The Construction of Biltmore House Posted on March 12, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Judy Ross Seeing the majestic appearance of Biltmore House today, you almost believe it was always part of the landscape. In reality, it was a monumental construction project as these photos from the Biltmore archives show in the first of two blog posts. The House Site viewed from the top of the Rampe Douce, 1889 The photo above shows that Biltmore House was sited on the lower slope of Lone Pine Mountain, near the spot where George Vanderbilt had paused in 1888 to admire the view across the French Broad Valley westward towards Mt. Pisgah. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted determined the orientation of the house, intending to maximize “the good distant outlook.” Workers Commuting to Biltmore House, 1890 Workers constructed a temporary railroad spur from Biltmore Village (where it joined the main line of the Southern Railroad) to the building site. The railroad brought construction materials from the village. Each morning and evening the train also provided transportation. The stone carvers, aristocrats of the labor force, rode in borrowed passenger cars. The rest of the workers sat on supplies and construction equipment in the open freight cars. Although the rail spur was dismantled when construction was finished, remnants of at least one trestle are still visible and may be seen on the Behind-the-Scenes Legacy of the Land Tour. Workmen on the Approach Road with Chauncey Beadle, Frederick Law Olmsted, and George Vanderbilt, 1891 On the front row, far right, are shown Chauncey Beadle, hired in 1890 to oversee the estate’s nursery; landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted; and George Vanderbilt. In this photograph one is struck by fascinating details that reflect the lives and labor of the men involved in building the great Approach Road—such as the road crew’s lunch pails on top of the masonry wall. The Approach Road remains one of Olmsted’s enduring masterpieces. He wanted visitors to encounter a variety of plants along the sides of the road as one would see “paintings on the walls of a gallery.” The road was to be a wide corridor, with plants carefully graduated: low shrubs nearest the road, then higher shrubs, followed by low spreading trees, then higher growing pines and hardwoods. Olmsted intended “this arrangement …[to be] irregular, of course, with some caprice.” Foundation of the western wall of the South Terrace looking south, 1891 Rough-hewn limestone for the foundations was delivered to the site by rail, and then moved by hand-cranked, geared hoists. Work began with the walls of Olmsted’s Bowling Green—today the South Terrace—which provided a place to deposit earth excavated from other foundations. The construction of the Bowling Green also offered an opportunity to test the organization of work crews and the procedures that would be used once work began on the house. View of the Rampe Douce and Vista with construction sheds and train in foreground, Ca. 1892 The Shrub Garden, or Ramble (left), and Esplanade (right), looking west, 1892 As this photograph reveals, the Esplanade in front of Biltmore House served as the work yard for all construction activities. Note the sheds and yards of the stonecutters and woodworkers; piles of stone, sand, wood, brick, and tile; and the tracks of the railroad. The Supervisors, 1892 Represented in this image are on-site contractors and supervisors. The supervising architect from Richard Morris Hunt’s office, Richard Sharp Smith, appears second from right. Others include F.M. Weeks, chief contractor, and W.A. Thompson, chief engineer. Smith designed many of the houses and cottages on the estate and in Biltmore Village. After the completion of Biltmore House, he left the Hunt firm and established his own architectural practice in Asheville. For the next 30 years, Smith designed many private homes and public buildings in Asheville and Western North Carolina. Stonemasons’ shed on Esplanade, 1892 Workers and a Baldwin steam engine on the Esplanade, 1892 Pre-existing Homestead (foreground), the Gardener’s Cottage and Walled Garden (middle), and the foundations of the Bowling Green and Residence looking northwest (background), February 25, 1893 Here a complex of hewn-log farm buildings occupies the foreground, with the Gardener’s Cottage behind. The latter was the first building to be completed on the estate. This reflected the importance placed by both Richard Morris Hunt and Frederick Law Olmsted on beginning the massive task of planting the landscape to hide the scars of construction. The Walled Garden appears nearly complete, while Biltmore House rises on the hill beyond. See more archival photos in part 2 of our construction blog.
