagine having a Vanderbilt for your milkman—flavoring your coffee with cream from the dairy of a multi-millionaire. It is enough to make one smack his lips and imagine the product is richer than that of ordinary dairymen.– “A Millionaire Farmer,” St. Louis Globe Democrat, 1894 Biltmore Dairy delivery wagon, ca. 1900 Beyond the dairy, original agricultural operations included sheep, hog, and poultry farms, and a substantial market garden for produce. All of these endeavors, collectively named Biltmore Farms, contributed to George Vanderbilt’s ability to fulfill the estate’s mission of self-sufficiency. However, Biltmore Dairy was the most successful of all of Biltmore’s enterprises, providing the estate with a financial cushion that would see it through George Vanderbilt’s death, two world wars, the Great Depression, and beyond. Cow stalls in the main dairy barn, ca. 1930 The Legacy of Biltmore Dairy Much of this success was thanks to the Vanderbilts’ prized herd of Jersey cows. Of all major dairy breeds, Jerseys produce the richest milk—high in butterfat, protein, and calcium. They also produce a higher volume of milk per each pound of body weight than other type of cattle. The Biltmore Dairy Farms herd, believed to be the largest herd of registered Jerseys in the world, is unquestionably one of the finest and best known.– “Souvenir Edition Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Club,” June 3, 1942 Biltmore Dairy workers, ca. 1910 To ensure that the herd maintained excellent health, staff included a full-time veterinarian and a dairy bacteriologist. Dairy workers kept detailed records on the herd and conducted regular inspections to ensure their living conditions were of the highest quality. The herd was primarily housed in the estate’s Main Dairy Barn—what is now Biltmore’s Winery. Just down the road was the Creamery, where cream was separated from the milk. Milk was then bottled and sold, while the cream was made into butter, buttermilk, cottage cheese, and, of course, ice cream. Biltmore’s Dairy Barn (now the Winery), May 30, 1913 (Courtesy of Alice Marie Lewis) The Tasty History of Biltmore Ice Cream Biltmore’s ice cream played a leading role at estate gatherings, including Cornelia Vanderbilt’s birthday parties, Christmas celebrations, and May Day festivities. Almost every oral history interview in our archives that mentions a childhood memory on the estate also includes a reference to ice cream. After Biltmore House opened to the public in 1930, guests could view the milking rooms and processing areas in the Dairy Barn, sample the milk, and buy ice cream. Biltmore Dairy was so successful, and its products were so well-known that it became an attraction in its own right for estate visitors. Biltmore Dairy milkmen and delivery trucks, ca. 1935-1940 It was around this time that the dairy’s delivery wagons were replaced with trucks and the fleet grew from 30 vehicles to over 400 in just 15 years. Salesmen were now able to market the products as far away as Charlotte, which at the time was a windy, wooded five-hour drive. Unfortunately, the market shifted. With the advent of chain grocery stores came a cheaper, more efficient way to purchase milk, eventually making door-to-door dairy delivery obsolete. Biltmore Dairy and other smaller, family-run businesses were unable to compete with expansive commercial operations. In April of 1985, Biltmore Dairy was sold to Pet, Inc. Enjoy our vanilla ice cream, based on a delicious original Biltmore Dairy recipe. Enjoy Biltmore Ice Cream Today Today, Biltmore continues to draw inspiration from Biltmore Dairy. Biltmore Dairy Bar® in the Stable Courtyard was named in honor of our agricultural heritage. Additionally, vanilla ice cream based on a delicious original Biltmore Dairy recipe is offered at both Biltmore Dairy Bar® and at the Creamery in Antler Hill Village.
