Biltmore Estate Winery

I recommend trying Uncorked Wine Tasting, a private experience that allows you to skip the line. It costs $20 per person and is definitely worth it! We enjoyed sampling five different wines of our choice in a relaxed setting, with no others around and no rush. Ramon is the ideal wine guide!

The most visited winery in the US. Or world. Cannot remember. But when you get a ticker to the winery when you tour the Biltmore Estate, no wonder why! The line for free tasting was super long so we went to the wine bar. The servers were fun and informational and helpful. We enjoyed the wine and atmosphere and bought two bottles to take with us. A great way to end the day at the Biltmore.

I've visited the Biltmore many times, but have never taken the time to stop into the winery. They are strict about having a physical ID to sample the wine. My partner forgot his, but he was a good sport about "sampling" their selection of sparkling grape juice. It may be a bit boring for kids, but the bottomless sparkling grape juice and oyster crackers may be enough to satisfy them. The vibe was great, especially walking through the tunnels and getting to read about the history. This is the perfect place to escape on a hot summer day!

Even at the end of the day, when the employees have likely had their fill of tourists, the staff are still smiling and gracious. This is a review from a local (North Asheville) who is a season’s passholder. The winery is a wonderful (and well-organized) part of Biltmore. This is really a generous tasting, with five pores, and often something a little extra if they have something special going on. For example, last time we were there, they let us taste a special white and a special red. They are always rotating special wines in and out of the collection. Pro tip: We had always entered the winery from an entrance to the shop, and, just recently, after all these years, discovered the winery entrance that leads through the tunnel with the twinkling lights. What a treat! It’s been unseasonably hot in Asheville, and it was so nice to walk into this cool tunnel with the twinkling lights and feel the darkness of the earth and the coolness, and then at the end of the tunnel… Voilà! There’s a wine tasting! We became season passholders so that we could go picnicking and walking and enjoy the grounds and the gardens and then a Chihuly exhibit came along and that was lovely to see as well. Our kids loved running around the gardens. Lately, we renew the passes when friends come to town and they want to go to the Biltmore for Christmas or just to tour it, and it makes sense for us to renew it to then get discounts because we all want to go together! Then we forget about coming to the Biltmore for a while until someone is visiting and we think “Gee, this is actually a really beautiful place with a beautiful gardens” and then we start going on a regular basis, and it’s so nice to be able to go for a free wine tasting each time we visit! After the tour, there’s an opportunity to buy the wine in the wine shop (the large, actually very large, wine shop). I do love that they have trinkets and some local pottery and glasses and… Did I mention it was a very very large wine shop? Are things a bit overpriced in the wine shop? potentially. Because it is all branded with Biltmore, but we get a discount since we are season pass holders. I recently took my daughter, and it was so fun to taste the wine with her and to enjoy this experience. In the past, we took her as a child, and we would picnic with local friends and several of our friends had horses they boarded there etc., but she was never old enough to go to the wine tasting, so it was so fun for her to visit from college and to bring her back to Biltmore, but for a more adult experience! She felt very sophisticated. And again, Our server was super patient, even though we were clearly her last group of the day. I’ve had friends that work there, and I know it’s difficult standing on your feet all day and the demands of working at Biltmore can be big. So, I appreciate the smiles and sweetness and they never rush me, no matter how late I am, because, frankly, by the time my workday is done, I get to the Biltmore winery just as they are closing. Thanks to everyone at the winery for their patience! I don’t take wine tasting too seriously; I lived in San Francisco for many years, and learned not to take it seriously in Sonoma, ironically, but I also hear our server having to navigate some folks from out of the town or out of the country and they are a bit snobby and/or confused and/or demanding. We always leave a nice tip. Please consider leaving a tip!

I love the winery and the rotation of the wines they offered to the guests. I've been many times. My only feedback is to get the coolers working better so the temperature of the wines are better on the pours. Any good wine person knows that makes a difference in the taste. Same thing at the wine bar. I had to return a glass that was literally warm and it was a rosé. This wasn't the first time this has happened which is why I'm bringing it forward in the review.

For my family and me, wine tasting was a first-time experience. I must say that we were incredibly impressed with how everything was organized, how the sommelier interacted with us, and how he shared fascinating details about the wines. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Of course, we couldn’t leave without taking some wine home—we ended up purchasing five bottles! And we definitely want to return because everything about the Biltmore Estate is simply breathtaking. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again. A special thank you to the staff, who take such great care of every visitor and make the entire experience truly unforgettable!

