Biltmore Winery is located on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. Under the direction of head winemaker Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore produces a storied program of award-winning wines using fruit harvested from its own estate vineyards as well as from partners in other premium growing regions across America. Through these wines, you are invited to share in George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality, and the ongoing family legacy of agricultural innovation, conservation and sustainable business. 

Founder

William A.V. Cecil (grandson of Biltmore’s founder George Vanderbilt planted the first French-American hybrid vines below Biltmore House in 1971. Biltmore Winery was opened in 1985.

Production

Biltmore Wines produces over 150K cases annually.

Estate Vineyards

Biltmore Winery has 50 acres of vineyards currently under vine on the estate in Asheville, N.C. where they specialize in growing Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.

Additional Sourcing

Biltmore has long standing relationships with other local vineyards in North Carolina as well as Washington and California (Arroyo Secco, Mendocino County, Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley).

All wines bearing the North Carolina and American appellations are crafted and bottled on the estate at Biltmore Winery.

Winemaker

Sharon Fenchak, Head Winemaker. Sharon has been with the Biltmore team since 1999 and promoted to Head Winemaker in 2018.

Boilerplate

Biltmore Winery is located on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt, a thoughtful collector of wines and passionate steward of the land with intent on making it a self-sustaining estate. Today the estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres, including the Winery and Antler Hill Farm, two hotels, numerous restaurants, an equestrian center, and event and meeting venues. Under the direction of head winemaker Sharon Fenchak, Biltmore Wines produces a storied portfolio of award winning wines using grapes harvested from its own estate vineyards as well as from partners in other premium growing regions across America. Each wine has a source, an intention and a story behind it, much like the estate itself. Through these wines, share in the ongoing family legacy of agricultural innovation, conservation and sustainable business. Continue the story of George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality by enjoying a Biltmore wine with friends and family. To learn more about Biltmore Wines, please visit www.biltmorewines.com and follow us @biltmorewines.

Biltmore Winery Address

One Lodge Street
Asheville, NC 28803
800-411-3812

Website

www.biltmorewines.com

Online Wine Shop

www.biltmoreshop.com/wine.html

Vanderbilt Wine Club

www.biltmoreshop.com/wineclub

Social

Facebook – www.facebook.com/Biltmore/
Instagram – @BiltmoreWines

From grape to glass, Biltmore’s head winemaker Sharon Fenchak takes great care in overseeing every step of the grape growing and winemaking process for Biltmore’s vast portfolio of wines. Labels within Biltmore’s wine portfolio indicate exactly how Sharon has sourced the wines enjoyed: Biltmore Reserve, Biltmore Estate, Limited Release, Vanderbilt Reserve and Antler Hill series.  

North Carolina

Biltmore Winery, with some 50 acres of vineyard is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, N.C. on the grounds of an 8,000-acre estate owned by the descendants of Biltmore’s original founder, George W. Vanderbilt. The founder of Biltmore’s wine program, William A.V. Cecil, once noted that Asheville was about the same latitude as Gibraltar in the Mediterranean, however the climate of western North Carolina has proven not to be quite as predictable! Nevertheless, the altitude of between 2,100 and 2,500 feet does help grapes to enjoy good growing conditions, and the most exceptional grapes from these vineyards earn the Biltmore Reserve label, indicating Biltmore’s finest North Carolina vintages. The North Carolina appellation appears on these labels, indicating that all of the grapes and winemaking originate in North Carolina. These are the truly estate grown and bottled wines in the collection.

In Asheville’s climate, hearty varietals such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc do best in Biltmore’s vineyard. Biltmore has also established local growing partnership in Polk County of North Carolina to ensure consistent grape quality to meet the growing demand for Biltmore wines. This lower-elevation region is just south of Asheville and experiences slightly warmer temperatures.

Beyond Biltmore

Enjoying George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality when guests visited Biltmore House at the turn of the 19^th century meant that an array of the finest wines would be available. Today, Biltmore’s wine program strives to ensure that there is a wine to please any guest and palate.

Recognizing that North Carolina is best suited to certain styles, Biltmore has established relationships with growers in other areas of the country to be able to offer a wider selection of the finest varietals and vintages, resulting in a truly storied portfolio. Regardless of where the grapes are grown, Biltmore winemaker Sharon Fenchak sees through every step of the winemaking process. In some cases. these wines bear the American appellation, indicating that the fruit is grown on the west coast but the wine is finished and bottled at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina. The majority of these wines can be found in Biltmore’s Estate and Limited Release series.

