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out of town: christmas at the biltmore

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In Charlotte,  the holiday season can be characterized by cold, brisk evenings; bright, sunny days (with the occasional unseasonably warm 70 degree December day here and there, thanks global warming), and weekends and evenings filled with Christmas parties, ugly sweaters, and movie marathons (did I mention I am so glad that school has finally stopped ruining Christmas for me!). Once Halloween passes, Christmas lights begin to twinkle and illuminate the streets of Plaza Midwood, Josh Groban croons and Mariah Carey belts through the radio on my way to work, and Santa makes an appearance at the local mall. But there’s one thing that reminds me that Christmas is quickly coming in Charlotte–every time I turn on the TV I am almost guaranteed to hear “it was last night at Biltmore.” (I’m sure most of you in Charlotte or Western North Carolina know what I’m talking about!)

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score: 8.5
spending: $$$$
neighborhood: asheville, nc
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[googlemaps https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=biltmore&sll=38.003386,-79.420925&sspn=5.089531,9.261475&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&t=m&ll=35.540887,-82.552299&spn=0.055872,0.068321&z=12&output=embed&w=200&h=200]

We headed to Asheville on a Saturday in early December to see the magic of the Biltmore at Christmastime. It was my first time visit to the Biltmore; so we had big plans to spend the whole day—wandering the gardens and conservatory; touring the winery and of course, some wine tasting, making a brief stop in Asheville for some dinner, and then capping the day off with a evening candlight tour of the home.

We arrived, and I could already tell it was going to be extravagantly and magically decorated. The welcome center was decked out; and had gorgeous wreaths, garlands and trees with all the bells and whistles throughout (and man, did it only get better from there). We were prepared for the crowds; we bought tickets in advance and made sure our virtuous patience was ready to go, but really, it could have been much worse. While there were crowds, the lines were not ever unbearable; I never felt that my personal space was being invaded, and the staff was able to maneuver all the people smoothly, almost without a hitch (props to them!).

It was a gorgeous day for our visit; cool and crisp, but toasty in the bright sun spots. We started with a stroll around the house and grounds; there were traces of fall in the gardens, gorgeous, panoramic views of the mountains, and a variety of exotic and native plant life in the conservatory. It was fun to take it all in, explore, and imagine how beautiful it is in the spring with everything in bloom.

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After our stroll, we stopped in the Stable area for some ice cream; a root beer float and scoop of butter pecan were clearly a necessary on a chilly December day. The ice cream was sweet and hit the spot, and we were able to enjoy it on the patio under a heater. The Stables were really neat; located next to the house, the original stables were converted into food options and a few shots (and a restaurant with the tables in between the location of the original stable stalls.

After the gardens and stables, we headed to Antler Hill to visit the winery, tasting room, and animals.  We decided to hit up the winery first, then finish off with a visit to the animals (my visit to the State Fair and all of the health horror stories surrounding farm animals have made me hyper aware of hand washing). The winery was one of the day’s highlights, but also the busiest spot (everyone loves some free wine tasting). The tasting room is located in the Biltmore’s old dairy barn. We entered the tasting room through the basement, which provided a extnsive history regarding the Biltmore’s dairy production, cows, and the growth of the winery. At the end of the winding hallway, there was information about the path we just walked; we had essentially just tracked through the poop shoot! I thought it was really funny, and it was neat to learn about the “advanced technology” the estate used to keep the barn clean. The basement is now used to store reserve wines as well as has a few party rooms for events and weddings.

We had to wait a while to get up to the tasting room, but the wait was well worth it. The tasting room was firing on all cylinders and had all of the stations open. We got places at Steve’s station and it was awesome; he was knowledgeable, entertaining and funny! The Biltmore has a ton of their wines available for tasting, and we decided to go all out and try every one on the list (they also offer a tasting of their premium wines for an additional cost, but we just went for the free stuff). I’m a red wine kinda gal, but did really enjoy the Chardonnay (it was my favorite out of all the whites). Steve told us that the Chardonnay is one of their most popular sellers. I also liked that they offerred a seasonal blend, the Christmas Wine, but it was too sweet for my taste–it had hints of citrus and apricot, but just a lot of sweet. My favorite wine overall was in the red category (surprise!). The Sangiovese was delightful; it was rich and robust, and hand deep hints of oak, berries and chocolate. Definitely strong and bold! We also got a sip of the Malbec, which is a newer release from the Biltmore, and it was quite tasty. Steve gave us some tips as we went along with the tasting; and said the Malbec’s taste would build and build as we sipped, so I made sure to follow his advice and take a lot of little sips to try it out. He also told us he thought the taste could only get better with age, and if we came back next year, we would definitely like the Malbec more. It was a really fun few hours learning about the history of the winery and wine production, hanging out with Steve, and trying all of the wines!

