Have you ever wandered around the grandeur of Biltmore Estate and then treated yourself to a glass of wine at their winery? If not — it’s absolutely worth adding to your Asheville must‑do list.
🏰 From Gilded‑Age Mansion to Wine Estate
The Biltmore Estate began as the dream of George Washington Vanderbilt II. Between 1889 and 1895, he commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to build what would become the largest privately owned home in the U.S. — the iconic Biltmore House with 250 rooms, many fireplaces, a grand Banquet Hall, library, and a vast collection of art and antiques.
Surrounding the house: thousands of acres of landscaped gardens, woodlands, and rolling Blue Ridge‑Mountain vistas, all planned in part by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Over the decades, the estate has evolved — but one thread remained: a love of the land, of beauty, and of hospitality. That tradition found its next chapter in wine.
🍇 Grapes, Vines & The Rise of the Winery
Though wine was always part of life here — Vanderbilt filled the original wine cellar in the early 1900s — the idea of a vineyard didn’t take hold until the early 1970s.
In 1971, William A.V. Cecil, Vanderbilt’s grandson, planted the first vines — French‑American hybrids — just below the mansion. Later, under the guidance of a sixth‑generation French winemaker, the vineyard expanded and moved to its current location on the estate’s west side, with roughly 150 acres planted with vinifera grapes.
By 1983, the estate established the Biltmore Estate Wine Company, converting the original dairy barn into a full winery. It opened to the public in 1985 — and has grown into a true working winery, producing over 150,000 cases of handcrafted wines annually.
🍷 What to Expect: Wines, Tastings & Wine Bar
At the Biltmore Winery you’ll find:
- A robust wine portfolio — reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, crafted from estate-grown grapes and select partner vineyards when needed.
- Complimentary tastings in their beautifully appointed indoor Tasting Room, where you can sample a variety of wines — from crisp whites to bold reds.
- A charming indoor/outdoor Wine Bar, perfect for enjoying a glass with light snacks or artisan cheeses and truffles.
Wines like their Estate Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, and sparkling selections offer something for every palette — from first‑time wine drinkers to seasoned enthusiasts.
🌟 Why Now’s a Great Time to Visit
The holiday season at Biltmore is truly magical. With festive décor, twinkling lights, and the historic house decked out in holiday splendor, visiting during the holidays feels like stepping into a storybook.
And, if you’ve been waiting for Biltmore Village to come back fully online, good news — it’s reopening, making the whole Estate + Village + Winery experience available again for friends, families, and travelers alike.
And, if you’ve been waiting for Biltmore Village to come back fully online, good news — it’s reopening, making the whole Estate + Village + Winery experience available again for friends, families, and travelers alike.
Whether you’re touring the mansion, strolling the gardens, or ending the day with a glass of handcrafted wine — or two — it’s an experience that blends history, beauty, and indulgence.
🍷 What Others Say (In Reviews & Feedback)
- Guests often highlight the complimentary tasting as a “must-do,” praising the variety — from fresh whites and rosés to full-bodied reds — and the friendly, knowledgeable wine hosts.
- Many mention the wine bar + truffles/cheese pairing as a perfect end to a day exploring the estate — especially during the holiday season when the winery is decked out and cozy.
- Reviewers appreciate the consistency and quality of Biltmore wines — crafted with attention and respect for the land and tradition.
🌄 Final Thoughts
If there’s one Asheville experience that combines history, landscape, indulgence, and a little bit of magic — especially this time of year — it’s a visit to Biltmore Estate and a stop at the Biltmore Winery. Pour a glass. Raise a toast to the past, the present, and the simple joys of wine among Blue Ridge hills.
So — when are you going?