California

Biltmore sources grapes from select vineyards in growing regions throughout the state. Several times each year, Sharon schedules extended visits to California to meet with growing partners and select the best grapes.

As Sharon says, “some of the finest American wine grapes come from the vineyards of coastal California. The terroir—the different combinations of weather and soil in each hill and valley—translate into the distinctive flavors and qualities that characterize the wines of that region.”

California’s Northern Coast is home to some of the state’s best known AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), including Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Lake County, Napa Valley, Russian River Valley and Sonoma County. Some of these areas are particularly important for the Vanderbilt Reserve series of wines. “We select grapes from outstanding partner vineyards for some of our most distinctive wines, including our Vanderbilt Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, Vanderbilt Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, and The Hunt Red Blend Sonoma County,” says Sharon.

The Central Coast of California offers a warmer climate, but still benefits from the cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean. From here, Sharon chooses some of the more unusual varietals in the wine program, such as Barbera, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne and Tempranillo. These are sourced from vineyard partners in AVAs such as Arroyo Seco, Cienega Valley and Paso Robles.

California is also where Biltmore sources grapes for the majority of the sparkling wines they produce, such as the Biltmore Estate Brut and Blanc de Noir wines.

Washington

The state of Washington continues to prove itself as an outstanding producer of a wide range of wine varietals. Vineyards are found primarily in the eastern portion of the state, which is in the rain shadow of the Cascade mountain range, and therefore benefits from a dryer shrub-steppe ecosystem. Longer hours of daylight – approximately two more hours per day during the growing season than California – and milder, more consistent temperatures are other features. Sharon selects excellent grapes from this region for the Estate series and Limited Release series within the Biltmore wine portfolio.

Handcrafting the Wines

While Sharon and her team directly handle the creation of the majority of Biltmore’s wines from start to finish on location at Biltmore Winery in Asheville, North Carolina, there are certain wines that she creates in the particular regions where they are grown. These are the Vanderbilt Reserve and Antler Hill wines within the Biltmore wine portfolio. This is a careful process, beginning with selecting the vintage and grapes, through aging the final wine, all of which is overseen by Sharon during her visits to California. The resulting wines bear the name of the California appellation from which the grapes were grown and in which the wines were produced and bottled.

“All of our wines represent the Vanderbilt family’s legacy of gracious hospitality on which Biltmore was founded,” Sharon says, “and as Biltmore’s winemaker, I am committed to handcrafting our wines with the philosophy of keeping each one true to varietal character and consistent from vintage to vintage. Whether I’m at work in North Carolina or California or Washington, I’m focused on creating wines that reflect the quality of this family-owned estate and winery.”

Biltmore Winery’s efforts are focused on more than just crafting a storied portfolio of wines; Biltmore also strives for environmental stewardship and sustainability in winemaking, every step of the way. The concept of sustainability looms large at Biltmore, dating back to its founding ideals which included George Vanderbilt’s desire that Biltmore be a self-sustaining estate. Vanderbilt looked to the grand working estates of Europe as a model for self-sufficiency. Preserving the surrounding beauty and nurturing the land and its resources for years to come have always been priorities.

Today, sustainability also refers to the role that Biltmore Winery plays within the business model of the estate. By providing additional revenue opportunities, the wine program helps to support estate operations and allows the estate to continue sharing its history and legacy.

Sustainability in Winemaking

Composting Grapes for Fertilizer

At Biltmore Winery, nothing goes unused. All remaining parts of the grapes — including skins, seeds and woody stems — are combined with recycled plants and other organic matter at a large compost site. Ultimately, this makes for a great fertilizer that is used in the gardens as well as for field crops that feed wildlife on the estate.

Repurposing Barrels

When a wine barrel has reached the end of its use at Biltmore Winery, they are re-purposed in a number of ways across the estate. Winemaker Sharon Fenchak says, “Almost all of the businesses on the property have repurposed a barrel at one time or another, so keep an eye out!” Many of the barrels are used for decorative planters for flowers and other plants on the estate. Some barrels are used to create rustic-style bars for outdoor Winery events, while others have been used as towel containers and trash cans. Biltmore Winery has also occasionally passed-on retired barrels when supplies have allowed for re-use within the Asheville craft beer community. 