The entire experience of Biltmore was fantastic. But Maggie at the creamery knocked it out of the ballpark with customer service!!!! Berry tart warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in separate containers for two friends. She was a camp and we appreciated her willingness to accommodate. Thank you Maggie!

Throughly enjoyed our most informative wine tasting with our sommelier, Sandy. We enjoyed each flavorful sip. Best of all it was complimentary as part of our Biltmore Estate admission.

Beautiful mansion and grounds! We caught the last weekend for the holiday decorations. The tour was very informative if a little long. Absolutely beautiful grounds. And the "village" was a nice stop. The winery was a pleasant surprise as we assumed it would be super sweet fruit wines. Thankfully the wines actually used grapes brought in from the west coast. This is not a super kid friendly tour - it's to long. We did see the staff assisting with a visitor in a wheelchair chair but the house and tour is definitely not friendly for anyone with mobility issues or who can't stand/walk for long periods of time.

Visiting Biltmore Estate is unforgettable at any time of year, but seeing it at Christmas is truly magical. The estate's famous artwork and historic pieces are breathtaking on their own, yet during the holidays they feel even more alive. Grand portraits, sculptures, and tapestries are perfectly complemented by elegant Christmas trees, glowing lights, and lush garlands, creating a beautiful blend of art, history, and seasonal warmth. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping into a classic holiday story--every space is thoughtfully decorated without taking away from the incredible craftsmanship and world-class art that make Biltmore so iconic. The attention to detail is extraordinary, and the Christmas atmosphere adds an extra layer of wonder and charm. Biltmore at Christmas is not just a tour; it's an experience that stays with you long after you leave. To make the visit even better, the audio tour is incredibly informative and well-paced, adding rich context and stories that truly enhance the experience. I especially loved the greenhouse!

12/30/2025 My wife and I first visited the Biltmore over 15 years ago. At that time, they were setting up the house for Christmas, and we said then that we needed to come back someday for the candlelight tour. Well, we finally did -- and wow, has the price gone up. Back then, I believe it was around $35-$40 per person to tour the house with a guide. This time, when I booked online, it was $130 per person, and that was without a guide. As you arrive at the estate, the original front gate is beautifully outlined in white lights, and there's a gift shop at the entrance decorated the same way. From there, it's a bit of a drive to the next gate where you check in, followed by an almost two-mile winding drive to the first set of parking lots. Parking is divided into Lots A, B, and C. From these lots, you walk a short distance to a building where you board a bus for the final mile to the house. There are closer parking lots, but they require a very long walk and do not have bus service. For anyone with mobility concerns, Lots B and C are the best for handicap parking. I am handicap, and we parked in Lot C for the candlelight tour and Lot B the next day to explore the grounds in daylight. Lot A doesn't seem ideal for handicap access unless the others are full. The bus drivers were excellent. Some shared stories and history about the Biltmore, while others just chatted casually, which made the ride enjoyable either way. We arrived about 45 minutes early, so we walked around the outside of the house and took photos. It was very cold, so we didn't stay out long and instead spent time in the gift shops until it was time to check in. The moment you enter the front door is truly breathtaking. The doors themselves are solid and about six inches thick. Inside, there was a small choir singing Christmas songs, which set the tone perfectly. From there, we began the tour. Every room was decorated beautifully for Christmas, with trees and decorations styled to reflect the period when the house was built. The scale of the place is incredible -- each room feels as large as, or larger than, an entire house. I could describe each room, but it would take forever. This is something you really need to experience in person. It's also fascinating to see some of the advanced features the house had for its time. My wife and I would love to return again, especially to ride our bikes around the grounds, which are just as impressive as the house itself.

The Biltmore has been on my bucket list (also, sidebar: I'm a huge Downton Abbey fan) -- so I had to see her dressed up for the holidays and in her full glory. So $132/person later. I made it, I hiked (yes, I consider it a hike), and experienced the Biltmore Estates House and Grounds Tour: Christmas Edition. The grounds are beautiful and as a history buff, I enjoyed it. From the black craftsmans' fair treatment and the novelty of it all, I'm a fan and the Vanderbilts are alright with me. It was a great self-guided tour, and the hubs and I appreciated the history (again), beautiful grounds, and the house art and architectural details. It's old, it's massive, and absolutely splendid. The Biltmore is an Asheville must-see. Now, would I visit again? Definitely not at the holiday price tag, but maybe for the rooftop tour. Cheers!

The Biltmore estate is an absolute must visit when in Asheville. It is an architectural marvel. It's amazing to hear the history of the house and to explore the beautiful grounds. I went when it was decorated for Christmas, which added to the experience. be prepared to walk a lot it's probably not a great place for somebody who has mobility issues. I would definitely come back to visit the Biltmore during a different season. Yes it is a little pricey, but it is well worth a visit.