The Construction of Biltmore House, Part 2 Posted on March 12, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Judy Ross We continue a look into Biltmore’s photo archives to see more of the construction of Biltmore House. See part 1 here. Above is a view of the East Elevation from the Vista, 1893 East Façade and Esplanade looking west, 1893Bad weather caused problems and delays during construction. Subfreezing weather halted masonry work, as mortar would not set. Spring rains flooded the clay pits along the river, stopping the production of bricks. Entrance Hall and Winter Garden looking south, 1893The Winter Garden is the hub from which the rooms of the main floor radiate. It creates an “all weather” interior courtyard. Particularly in winter, the lush, subtropical plants provide a green, inviting refuge from the cold and sometimes snowy world beyond Biltmore House’s walls. East Façade, Base of Staircase and Library Wing Looking West, 1894Stone carvers typically finished ornamental work after rough stone had been set in the wall. The workman standing on the plinth on the Stair Tower provides a sense of scale. Biltmore House looking southwest, March 10, 1894After more than four years of construction, the outline of Biltmore House is apparent. In the foreground, the lower story of the Porte Cochere’s tower nears completion along with the curving interior wall of the Stable Courtyard. Note the scaffolding on the Porte Cochere’s dormers where carved ornament is being finished. The steel trusses will support the roof’s slates and copper ornament when completed. In the distance, the South Terrace (with Pergola below) appears finished. Stable Complex, 1894 East Façade looking west, 1894This photo reveals considerable activity on the Esplanade, perhaps due to the deadline for finishing Biltmore House by the end of the following year. The Library and the Bachelors’ Wing appear nearly complete, but much work still needs to be done on the Main Entrance, Grand Staircase, and the main roof running down the center of the structure. Construction on the east elevation of Biltmore House, including Staircase Tower, 1894 East Façade looking west, December 15, 1894Biltmore House is nearing completion. The left side of the Esplanade has been cleared and graded, and excavation of the central fountain has begun. The stone carvers remain busy, however, finishing the ornamentation on the exterior walls of the Grand Staircase.
Remembering the 1898 April Engagement of George Vanderbilt and Edith Stuyvesant Dresser Posted on March 5, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Judy Ross In celebration of the April 1898 engagement of George Vanderbilt and Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, we ask an important question: what would you wear for a portrait commemorating your engagement to America’s most eligible bachelor? For Edith, the choice was a beautiful blue velvet gown—the perfect backdrop for a diamond and ruby brooch she received from her fiancé as an engagement gift. During the exhibition A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age, see not only a stunning re-creation of Edith’s gown, but also a replica of her exquisite brooch—part of a set of jewelry that also included a tiara and necklace. The groom-to-be also appears in the Tapestry Gallery of Biltmore House, stylishly attired in a formal evening suit befitting the man labeled “Cupid’s richest captive” in newspapers around the country. Vanderbilt’s engagement was a hot topic for the papers; in the U.S. alone, more than 60 articles were published about his forthcoming wedding. While George Vanderbilt drew much public interest, his bride-to-be was mostly unknown outside New York and Newport society. So how did this relationship blossom? It’s likely the couple met through George’s match-making relatives. Edith—a decade younger than her future husband—was friends with several of his sisters and nieces. She and her sisters were living in Paris after the death of their parents and grandparents, and it was in Paris and London where Edith and George renewed their acquaintance and embarked on a transatlantic courtship. The news of the engagement was welcomed by friends, including the author Paul Leicester Ford, who wrote to George: “My dear George,I am very glad. Marriage is quite good enough for you, and is one of the few really fine things you haven’t had in your life. I wish I knew Miss Dresser better, but the mere glimpse I had of her was enough to make me like her, and time will perhaps fulfill my wish. That you both have my every felicitation, and hope for your happiness, need not be said…..It is a pleasure to me to think of you as having this great happiness added to your life. But in the big love, save a little if you can, for your affectionate friendPaul.” Chauncey M. Depew, who served as New York Secretary of State and president of the New York Central Railway, was a family friend who had known George Vanderbilt all his life. On May 13, 1898, he wrote:“My Dear George,Accept my cordial congratulations on your engagement. Possessing as you do every thing to make a happy home, and Miss Dresser so charmingly forming the complement. Surely the future is (illegible) secure for married life as the fates have arranged it for you…Faithfully yours,Chauncey M. Depew” Just three months after their engagement was announced, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser and George Vanderbilt wed in Paris with family and close friends attending. After an extended European honeymoon, the newlyweds arrived at Biltmore in October 1898, and Edith Vanderbilt began a new role as hostess of Biltmore. Learn more about how the Vanderbilts entertained at A Vanderbilt House Party –The Gilded Age continuing through May 27, 2019. Photos Main image: Re-creation of Edith Stuyvesant Dresser‘s engagement gown by Cosprop Ltd. of London, shown with George Vanderbilt evening clothing from the Cosprop collection. Right: Edith Stuyvesant Dresser‘s engagement portrait, 1898. Left: Close-up of re-creation of Edith Stuyvesant Dresser‘s engagement dress, headpiece, and brooch.