Recycling

Biltmore Winery recycles everything from cardboard, plastic, glass, paper, steel and even wine corks. Biltmore partners with Widget Co., a parent company of Cork Club to help educate the public on the importance of using and recycling natural corks. Corks are a renewable and biodegradable material harvest through an environmentally friendly process. Biltmore has cork recycling locations located on the estate. Used corks can even be mailed to Biltmore for recycling!

Sustainability Estate-wide

As a designated Century Family Farm, it has taken a great deal of determination and commitment for the family that owns Biltmore to maintain farmland for more than 100 years! It speaks to the long-range vision of agriculture and viticulture as a sustaining foundation for the estate. Outside of winemaking, there are a number of other steps taken at the estate to promote a sustainable future.

Field-To-Table

Antibiotic-free, growth-hormone-free livestock are raised on the estate as a direct continuation of the legacy of self-sufficiency at the estate. Angus cattle are raised to provide meat for a portion of the current restaurant needs on the estate. Berkshire pigs, a heritage breed, also fulfill some of the pork needs of Biltmore’s restaurants. White Dorper sheep are bred to supply a stud program which helps other farmers benefit from the unique characteristics of the breed. Biltmore also produces eggs from free-range hens.

Solar Power

Visible in pastures on the estate, Biltmore’s multi-acre solar panel system was originally installed in 2011–2012. This system was designed to offset a portion of the estate’s energy needs, even on cloudy days, and provides up to 20% of the estates’ energy needs when online. Biltmore recently partnered with Sugar Hollow to upgrade a 3-acre portion of the system, which should further enhance performance.

Alternative Fuel Sources

For horticulture, viticulture and animal husbandry programs on the estate, a number of different farm vehicles are required. To further reduce environmental impact, Biltmore collects waste cooking oil from estate restaurants which is recycled locally into biodiesel fuel by Blue Ridge Biofuels to power vehicles used in farming and horticulture.

Supporting Monarch Butterfly Migration

To encourage growth in threatened Monarch butterfly populations, Biltmore’s landscaping teams plant milkweed in several locations across the estate. This provides vital habitat for the beautiful orange and black butterflies, which pass through the Appalachian Mountains on their yearly migration toward Mexico. Essential to the survival of the species, milkweed is the only plant on which females will lay eggs; the young caterpillars feed upon it during the early stages of their life cycle.

Waterways Management

Best management practices are employed in Biltmore’s agricultural and forestry operations to prevent silt and runoff into waterways. Biltmore has received the River Friendly Farmer Award from the Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation Service for these efforts.

1895

Biltmore’s story begins in Asheville, North Carolina with the completion of George Vanderbilt’s country estate. George Vanderbilt first welcomed family and friends to his new home on Christmas Eve 1895. Mr. Vanderbilt’s love of entertaining extended to his being a thoughtful and practical wine collector.

1960

George Vanderbilt’s grandson William A.V. Cecil takes on management of the family estate. Continuing his grandfather’s vision of a self-sustaining property, he considers the development of a vineyard and a winery for Biltmore.

1970s

Honoring the agricultural heritage of his grandfather’s estate, Cecil plants French-American hybrid vines below Biltmore House in the early 70s. The inaugural vintage was bottled in the Conservatory basement. By the late 70s, the vineyards were moved to their current location on the west side of the estate, where 150 acres are planted with vinifera grapes. Also, during this time Cecil travels to France and hires Biltmore’s first winemaker, Philippe Jourdain.

1980s

In 1984, Biltmore Wines bottle their first wines crafted from North Carolina grapes. The two wines are the 1983 vintages of Château Biltmore Merlot and Château Biltmore Cabernet Sauvignon. Bill Cecil, son of William Cecil and great-grandson of George Vanderbilt, opens the Biltmore Winery to the public in 1985. In 1986, Bernard Delille, joins the team as assistant winemaker.

1990s

When head winemaker Philippe Jourdain retires in 1995, assistant winemaker Bernard Delille is promoted to head winemaker and Vice President of the Wine Production. In 1999, Sharon Fenchak joins the team as assistant winemaker.

Early 2000s

The addition of Sharon Fenchak to the team was a natural complement to winemaker Bernard Delille’s traditional and artistic perspective, and in 2003 Sharon Fenchak is promoted to winemaker. When Bernard retired in 2018, Sharon became winemaker and Vice President of Wine Production.