Don't miss a chance to view the grounds and gardens at Biltmore. Unfortunately in December there wasn't a lot going on in the gardens, so we went to the Conservatory. Gorgeous orchids, unusual cacti and succulents, and lot of red blooms. If you don't want to go in the House, there's a parking lot through the gardens (can get full).

This was one of the most disappointing stops on our entire road trip. You cannot even step on the grounds for less than $85 per person and an actual ticket to the estate will run you a MINIMUM of $130 per person. We drove in to take a look and see if we could let our dog out because we had read that the grounds were dog friendly, even though the house was not. There are literally multiple employees at the gate that stop you and we were told " this is the furthest you can get without a ticket." Having never been here before, we pulled over to purchase tickets online because we were told you could buy tickets for the grounds only. $85. $85 per person. They want people to pay $85 per person to drive in and see the grounds when the brown wilted grass is pretty much the only thing visible from the gatehouse. I was genuinely shocked and then utterly disgusted. We have stopped at many grand homes and estates on our recent travels and no one charges you to stand on the grass. Especially in November when the majority of flora is sleeping or deceased. This gilded estate is jarringly disconnected from reality and in my mind does nothing more than stand as a monument to the glaring class disparities of its time and ours.

This is a historical place for Asheville. It is typically pretty crowded. The prices are pretty steep. It is owned by the Vanderbilts, which have plenty of money. The prices are so high. Literally there's a register at every end or section of the Biltmore. It's how the billionaires say wealthy. It's clean well organized. They have a variety of options of food as well as stores where you can shop at. Most items you can get anywhere but they have the. Biltmore label on there. People travel from several different states and places just to see this property. There is typically going to be a line for the establishment from November to December 31 due to being a big time of year for tourists for holiday. You can go horseback riding visit the winery shop experience the spa walk around the house and the gardens, etc.. it's a lot of walking but handicap friendly but assessable. Hope you enjoy.

The Biltmore Estate is beautiful! You can see all the care that goes into keeping the grounds clean and thriving; the lush green lawns, the amazing flowers you can see from the road, and the trees forming the thick forest-like grounds. There weren't a lot of people here, so it was very peaceful and relaxing (except for the drivers who insisted on riding up on our bumper for part of the time!). The buildings were like castles from Downton Abbey. Visiting the interior of the house was a great experience; to know that *somebody* lives this way is hard to fathom, but it was fun to see and pretend it was mine! The self-guided tour of the house was very interesting, too, and kept things moving inside. Worth a visit at least once! My very favorite part of the Biltmore Estate has to be the gardens. The flowers and other plants were so plentiful and absolutely amazing. The placement of the plants added to the beauty. Such a wonderful experience that caressed all the senses! I could've wandered their gardens all day if it was not for the heat!!

This was a very cool experience, I recommend it if you like history and like to see how rich people live. The basic tour of the grounds and the house gets you an audioguide of each room. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. We came in October and they had already decorated the house in preparation for Christmas so we saw Christmas trees and Christmas decor in almost every room. You are not able to bring big bags or drinks on property. You can bring a clear water bottle. There are also trolleys that take you from the parking lots or other locations around the property, I especially recommend taking the trolley if you walk all the way down to the conservatory and want to get back up to the house.

What a cool experience going on a tour of this estate! We got tickets for the house and grounds and it was fascinating learning about the history of the house, the estate, and the Vanderbilt family. It took us about an hour and a half to get through the house.

Visited the home and back room tour yesterday. Absolutely fantastic - the holiday decorations were awesome and we were so impressed. It is expensive, but it was a great experience and one we want to incorporate into our holiday schedule. Shout out to Gregg the tour guide on the tour of the servant areas of the home. He was very knowledgeable and a great guide.

The Biltmore Estate is very shady. I've had my annual pass for many years and it was currently set to expire in November 2025. But it was to be extended based on the issues with canceling my tickets without any communication in 2024. I've been getting notices the last few weeks to renew which seemed odd so far out. Instead of extending the yearly pass, they took months away. So my pass expired March 1, 2025. This is a first for me as other companies do not take months away from a paid year. Be very careful when dealing with this company and keep all your documentation as they do not seem above board.

