Today, Biltmore House is known as America’s largest private residence and a National Historic Landmark. But before it became one of North Carolina’s most popular tourist destinations, it was simply “home” to the Vanderbilt family.  

George Vanderbilt visited Asheville, NC, in 1888 and was captivated by the area’s natural beauty. He slowly began purchasing land and ended up with 125,000 acre estate. Determined to make this rustic community his home, Vanderbilt enlisted architect Richard Morris Hunt to design and build a 250-room chateau. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted was also hired to create formal gardens and transform the former farmland into a beautiful pastoral landscape.  

Biltmore House officially opened to family and friends on Christmas Eve, 1895. George Vanderbilt had a beautiful family home, but as America’s most eligible bachelor of his time, no one to share it with.  

A Legendary Romance
That all changed on April 28, 1898, when Vanderbilt proposed to Edith Stuyvesant Dresser. A family friend, Edith was 10 years younger than Vanderbilt but admired for her beauty and personality. She was hailed as cosmopolitan and cultured yet humble and down to earth. The pair shared a passion for learning and travel that they indulged throughout their marriage.  

On June 1, 1898, the pair was joined as husband and wife in a private 15-minute civil ceremony in a town hall in Paris, France. The next day, they followed French tradition with a religious ceremony at the American Church of the Holy Trinity in Paris. Close friends and family were invited to this ceremony, which was surprisingly simple and modest considering the media fanfare that surrounded the event.  

A quiet Italian honeymoon followed, and then the couple returned to Biltmore House. Estate employees welcomed the bride to her new home by lining up along the Approach Road. A giant horseshoe made out of goldenrod flowers with the phrase “Welcome Home” spelled out in more flowers greeted the couple as they arrived at Biltmore House.  

Biltmore House Becomes a Family Home
The happy couple added to their family on August 22, 1900, with the birth of their daughter Cornelia. It was a joyous occasion celebrated among the family and recorded by local newspapers. The Spartanburg Journal wrote, “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, and the world shares in her new found happiness.”  

Cornelia spent her childhood on the estate, and often played with the local children whose families lived and worked on the estate. When Cornelia was 13, tragedy struck when George Vanderbilt unexpectedly died following an emergency appendectomy in Washington, D.C., in March 1914. Mrs. Vanderbilt returned to the estate after her husband’s death, but eventually consolidated the family businesses and properties.  

The Arrival of a New Generation
A decade later, wedding bells rang as Cornelia married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil at All Souls Church in Biltmore Village on April 29, 1924. It was a joyous occasion as guests from around the world descended upon the quiet little town of Asheville. Mr. Cecil was a British diplomat and a descendant of Lord Burghley who was High Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I.  

A second generation arrived at Biltmore House a year later. George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil was born in Biltmore House in 1925. Three years later in 1928, William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil was born in Biltmore House. George and William were educated abroad in Switzerland and England, but always returned home to Biltmore for holidays and summer vacations.  

The brothers were instrumental in caring for the estate as adults.  William especially was involved in overseeing the care of Biltmore House, the estate and the current Biltmore Company. Today, his son, William A.V. Cecil, Jr, is CEO of Biltmore.

While daytime admission to Biltmore ensures an enjoyable visit with access to Biltmore House, the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Winery, extra details that hallmark the estate’s specialty guided tours make a difference.  

Dig Deeper Into History
Biltmore House is more than just America’s largest home. It’s also a treasure trove of fascinating stories and lively history. These specialty guided tours offer fascinating snippets from Biltmore’s archives and glimpses into areas of the House not open on the self-guided tour:

