In December of 1895, The Asheville News reported on the first Christmas gathering held at George W. Vanderbilt's new home, which had been under construction a few miles from town for six years. The paper reported that on Christmas, Vanderbilt (the grandson of railroad tycoon Cornelius "The Commodore" Vanderbilt) and his guests gathered in the great entrance hall where a 40-foot Christmas tree was magnificently decorated with "soft lights, draped garland, evergreen and mistletoe with red berries and holly." The decorations "created a scene most beautiful to look upon," the paper said. The guests then moved on to a 70-foot long living room to continue their celebration.

Just a few years later, Vanderbilt would bring home to the 8,000-acre estate his new bride, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser, after a lengthy honeymoon in Italy; and their only child, Cornelia, would be born in what was America's largest private residence-then and today.

In 2005, Christmas is still a grand affair at the estate, where you can combine a holiday extravaganza of decorations, displays, special events and, of course, outstanding and unusual holiday food and special wines. (The French winemaker, Bernard Delille, even makes a special Christmas wine).

An Extravaganza of Holiday Decor
The theme of this year's Biltmore holiday decor is "Family Traditions." Each year planning begins a full year in advance of the holiday season and a new theme is created. The results? More than 30 decorated trees, from four to 35 feet tall; 500 ribbons and bows; 450 fresh wreaths; 1500 poinsettias; miles of fresh pine garland and a live 35-foot Fraser fir for the 70-foot-high banquet hall.

Descendants from George Vanderbilt, primarily his son-in-law's family, the Cecils, still own and operate the North Carolina estate, open to the public since 1930. Returning each year has become a tradition for many southern families who wouldn't think of spending Christmas elsewhere. They even reserve the same rooms a year in advance for the views.

Visitors usually save some time for a winery tours and shopping trips to Biltmore Village (just off the main estate) and the shops near the old stables adjoining the main house, now part of a new shopping and dining complex. The special Christmas wine makes a great gift for friends and family back home.

The estate's combination of elaborate but tasteful holiday decor, seamless service, deluxe accommodations, tours of the property and a choice of enhanced dining options are a big draw for Atlanta area couples and families during the holidays. (It's only a three- to four-hour drive from metro Atlanta.) But what truly sets the Biltmore apart from other holiday destinations remains the opportunity to experience the unique, historical and awe-inspiring magnitude of George Vanderbilt's' vision - what Christmas in an American country estate might be like. He worked to reach his goal of creating a property that would be completely self sufficient, a goal still practiced today. (The dairy, however, has been closed.) Quiet, peaceful, relaxed yet elegant. The holidays are a time to appreciate and share Vanderbilt's food, wine, accomplishments and worldly possessions-just as he entertained visitors that first Christmas Eve in 1895.

Touring America's most visited winery
With more than 600,000 visitors each year, 23 different wines in production, and 150,000 cases sold (they sell out of every wine they make every year), the Biltmore Estate (BE)winery is a busy place-especially during the holidays. But it's worth the lines and waits to take the guided tour. For most of us who have been inside multiple wineries though, the tasting room is the highlight. It's a spacious and artful room where you'll be offered tastes of most of the entire line, if your palate is so inclined. After your tasting and a shopping trip through the upscale winery gift shop, the Bistro restaurant is just a short stroll away where you can enjoy a special holiday menu for lunch or dinner.

Reservations are a must for tours, events, meals and most everything during the holiday season at Biltmore Estate. As soon as you have dates in mind (be flexible if possible), it's time to visit the www.biltmore.com site and start planning ahead. Or you may call 877.324.5866. They often book everything on the property during the holidays (no guests rooms are available in the house itself), but there are numerous lodging options just down the road in Asheville, so it is quite feasible to stay off-property and enjoy most of the tours, tastings and meals. You can tour the large estate online and get a feel for the vastness of the property and all the various special holiday activities.