Dinner is Served: Setting the Banquet Hall Table Posted on March 4, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by LeeAnn Donnelly We hope you enjoy this archived content. A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age was a special exhibition hosted in 2019. The Banquet Hall table in Biltmore House has been set for dinner. Won’t you join us? For the first time in many years, the 40-foot-long table in the Banquet Hall was set with its full Gilded-Age finery, as it was when George and Edith Vanderbilt entertained their guests in Biltmore House. Ready, set, eat! Set for our special 2019 exhibition, A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age, the table was adorned with the Vanderbilt family’s stunning Baccarat crystal, monogrammed Spode china, silver, candelabra, and linen damask napkins. Sumptuous and elaborate floral designs filled the table, assembled in multi-tiered silver pieces. “Dinner at the turn of the last century was an important form of social interaction,” said Darren Poupore, Biltmore’s chief curator. “A dinner party was an opportunity to see and be seen and to practice the art of conversation. Dining etiquette had become formalized to the highest degree, with strict rules that dictated elegant manners and proper behavior.” During A Vanderbilt House Party, the table was set for a seven-course meal for 18 guests based on an actual meal served in the great hall in 1904. A single place setting for one person contained 18 pieces, with a place card displaying the guest’s name written by hand. Add to that salt cellars, salt spoons, multiple serving trays, and bread baskets. Depending on the number of food courses, a guest would sit down at the dinner table and see as many as 40 pieces of porcelain, crystal, and silver that he/she would use throughout the various courses of the meal. Banquet Hall Table settings 1 dinner plate 4 forks – 1 each for the entrée, roast, fish and game courses 3 knives – 1 each for the entrée, roast and fish courses 1 soup spoon 6 glasses – one each for sherry, claret, champagne, burgundy, a hock glass, and a tumbler for water 1 napkin 1 piece of bread inside the napkin 1 place card Also on the table: 8 salt cellars 8 salt spoons 4 salvers (serving tray) 5 tazzas (serving dish with pedestal) 9 baskets 4 candelabra 1 tablecloth 1 epergne (tiered serving piece) Guests would linger for hours over dinner and engage in conversation. Each received an assigned seat, as arranged by Mrs. Vanderbilt earlier in the day. Our archives tell us she always placed Mr. Vanderbilt and herself at the center of the table opposite of each other. She would seat the male and female guests of honor to the right of the host and hostess. Making sure to follow proper etiquette of alternating ladies and gentlemen, she then seated the rest of the party.