• Guided Biltmore House Tour: This 90-minute tour pulls back the velvet curtain. History comes alive with dramatic stories about house parties, insight into George Vanderbilt’s closest friends and details about daily life on the estate.
• Biltmore House Rooftop Tour: See the House from a fresh perspective with a 60-minute tour that goes to areas not normally open the estate guests. Travel to the roof for sweeping panoramic views, linger on the upper Observatory’s balcony and parapet and learn more about the construction of the house.
• Behind-the-Scenes Guided Upstairs – Downstairs Tour: In this 60-minute guided tour, descend the back stairs to explore servant life at Biltmore. Discover cutting-edge technology that kept America’s largest home humming. Visit the domains of the butler, head housekeeper, and lady’s maid, then continue on to a suite of guest rooms to learn about grand house parties hosted by the Vanderbilts.
• Legacy of the Land Tour: History isn’t confined to the estate’s structures. Biltmore’s grounds are also rich with stories from the past. Enjoy a guided motor coach ride across the estate and discover the remnants of a community church, tracks from a forgotten railroad trestle and other important archeological findings.

Uncork Something Special
In addition to the Winery’s complimentary wine tasting, Biltmore offers more opportunities to quench your thirst for knowledge with one of these exclusive experiences.

• Red Wine & Chocolate Seminar: Biltmore’s wine experts reveal the science and romance behind the pairing of chocolate with red wine. Samples are, of course, included. Guests must be 21 to attend.
• Biltmore Bubbles Tour: Learn why everyone loves sparkling wine with a tour of Biltmore’s champagne bottling room, a quick lesson on the wine making process and samples of Biltmore’s six sparkling wines. Guests must be 21 to attend.
• Vine to Wine Tour: Explore how Biltmore grapes become our award-winning wines. Visit areas on the estate not normally seen by guests, including a trip to the vineyards and a walking production tour. Sample wine tastings throughout the tour and conclude with a grand tasting. Guests must be 21 to attend. Pricing for these “extras” vary and are in addition to the daytime admission price.

Come Play in Our 8,000-Acre Backyard

Nature takes center stage with an assortment of outdoor activities from the Outdoor Center and Trail Ride Barn.

• Bike Rental and Trail Pass: Guests may bring a bike or rent one from the Bike Barn to explore miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult.
• Carriage Rides: Enjoy a relaxing ride through meadows and woods on a 12-person wagonette, or a more intimate journey in a two-person carriage.
• Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing School: Plan for a two-hour, half-day, or full-day fly-fishing excursion. Orvis equipment and world-class instruction provided.
• Horseback Rides: Novice and experienced riders alike will enjoy relaxing trail rides through peaceful woods and pastures. Guided group and private trail rides are available. 
• Land Rover Experience Driving School: Tap into your sense of adventure with off-road driving lessons in a Land Rover.  Experienced instructors offer lessons, trail drives and a full-day experience.
• River Float Trips:  Float down the peaceful French Broad River and enjoy riverbank wildlife and incredible views of the estate. Guided raft trips and self-guided kayak trips available. Offered April through October.
• Segway Tours: Travel in a new way with guided Segway tours of the estate. Options include basic rides down paved estate paths, off-road tours, advanced off-road tours, and tours on the west side of the estate. 
• Sporting Clays: Take your best shot and learn precision shooting techniques from our experience instructors using a Beretta shotgun.

About Biltmore
Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt.  Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; four-star The Inn on Biltmore Estate; the new Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE

One of America’s greatest love stories transpired more than 100 years ago when George Washington Vanderbilt wed Edith Stuyvesant Dresser and brought her home to his 250-room Biltmore House in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

With its fairytale setting and the home’s French Renaissance style, Biltmore has inspired many proposals, serves as a wedding location nearly every weekend of the year and led CNN.com to feature Biltmore as a place to have a romantic adventure.  

If you’re planning to pop the question, consider this list of romantic spots on the estate for your big moment.