Biltmore Gardens Railway: Fun-For-All-Ages Posted on May 10, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico In the summer of 2019, Biltmore Gardens Railway brought large-scale model railroads and handmade buildings connected with Biltmore and its founder George Vanderbilt to two locations on the estate—the Conservatory and Antler Hill Village. The exhibition featured replica structures fashioned from all-natural materials, largely collected from the estate, to offer a one-of-a-kind, fun-for-all-ages experience. Enjoy a special look at the structures and stories that inspired Biltmore Gardens Railway. Conservatory Display: Structures from the estate and surrounding area Photograph of Biltmore House and the Italian Garden, ca. 1910 Biltmore House with Fountain & Rampe DouceCompleted in 1895, Biltmore House was a collaborative effort between George Vanderbilt and architect Richard Morris Hunt. It took six years to construct America’s Largest Home®. The 250-room French Renaissance chateau contains more than four acres of floor space, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Photograph of the Stable Complex construction from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1894 Stable ComplexAn important part of a turn-of-the-century country home, the stables housed the Vanderbilts’ 30–40 driving and riding horses. Correspondence in Biltmore’s Archives indicates that George Vanderbilt made every effort to procure the best horses possible for the estate. Original horses’ names included Ida, Pamlico, and Maud. Photograph of the Conservatory from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1910 ConservatoryThis grand structure was built to provide flowers and plants for Biltmore House year-round—a role it continues to fulfill today. Carefully placed at the lower end of the Wall Garden so as not to obstruct the view from Biltmore House, the Conservatory includes a Palm House and an Orchid House and spans more than 7,000 square feet. Photograph of All Souls’ Church from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1906 All Souls’ ChurchCommissioned by George Vanderbilt, All Souls’ Church was the anchor—architecturally, spiritually, and socially—of nearby Biltmore Village. The church as well as the rest of the buildings in the village were the result of a collaboration between Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Photograph of the Biltmore Passenger Station from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1899 Biltmore Passenger Station*The Passenger Station in Biltmore Village was the first stop for many of the Vanderbilts’ guests when they arrived in Western North Carolina on their way to the estate. Family and friends were met there by the Vanderbilts’ carriage or car and brought up the breathtaking three-mile Approach Road to Biltmore House. Photograph of deer at the Bass Pond Waterfall from the Biltmore collection, ca. 1950 Bass Pond WaterfallDesigned by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the Bass Pond was created by greatly enlarging an old creek-fed millpond. In order to keep the pond free of sediment and debris caused by heavy rains, Olmsted engineered an ingenious flume system to divert debris and storm water through a conduit laid on the lake bed. Photograph of The Gardener’s Cottage from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1892 The Gardener’s CottageOne of the first buildings completed on the estate, the Gardener’s Cottage served as the residence of Biltmore’s first head gardener. The one-and-a-half story stone cottage was originally occupied Mr. Robert Bottomley, who was the estate’s head gardener until November 1903. Photograph of the Lodge Gate from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1900 Lodge GateLocated at the entrance to the estate from Biltmore Village, the Lodge Gate provided round-the-clock security by means of a resident gatekeeper. Other entrances to Biltmore also had gatehouses and gatekeepers, though the Lodge Gate was considered the main entrance to George Vanderbilt’s grand estate. Antler Hill Village Display: Landmarks from George Vanderbilt’s travels Photograph of Pisgah National Forest Entry Gate, ca. 1916-1936 Pisgah National Forest Entry Gate – Transylvania County, North CarolinaJust before George Vanderbilt’s death in 1914, he was involved in negotiations to sell a large portion of his estate to the federal government in hopes that it would become a forest preserve. His wife Edith later completed this undertaking, selling 87,000 acres of the estate to establish the core of what later became Pisgah National Forest. Photograph of Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, ca. 2009 Vanderbilt Mansion – Hyde Park, New YorkGeorge Vanderbilt’s brother Frederick Vanderbilt and his wife Louise created a seasonal home in Hyde Park, NY. The house was inspired by a classical Palladian villa and was surrounded by formal and informal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who later served as the landscape architect for Biltmore. Photograph of a Dutch windmill taken by George Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A. V. Cecil, ca. 1950 Windmill & Three Classic Canal House Façades – Amsterdam, The NetherlandsThe Vanderbilt family line originated in Holland in the village of De Bilt, not far from Amsterdam. The Vanderbilts’ ancestors immigrated to the Dutch colony of New Netherland around 1650, eventually settling near present-day Staten Island, New York. George Vanderbilt visited his family’s homeland in 1897. Photograph of the Eiffel Tower from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1890 Eiffel Tower – Paris, FranceThis Paris landmark was already an icon when George and Edith Vanderbilt were married on June 1, 1898 in a civil ceremony after a whirlwind courtship abroad. An understated religious ceremony was held the following day at the American Church of the Holy Trinity, attended only by family and close friends. Photograph of the Arc de Triomphe from George Vanderbilt’s collection, ca. 1885 Arc De Triomphe – Paris, FranceAfter the Vanderbilt’s Parisian marriage ceremony, the wedding party attended a breakfast at the apartment Edith shared with her sisters on Rue Vernet, just an avenue away from the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Edith’s sister Natalie provided two bottles of champagne that their maternal grandfather had set aside at Edith’s birth to be served on her wedding day. Colorized photograph of Tower Bridge, ca. 1900 Tower Bridge – London, EnglandIn June 1897, George Vanderbilt rented an apartment on London’s Pall Mall to witness the celebration surrounding Queen Victoria’s 60-year reign. Among his guests viewing the festivities from the balcony was his future bride, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, likely marking the beginning of their romance. Engraving of the USS Vanderbilt, ca. 1862 USS Vanderbilt – Transatlantic ServiceCornelius “The Commodore” Vanderbilt, George Vanderbilt’s grandfather and founder of the family fortune, commissioned a steamship in 1856 dubbed the Vanderbilt, once hailed as “the largest vessel that has ever floated on the Atlantic Ocean.” *Feature image: Recreation of Biltmore Passenger Station; this structure is on display in both the Conservatory and Antler Hill Village.
