Discover the history and uncover the secrets behind the Vanderbilt Estate and those who lived, worked and visited one of America’s largest 18th century homes.
Whether you choose to guide yourself through the immaculate home, take an audio guided tour, or one of the Biltmore’s guided specialty tours, you can unravel what made this architectural and historical wonder a beloved home throughout your hour and a half tour.
A Look Inside
Throughout the tour explore four floors of authentic 18th century clothing, accessories, furnishings and other priceless objects that bring out the Biltmore House’s personality.
With original artwork by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent, a spectacular library with a collection of 10,000 books and an indoor swimming pool, George Vanderbilt thought of all the finest luxuries when he built his home.
Don’t Miss Out on the Heart of the Home!
The Louis XV Room is arguably the heart of the Vanderbilt home and is not to be missed. The birthplace of two Vanderbilt generations, the Louis XV Room served as the birthplace for the Vanderbilt’s only daughter Cornelia, who later gave birth to her own two sons in the same room.
Biltmore Gardens
The Biltmore Gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted are spread across the estate and comprised of seven themed gardens; Olmsted made it possible to see the beauty in nature regardless of the season through his talent and creativity. From ancient trees to the all American Rose Garden, the horticultural experts work year round to ensure the Biltmore grounds and gardens are kept to the highest of standards.
Azalea Garden
The Azalea Garden was started by Chauncey Beadle in the late 1800s and at 15 acres is currently the largest garden at the Biltmore Estate. Today you can find thousands of soft pink, purple and white azaleas, some native while others hybrid.
The Conservatory
Tropical plants, exotic palms, fragrant flowers and oriental orchids fill the impressive glass Biltmore Conservatory. A symbol of luxury in the 1800s, the Conservatory is open 365 days a year and provides its guests with a warm, cheerful atmosphere on cold, winter days.
Italian Garden
Just like an open-air room, Olmsted intended the Italian Garden to be a place that could easily transition from a space for reflection and relaxation to a vibrant space where festivities could be held and games could be played. The 3 symmetrical pools, traditional Italian art and manicured lawns embellish Italian culture.
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden sits at the end of the Wallad Garden and features roses from the end of the 19th century as well as a variety of modern roses, in total there are 1,400 varieties. Explore traditional garden structures as you take in the sweet scent and bright colors of the roses.
Spring Garden
The Spring Garden comes to life when it is in full bloom. Shrubs and bushes placed throughout the garden come in all shapes and sizes and look as though they have been dusted with bright yellow, white and purple snow. Don’t miss out on the Dove Tree, situated on the eastern side of the garden. Its branches droop down with beautiful white flowers during the month of May.
Shrub Garden
The four-acre Shrub Garden is home to over 500 woody plants, shrubs and trees. Secluded paths wind through the Shrub Garden making it the perfect place for a quiet walk on a brisk, autumn afternoon.
Wallad Garden
While the Wallad Garden was originally intended to be a mixed plot featuring flowers, fruit and vegetables, it became a garden filled with symmetrical flower beds arranged in ingenious patterns and trellises crawling with vines. Tulips, daffodils and hyacinth bloom in the spring. The summer brings perennials that create colorful borders. In the fall you can find chrysanthemums that echo winter is on its way.
Discover Antler Hill Village and Winery
Connecting the past to the present, Antler Hill Village and Winery is a relaxing village with entertainment for all. You can dine at fine eateries, taste exciting wines and discover the unique goods that the estate shops have to offer.
Rejuvenate at one of Antler Hill’s Eateries
Indulge in a full meal or have something light, Antler Hill Village and Winery offers something for everyone.
The Bistro
The Bistro uses fresh, local ingredients. Whether you try one of their wood-fired pizzas, or succulent steaks is up to you.
Cedric’s Tavern
Cedric’s Tavern is another restaurant that can be found in the village and offers authentic pub food and global cuisine. If you’re looking to unwind, Cedric’s is known to come to life at night with vibrant entertainment.
Creamery
The Creamery is the perfect place for gourmet snacks .Coffee, fresh deserts and other goodies for those who have a sweet tooth are available at the Creamery.
The Smokehouse
Serving sandwiches, light snacks and their famous Carolina barbeque, the Smokehouse is the ideal place to stop for lunch.
The Biltmore Winery
Whether you’re interested in sampling complimentary wine, taking a tour of the winery and learning about its history, or sipping a glass of the signature wine with your lunch or dinner, the Biltmore Estate is proud of it winery, and is something you must see on your trip to the estate.Once a dairy barn, the Biltmore Winery was opened to the public in 1985, its grapes grown right on the westside of the estate. 250 tons of Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are all handpicked each harvest to make the finest bottles of Biltmore wine.
Take a Tour, Taste the Wine
Explore the wine cellars and learn about the artistic and scientific abilities it takes to make the best wine. In the tasting room, Biltmore hosts guide you through a wine tasting session that will help you appreciate the significance of each wine. Sparkling grape juice is available to sample as an alternative to the wine.
Shopping at the Estate
The Vanderbilts took pride in decorating their home and filling it with wonders they found throughout the world, and the estate’s shops make it possible for you to take home your own treasures. Shops can be found at Antler Village and the Biltmore House and Gardens.
Antler Village Shopping
The shops at Antler Village allow you to take something away from your experience at the estate. Let the Mercantile take you back in time as you sample old-fashioned candy and explore Appalachian crafts and dry goods. Traditions is home to products and accents inspired by Mrs. Vanderbilt. Wine connoisseur or not, the Wine Shop allows you to experience the distinctive taste of Biltmore wine and take home gourmet food and accessories to go with it.
Biltmore House and Gardens Shopping
Whether you’re interested in an artifact found in the Biltmore home or looking for the perfect souvenir, the shops at Biltmore House and Gardens offer everything. From Bookbinder’s which carries a selection of books similar to the Vanderbilt collection, to Carriage House, filled with authentic decorations and furnishings for the home, to A Gardener’s Place which welcomes you to browse through estate-grown plants, books on gardening, garden accessories and more, Biltmore House and Garden has shops you won’t find anywhere else.