Wow this place is amazing! From the house tour to the beautifully manicured grounds and gardens and ponds and wildlife u could not ask for more. The people are all extremely friendly and so are the Vanderbilt family! The restaurants there are all great setving great hot food and super drinks. We saw bear, turkey, geese, deer, horses, cows, goats and some beautiful flora and fauna! The flowers were extremely well kept. This plave is worth the price of admission and well worth a day or two of your time. What a history lesson and way to guve back to humanity! Thnx to the family and their contribution to all!

Amazing !!! We did the candlelight Christmas tour and the next day we walked the gardens . The Biltmore is simply breathtaking! Highly recommend if you've never been .

My visit to the Biltmore estate was interesting. It was not something I considered ever doing, but a friend wanted to go and I agreed to join her. I'm not sure it's something I would ever want to do again. We purchased regular admission tickets, which were incredibly overpriced IMO ($145.00 for two hours of walking in crowds), and spent a little over an hour touring the inside of the "home." The exterior was amazing, it looked like a grand and beautiful castle. And the surrounding grounds and landscape were breathtaking. What we were able to tour of the inside seemed like less than 1/3 of the interior (many areas were roped off). I noticed a few dehumidifiers and some duct pipe and thought it might be due to storm damage from last year. But the entire tour felt cold, stuffy, and claustrophobic...and just plain creepy in a lot of areas like the pool, gym, bowling lanes, servants areas, hallways, and kitchen areas. Add the massive traffic of people surrounding you and pushing through each space and it felt downright suffocating at times. It's the end of October, and they either decorated for the holidays or had begun decorating, but it still didn't feel festive or joyful inside that house, except at the entrance. I did think that many of the ceilings were pretty amazing. We did enjoy touring the shops, but we had very little time to do much more exploring, because everything was shutting down for the day. Our tour reservation spot was for 3 PM and the last trolley was departing at 5 PM. To give someone ample time to see things other than the inside of the house, they should stop selling tours three hours before closing. My favorite part of the entire experience was chatting with the wonderful lady providing wine samples in the gift shop. She was fantastic. My least favorite part of the entire experience was more terrifying than the indoor pool. I was almost plowed down by a vehicle in parking lot C as everyone was exiting the trolley to head to their vehicles. I was the first off but almost everyone had exited when I heard tires screeching and gasps/screams from other trolley passengers; it was terrifying, seeing how close the vehicle came to actually hitting me. They should really consider putting those red fold out blinking "stop arms" on their trolleys.

Always on my list to visit. Enjoyable. Audio tour included. 90 minute tour. Amazing house built in ealy 1900s. Took long time to build. Very amazing including basement pool. 100 dollars plus to visit. Includes gardens, winery, village and kid exhibits.

The moment we arrived to the welcome center to purchase tickets, the ladies at the front were so nice and answered all my questions. We didn't have a lot Of time so we asked what we should do and how we should approach since this was the first time and short on time. They helped us out so much pointing out parking lots and giving directions. The grounds at the Biltmore are just beautiful. I enjoyed walking around, truly amazing. Loved it. Next time would love to see inside.

The Biltmore is a full day experience. We toured the house, went on a special tour, saw the exhibit, and visited the winery. The house is impressive and worth the visit. Visiting at different times of year yields a new experience. Learned about the construction, history, and use of the property. But your tickets ahead of time online to save a few bucks. Factor in about 20 mins to get between the different parts of the property, between walking to the car and driving to the next parking lot.

GORGEOUS! $110/pp for the day tour, and worth every penny! There are add-on tours, which we did not opt for this time, but my father has, and he says they are definitely worth the extra money (and he is frugal, so that means ITS WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY) Stay on property, do the tour, do the extras, give them all your money. You'll have a great time.

The tour was fantastic! My group and I did the House and the Grounds and it's a whole afternoon activity. The house is flows to each room very seamlessly and tells a great story through the phones they give you when you walk in. It took my group just over an hour and that is with us kind of speeding up towards the end. The parking lots are a little bit of a walks away, but they do offer a shuttle if you park in parking lot C, that bring you right to the front. The shops are unique in their own way. I personally enjoyed the Christmas shop and they had quite a few things on sale during this time of year (Summer). Good thing to note, is that the only bathrooms are with the shops, there are none inside the house. My group and I didn't see too much of the Grounds due to time restrictions. But what I did see was very beautiful. Definitely a trip that people need to do when they visit Asheville.

A fantastic experience for those that enjoy stepping into the past and learning about architecture, or simply want to enjoy a beautiful home. The Biltmore Estate is humongous and each room of the house was artfully crafted and curated by some of the most talented people of the time. Beautiful works of art hang on the walls, the furniture and decor were all thoughtfully placed, and there are books everywhere! My favorites were the library, the suites, and kitchen/pantries. I also really enjoyed the indoor garden room and can only imagine how peaceful it must have been to be able to curl up with a book in that space. We took about 2 hours to get through the entire home, and didn't feel rushed or squeezed.