Pairing Our Gardens with Biltmore White Wines Posted on May 6, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Looking for expert advice in selecting wines for spring entertaining? Be inspired by our playful pairing of our beautiful gardens with Biltmore white wines! Nothing could be finer than sipping our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Rosé with all your favorite flavors! Outdoor entertaining with Biltmore Wines From patios to picnics to pool parties, here’s a basic tip on serving and appreciating wine outdoors in spring: “Just follow the ‘20-Minute Rule’,” said Spencer Knight, Winery Tours Supervisor. “Remove white wine from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes prior to serving so the flavor profile has a chance to expand.” Put Biltmore wines on your “bucket list” for spring and summer sipping! According to Spencer, it’s also a good idea to return open wine bottles to a container of ice and water between refills, especially if you’re entertaining outside in warmer weather. Pairing Biltmore white wines with our historic gardens Enjoy warm weather sipping with your favorite aromatic Biltmore wines by the glass or bottle. In addition to pairing the distinct “personalities” of Biltmore’s historic gardens and grounds with our refreshing white wines, you’ll also find suggestions for white wine pairings with your favorite seasonal flavors. Diana at Biltmore Statue of Diana overlooking Biltmore House This elegant site overlooking Biltmore House offers a classic setting that calls to mind Biltmore’s outstanding sparkling wines. Brighten any special occasion with our Pas de Deux® Sec—handcrafted in traditional méthode champenoise to create fine, tiny bubbles. This aromatic semi-sweet sparkler features the essence of orange blossom and flavors of wild strawberry and lemon. Enjoy with fresh fruit, chocolate covered strawberries, and cheesecake. Spring in the Shrub Garden Colorful spring blooms in Biltmore’s Shrub Garden Savor the beauty of Biltmore’s Shrub Garden—a picture-perfect pairing for Biltmore Estate® Riesling as the wine’s fresh and fragrant style is reminiscent of early-blooming spring shrubs. Beautifully balanced with sweet apricot aromas, light honey flavors, and a crisp finish, Biltmore’s Riesling makes a surprisingly delicious companion to spicy Thai dishes as well as fruity desserts. A classic wine pairing for the Walled Garden White wisteria blooming in the Walled Garden Stroll the paths of this grand garden and enjoy the sun-warmed stone walls that enfold you with tradition, much like the classic taste of our Biltmore Estate® Chardonnay. Smooth and balanced with subtle floral aromas, crisp fruit flavors, and hints of oak, Biltmore’s Chardonnay shines when served with favorites including chicken and grilled vegetables, pasta with cream sauce, and even hard-to-pair fare like squash dishes. Our Rose Garden paired with a special rosé Biltmore’s historic Rose Garden in front of the Conservatory Biltmore’s rambling rose garden is a perfect match for our Biltmore® Reserve North Carolina Rosé. Crafted from select North Carolina Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, our pretty-in-pink rosé blossoms with beautiful color, layered aromas, and flavors of red berries, tropical fruits, and a hint of spice. Enjoy with cheese plates and pizza. Pairing our Masterpiece Collection White Wine with the Azalea Garden Azaleas blooming at Biltmore in late spring The informal feel and bright colors of the Azalea Garden make it a natural match for our fragrant and food-friendly Biltmore Masterpiece Collection White Wine, available this spring in estate shops and online. Handcrafted to capture the essence of the season, this is the perfect wine for warmer weather and picnics. You can also spice up spring by pairing it with zesty sausage and Indian food! Pair Biltmore wines with all your favorite flavors this spring Savor Biltmore wines now Whether you’re stocking up on favorite varietals or trying new ones, you can purchase Biltmore wines online or close to home through our Retailer Locator.