Our Unique Varietals Spice Up Your Wine Selections Posted on February 25, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Ready to spice up your wine selections with unique varietals? From classic favorites to special blends, Biltmore handcrafts a wide range of award-winning wines. With such a wide variety of award-winning offerings, you’re sure to find a Biltmore wine to please every palate. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon tend to be the best-selling white and red varietals around the world—and we create excellent versions of each at Biltmore Winery—but what lies beyond these household names? Let’s take a look at some of the more unique varietals we offer. Viognier: crisp and refreshing Although its roots are firmly planted in southern France, this white varietal is now grown around the globe—as long as the climate offers warm weather for growing and cool nights to protect Viognier’s moderate acidity. Based on variables ranging from the terroir of a vineyard to production and aging, Viognier can be lighter with more hints of fruits and flowers, or deeper and creamier with flavors of vanilla and spice. “As soon as you uncork our Vanderbilt Reserve® Virginia Viognier, handcrafted from grapes selected from premium vineyard partners in Virginia, you’ll enjoy rich scents of pineapple, vanilla, and ripe pear,” said Sharon Fenchak, Executive Winemaker. “This light-to-medium-bodied white wine features crisp and refreshing with flavors of plantain, ripe persimmon, and key lime. Versatile and food-friendly, Biltmore’s Virginia Viognier pairs perfectly with dishes like pineapple chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, monkfish, and aged white cheddar, making it an excellent choice for a nice dinner with friends. Tempranillo: fruit forward and earthy Our Biltmore Estate Limited Release Tempranillo features classic earthy aromas, rich dried fig flavors, and lingering tannins. Most of the world’s Tempranillo is grown in Spain where it is believed to have originated, but this earthy red wine is rapidly gaining a following around the globe. “Tempranillo has a lot of personality,” said Sharon, “and our Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Tempranillo is no exception. I start with grapes selected from partner vineyards in California to craft a full-bodied and fruit-forward wine with earthy aromas, rich dried fig flavors, and lingering tannins—just what you’d expect in a classic barrel-aged Tempranillo.” Enjoy this full-bodied red wine with classic dishes like grilled steak, smoked ribs, and blue cheese, or honor the varietal’s old-world roots with rabbit paella and ratatouille. Elegant enough for special occasion dinner parties and hostess gifts, this Tempranillo also has good aging potential. “When I discover exceptional grapes from one of our west coast growers, it inspires me to create distinctive wines for our Limited Release series,” Sharon said. “It’s usually a smaller amount of fruit, and that gives my production team an opportunity to really bring out the qualities of the varietal.” Chenin Blanc: lightly sweet and versatile Our Limited Release Chenin Blanc pairs perfectly with sushi and spicy Asian flavors. One of our guests’ favorites and a best-seller at Biltmore’s Winery, Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that can range from lightly sweet to quite dry, depending on the vintage and the style of winemaking. “Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Chenin Blanc reflects the sweetness of the grape, which is very popular in the Winery’s Tasting Room. With floral aromas of key lime, lilac, and honeysuckle followed by lightly sweet flavors of ripe melon and lemon-lime, guests can easily imagine sipping it during a relaxed evening at home,” said Sharon. “Think of our Chenin Blanc as a ‘secret weapon’ for pairing with sweet-and-sour dishes and spicy Asian cuisine,” Sharon said. “Those are not easy flavors to complement, but this wine has enough acidity and sweetness to make it work.”In addition, Sharon suggests trying it with appetizers like prosciutto-wrapped honeydew and bang-bang shrimp, main dishes such as sushi, and desserts including peach cobbler à la mode and Biltmore® Vanilla Bean cheesecake. Enjoy all our award-winning Biltmore wines! Enjoy Biltmore wine on the estate and at home. Whether you stick to your favorites or explore any of our unique varietals, you can stock up on our award-winning wines at estate shops, online, or close to home with our Biltmore Wine Finder.
Dinner with the Vanderbilts: 5 Fast Facts Posted on January 15, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Amy Dangelico To be invited to dinner with the Vanderbilts was to experience an elaborate, ceremonious affair. Amid their evening parties and celebrations, dinner in the Banquet Hall was often the highlight of a stay at Biltmore. Let’s take a look at a few things to note as a guest at the Vanderbilts’ table around the turn of the century. Even the dining linens used at Biltmore House were of the highest quality available. 5. Linens Every detail of the Vanderbilt dining experience was of the highest quality—even down to the linens. An early inventory in Biltmore’s archives notes 1,139 linen napkins and 111 linen tablecloths in the collection. All of the linens were handmade and most were monogrammed by the famous needleworker Madame Dufoir in Paris, France. Archival seating chart dated Saturday, November 26, 1898 4. Seating Dinner customs of the era required seating assignments for formal meals. These assignments were often identified using name cards at each place setting and it was not uncommon for seating records to be kept. Edith Vanderbilt kept such records. Above is a seating diagram she created for a large dinner with the Vanderbilts just before the turn of the century. Extravagant meals required equally extravagant place settings. 3. Place Settings Whether for grand banquets or intimate family meals, the Vanderbilts’ head butler and his staff spared no finery in setting the Banquet Hall table. Spread with more than 40 pieces of delicate porcelain, exquisite silver, and sparkling crystal per guest, the table attested to the grandeur of America’s Gilded Age. Dining attire recreations based off images from our archives 2. Attire Dinner with the Vanderbilts was an elaborate and ceremonious affair—and as such, the event required some of the most extravagant attire of the era. Women’s dresses were made of luxurious silks and satins, adorned with their finest jewels. Men wore white tie, which is more formal than a modern tuxedo, and of course, everything had to be spotless. Biltmore’s archival menu book dated Saturday, November 12, 1904 1. The Dinner Itself Often the highlight of a stay at Biltmore, dinner featured between six and ten courses, including soup, fish, entrée, roast or relevé, game and salad, dessert, and coffee to aid digestion. Meals included a combination of store-bought delicacies and the home-grown bounty of estate farms. Dinner also featured as many as five different wine pairings—illustrating George Vanderbilt’s interest in fine wines. Learn More about Dinner with the Vanderbilts Like many events at Biltmore, dinner with the Vanderbilts was an experience in and of itself. We invite you to learn more about Biltmore House during the Vanderbilts’ era with our behind-the-scenes tours.