Today

Biltmore Wines produces a storied portfolio of over 150,000 cases of wine annually. Their wines have been honored with countless awards and medals and are now available in retailers and restaurants in 19 states and can be directly shipped to 40 states. In 2020, Biltmore Winery celebrated its 35^th anniversary.

FACT SHEET

• In alignment with George Vanderbilt’s original vision of a self-sustaining estate, Biltmore recently installed a new centralized on-site composting facility, built and designed by Asheville company Advanced Composting Technologies, LLC.

• The facility aligns with Biltmore’s company-wide mission of environmental stewardship. When George Vanderbilt created Biltmore, he envisioned a country estate modeled after private manors in Europe. His vision was for his home to be completely self-sufficient and a model for the future. These guiding principles in sustainability have been a part of the family-run company for generations.

• The facility and system were built by Asheville-based composting company Advanced Composting Technologies, LLC, which has produced composting systems for hundreds of entities, including municipalities as well as campuses such as Warren Wilson College and Appalachian State University, both located in North Carolina.

• The facility was designed to process 1,200 tons of finished compost per year, and has storage for up to 1,000 cubic yards of compost at any given time.

• As in the previous iteration of the estate’s composting efforts, Biltmore is continuing to collect horticulture, floral, vineyard and agriculture waste from the estate and composting this material.
  
• New with this facility, Biltmore is now collecting back-of-house, pre-consumer food waste from estate restaurants, as well as manure from livestock. Meat products including bones are able to pass through the facility.

• Biltmore eventually plans to collect post-consumer waste, that is food from guest plates in restaurants, once settled in to the new facility system.  
  
• Materials are transported from restaurants and various areas of the estate to the new facility for processing.

• Biltmore is using an aerated static pile system. This means air is actively being pumped through the piles of compost to keep the bacteria breaking down the waste active. This keeps the piles of compostable material hot to encourage decomposition.
  
• The result? A more consistent, labor efficient product that can be produced in less than half the time than traditional compost methods.

• In the first month of production (most of the month of May 2023), the facility processed:
  • 12,820 pounds of food waste from restaurants
  • 36,200 pounds of manure from the estate’s Equestrian Center and Farmyard
  • Produced nearly 25 tons of finished compost

• Finished compost product is spread on crop fields, livestock pastures and turf and gardens, reducing the need for fertilizer.

• This project follows in George Vanderbilt’s original vision of a self-sustaining estate. It also follows the estate landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted’s, insight to use animal manures to restore poor depleted soil on the estate grounds. Biltmore is staying true to the historical vision for the estate, while also looking toward the future. 

• Corporate social responsibility is an area of focus in a 10-year strategic plan for the estate, and composting is a vital part of the estate’s long-term sustainability vision. The composting program is part of our waste reduction strategy to reduce Biltmore’s waste stream and the amount of material sent to the landfill.

When George Vanderbilt began planning his grand estate in Asheville, N.C., his vision was twofold. First, he wanted to create a place where he could relax and entertain friends and family. Biltmore House was at the center of this plan.

Second, 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 scientific forestry program and the beginning of a family focus on the environment.

Biltmore’s team continues to honor his vision today by acting as good stewards of its land, forest, and livestock resources. Here are some highlights of our sustainability efforts here at Biltmore:

Estate Composting
In the early years of Biltmore, Frederick Law Olmsted recommended that George W. Vanderbilt use manure to fertilize and restore the depleted farmland he had purchased in Asheville. More than a century later, Biltmore’s teams operate a state-of-the-art composting facility that serves a vital role in converting waste into valuable, usable products to be used across our 8,000-acre estate.

Cultivating Hydroponic Greens
Biltmore currently grows almost a dozen varieties of lettuce and other leafy greens in the estate hydroponic greenhouse. The benefits of hydroponics are undeniable. In addition to higher and more consistent yields, the system is more efficient in protecting plants from pests and uses less water than standard field irrigation.

Rotational Grazing… and Working Goats
Land is one of Biltmore’s most valuable resources, and to help preserve it more sustainably, larger pastures for livestock are divided into smaller paddocks with animals rotated through them every few days.

The practice of rotational grazing is a prime example of sustainability, allowing plants more time to regrow and replenish from their root systems, increasing the quality and quantity of on-site foraging, and increasing soil health for better agricultural outcomes.