Discover Biltmore White Wines Posted on April 27, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Discover Biltmore white wines, handcrafted in every flavor profile from crisp and dry to juicy and sweet, plus special tips to help you make a great choice, every time. You’ll find all our Limited Release wines at the Wine Bar adjacent to Biltmore’s Winery. Biltmore Century Sweet White Wine Century Sweet White Wine pairs perfectly with spicy dishes and desserts One of our best-selling white whites combines Gewürztraminer, Muscat Canelli, and Riesling grapes in a fragrant, semi-sweet blend that refreshes with a tropical twist. Biltmore Century Sweet White Wine is a great introduction to several different white grape varietals, and it pairs surprisingly well with many of your favorite foods such as shrimp and Asian and Vietnamese cuisine. Tip: A good sweetness-to-acidity ratio is the secret to pairing semi-sweet wines with surprisingly spicy foods. Biltmore Estate Chardonnay Biltmore wines are perfect for warm weather sipping! One of the most familiar white varietals is Chardonnay. Generally well-suited to absorb the vanilla and other characteristic flavors imparted by aging in oak barrels, Chardonnays often mature into grand wines with a rich, buttery flavor. Tip: Malo-lactic fermentation, a process in which the sharper-tasting malic acid in wine is converted into lactic acid, gives wines a more rounded, buttery taste without necessarily aging the wine in oak barrels. Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay is handcrafted from grapes grown on the estate and by our local partners Try all three of our Chardonnay options: Biltmore Estate Chardonnay, our Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina, and our Antler Hill Chardonnay Los Carneros. Biltmore Estate Chenin Blanc Biltmore Estate Chenin Blanc on ice This varietal originated in the Loire Valley of France and might be considered a “low maintenance” grape that tends to be hearty and not too temperamental as it grows and ripens. A slightly sweeter white varietal, our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Chenin Blanc is a great choice for sipping by itself as well as enjoying with goat cheese, fresh fruit, and Asian cuisine. Tip: Although delicious on its own as a still or a sparkling wine, because of its fairly consistent acidity, you may find Chenin Blanc added to other white wine blends to improve their taste and character. Biltmore Estate Pinot Grigio Savor refreshing Biltmore Estate Pinot Noir with seafood and other rich flavors Pinot Grigio is generally known as a white varietal, yet the grape itself is actually a dusky, pinkish, blue-gray color. Some wines produced from it may take on a pinkish tone. It has become one of the most popular white varietals in recent years because it tends to please most palates and pair well with a wide range of foods. Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak handcrafts our Biltmore Estate Pinot Grigio to bring out its slightly spicy, citrusy qualities. Enjoy it with ricotta cheese, pasta with cream sauce, ham, ravioli, crab, oysters, salmon, and shellfish. Tip: Try sipping a glass of our Pinot Grigio before a seafood meal—its crisp, refreshing taste helps open and prepare your palate to savor those particular flavors. Biltmore Estate Riesling George Vanderbilt’s legacy of gracious hospitality lives on with Biltmore wines handcrafted from grapes grown in the estate’s own vineyard or selected from trusted west coast partners Originally from Germany, Riesling is a versatile grape that is crisp yet semi-sweet. Our Biltmore Estate Riesling features nicely balanced fruit flavors with acidity and exotic floral notes. Tip: Love sushi but can’t imagine pairing anything besides sake with it? Try our Biltmore Reserve North Carolina Riesling made from grapes grown here at the estate. Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc Pair Biltmore wines with your favorite comfort foods! Sauvignon Blanc is a dry, crisp wine that suggests elegant pairings plus the ability to stand up to complex layers of taste in rich seafood such as crab, oysters, scallops, lobster, and shellfish. Tip: Sauvignon Blanc (also known as Fume Blanc) is generally very acidic and is often characterized by hints of grass in the nose and the taste. Our Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc has been awarded Best of Class in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and received 88 points & Best Buy from the Beverage Testing Institute. Biltmore Sparkling Wines Our handcrafted Biltmore bubbles make any occasion more special Sparkling wines are traditionally crafted from white grapes such as Chardonnay and Petite Meunier. Biltmore is one of only a handful of wineries that produce both still and sparkling wines, including our finest Biltmore Estate Blanc de Blancs. Tip: Pair our bubbly and festive Pas de Deux Moscato with a rustic apple tart—you’ll be amazed at the way the flavors come alive! Purchase Biltmore white wines now Purchase any of our fine wines in estate shops, online, or with our Wine Finder.
Discover George Vanderbilt’s Railroad Ties Posted on April 26, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton To discover George Vanderbilt’s railroad ties, you have only to look at his family history. Few names have been more closely associated with the rise of the American railroad industry than the Vanderbilts. Theirs is a remarkable legacy, and one that would ultimately contribute to the development of Biltmore, George Vanderbilt’s magnificent private estate. Portrait of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt in the Breakfast Room of Biltmore House Railroad legacy The Vanderbilt family’s success began with George Vanderbilt’s grandfather Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt—an entrepreneur from modest beginnings who spent his life building an empire based on shipping and railroad concerns. His son William Henry Vanderbilt inherited the business after the Commodore’s death in 1877, doubling the family fortune before he passed away nine years later. Cornelius Vanderbilt II and William Kissam Vanderbilt, William Henry’s two oldest sons, followed in their father’s footsteps