Birthday at the Biltmore Part Two: Espresso, Touring & Wine Tasting!

Happy Wednesday! It seems like forever since I’ve posted, but I’ve had a pretty hectic couple of days. I do have some great news though! My brother is officially back on U.S. soil! Thank you Lord for bringing my brother safely home and Thank you, T.C., for your service!

I guess I should finish up my amazing birthday weekend at the Biltmore before I post anything else! We headed to the big and beautiful Biltmore mansion after having lunch at Cedric’s Tavern.  Driving around the 125,000 acre grounds was breathtaking. The landscape was designed by the same man who designed New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted. George Vanderbilt, owner of the home, was born in New York so it makes since to hire a New York native. On the drive, you get to see lakes, rivers, and mountains. I can see why they chose to put the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. George Vanderbilt visited Asheville in 1888 and fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains. He thought it would be the perfect place to plant his country home, and a year later he started the construction.

Located in the stable area of the Biltmore, there are little shops for souvenirs, bathrooms, food, and more! The Biltmore has a permanent Christmas shop too. I can’t wait to go there for Christmas next year.

The stable has the old original brick floors.

We stopped at the Bake Shop to have coffee before heading into the Biltmore for the tour.

I was so close to buying one of these little macaroons because they are my favorite! I decided to save my appetite for wine and dinner.

I stuck with an espresso drink.

The Bake shop was adorable and smelled amazing when you walked in. Bath & Body need to get a candle out with a Coffee & Pastry scent.

I had their soy vanilla latte with four shots of espresso.

Beer photo bomb.

Dom ordered a pretzel in the courtyard. There is so much to eat and all kinds of cuisine on the Biltmore Estate.

 

I loved the lion statues. Do you notice Lion statues on the property of expensive homes? A lot of cultures put Guardian lions in their front yards to represent the strength and pride of the home. Some believe they scare away evil. I think they look pretty fancy.

I tried to find photos of the home hundreds of years ago with the Lions in them but failed. I couldn’t find many “up close” photos of the home.

One of my favorite features of the Biltmore’s landscape is the Wisteria Vines. They look like an imagination from a fairytale.

The garden’s were filled with statues overlooking the mountain scenery.

I can’t wait to see the Italian Garden in bloom this year!

The view from the Biltmore’s front porch.

The Biltmore’s backyard over looks a gorgeous pond.

There are so many events held here at the Biltmore, especially weddings. I can see why! Look at that view.

The indoor tour was so fun and full of history. You get to walk around with a little personal tour guide control. You hit the numbers that fit the room you’re in and a story of the room will be told. If you do visit the Biltmore, you must do an indoor tour. It’s breathtaking and kind of funny.

There were so many rooms and some where so pointless! We got to go through the old gym, the basement, the swimming pool, the servants corridor, dining rooms, smoking rooms, bedrooms, etc. The interior was extravagant. The fireplaces were tripled! If you can, google “interior of biltmore” to see what I’m talking about!

I can see why they call them the “Blue Ridge Mountains.”

The Italian Garden is gorgeous. Wisteria vines surround the walkway.

Are you fan on Downton Abbey? They were having an exhibit with their costumes at the Biltmore while I was there. I’m not a fan of the show, but my mom is and she was extremely jealous when I told her. I still need to watch that show.

After leaving the house, we headed back out to the gardens for one last walk around before WINE TASTING!

This spring, I am going to horseback riding at the Biltmore!

And this summer I am going to go water rafting! There is an endless amount of things to do there.

There were lanterns lit in the upstairs tower of the Biltmore.

Front of the Biltmore

Nature all around the Estate

We left the Biltmore and headed to the Biltmore’s little village. I saw this cute couple and their dog sitting by the pond. The Biltmore grounds are very pet friendly. I wished I lived closer because I would go running there everyday.

I’m like a little kid when it comes to petting zoo’s. I darted for the furry ones!

This little girl reminded me of myself when I was a little girl. I had a coat just like that!

This donkey and I had a stare down for a good five minutes. After I left, he had a HEE HAW episode. Ever heard a donkey make it’s signature noise?…it’s hilarious.

The two horses were gorgeous! They reminded me of my play toys as a kid.

We went into the barn to pet the chickens and the goats!

I don’t know why, but goats are hilarious. They kind of act like Mr. Grumples.

There were two pregnant goats.

 

The little village where Cedric’s Tavern is has an ice cream shop, restaurants, and their outdoor activity office.

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY…THE WINERY!

The winery was built in 1971. You go through a long tunnel to get to the winery.

The line was pretty long, but wine is always worth the wait.

Finally! The WINE TASTING! First, you start with the sweet wines and then the red wines. I had several favorites. You know how hard this post is to right without grabbing a glass of wine? Ugh.

My favorite of the white wines was the Century White which was balanced with floral aromas and hints of honey citrus.

My favorite of the rose wine’s was the Zinfandel Blanc De Noir which was crisp with a tropical fruit aroma and berry flavors. I’m saving that bottle for my mom.

My favorite red and overall favorite wine was the house red. It was sweet and fruity. It was made with blackberry and vanilla. It wasn’t overly sweet but sweet enough! I bought two bottles of that.

After trying 18 out of 24 wine’s, it’s safe to say…I’m officially a wine connoisseur.

Everything was starting to get blurry.

I also bought Tempranillo. It was a dry red wine with fig aromas.

I’m good on wine for a while.

 

We made reservations for dinner at a French restaurant for eight and so we had some time to kill, and what better way to do so than with a glass of wine? I loved the house red and so I ordered some from the winery’s bar!

I have part three: french restaurant coming up next! Someone tries DUCK for the first time in their life…