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(some notes on our enjoyment of the wine).

After a few hours in the winery, we headed over to the farm to see the animals and the trade workers (the Blacksmith was way cool!). We didn’t have very much time there because the sun was setting and everything was closing up, but we also got to say hi to some goats and chickens.

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On our way back to the car, some traditional carolers busted out into song, so we enjoyed some Christmas tunes as the sun was setting.

Our home tour wasn’t until 8:45, so we left for a few hours to grab some food in downtown Asheville. An exploration of Asheville really deserves its own day or weekend, which will have to happen very soon! We stopped for pizza, beer and football at Asheville Brewing Company, which was super casual, delicious and fun. After scarfing down almost an entire large pizza and tasting some of their beers, we headed back to get ready for the home tour.

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The home tour was definitely the highlight of the visit; while everything else we did is included in the amdission price, the home tour is worth the ticket alone. It was my first visit and I’m so happy I got to see the home decked out for Christmas; it was really gorgeous. On top of the 72 decorated trees, lit fireplaces and dancing candles, there were musicians interspersed throughout the house, and our ears were delighted with Christmas carols from flautists, choirs, guitarists and cellos. The house was enormous, vast and beautiful; and I loved each new surprise that greeted us in every room. The banquet room had seven story ceilings, and a tree just as large decked from top to bottom. The dining room was exquisite; and adorned with two Renoir paintings hanging near the fireplace. The library reminded me of something from Beauty and the Beast–offerring up never ending knowledge from old books and a beautiful painted ceiling mural imported from Europe. The bedrooms were lavish; with golden embroidered bed spreads, rich wallpaper, and a handpainted porcelain mantal. And the bowling alley and swimming pool were a treat and a fun touch to cap off the tour (how cool would it be to have a swimming pool in your basement?!). I was mesmerized throughout; and it was so fun to imagine a life living there. Plus, with the magic of Christmas time, it was so festive and romantic. I totally recommend the candleight Christmas tour to anyone who has never been to the Biltmore, or even to those who have (my friends that have been to the Biltmore more than once say it is completely different and a new experience at Christmas time). And while I have no photos to share with you of the interior of the home (as a good rule follower shouldn’t); I wouldn’t want to ruin the beauty and experience for anyone and it’s something you definitely need to experience in person yourself.

Our visit to the Biltmore was the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit and kick off the holiday season (while the evening tour costs a bit extra, the experience is worth it and you can easily get your money’s worth by spending a day exploring). Merry, merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

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where to stay in asheville, nc: cabins in asheville, nc | off the eaten path

Monday 11th of February 2019

[…] on the property provide panoramic sights and sounds of the river (plus a view of the infamous Biltmore Estate), regular visits by wildlife, fully equipped kitchens, linens and towels, TV and Internet service, […]

cynthial1956

Tuesday 11th of February 2014

I have wanted to go to the Biltmore for a very long time. I really want to go now. I think perhaps it will be our next vacation destination. I am not sure I can wait until Christmas, but it sure is tempting! I am stopping by from #SITSblogging!

Chrissie @ OTEP

Wednesday 12th of February 2014

Christmas at the Biltmore is wonderful and magical (you are really transported into this amazing winter wonderland, and the carolers are sublime). But I hear that the Biltmore is fabulous in all seasons, especially in the spring when everything is in bloom and in the fall when the leaves are changing.

It's a fabulous vacation destination, and I would highly recommend bopping around Asheville (which is a super fun city!) for a few days as well.

Courtney

Tuesday 11th of February 2014

This looks like so much fun! While this California girl is enjoying a warm winter, I'd love to make it to North Carolina someday. P.S. Great taste in wine-- Malbec is my favorite! #sitsblogging

Courtney @ Little Miss MBA

Christine

Monday 10th of February 2014

I found your blog from #SitsBlogging and I too have been to the Biltmore and fell in love! It was gorgeous! I'm going to have to check out the brewery next time we are in town, my husband would love it!

Chrissie @ OTEP

Monday 10th of February 2014

Hi Christine,

I love Asheville, it's a wonderful place. I am hoping to see the Biltmore in the Spring (I hear the flowers are beautiful!) or in the fall with the leaves changing. And the breweries are a must do when in Asheville. Thanks for stopping by!

(I also noticed you're from Atlanta...ATL is definitely on my list to come check out soon!)

out of town: asheville brewing company | Off The Eaten Path: Charlotte Food and Restaurant Reviews

Wednesday 8th of January 2014

[…] early December, we headed to Asheville to spend a magical Christmas day at the Biltmore. A day of grounds walking, ice cream eating, wine tasting, and animal petting works up an appetite, […]

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