to take on management of the family’s holdings, leaving George Vanderbilt—the youngest of William Henry and Maria Louisa Kissam Vanderbilt’s eight children—free to explore his interests in art, literature, and travel. George Vanderbilt’s vision Formal photographic portrait of young George Vanderbilt By the time George Vanderbilt was in his twenties, he had begun planning the creation of a country estate similar to those he’d visited in Europe. After settling on Asheville, North Carolina, as the setting for his new home, he purchased considerable acreage in the area, breaking ground in 1889 for what would become Biltmore. Vanderbilt party near Biltmore Station; March 1891. Seated (L-R) are Margaret Bromley, Maria Louisa Vanderbilt, Marguerite Shepard, and two unidentified women; unidentified person seated behind Mrs. Vanderbilt. Standing (L-R) are Margaret Shepard, possibly Frederick Vanderbilt, and George Vanderbilt. While maintaining a permanent address at his family’s Fifth Avenue home, George made frequent trips to Asheville to oversee the project during the six years that Biltmore was under construction. Swannanoa In 1891, George Vanderbilt furthered his railroad ties by commissioning a private railcar from the Wagner Palace Car Company of Buffalo, NY. Showing affinity for his new home, George named his railcar Swannanoa after one of the two rivers that flowed through the property. “Private railcars like Swannanoa were the height of luxury in the golden age of railroad travel, functioning as a home away from home for wealthy travelers” said Darren Poupore, Chief Curator for Biltmore. For the railcar’s inauguration, Maria Louisa Vanderbilt gave her son an engraved tea service that read “GWV from MLV, November 14, 1891, Swannanoa.” Teapot from Swannanoa’s tea service Luxury travel Swannanoa’s mahogany-paneled parlor was furnished with plush chairs and sofas; staterooms accommodated up to 12 people with comfortable beds and other furnishings. George often sent Swannanoa to Washington and New York to transport family and friends back to Biltmore. While on board, a cook provided elaborate meals from a well-appointed kitchen and a porter tended to every passenger’s needs. In addition to those comforts, guests could admire scenic views through plate-glass windows in an observation room in the rear of the car. And just like Biltmore House, Swannanoa’s interiors reflected George’s personality and interests, complete with countless books and etchings from his collections. View of Biltmore’s Rampe Douce and Vista with construction sheds and train in foreground, c. 1892 Estate construction As work on Biltmore House continued, a contract between estate architect Richard Morris Hunt and the project’s general contractor stipulated that the massive quantities of Indiana limestone required for construction be shipped by rail directly to the house site. Working with a civil engineer and consulting with the superintendent of the Richmond & Danville Railroad, landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted laid out a route for a standard gauge rail line connecting the depot in Biltmore Village to the building site. The area’s uneven terrain—alternating between deep hollows and ridges—presented an added challenge for the rail line. In order to create a gradual incline from the depot to the building site, five trestles with a total length of 1,052 feet were constructed to carry the train across the gullies. Steam locomotive in front of the Rampe Douce during construction; June 9, 1892 More railroad ties George Vanderbilt purchased three steam locomotives for use on the estate. The two standard-gauge locomotives operated on the main railroad line to the Esplanade. The first, Engine No. 75 (later renamed Cherokee) was purchased in 1890, but had to be modified because it lacked the coal and water capacity to make one trip to the Esplanade. Another standard-gauge Baldwin locomotive, aptly named Biltmore, became the workhorse of the three engines. Workers with a Baldwin steam engine on the Esplanade, 1892 The third locomotive, named Ronda, was a smaller engine used solely on the narrow-gauge line that ran between the Biltmore Brick and Tile Works and the clay pits on the estate. After construction ended, the railway was disbanded and the steam engines were sold, but today’s guests can still see remnants of the railroad’s path in a few places around the estate. Discover Biltmore Gardens Railway Biltmore Gardens Railway display From July 1–September 7, 2020, enjoy Biltmore’s historic landscape from a new perspective: accented with model trains and replicas of iconic American train stations during Biltmore Gardens Railway. On display in Antler Hill Village, this charming exhibition showcases handmade buildings constructed of natural materials like leaves, bark, and twigs and large-scale botanical railways. Plan now to enjoy this one-of-a-kind, fun-for-all-ages experience that honors George Vanderbilt’s railroad ties. Featured image: Unidentified passengers gathered on the back of what is thought to be Swannanoa, George Vanderbilt’s private railway car
Behind the Scenes: Sustainability in Our Winemaking Process Posted on April 17, 2019 at 11:49 am.Written by Amy Dangelico In honor of our upcoming harvest season, let’s take a look behind the scenes to understand sustainability in our winemaking at Biltmore. Fall marks the beginning of our winemaking process. During the seasonal harvest, our grapes are hand-picked in the vineyard and brought to the Winery, where their stems are removed. Grapes are picked by hand in Biltmore’s vineyard on the west side of the estate The grapes are then crushed and put in tanks to ferment. Afterwards, our wines are moved into barrels or other tanks to age. Some varieties need six months for aging, while other need up to two years. Finally, our wines are blended, bottled, and sealed. The process is a delicate balance of art and science. And if you take a glimpse behind the scenes, you’ll find that our efforts are geared towards more than just crafting award-winning wines. We also strive for environmental stewardship and sustainability in winemaking, every step of the way. Composting grapes We combine all remaining parts of