Additionally, Biltmore’s herd of working goats eats invasive plant species such as autumn olive and porcelain berry. They are especially useful in keeping steep slopes trimmed and tidy, allowing maintenance crews to take on other projects and reducing some diesel fuel usage in equipment.

Protecting Pollinators
Biltmore has also embarked on an effort to support the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) by planting native milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) to provide vital habitat for this threatened species. Milkweed is the only plant on which monarchs lay their eggs—and it is the only plant that their young caterpillars eat before transforming into beautiful orange and black butterflies.

In becoming a certified Monarch Waystation, Biltmore’s hope is that as the monarchs’ path of migration takes them through Asheville and the mountains of western North Carolina on their way to Mexico, Biltmore can encourage growth in their waning populations.

Harnessing Solar Energy
Along with the sustainability initiatives noted above, Biltmore has implemented a multi-acre solar panel system designed to offset a portion of the estate’s energy needs, even on cloudy days. These panels provide up to 20% of the estate’s energy needs when online. Sheep occasionally graze in the solar fields, keeping the land agricultural.

Practicing Sustainability through Corporate Social Responsibility
In addition to these sustainability practices, Biltmore encourages employees to become members of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Team that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling for the estate.

From the efforts mentioned here to so many more, you’re invited to learn more about our ever-growing program of sustainable estate practices as we work to be great stewards of the land—just as George Vanderbilt intended.

Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Washington, Dale Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. After graduating in 1965, Chihuly enrolled in the first glass program in the country, at the University of Wisconsin. He continued his studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established the glass program and taught for more than a decade. In 1968, after receiving a Fulbright Fellowship, he went to work at the Venini glass factory in Venice. There he observed the team approach to blowing glass, which is critical to the way he works today. In 1971, Chihuly cofounded Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State. With this international glass center, Chihuly has led the avant-garde in the development of glass as a fine art. His work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide. He has been the recipient of many awards, including two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and thirteen honorary doctorates.

Chihuly has created more than a dozen well-known series of works, among them Cylinders and Baskets in the 1970s; Seaforms, Macchia, Persians, and Venetians in the 1980s; Niijima Floats and Chandeliers in the 1990s; and Fiori, Glass on Glass, and Rotolo in the 2000s. He is also celebrated for large architectural installations. In 1986, he was honored with a solo exhibition, Dale Chihuly: Objets de Verre, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Palais du Louvre, in Paris. In 1995, he began Chihuly Over Venice, for which he created sculptures at glass factories in Finland, Ireland, and Mexico, then installed them over the canals and piazzas of Venice.

In 1999, Chihuly started an ambitious exhibition, Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem; more than 1 million visitors attended the Tower of David Museum to view his installations. In 2001, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London curated the exhibition Chihuly at the V&A. His lifelong fascination for glasshouses has grown into a series of exhibitions within botanical settings. The Garden Cycle began in 2001 at the Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, and continued at several locations, among them the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, in 2005 and 2019; the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, in 2006 and 2017; and Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, in 2021.

Chihuly has shown his work in solo exhibitions at museums including the de Young Museum, San Francisco, in 2008; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 2011; Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, in 2012; Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, in 2013; Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, in 2016; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, in 2017; Groninger Museum, Groningen, the Netherlands, in 2018; and Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum, Naples, Florida, in 2020. Chihuly Garden and Glass, a major long-term exhibition, opened in Seattle in 2012.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 20, 2023) – “A Biltmore Christmas,” a new, original movie for Hallmark Channel filmed on the grounds of Biltmore, will premiere Sunday, Nov. 26, 8 p.m. ET/PT as part of the network’s annual Countdown to Christmas programming event.

“A Biltmore Christmas” stars Bethany Joy Lenz (“Good Sam,” “An Unexpected Christmas”) and Kristoffer Polaha (“We Wish You a Married Christmas,” “Jurassic World: Dominion”).

The movie was filmed in January 2023 on the grounds of Biltmore and inside Biltmore House. Biltmore has been home to many productions through the years, but “A Biltmore Christmas” marks the first time Biltmore itself serves as the movie setting. Dustin Rikert served as executive producer, and Andrew Gernhard served as producer. John Putch directed from a script by Marcy Holland.

Director of Destination Entertainment and Events at Biltmore, Travis Tatham, worked with the film crew throughout the production. “We are so excited for Biltmore and Hallmark fans to see this movie,” said Tatham. “Having observed the production and seeing the attention to detail taken, we think people will be enchanted by the story and how it unfolds within the setting of Biltmore, especially during the Christmas season.”