A Desirable Destination for Romance Posted on January 13, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton Even before construction of Biltmore House was officially completed, George Vanderbilt offered world-class hospitality—and a desirable destination for romance—to family and friends who visited his estate. Destined for romance In honor of the romantic traditions of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at some of the very first Biltmore visitors: newlyweds Jay and Adele Burden. Adele was George Vanderbilt’s niece, the daughter of his sister Emily Vanderbilt Sloane. She had been a frequent visitor to the estate, even during early stages of construction, and Adele’s love of Biltmore is evident in her diary entries. George Vanderbilt, the Burdens, and Cedric the Saint Bernard crossing the river on Biltmore’s ferry Words in a diary Welcoming in the new year of 1894 at Biltmore nearly a year before the house officially opened, Adele wrote: “Only a word to begin the New Year with. I made my good resolutions last night sitting over a little dying fire. The window was wide open, and the cold night air blew in. The stars were all out, and there was a hushed stillness everywhere as if something were expected. It has been so gloriously beautiful out today; it made me feel wild.” A courtship begins In fact, 1894 would be a significant year for Adele. She was courted by a handsome young man, James “Jay” Abercrombie Burden, whose family owned the Burden Iron works, one of the most successful such firms in the country. Adele had no shortage of suitors, but with his clean-cut good looks, Harvard education, and superior athleticism, Jay soon won Adele’s heart. He proposed in December and the couple married on June 6, 1895, in what was reported to be one of the costliest American weddings held at the time. Jay and Adele Burden on the steps of River Cliff Cottage at Biltmore Happy honeymoon! Of all the possible destinations far and wide, the Burdens chose Biltmore as the place to begin their honeymoon. They spent the first 10 days of their married life at River Cliff Cottage, which was built at the same time Biltmore House was under construction. Just before her wedding, Adele wrote: “The next day we go down to Biltmore to spend ten days in the dear little house Uncle George has given to us. How perfect it will be!” Adele and her husband Jay were the first in a long line of friends and family welcomed as guests at Biltmore to experience what would become George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality. Experience Biltmore Estate as destination for romance Celebrate your romantic occasions at Biltmore Join us to experience the rich history of hospitality and romance at Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, NC. Whether you’re visiting for Valentine’s Day or simply want to shake off winter’s chill while enjoying an exciting glimpse into the past, the estate is always a great destination for romance! Featured image: George Vanderbilt and Cedric the St. Bernard with newlyweds Adele and James Burden at Biltmore
Behind the Scenes of A Vanderbilt House Party Posted on January 9, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Kristina Smith Please enjoy this archived content from our 2019 exhibition. In anticipation of A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age exhibition, we asked our Museum Services team to chat about what it took to recreate clothing from the Vanderbilts’ original wardrobes. 1. Why recreate these pieces of clothing for A Vanderbilt House Party? Are the original pieces not in the Biltmore collection? While we are lucky to have some of the Vanderbilts’ original clothing in the collection, textiles are, by their very nature, fragile and not easily retained. Recreating these pieces that were captured in archival photography allows us to show what the family and their friends wore at the turn of the century. Fashion also conveys so many details—about personal style and social mores. We are excited about the opportunity to show recreations of clothing from this era against the colors, textures, and impressive scale of Biltmore’s original historic interiors. Our curators consulted more than 100 photographs drawn from our archives to accurately recreate the clothing, accessories, and hairstyles worn by the Vanderbilt family. 2. How did you decide what colors to use from black and white photos? This was one of the more complex and more fun parts of the process. We looked closely at archival imagery and did quite a bit of research into what the Vanderbilts were wearing, paying particular attention to colors and fabrics that were mentioned in newspaper articles or journals. We also looked at receipts and any information we had in the archives. We know that Edith favored certain colors like greens and metallics and we even have some samples of suiting fabrics for George Vanderbilt that helped guide our decisions. Celebrated costume designer John Bright drew from his own collection of antique lace and trimming in order to recreate Edith Vanderbilt’s gowns with the utmost authenticity. 