the grapes—skins, seeds, and even the woody stems—with recycled plants and other organic matter at our large compost site. About once a year, after being turned regularly, the finished compost is used as fertilizer in our gardens as well as our field crops, which serve as food plots for wildlife on the estate. Repurposing barrels Once our Winery can no longer use its wine barrels, made of French, American, and Hungarian oak blends, they are repurposed across the estate in a variety of ways. For instance, many wine barrels end up at A Gardener’s Place shop to be used as decorative holders for estate-grown plants. Some barrels are used to create rustic-style bars for outdoor Winery events, while others find their way into Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate and The Kitchen Café to be used as towel containers and trash cans. “Almost all of the businesses on the property have repurposed a barrel at one time or another,” says Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak. Recycling corks A wine barrel repurposed for recycling corks In addition to recycling the usual materials—cardboard, plastic, glass, paper, and steel—the Winery recycles wine corks. Natural corks, as opposed to screw caps and synthetic corks, are the most sustainable wine closure on the market. Cork is a renewable and biodegradable material harvested through an environmentally friendly process. We have partnered with Widget Co., a parent company of Cork Club to help educate the public on the importance of using and recycling natural corks. Cork recycling locations include: Gate House Gift Shop, located at the main entrance of Biltmore Biltmore Winery Estate restaurants You can also mail used corks to: Biltmore Estate Wine Company Re: Cork Recycling 1 North Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801
Celebrate Sauvignon Blanc in April Posted on April 6, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Since April 23 is National Picnic Day and April 24 is National Sauvignon Blanc Day, it’s a perfect time to celebrate Sauvignon Blanc with a picnic that includes chilled bottles of our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc AND our Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc! Enjoy warm weather sipping with your favorite aromatic Biltmore wines by the glass or bottle! What is Sauvignon Blanc? The Sauvignon Blanc grape originated in the Bordeaux region of France where it was considered a good blending grape for other white wines rather than a stand-alone varietal. Grapes ripening in Biltmore’s vineyard Later, Sauvignon Blanc became widely cultivated in Sancerre and in the 20th century was known by the name of that region rather than the name of the varietal. Sauvignon Blanc (or Sancerre) is highly desirable for its food-friendly qualities that make it a natural to pair with a variety of flavors. Pair our 35th Anniversary Chardonnay with fresh seafood and other flavorful fare A classic Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with a high acidity that can hold its own with rich seafood dishes and cheeses, yet is also delicious when sipped by itself. Discover the Biltmore difference Our Biltmore Estate® Sauvignon Blanc is handcrafted for true varietal character with bright citrus aromas, fresh peach flavors, and an elegant finish. Biltmore Winemaker Sharon Fenchak suggests pairing it well-chilled with everything from crab, lobster, oysters, scallops, or shellfish to goat and gruyère cheeses and green salads. Savor Biltmore Estate Sauvignon Blanc with a variety of cheeses Though crafted from the same varietal, our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc gives our winemaker more leeway to express the possibilities of the grape. “It is definitely refreshing,” said Sharon Fenchak, “but also unexpectedly creamy with hints of toasted coconut, key lime, and oak.” Our Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with oysters and other seafood dishes She enjoys serving it with foods like crab, flounder, oysters, and mozzarella cheese. “It’s a perfect partner for sushi, too,” Sharon said, “which can be very difficult for wine pairings.” Stock up on Sauvignon Blanc and celebrate! Pair Biltmore wines with your favorite comfort foods! Go ahead and stock up on now on both our delightful Sauvignon Blanc styles, then invite friends and family for a backyard picnic, grill some crowd-pleasing Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pizzetas, and raise a glass to good times and great wines!
Boucheron Masterpiece: Recreating Edith’s Brooch Posted on April 1, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico To create A Vanderbilt House Party, our Museum Services team worked with designer John Bright and his team at Cosprop, London, to recreate clothing and a vital piece of George and Edith’s ensembles from their engagement portraits: the diamond and ruby brooch George gave to her as an engagement gift. Our team decided that the elaborate piece simply had to be recreated in order to truly capture Edith’s look in the portrait. Place Vendôme in Paris, site of the Boucheron flagship store, ca. 1890–1900 First Things First The first step for our team was to determine the jeweler that crafted Edith’s original brooch, which was part of a set that also included a choker necklace and tiara. One of our curators had a hunch that the piece resembled the work of Boucheron, a high-end French jewelry house established in 1858. Boucheron’s company archivist was able to confirm that they indeed had a receipt of George Vanderbilt having purchased the set on May 7, 1898—just after his and Edith’s April engagement and prior to their June wedding. Luckily, Boucheron was also able to share with us the original 1898 photo of brooch from their archives, which turned out to be an incredibly helpful reference in the recreation of the piece. Left: Edith‘s engagement portrait, 1898; Right: archival catalog photo of the original brooch (Courtesy of Boucheron Heritage Department) A Master Artisan John Bright and the Cosprop team recommended artisan Martin Adams for the job. Martin specializes in making jewelry and jewelry-related props, including crowns, tiaras, regalia, and the like. In his 43 years of prop-making, Martin