1. In a Horse-Drawn Carriage – Couples wishing for some privacy (and a very discreet driver) may take one of our horse-drawn carriages for a gentle journey through forests and pastures, and stopping at the top of a hill that features a stunning view of the back of Biltmore House.
2. At the Statue of Diana, Goddess of the Hunt – After an easy hike to the top of the hill where The Statue of Diana stands, catch your breath and take in the majestic view of Biltmore House with sky and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. Then proceed!
3. In the South Terrace Tea House, with its gorgeous views of Mount Pisgah, and the southern end of Biltmore House. The Tea House is an open-air structure.
4. On top of Biltmore House – The guided Rooftop Tour takes you to the roof for up-close inspections of the home’s structure and intricate carvings. Don’t let the gargoyles and grotesques scare you. They’re harmless.
5. Along the bridge over the waterfall near the Bass Pond. This is a more secluded location, below the formal gardens. This location is great in springtime or during October when the leaves are changing colors.
6. During a candlelight dinner at Bistro or the Dining Room at The Inn. Our estate chefs create incredible meals using fresh ingredients grown right on the estate.
7. Sitting on the rocking chairs on The Inn’s wide verandah, where the estate’s sparkling wine can be delivered for your big moment.
8. Under the Pergola next to the South Terrace at Biltmore House, particularly in springtime when Wisteria vines are blooming.
9. On one of the semi-secluded benches in the Italian Gardens. The reflecting pools full of lily pads and other exotic blooms set a soothing tone for an early summer evening proposal.
10. If you like to bike or hike, you can pack a picnic, rent bikes or take one of our many hiking trails for an exciting adventure. Stop at the Lagoon to picnic and pop the question.

Biltmore’s first-time visitors often realize that once they arrive there’s more to see and do than they expected. Perhaps that was George Vanderbilt’s grand plan when he created the estate in the late 1800s.  

Wowing guests for more than 100 years, Biltmore offers a full menu of activities to keep guests intrigued as they discover Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre mountain estate.  

A visit to Biltmore includes access to the 250-room Biltmore House; 80-plus acres of formal gardens; Antler Hill Village and Farm; and the estate’s award-winning Winery. Exploring each part can take a full day – or even more. Guests wishing to extend their visit to two or more days often choose to stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or the Village Hotel at Biltmore Estate.  

Discovering America’s Largest Home

The Biltmore House visit is a self-guided tour through three floors and the basement of America’s largest home. Every room on the tour has been carefully conserved by Biltmore’s Museum Services staff. Displays of the Vanderbilts’ original artwork collection and furniture beautifully illustrate life at Biltmore as it was during the time when George and Edith Vanderbilt lived in the home with their only child, daughter Cornelia.  Many of the rooms offer panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

An audio tour of the House is the perfect companion in that it reveals fascinating details about the Vanderbilt family, their guests and entertaining stories about life on the estate. A guest host is posted in each of the main rooms, ready to answer questions and provide insight into the life and times of the Vanderbilts.  

Beautiful Gardens for Every Season

Beyond the House, acres of formal gardens beckon. Biltmore’s gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. The formal Italian Garden offers a quiet place to relax with its classic statuary and three symmetrical reflecting pools, while the Shrub Garden entices with a stroll along secluded paths. The 4-acre Walled Garden teems with seasonal color and symmetrical design. The historic Rose Garden is filled with multiple varieties of roses, some of the very same types first grown in the garden during Vanderbilt’s day. The soaring Conservatory, designed by Biltmore House architect Richard Morris Hunt, is a showcase filled with tropical palms, ferns and orchids.  

Beyond the formal gardens are more than 20 miles of hiking and walking paths.  

Family Fun at Antler Hill Village & Winery

Casual fun is the order of the day at Antler Hill Village and the Winery with fascinating historical exhibits at The Biltmore Legacy, live seasonal entertainment at the Village Green, and farm exhibits and animals at the Farm. At the Winery, enjoy complimentary samples of Biltmore’s award-winning wines and tours of the facility, once home to the original Biltmore Dairy.   