3. In addition to the archival photos, what else helped to inform these recreations? We also looked at historic examples of work by the same fashion designers that the Vanderbilts favored—like Jeanne Paquin and Jacques Doucet as well as the House of Worth. There are many related pieces in museum collections like the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the V&A in London. Ultimately, we conferred with the designer John Bright of Cosprop, London, and his team, who are all very knowledgeable about clothing in this period. They’ve created costumes for Downton Abbey, Gosford Park, and other productions focused on this era. This velvet and ostrich feather headpiece is a recreation of that which Edith Stuyvesant Dresser wore in the 1898 photographs marking her engagement to George Vanderbilt. 4. From start to finish, what was involved in this process? After researching color and tonal range, we worked with the Cosprop team to select fabrics. Then, John walked us through his recommendations on constructing the garments. We were able to determine sizing based on additional archival documents—like the Vanderbilts’ passports, for instance. Throughout the process, samples and correspondence were sent back and forth between Biltmore and Cosprop’s team in London. Eventually, the completed garments were shipped to us. Each item was then photographed, documented, and numbered before being put on the mannequins. We have sourced authentic shoes, jewelry, and accessories to make sure every detail is just right. We even worked with a local jeweler to make exact reproductions of the buttons on the footmen’s jackets and vests! One of the most complicated projects of the exhibition was the recreation of a House of Worth gown worn by George Vanderbilt’s sister, Florence Vanderbilt Twombly. 5. What do you hope guests take away from the A Vanderbilt House Party exhibition? We’re not sure there has ever been another exhibition created anywhere that is quite like this one. It is bringing to life what it was like to be a guest at Biltmore. We think it’s a special opportunity to get an insider’s view on entertaining at the turn of the century—and to learn not only more about the Vanderbilt family and the fashion of the time period, but also the stories and the people behind Biltmore. To us, the lives of the staff and guests who visited are equally fascinating. This is the first opportunity to see this very special side of Biltmore’s history and we can’t wait to share it. A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age premiered February 8 and ran through May 27, 2019.
Wings of Delight: Mariporta Red Dessert Wine Posted on January 7, 2019 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton In honor of our new exhibition A Vanderbilt House Party – The Gilded Age, winemaker Sharon Fenchak has handcrafted Mariporta—a dazzling red dessert wine that reflects the fine vintages that George and Edith Vanderbilt would have offered their guests. Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak Careful coaxing “The starting point for Mariporta was an outstanding Petit Sirah that we blended with other varietals,” said Sharon. “We carefully coaxed all the rich layers from the wine as it matured in oak.” Designed to delight “Our velvety and barrel-aged Mariporta is exceptionally jammy and fruit-forward. Pair it with your favorite dessert, or simply serve it as dessert!” Sharon suggested. In addition to the richly rewarding flavor of the wine, the label is a flight of fancy also inspired by A Vanderbilt House Party.Florence Vanderbilt Twombly in her inspiring gown Flight of fancy “For the exhibition, we reproduced a stunning gown worn by Florence Vanderbilt Twombly—one of George Vanderbilt’s sisters,” said Leslie Klingner, Curator of Interpretation. “The original dress of finely woven silk was designed by House of Worth and adorned with embroidered butterflies and hand-sewn beadwork. Drawing on this description of the dress and an archival photo of Florence Twombly wearing it, Lisa Vogel, Art Director, created a remarkable design that echoes the delicate winged details of the gown. Re-creation of the butterfly gown “In keeping with the style of the label, the name Mariporta flutters between the Spanish word for butterfly and the expressive style of this elegant red dessert wine,” said Lisa. Designed to delight with a touch of satin and spice, Mariporta celebrates the excitement of Biltmore house parties when friends and family were entertained with boundless hospitality. Join us for the 2019 Sparkling Soirée: Gilded Age Masquerade! Celebrate the first release Be among the first to savor our newest offering by attending our 2019 Sparkling Soirée: Gilded Age Masquerade on Saturday, February 9, at 8 p.m. Don a mask and your most stunning attire for an evening of unparalleled elegance featuring live entertainment, dancing, and refreshments. Enjoy savory canapés, sweet petit fours, and a selection of Biltmore wines including the much-anticipated first release of Mariporta.