has worked on countless notable movie, television, and theater productions, including Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Titanic, The Crown, Downton Abbey, Hamilton, and the list truly just goes on and on. Given the high demand and prestige of Martin’s work, our team considered themselves fortunate that he undertook recreating Edith’s brooch—and that he gave it such time. Early sketch of the recreated brooch’s frame (Courtesy of Martin Adams) The Recreation Begins We supplied him with Boucheron’s archival photo of the brooch, which captured its fine details, as well as our photos of Edith wearing it, which showed the brooch from various angles, displaying its depth. But in order to determine the actual size of the piece, the Cosprop team made photographic cut-outs of the brooch in various scales—under Martin’s direction—to see which size appeared to be most accurate against the backdrop of Edith’s gown as it, too, was being recreated. Comparing the archival photo of the original with an early trial stage of construction (Courtesy of Martin Adams) Martin then set to work on the frame of the piece, which he pierced from flat sheet copper. He filed the copper to give it steeply sloping sides, which gives the appearance of being delicate, while still maintaining its strength. The whole frame was them gently hammered over a dome-shaped block to give the brooch the correct dimension and depth. Struggles with Stones With the exception of two stones, all of the diamonds in the original brooch were boat-shaped stones, known as a marquise or navette cut. Martin estimated that the piece’s 46 diamonds were in five different sizes—from 6mm long (just under a quarter of an inch) to 14mm long (a bit more than half an inch). He chose to use cubic zirconia which, particularly for a piece that will be viewed closely, would provide a much better representation of diamonds than would foil-backed stones, which are commonly found in costume jewelry. Both the largest and smallest stone-mounts used in the recreation (Courtesy of Martin Adams) As for the rubies, Martin obtained samples of the richest red stones available, including red cubic zirconia, synthetic rubies, and red paste stones—but none of them had deep enough color. He finally found just enough rich red Swarovski stones in the four main sizes he needed. However, Martin had to settle for using a synthetic ruby as the massive cushion-shaped stone in the center. Although to the trained eye the stone may appear a slightly lighter shade than the rest, he simply could not find a better alternative to fit the size. Comparing the accuracy of the custom-made mounts (left) with pre-made mounts (right) (Courtesy of Martin Adams) And Struggles with Stone-Mounts After a few failed attempts using ready-made stone-mounts, Martin realized he needed to make the mounts from scratch in order for the piece to be as authentically recreate Edith’s brooch. This required him to make 10 different mount models—the main body of the brooch consists of five different stone-mount sizes, there are four different joint mounts, and one mount just for the central stone. He used the models to make molds, from which he then cast each of the mounts. Martin’s final challenge was to grind down and polish the 14 “diamond” wafers for the pendant sections, as nothing like this was available to buy. He then set all of the stones in their mounts individually. And after upwards of 200 hours of work, the brooch was complete. The completed recreation of Edith Vanderbilt’s Boucheron brooch The Finished Piece “This turned out to be one of the most complicated and time-greedy jobs I have ever done,” said Martin. “It has also been one of the most rewarding.” From start to finish, the entire process took nearly 8 months and the final result is nothing short of stunning. Having a recreation of this quality allows us to tell more of the Vanderbilts’ romance and courtship story through a tangible, exceptionally beautiful object. We are overjoyed that it is now part of Biltmore’s permanent collection. The brooch is on display in the Tapestry Gallery of Biltmore House now through May 27 as part of our A Vanderbilt House Party exhibition.
Meet the Staff: A Look at Servant Life at Biltmore Posted on March 27, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico In addition to boasting the latest and greatest in technology, Biltmore Estate required an exceptional team of domestic staff, also referred to as “domestic servants,” to ensure the house operated like a well-oiled machine. How many domestic staff members would have worked in Biltmore House during George Vanderbilt’s era and what types of roles would they have held? Continue reading to find out! Vignette of Mrs. King and Edith Vanderbilt in the Oak Sitting Room as displayed in the 2019 exhibition, “A Vanderbilt House Party.” Staffing America’s Largest Home In the days when George, Edith, and Cornelia Vanderbilt resided at Biltmore, they employed up to 40 staff members who each played a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the house and stable. With large house parties of guests coming and going throughout the year, Biltmore functioned more like a luxury hotel than it did a house. As soon as guests arrived on the estate, the domestic staff ensured that each of their needs were met. George Vanderbilt not only provided room, board, and uniforms to his staff, but he also compensated his employees with New York wages, a substantially higher rate than the Asheville standard. Staff wages could be up to $2 for higher-ranking staff, which is substantial given that a week of room and board typically cost $2.50. Demographically speaking, the domestic staff was majority female. While many of the servants were native North Carolinians, there were also a number of employees from around the globe including an English Head Housekeeper, a French cook, a Swedish laundress, and an Irish Butler. Higher Ranking Domestic Staff The domestic staff members were classified into two groups: upper and lower staff. The higher the ranking, the more defined the responsibilities of their role. While each member of the staff provided invaluable service to the Vanderbilts, there were a few upper