Biltmore is a great place, pretty much the United States only castle. The house always gets most of the attention but the gardens should get more as they deserve more. Everything was carefully planned so that there is always something in bloom no matter the season, even in winter...and it is spectacular. I believe the conservatory and gardens here are better than the North Carolina Arboretum which had practically nothing in bloom in April, but Biltmore....sooo many blooms everywhere. At Christmas they have a toy train running in the greenhouse conservatory up high that my kids absolutely love. I'm a huge fan of the hiking trails here as well. So much to see and do, so many places to walk. I think we got 20,000 steps for the day exploring everything. My daughter has done one of the behind the scenes tours where she got to go rooftop and she loved it. Christmas is a great time to go as the house gets a huge tree and Christmas decorations. I enjoy the winery especially the walk through the old Dairy Farm where they store all the wine. Wine tastings are free and most of the wine is inexpensive. I've tried several of the restaurants such as Cedricks Pub and the one across from the Winery that serves cheese with all of the wines. Food prices and quality are pretty good. I have never stayed on the property because it's crazy expensive, $400+ per night....just can't bring myself to pay that when I can get a great hotel room nearby for $150/night or an AirBnb for not much more. I was a member for years pre-covid when the membership price was $100 a year. Kids get in for free regardless of whether or not they are yours so you can bring your kids friends along for the adventure. Today a membership costs a little over $200 a year which is a bit much. It requires three visits to make it worth it and this cost is per adult not a family cost, so a couple would spend $400+ for a membership...it's just too high. When it was $100 I was on auto-renew and kept it all the time but once it went up I canceled it and I only renew it when I plan on going a few times in the same year.

Stunning home! Beautiful rooms furnished with classic, well preserved furniture. A great way to spend the day exploring this home and the grounds. This visit was our second and I look forward to my next visit.

The house is amazing. Its a must see. We went during the week so it wasn't crowded. We were amazed by the Tutankammen exhibit that was on site.

Okay we've all seen historical mansions and grounds. I would give this two stars only, due to the extremely high cost of admission, and little return on anything thrilling or overly interesting. The cost is more than twice what it actually should be, but of course that's my review only and everyone is entitled to spend their hard earned money how they choose.

Super rude staff wouldn't ever return, least early because of their aggressive tone. Don't go here.

The Biltmore Estate is a true gem. Yes, you do need to pay a healthy admission price; however, it's worth it if you're interested in really getting the history and understanding of this privately owned estate. I did not stay on property - stayed in the nearby Biltmore Village - but maximized my time on property. I was there all day, including lunch and dinner at restaurants on property. The self-guided, recorded tour is included in your house entry fee and it is informative enjoyable. I strongly recommend taking an early tour time slot - first because you can get a beautiful shot of the house without a lot of people in it and because I didn't really have to wait in line (and by the time I was done with my tour, the queue was quite long even with the required entry time reservation). After my house tour, I had lunch and then strolled through the gardens and pond area. After that, I drove to the winery area for some ice cream, wine tasting and exploring before dinner. Give yourself time to enjoy and take in the various views and activities on the estate grounds - you won't regret it!

An absolutely stunning moment visiting the house and the grounds. The house, even though gigantic, was warm and welcoming, you felt like you wanted to spend time in those beautiful rooms, read a book, meet with friends, play with family. The gardens and surrounding areas are stunning. I could have spent days in the green house. Everything is done with elegant taste and with the highest attention to details. It's wealth at its best.

Amazing! Nothing puts your more in the spirit than the Christmas experience at Biltmore. Yes, it is on the pricey side....and then they talk on fees to already expensive tickets, but as much as we didn't appreciate the fees, it was worth it! I did make a reservation online for the stable restaurant for lunch, however everything pointed to it being closed for lunch. My reservations were confirmed via text but something told me to call. I am glad I did because the Stable Cafe doesn't serve lunch so beware! As far as the house goes....awe-inspiring! Amazing to think of what they could do and the advancements made on this house. However, think Ghost Ship (the movie) but at Christmas. We also got lucky and got to ride on the elevator which was crazy to think it was still operational! Make sure you have time to explore and enjoy the wine tasting

The evening Christmas tour is very expensive, but if you can experience even once, it is quite the sight. Each room is meticulously detailed with Christmas decorations that represent the period. The restaurants and stores are not as well run as the house and service in those areas are spotty. But I am glad I went