Holiday Gingerbread at The Inn on Biltmore Estate Posted on December 6, 2018 at 12:00 am.Written by Jean Sexton This gingerbread creation was on display during Christmas at Biltmore in 2018. Please enjoy this archived content. To celebrate Christmas at Biltmore, we deck the halls of America’s Largest Home®, place thousands of twinkling lights in Antler Hill Village, and turn the ceiling of our Winery into a dazzling burst of ornamental bubbles that resemble a glass of sparkling wine. And then there’s the gingerbread. Holiday gingerbread tradition Each year, The Inn on Biltmore Estate® constructs a spectacular scene out of gingerbread, carefully crafting all the delicious details with a sampler of sweets including frosting, candies, cookies, and more. Leilani Padilla with The Inn’s pastry team adds “snow” to branches This year’s building project is a replica of the Lodge Gate—one of the first historic buildings you’ll see when you arrive at Biltmore. Serving as the estate’s main entrance, the impressive structure was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the same architect who designed Biltmore House. It features a wide two-story arch that guests have been driving through for more than a century. Biltmore’s iconic Lodge Gate, decorated for the holidays Historic inspiration “It’s a challenge to replicate the look of original estate architecture,” said The Inn’s Pastry Chef Dana McFarland, “but we loved creating something so special for our guests to enjoy during their stay with us.” Under construction For 2018, Chef McFarland and her team set their sights on the Lodge Gate. From the steep tiled roof and distinctive brick and stucco exterior to the iconic arch, this glorious gingerbread creation was a labor of love that tested their engineering abilities. Demi chef Megan Shreve adds details by hand Work began the week after Thanksgiving, with pastry team members* spending a combined 150 hours to bake, assemble, and decorate their holiday masterpiece. (L-R) Team members Leilani Padilla, Megan Shreve, and Laura Hinzman “Our shopping list for ingredients was a little overwhelming,” Chef McFarland admits. Shopping list • Powdered sugar: 200 lbs. • Chocolate: 40 lbs. • Foiled chocolate balls: 35 lbs. • Rolled wafer cookies: 30 lbs. • Gingerbread: 20 lbs.• Fondant: 20 lbs. • Isomalt: 20 lbs. • Rock candy: 15 lbs. • M&M’S®: 6 lbs.• Jordan almonds: 2 lbs. • Gumballs: ½ lb. Inside information Look for charming touches like these BFFs (Best Frosting Friends)! On display now through January 7, 2019, The Inn’s gingerbread Lodge Gate is a feast for the eyes and the nose. “In addition to the spicy fragrance of ginger and the sweetness of all the candy decorations, we placed a cinnamon-scented infuser inside the structure,” said Chef McFarland. “It makes it look as if there’s real smoke coming from the chimney—and it smells delicious!” Create your own gingerbread masterpiece Join us for a Gingerbread Tea at The Inn—a time-honored tradition that offers fun for all ages! The Inn’s pastry chef will be on hand to assist you as you decorate your house with a selection of colorful candies. Also available, assorted tea sandwiches and desserts from our Holiday Tea menu, and for an additional charge, seasonal cocktails. Find complete details and make reservations now for December 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, or 22 by calling 866-336-1245. *Pastry team members Ashley BuchleitnerAspen GalleyDana McFarlandKaren NealLaura HinzmanLeilani PadillaLucas ContiMegan ShreveRachel TippingTony Mushinski Featured blog image: Biltmore’s Lodge Gate, constructed of gingerbread, on display now at The Inn on Biltmore Estate