roles that maintained the standard of service and hospitality for which Biltmore is renowned. The wardrobe of Biltmore’s Head Housekeeper was recreated for the exhibition A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age (which was on display in 2019. The detailed recreation included a chatelaine (an accessory used to carry keys) the Head Housekeeper would wear at all times. HEAD HOUSEKEEPER At Biltmore, the Head Housekeeper was among the highest-ranking staff members and the chief female servant. She reported directly to Edith Vanderbilt at Biltmore.Whether single or married, the Head Housekeeper was always addressed as “Mrs.” out of respect.The Head Housekeeper supervised all lower-ranking female staff, with the exception of the Chef’s kitchen staff.She oversaw the cleaning of the house, household inventory, and held keys to the storerooms, pantries, china closet, and still room.The Head Housekeeper typically dressed in a black dress.Read more about Emily King, one of Biltmore’s first housekeepers. BUTLER As the highest-ranking male staff member in Biltmore, the Butler was responsible for all lower-ranking manservants.His primary responsibility was to ensure that Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt and their guests were seamlessly served three meals daily, as well as afternoon tea.The Butler was also tasked with maintaining the family china, crystal, and silver (which was stored in the aptly named Butler’s Pantry)Other duties of the Butler: creating floral arrangements; overseeing the storage, decanting, and serving of wine; maintaining the clocks; greeting guests upon arrival; and assisting with the departures and return of Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt, as well as their guests.The Butler’s livery was formal and often included a coat with tails and multiple monogrammed buttons. An archival photograph of Edith Vanderbilt’s Lady’s Maid Martha Laube. Photograph courtesy of A. Babette Schmid Schmaus. LADY’S MAID The Lady’s Maid served as a personal companion to Edith and/or Cornelia Vanderbilt.The Lady’s Maid traveled with her mistress and managed her correspondence, and she was also responsible for dressing her mistress and combing her hair.The lady’s maid was also expected to be quite skilled at sewing, as her responsibilities included mending and packing Mrs. Vanderbilt and Cornelia’s clothing.Instead of a uniform, the Lady’s Maid wore dresses gifted or no longer worn by her mistress, which was regarded as a privilege.The lady’s maid was referred to by her last name. Recreation of clothing worn by George Vanderbilt’s valet as it was displayed in “A Vanderbilt House Party” exhibition in 2019. Over his arm is a driving duster, as if he is assisting George prepare for a drive across his estate. VALET The valet was one of the older and more experienced members of the male staff (typically in his 30s) who reported directly to George Vanderbilt.The valet traveled with George Vanderbilt and attended social functions and events with him.His responsibilities included making travel arrangements for George Vanderbilt. (Mr. Vanderbilt would travel first class, while his valet traveled in second.)The valet would be familiar with foreign languages, and be an expert of fishing and hunting to assist Mr. Vanderbilt.He did not wear a uniform and, like the lady’s maid, he was addressed by his last name.Read more about George Vanderbilt’s personal valet here.
Sip the essence of spring in a glass Posted on March 14, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Each spring, Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak handcrafts something special that captures the essence of the season. Seasonal spring wine release For 2019, Sharon has created a fragrant white wine that opens with a scented bouquet of tropical fruit, coconut, pineapple, vanilla, and clove. “As you sip, you’ll experience tastes of rich tropical fruit with a complex body,” said Jill Whitfield, senior marketing manager for Biltmore Wines. “The wine has a smooth, balanced finish and mild acidity, so it’s perfect for pairing with your favorite warm weather fare and outdoor picnics.” To complement this year’s wine, the label features original artwork of Biltmore’s iconic Winery clock tower. Bryan Koontz of Asheville, North Carolina—the same artist who created both our stunning 2018 Christmas at Biltmore wine labels—was selected to paint a scene that echoes the beautiful blossoms of our annual Biltmore Blooms celebration. Let’s take a look at the process for creating a commemorative label: “We initially asked Bryan to present several concepts for the label,” Jill said. “He offered four options of the Winery’s clock tower showing different angles and perspectives, and we talked through each one, narrowing the choices down to a pair of sketches.” The original four concept sketches Bryan Koontz presented for the 2019 spring wine label Back to the drawing board Bryan went back to the drawing board–literally–and worked the two sketches selected by Biltmore Wines and Lisa Vogel, art director, into more refined pencil drawings. Bryan’s two drawings in the process of being refined Interpreting the season “We’ve worked with Bryan on several wine label projects,” noted Lisa, “and he is always able to quickly grasp the tone and manner that we need for a certain season or type of wine and to interpret it into a beautiful piece of art.” Bringing the drawings to life with vibrant watercolors All in the details “We loved both versions of Bryan’s vivid watercolor paintings,” said Jill, “and it was hard to choose between them. I think it was his charming little detail of the bluebirds in the tree branches that finally decided the winner!” Bryan finalizes details for the 2019 spring wine label Sip a glass full of spring with us Join us on April 5 in the Delille Room at the Winery from 5–6 p.m. for a special event honoring our 2019 spring release. In addition to tasting the wine, you can meet artist Bryan Koontz and have him sign your bottles.Make reservations now for this delightful opportunity by calling 800-411-3812. You can also purchase our 2019 spring release wine on the estate or online. Featured blog image: Detail of the 2019 Spring Release label