Review for Ricky - Sporting Clay Host Ricky was absolutely outstanding! Super friendly and welcoming from the start, and went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. Extremely helpful, attentive, and took great care of our group throughout the experience. His professionalism and positive attitude made the day even more enjoyable. Highly recommend Ricky for anyone looking for a top-notch sporting clay host! Jamie/Sherry/Paul and Joan. Wisconsin

This is from December 2024: Had (another) great time (about our 15th time at the Estate). Was not sure what to expect after the storm hit and all the damage in Asheville, NC. We saw a lot of trees down or missing along the way and on the estate. You can see it when you enter the Estate with a building gone and one boarded up at the entrance. Some of the roads are closed but they have a great system of roads and it is easy to get around. Once we parked, we just used the shuttles at the Inn. We stayed two nights and had a suite in the beautiful Inn at Biltmore Estate. We had a great view of the winery village and could see the construction near the river. It was very cold both days, even had a dusting of snow Monday night. The first night we just hung around the Inn and had a great dinner at the Biltmore Estate Dining Room. Elijah was our waiter and he was awesome, very helpful and attentive. My wife needs Gluten Free and they had all kinds of options and were very helpful. Breakfast the next morning (and Wednesday) was the same way, many options for her. Andrea was our server at breakfast both days and was fabulous. On Tuesday, after we had breakfast, we got on the shuttle (we saw the black bear too, see another recent review from someone on our shuttle) to go to the Chihuly at Biltmore exhibit. We were there for about 90 minutes and saw a great exhibit (self guided), some amazing glass works for sure. We then went to the Biltmore house and had dinner at the Stable Cafe. Carmen was our server, very friendly and helpful. We had the short rib and pork chop and enjoyed our meal. Then we walked over to the house to watch the singers for a while before our Exclusive 90-Minute Tour: A Vanderbilt Christmas. John Bozeman (highly recommend the tour and John) was our tour guide and we got to see many behind the scenes areas of the house and rooms and hear some great stories about the house and Vanderbilt's by John. He is a great tour guide and we enjoyed the tour. We got to see some rooms on 4th floor, not used, servants quarters, go into the dining room near the fireplace, it was so much fun. On Wednesday we had breakfast and left, just a great getaway.

I bought tickets to visit Biltmore for the candle Christmas deco for Nov 13, 2025. We had to cancel due to a family illness. I have spent over 4 hours on the phone trying to reach their customer service. THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SERVICE. I wanted to donate our tickets to someone that could use them.... There was no answer just a voice saying that they really cared about my call... NOT.. They try to cast their operation as 1st class..... but without customer service........ they are, in my opinion, NOT.... Please consider my experience when considering visiting this attraction..

On my way back from Virginia, I made a spontaneous decision to visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina--a historic landmark I'd wanted to explore for years. I purchased my ticket online right from the McDonald's parking lot near the entrance, making my impromptu adventure even more exciting. The drive to the estate itself is part of the experience, winding about three miles through the grounds before reaching the mansion. You can park and walk or hop on a trolley to the main house. With the holiday season bringing chilly, damp weather, I went with the trolley, though I'd love to walk the trails in springtime to really soak it all in. I was truly impressed by my first view of this historic treasure. The trolley drops you at the front entrance where you can jump right into your tour or grab a quick bite at the outdoor café. I decided to start my tour right away, picking up the audio guide, which was incredibly helpful in navigating the overwhelming grandeur of the place. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by pure luxury. The elegant parlors, grand ballrooms, and libraries filled with hundreds of books all showcase incredible artifacts from another era. While the main rooms and exhibits are beautifully maintained, some practical amenities need attention (more on that below). The Vanderbilts clearly spared no expense when creating this family home, which took years to build. What really stayed with me were the views from the upper floor windows. Each one was thoughtfully positioned to frame the stunning mountains and natural landscape outside, like living paintings that change with the seasons. You can tell how much the Vanderbilts appreciated the beauty surrounding them. I was amazed by the basement kitchen, the surprisingly modern bathrooms (for that time period), and the indoor swimming pool for entertaining guests. Walking through the upper floors, I kept thinking about the small army of staff it must have taken to keep this massive place running. Even in winter, the gardens were absolutely gorgeous. I enjoyed my visit so much that I almost went back for a second day to get my full money's worth (which your ticket allows). If you love history and learning about influential people from the past, this place is a must-see. It's definitely worth visiting with family or friends so you can share your thoughts as you explore. Pro Tips: * Check the website ahead of time to plan your visit--it's relatively pricey, so manage your expectations * Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing--walking the grounds is no joke! * Book a place to stay ahead of time if you're not local * Plan to spend a full day (or two) there's tons to see * Explore Asheville's great food scene while you're there * Browse the gift shop on the grounds, it's worth a look * No picture taking once you are inside certain areas. Areas for Improvement: * The public restrooms were surprisingly nasty and need much more frequent cleaning throughout the day * The staff/guides providing directions and additional information could be more engaging and helpful * Parking attendants should be more proactive in helping people locate their vehicles, do so with a smile rather than a frown and not stand around with your arms folded. The Vanderbilts left behind an incredible legacy, both in America and abroad, preserved in this unforgettable estate. Their descendants deserve real appreciation for maintaining this historical treasure for all of us to enjoy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Biltmore Estate is an absolutely magnificent property in Asheville, North Carolina. You can purchase advance tour tickets online that have a reserved date and time. The Biltmore Estate includes 8000 acres and America's largest house. The grounds include an award-winning winery, two hotels, 6 huge and gorgeous gardens, a conservatory, and shops. The house has more than 178,000 square feet on three floors! The architectural design is brilliant. It is also beautifully furnished with wood and upholstered furniture, rugs, plants, and flower arrangements. It is meticulously maintained. When you start the tour, you are given an audio device that tells about every room. It is amazing! Outside there are 6 gardens and a fabulous conservatory with glass ceilings and wall-to-wall plants and flowers. A highlight of the tour for me. There are natural trails and a road that goes around some of the perimeter of the winery, lagoon, shops, and hotels. After the incredible tour, we went to the shopping area a few steps from the entrance and had an excellent lunch at the Stable Cafe at the Biltmore. The food, service, and ambience were all exceptional. If you have not been to Asheville, you should go! It is worth a trip to the gorgeous mountains of North Carolina. Seeing the Biltmore Estate is a truly awesome experience you shouldn't miss and won't forget! We loved it!

