Biltmore - Asheville
For a native West-Coaster, exploring the East Coast is like exploring a different world. The trees have different names, the architecture seems historic and classical, even the culture has a different air. Asheville feels like it’s a bit of an oasis, like a secret that no one knows about. And… what is Asheville known for? Well, most famously… “America’s Largest Home®,” Biltmore. If you are interested in learning about the back story, the history, the way that one rose to fame back in the late 1800’s… this is the place to be.
With Biltmore, there is incredible care, intention, and detail put in to making sure guests are well versed in the beautiful tale of the Vanderbilt family and their legacy when one departs.
A trip to Biltmore should most definitely start with a self-guided tour of the grand, lovely, historic mansion. You hear the true stories in your ear as you walk through the house. You see the vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and art displayed as if it were the exact space the Vanderbilt’s were living in back then. I’m talking, real art by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent. A library with 22,000 volumes of books. A large Banquet Hall with 70-ft ceilings. The mansion has 65 fire places, and yet, was constructed in such a grand way that… it still stands today! George and Edith Vanderbilt knew how to live with pure class and luxury.
In the early 1970’s, George Vanderbilt’s grandson William A.V. Cecil started experimenting with vineyards and winemaking at Biltmore. With French-American hybrid grapes (in sight of the home), they began bottling vintages from the estate.
Cecil even traveled to France learn more and to up their wine-game. Biltmore has now grown several varietals including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, and Viognier, which all grow well on the estate.
With great wine, Biltmore’s estate knew they needed a great way to share it with the millions who visit Biltmore every year and created a whole Antler Hill Village, complete with dining, shopping, exhibits, and more.
Oh, and there are complimentary tastings!
Dasha and I were able to join in on the Red Wine &Chocolate Tasting. The host was an incredibly knowledgeable somm and the chocolate was from French Broad Chocolate Factory in Asheville (love that they are supporting local businesses!)
You can stay several places throughout the property, but if you want immediate access to the Dining Room at Biltmore (a Forbes 4-star restaurant), then definitely have a look at staying at the Inn at Bitmore Estate.
Speaking of the restaurant, it was without a doubt the most amazing meal I’ve had in a very long time. You could spend hours just tasting their incredible appetizers. Everything is truly of the utmost class and professionalism.