Extend fun with a stay at The Inn on Biltmore Estate or Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate

Stay a night or two and dig deeper into the Biltmore visit. The Inn on Biltmore Estate features graciously appointed rooms and warm hospitality in honor of Vanderbilt’s lasting legacy of hospitality. The Inn is rated Four Diamonds by AAA and Four Diamonds by Forbes Travel Guide.

Village Hotel is the estate’s second accommodation property, joining The Inn on Biltmore Estate to provide a range of options for guests who want to stay overnight on the estate.  Village Hotel’s location is set in a casual and social atmosphere in the heart of Antler Hill Village, while The Inn offers four-star accommodations in a luxurious, private hill-top setting.

About Biltmore

Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt.  Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; four-star The Inn on Biltmore Estate; the new Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

When George Vanderbilt opened Biltmore House for the first time to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895, it was a special day. The grand celebration began a treasured estate tradition that continues more than a century later.

The First Christmas at Biltmore House

The first Christmas at Biltmore House was a joyous occasion. Estate records show that Vanderbilt paid close attention to every detail to ensure a memorable holiday experience for his guests. Requests were placed for a large Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall; mistletoe and holly were gathered; and hand-made garlands were hung throughout the house.

Vanderbilt also held a Christmas party for estate employees. Workers and their families were invited to Biltmore House on Christmas morning for a grand party that included cake, ice cream and gifts galore. The Cecil family – Vanderbilt’s descendants and present-day owners of the estate – continues that tradition today, and hosts a holiday celebration for employees and their families.

Christmas at Biltmore Today

The magic of the holidays continues today with Christmas at Biltmore, a special celebration offered in November and December. Known as one of the Southeast’s most elegant and awe-inspiring holiday travel destinations,  the modern-day celebration is modeled after the estate’s first Christmas, with miles of garden, hundreds of poinsettias, dozens of Christmas trees and an elaborately decorated 35-foot Fraser fir Christmas tree in the Banquet Hall.

Other festivities around the estate during the holiday season include visits with Santa in Antler Hill Village, and the release of Biltmore’s special Christmas wines.

The Magic of Candlelight Christmas Evenings

In the evening, the enchantment continues with Candlelight Christmas Evenings. Luminaries dot the Front Lawn of Biltmore House and thousands of tiny white lights adorn the Front Lawn’s 55-foot tall Norway Spruce. Inside the House, soloists and choirs perform traditional Christmas music, with the rooms taking on a magical glow as candles illuminate holiday decor.

Special holiday menus at estate restaurants and holiday packages at the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate complete the experience and promise a memorable visit.

In 1888, when George Vanderbilt began purchasing land in western North Carolina for Biltmore, his country estate, he wanted to create a European country setting to complement his grand chateau – the 250-room Biltmore House. He knew that he needed help to accomplish his goal.

He hired Frederick Law Olmsted, the first American landscape architect, to fulfill his vision. It would be Olmsted’s final project and perhaps his grandest legacy.

After visiting the estate for the first time in 1889, Olmsted wrote to Vanderbilt, “My advice would be to make a small park into which to look from your house; make a small pleasure ground and garden…” Vanderbilt agreed with Olmsted’s recommendations.

Biltmore would become a working estate with a large farm, but it would also become a place of beauty where impressive gardens would showcase nature’s glory. Olmsted included a combination of woodlands, fields and gardens, which blended European design with his signature naturalistic style.

The Rose Garden at Biltmore, situated in the southern tier of the estate’s formal Walled Garden, is part of the landscape legacy Olmsted left for future generations. The garden has been in continuous cultivation since 1895. That year, Olmsted made up a list of roses to be delivered to Biltmore Estate. It included 18 varieties ranging in price from 3 and ½ cents for a small pot to 20 cents for a two-year-old plant. The priciest roses on the list were ‘Duchess de Brabant,’ ‘American Beauty,’ ‘Malmaison,’ ‘Mme Joseph Schwartz,’ and ‘Etoile de Lyon.’ Thus began the care and cultivation of roses in the historic Walled Garden.