What can you say that's not positive about this fabulous American landmark, the House and Estate are meticulously maintained and the people here obviously have great pride in their position and are extremely knowledgeable about the property. We've been a few times for special events and are always satisfied. Special thanks for finding out about the reflecting pond on the House Tour where you can see the image of the house in the water. It takes a minute to see it but when you do it's hard not to appreciate the view and the foresight that went into bringing it together.

The Biltmore Estate is a historical gem in the United States and spectacular home modeled after a French chateau. Why bother to visit? Although it is quite expensive (nearly $100 for admission), you get a lot that's included in the bundled package (i.e., a self-guided audio tour of the main house, access to the gardens, and a complimentary wine tasting at the Antler Hill Village winery). The landscape and grounds by itself are spectacular. And finally, the house is exquisite and will surprise you with its elegance and scale. I believe it is the largest privately owned home in the US today on a vast estate that includes 8,000 acres of land. Here are some tips that may be useful. Plan to stay for at least 4-5 hours to enjoy the estate. 1. Arrive here at least 45 minutes before your house tour. This will allow to some time to explore the grounds without being rushed. 2. If you don't like crowds, make an online reservation for an early morning house tour at 9:30am or 10am. For parking, the B1 lot has shaded spots on the right side. The A lot is also close to the house, but is up on a hill. 3. Be sure to use the public restrooms BEFORE you go on the house tour as there are no facilities inside (the self-guided tour takes about 1 hour). There is a free set of lockers near the restrooms where you can store backpacks which are prohibited from the house. 4. During the house tour (while you are on the second floor just after you pass the music room), be sure to access the outdoor patio (look for exit doors on your right) to admire the outside view of mountains. It's easy to miss this spectacular viewpoint if you are not paying attention. 5. The gardens are to the left of the house. Take 45 minutes or more to stroll along the garden pathways to see the conservatory and flowers, azalea garden (if in season), and the spring garden. 6. After you leave the house, the exit is a one-way road that take you on a different path that weaves past the gardens, bass pond, drives along the river, and finally spills into the Antler Hill Village (where you an do a wine tasting). Remember the complimentary wine tasting is included in your admission ticket. 7. The house visit is not very kid-friendly as it focuses on history. It involves a lot of stairs and walking using the self-guided audio tour devices. If you have young kids, they may enjoy the gardens a lot more. Overall, this was well worth the trip and expense to enjoy this historical gem!

The Biltmore covers a total of 175,000 square feet, making it the largest privately owned home in the United States. There is nothing as grand or beautiful to see during the Christmas season. We were elated to support the people of Asheville and local tourism by visiting this breathtaking estate. Photos don't do it justice. We also had the opportunity to experience Chihuly at Biltmore. I've included some of my favorite photos below. Stop by to dine, witness pure grandeur, take a step back in the past and wait to be greeted by the welcoming staff. A must see and a historic treasure!