A special treat for guests visiting during Christmas at Biltmore, which begins on Nov. 3, the Library in Biltmore House will be decorated with a 1940s-era theme, paying homage to a major plot line in the movie.

About “A Biltmore Christmas”

Sunday, Nov. 26: Premieres at 8 p.m. ET/PT

Stars: Bethany Joy Lenz (“Good Sam”), Kristoffer Polaha (“A Winning Team”), Jonathan Frakes (“Star Trek: Picard”), Robert Picardo (“Star Trek: Voyager”)

Lucy Hardgrove (Lenz) is a screenwriter who lands the job of a lifetime when she’s hired to pen the script for a remake of the beloved, holiday movie classic, His Merry Wife!, which was filmed in 1947 at beautiful, historic Biltmore House.  When the head of the studio isn’t satisfied with the ending Lucy wrote because it deviates from the original’s feel-good conclusion, he sends Lucy to Biltmore Estate for research and inspiration.  While there, she unwittingly discovers the ability to travel to the 1947 set of His Merry Wife! through the help of an hourglass.  While on set, she and Jack Huston (Polaha), one of the film’s stars, spend time together and become close.  But her sudden appearance has set off a chain of events that put the production in jeopardy.  Before she can return to the present, Lucy must make things right or threaten to alter the future forever.

Excitement around “A Biltmore Christmas”

“A Biltmore Christmas” took 15 days to film at Biltmore and other areas around western North Carolina. Nearly 8,000 people applied to appear in the movie as extras, but only 300 were selected. Many of the extras are local to Asheville. According to Hallmark Media, this was the largest number of applications they have received for their productions.

For encore airings of “A Biltmore Christmas,” visit the Hallmark Movie Checklist app or visit hallmarkchannel.com.

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About Biltmore

Established in 1895 in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. In addition to Biltmore House, the 250-room French château known as America’s Largest Home, this beloved National Historic Landmark includes 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds. Comprised of managed forests and farmland, a working vineyard, 20+ miles of nature trails, Antler Hill Village and its shops, restaurants, and award-winning Winery, the estate also features such splendid overnight accommodations as a four-star Inn, a charming hotel, and a distinctive collection of private cottages. All this, plus seasonal exhibitions, outdoor activities, and live entertainment make Biltmore a one-of-a-kind destination.

Privately owned and maintained by his descendants, Biltmore remains true to George Vanderbilt’s original vision: a self-sustaining Blue Ridge Mountain estate and a luxurious retreat amid year-round natural beauty. Whether as a day trip or multi-night getaway, to experience Biltmore is to experience a legacy of gracious hospitality, timeless elegance, and an inspired sense of wonder. To learn more about Biltmore, go to Biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE.

• Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George Washington Vanderbilt III. It is a National Historic Landmark.

• Biltmore welcomes more than 1 million guests each year, and is one of North Carolina’s most visited attractions.

• Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, Biltmore House – America’s largest privately owned home – is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, and houses the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. It measures approximately 175,000 square foot, or – roughly – the size of four football fields stacked on top of one another.

• Construction of Biltmore House began in 1889. It took six years and 1,000 workers to build it. It officially opened to Vanderbilt’s friends and family on Christmas Eve 1895. This was his primary residence, and for the first three years he lived in the house he was a bachelor.

• George Vanderbilt married Edith Stuyvesant Dresser in 1898. The couple had one child, Cornelia Vanderbilt.

• The family was known for their gracious hospitality, and opened their home to friends and family for long, extended stays. George and Edith were consummate hosts, and planned every aspect of their guests’ visits, from menu planning to excursions out on the property to lavish parties and events.

• In 1914, George Vanderbilt passed away at age 51. He left behind the sprawling estate and Biltmore House to his widow Edith. She and daughter Cornelia continued to live in the house for many years.

• In 1924, Cornelia Vanderbilt married the Honorable John Francis Amherst Cecil. The couple had two sons. They lived in Biltmore House.

• In 1930, the Cecils opened Biltmore House to limited public tours for the first time. Biltmore has been open to the public ever since.

• Descendants of George Vanderbilt continue to own and operate Biltmore to this day.

• Today, Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Original acreage of the estate was around 125,000 acres.

• Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate; Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division.