Today, Biltmore’s Rose Garden experts rely on both historical design intent and contemporary horticultural practices to display this world-class garden. They maintain more than 1,800 roses and 120 different cultivars laid out in both French formal and English border designs. The garden is home to nearly every class of roses, including roses of antiquity and cutting-edge varieties.   

The estate hosted its first Biltmore International Rose Trials in 2011. Patterned after similar trials in Europe and under the umbrella of the World Federation of Rose Societies, the trials give breeders from around the world a place to trial and display their roses, and for home gardeners to learn what roses do well and what may be potential candidates for their own gardens.

In 2016, Biltmore was recognized by the World Federation of Rose Societies with the presentation of the Award of Garden of Excellence.

About Biltmore

Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt.  Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; four-star The Inn on Biltmore Estate; the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and BiltmoreFor Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

The changing leaf color that blankets the grounds of Biltmore during fall offers a gorgeous backdrop for an array of outdoor experiences that allow for social distancing in the Birthplace of American Forestry.

Birth of Scientific Forestry
It was 125 years ago this year in 1895 that George Vanderbilt, founder of the estate, took the advice of Frederick Law Olmsted, his landscape architect, and hired trained forester Gifford Pinchot to develop a forest management plan for his land holdings, which eventually totaled around 125,000 acres.

Pinchot’s scientific forestry plan for Biltmore was the first its kind in the United States, and served as a national model for management and conservation of forest lands. In turn, Vanderbilt was the first American landowner to implement scientific forestry on a large scale.

The result of that work is evident in what Biltmore guests enjoy to this day.

Falconry
Set in the woods near The Inn on Biltmore Estate, this 90-minute session focuses on the ancient art of falconry. Your skilled instructor teaches you how to work with a trained falcon or hawk, with the session culminating with a bird taking off from and landing on your gloved hand.

Horseback Riding and Carriage Rides
One of the best ways to experience Biltmore is from the back of a horse. Available for guests of all skill levels, guided trail rides traverse along pathways through forests and along scenic ridges. Carriage Rides are also available with tours aboard a surrey carriage.

Hiking and Biking
More than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails are available for explorations of the property, with trails and surfaces for all skill levels. Bike rental is available, or you may bring your own.

River Float Trips, Kayaking and Fly Fishing
The French Broad River, one of the world’s oldest rivers, flows through Biltmore estate. River activities include float trips and kayaking (single and tandem kayaks available). Several types of Fly Fishing experiences are also available, including one for kids.

Sporting Clays Lessons
Biltmore’s expert instructors teach proper gun mount, stance, target engagement, and other fundamental skills in this two-hour session with clay targets.

The Land Rover Driving Experience
The basics of expedition-style driving are taught during this experience, which includes off-road obstacles such as steep ascents, descents, side tilts, log crossings and rock crawls.

With the exception of hiking, all of the above experiences require an additional fee with your day’s admission to Biltmore. More about these activities is available here.

Biltmore gardens and Farmyard visits
The gardens and Farmyard are included in your day’s admission to Biltmore.

Jewel-toned Mums and salvia take center stage in Biltmore’s historic Walled Garden every fall, and this year will be no different. In Antler Hill Village, the Farmyard offers encounters with friendly farm animals such as chickens, roosters, goats, and horses.

Biltmore House Tours
For something indoors, of course, Biltmore House can’t be missed. Self-guided and guided tours are available of America’s largest home.

Staying over
Biltmore has multiple lodging accommodations: the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate; the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; and the historic and elegant Cottages at Biltmore. More information is available at this link.

For tickets, reservations, and more information about Biltmore, visit www.biltmore.com.

About Biltmore
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore has grown to include Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; The Inn on Biltmore Estate offering four-star accommodations; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

Sharon Fenchak joined the Biltmore Wines team in 1999, and as of 2018 was promoted to the role of head winemaker for all of Biltmore’s wines. Sharon has a wealth of winemaking experience, passion for agriculture and food science, and ties to the southeastern United States – qualities that make her uniquely well matched to the Biltmore brand.