The Biltmore Estate was a wonderful place with a lot to look at and explore! The staff were very kind and welcoming, willing to help you explore and learn more about the place. We ended up having some food at the Stable Cafe after exploring the house and it was very delicious, the food was cooked well, and deliciously seasoned. Wonderful experience, would definitely visit again!

Absolutely beautiful! My mom and I went for the day to celebrate her 70th birthday! What a wonderful experience! Shout out to Terri in ticketing for being awesome! Thank you so much! What a perfect day! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a great experience in Asheville!

If you're visiting western North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is definitely worth visiting once. It's a unique, beautifully preserved historic estate that's really like taking a trip back in time. The self-guided audio tour is created very well and really lets you get a connection to the history and the people behind the place, from the owners to the architects and servants who made it all possible. The Christmas decorations all over the estate during the holiday season (November-December) are pretty, but the much higher admission fee compared to other seasons really isn't worth it. Spring or summer would probably be better times to visit. Also, while the grounds and gardens are vast and lovely, bad weather will make it a lot less enjoyable. We got lucky with an unusually warm and sunny November day, but it would be good to check the weather in advance of the day you plan to visit. The owners wanted to create their own Versailles in America, and the Biltmore shows it. My family and I visited Versailles in France many years ago, and my mother remarked that the place was so big that it would be difficult for the owner to truly enjoy it. For me, that would apply to the Biltmore too.

It's just a big ole creepy house. If you like spooky, you'll enjoy. They talk a lot on the self led tour about how they're trying to follow the original vision and have taken some liberties or don't know what some rooms would have been for but have some guesses based on xyz. But it's a luxury house for the time period and it's on an amazing piece of land. Pretty wild in that regard. Worth seeing at least once and recommend not going in the spring like me before the flowers bloom, would probably be prettier in summer or fall or at Christmas time. We went during a time when schools were there and it was unfortunate so be mindful if going during the week. Enjoy!

My favorite place to be in NC. We have been to the Biltmore house and Estate several times throughout the years and am still loving it so much. What I absolutely love is that despite the many visitors the estate it never feels overcrowded. Make sure to sip by the village after visiting the house for a bit to eat at one of their amazing restaurants or try a scoop of really tasty ice cream at the ice cream parlor.

An amazing visit! I had not been here since I was a kid with my parents. I had good memories but man this place is sooooo amazing! The house, the grounds, the gardens... everything is so over the top! Take the tour... you won't regret it. Get some ice cream from the amazing parlor. Walk the grounds and soak it all in. Spend time in the conservatory... I literally could have stayed there all day. Give yourself a whole day to enjoy! There is so much to see and take in. Breath taking... worth every minute and dollar you will spend here. A great place fir the whole family!

This place is so $$ for entrance, including a self-guided audio tour of the house (even more $$ for a guided tour) but worth it to see at least once, especially if you're into history or great houses. Very interesting looking at the rooms and the audio tour was pretty comprehensive, even showing the servants quarters. The gardens and the greenhouse were beautiful too. I saw some flowers in the greenhouse that I hadn't seen before. Great for a hike outside too. We tried the ice-cream shakes at one of their restaurants and it was pretty good too. Supposedly it's especially beautiful with the lights during the holiday season, if you want to shell out even more $$ for that. A grear place to take pictures too. They do take pictures when you first get there, although we passed. on buying ours since it was rather pricy and kind of blurry, even though they offered to retake it for us. They are also available for events, including weddings, which doesn't surprise me, given the setting.

Very poor service by Jason Sertan in customer service. I asked him to resolve a customer complaint and for the past 2 months, I have had to resolve.

As others have mentioned, hella expensive. For entry to the grounds (without the house) its $60/person. BUT, the grounds are insane. Absolutely beautiful with a massive conservatory, winery, village, hiking trails and gift shops. Spent most of the day at the gardens and conservatory with a stop over at the winery. Even on a week day the line for the complimentary wine tasting was an hour or so maybe so we chose not to which is sort of a bummer since we paid for it. Didnt eat at any of the restaurants but did enjoy some ice cream at the creamery and purchased some wine for a dinner in Charlotte that evening. Its a lovely thing to see, just keep in mind its pricey and you could and should plan on spending several hours here given all there is to see and the sheer size of it.

If you've not been to the Biltmore Estate 8 encourage you to visit! In a few words: opulent - magnificent - amazing - beautiful