As a child, Sharon Fenchak spent many Sunday afternoons visiting her grandparents, all of whom lived within driving distance of her home in Pennsylvania. Her grandmothers, in particular, were closely connected to the land and enjoyed feeding family and friends from the bounty of their gardens.

Their influence fueled Sharon’s growing interest in agriculture and food science, a focus she maintained even as a Communications Specialist in the United States Army. While stationed in Vicenza, Italy, Sharon discovered an appreciation for the wines of the region—particularly Moscato for which the area is noted. Today, we see this passion reflected throughout Biltmore’s wine portfolio.

After returning to the states, Sharon earned a bachelor’s degree in food science from Penn State University, followed by a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Georgia at Athens. With a deepening interest in the science of winemaking, she sought work as an assistant winemaker at Habersham Winery in Baldwin, Georgia, under the wing of winemaker Andrew Beaty. With skills gained from that experience, Sharon became winemaker at Chestnut Mountain Winery in Braselton, Georgia, where she oversaw the wine development process.

In 1999, Sharon joined Biltmore’s winery production team as assistant winemaker to veteran French winemaker Bernard Delille. Despite their different backgrounds, Sharon and Bernard shared a philosophy of creating high-quality wines that reflect true varietal character while still being food-friendly and approachable. In addition to making wines, her role featured research and development for new grape-growing technology and grape-production testing methods for the estate.

Sharon was promoted to winemaker in 2003 and continued crafting Biltmore’s storied portfolio of wines. On Bernard’s retirement in 2018, Sharon became Biltmore’s head winemaker and vice president of winery production, which includes oversight of the estate’s vineyards and partnerships with growers in other parts of America, including the west.

Looking to the future, Sharon hopes to continue building the tradition of the Biltmore brand among wine enthusiasts at all levels – locally, nationally, and globally.

Taste and style were hallmarks of George Vanderbilt’s life, and both are reflected throughout Biltmore— his private country estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

George Vanderbilt traveled the world gathering art, sculpture, furniture, and books. He also enjoyed collecting wine. If he was not purchasing it abroad and bringing it back to his cellars, he worked closely with his importer to identify and secure wines to share with and delight his family and friends. Vanderbilt’s hospitality was legendary, and a visit to his home was characterized by the best in comfort, entertainment, and attention to every detail, including the wines that graced his table.

As much as his estate was meant to be an oasis for his family and guests, just as important was his desire to preserve the surrounding beauty. He envisioned a self-sustaining estate that would nurture the land and its resources for years to come. From this vision came the nation’s first planned forestry program and the beginning of a family focus on the environment.

History of Biltmore Wines & Winery

While George Vanderbilt introduced the pleasures of wine to Biltmore, it was his grandson, William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, who had the vision and determination to take Biltmore’s agricultural tradition and re-imagine it as vineyards and a winery for his family’s estate.

Knowing that George Vanderbilt was a thoughtful collector of wine — and served it to his family, friends, and guests — makes a very real and logical connection between the Vanderbilt family and the wine business Biltmore enjoys today. However, when William Cecil first took on management of the estate in 1960, Biltmore needed an economic boost to be able to carry on stewardship. A choice had to be made—either let go of the legacy…or find a way to preserve the family’s heritage. His choice? A new direction and new mission statement: The preservation of Biltmore as a privately owned, profitable, working estate.

The idea to raise grapes at Biltmore followed the natural end of the Biltmore Dairy business. For many years, it had been one of the largest and most successful dairy operations in the southeast and it helped support Biltmore over that time. A winery seemed like a natural extension of Biltmore’s agricultural legacy as well as a viable means of diversifying Biltmore’s revenue-generating possibilities. As William Cecil once said, “What’s more appropriate for a French chateau than vineyards and a winery?” Of course, it would prove to be a labor of love.

In 1971, little was known about producing wine on a commercial scale in North Carolina, so Mr. Cecil went to the agricultural experts at NC State for assistance. Biltmore’s first grape- growing efforts resulted in about 30 acres of native muscadines being planted on the slopes below Biltmore House. However, Mr. Cecil was not satisfied with the results. He then went to Cornell University for assistance and was advised to try French-American hybrid grapes. Again, the results were less successful than hoped. Finally, he went to the University of California-Davis, pioneers in the field of American viticulture. Mr. Cecil learned that while vinifera cultivation was possible in Western North Carolina, it would be a very expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive proposition. Undaunted, he continued to pursue his dream, and the first vinifera grapes were planted on the west side of Biltmore in 1978.

In 1979, sixth-generation French winemaker Philippe Jourdain came to Biltmore to supervise the harvest and production of the first wines bottled under the Biltmore label. In a note to Mr. Cecil, Jourdain wrote, “I believe that a truly superior quality of wine may be possible…this is only a dream and we must make our first vinifera wines to determine if this is realistic or not.” Mr. Cecil and Philippe worked tirelessly in their efforts to develop vineyards and produce quality wines. In 1981 they expanded the vineyards to 150 acres of vinifera plantings. Two years later, the Biltmore Estate Wine Company was established and construction began on a new Winery in what had been the Dairy. The new Winery opened in May of 1985 and marked a momentous occasion in Biltmore’s history.

Following the opening of the Winery, Bernard Delille, a native of France with a master’s degree in biochemistry and winemaker in the Pyrenees Atlantiques region, joined Philippe as assistant winemaker. Delille left a legacy of 32 years of winemaking at Biltmore, playing an integral role not just as winemaker, but also as an expert in growing and harvesting grapes in North Carolina and with west coast partner vineyards.

Sharon Fenchak joined the Biltmore Wine team in 1999, and as of 2018 was promoted to the role of head winemaker for all of Biltmore’s wines. Sharon has a wealth of winemaking experience, passion for agriculture and food science, and deep ties to the southeastern United States – qualities that make her uniquely well matched to the Biltmore brand. Despite their different backgrounds, Sharon and Bernard shared a philosophy of creating high-quality wines that reflect true varietal character while still being food-friendly and approachable. All these years later, winemaking at Biltmore continues to reap a harvest of returns.

Wine Portfolio

Biltmore Estate® American Series

Grapes for this series are selected from leading growing regions across America and custom crafted by winemaker Sharon Fenchak at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, NC. Each wine captures the true character of the varietal, resulting in an outstanding taste that provides a perfect pairing for any occasion.

Biltmore Estate® Sparkling Wines

Handcrafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, our wines feature tiny, even bubbles, excellent acidity, and a depth of clarity and flavor found only in the finest sparkling wines. Perfect for any occasion, from special toasts and celebrations to pairing with your favorite flavors.

Biltmore® Reserve Wines

At Biltmore, guests experienced everything the Vanderbilt’s magnificent estate had to offer—including fine wines. To honor that heritage in a special way, this collection features grapes from our vineyards on the estate, as well as local growing partners in North Carolina, specially selected and vinified at the Biltmore Winery.

Biltmore Estate® Limited Release Wines

Crafted in smaller lots, these exceptional wines showcase our winemaker’s skillful artistry in each bottle. Exclusively available on the estate, in the online store, or through the Vanderbilt Wine Club®.

Antler Hill® Wines

Antler Hill wines celebrate premium harvests and vintages from small partner vineyards with whom Biltmore has cultivated long-standing relationships in the nation’s finest wine regions.

Vanderbilt Reserve Wines

An invitation to dine with the Vanderbilts assured you of enjoying gracious hospitality paired with fine wines from around the world. Today, that legacy continues in this collection which highlights outstanding grapes selected from west coast partner vineyards, and made with special care by winemaker Sharon Fenchak.