Biltmore Winery, located on the estate in Asheville, North Carolina, saw its highest ever single day sales results this Cyber Monday. E-commerce has played a critical role for the business in 2020, and significant growth in online sales has been recorded all year. Alongside this success, Biltmore Winery introduces two new wines, available through the online shop, which honor key anniversaries in 2020; the Winery’s 35th Anniversary and the Estate’s 125th Anniversary. Biltmore Wines Vice President and Winemaker Sharon Fenchak and team created these special wines which carry on the legacies of hospitality and self-sustaining business that were so important to Biltmore founder George Vanderbilt.
Biltmore Winery plays a unique role in the greater ecosystem of the Biltmore business, serving as a key factor in bridging the estate’s present with its founding goals. The business generated by the wine program in these unprecedented times has helped to offset what was affected in other areas. This Cyber Monday, Biltmore saw the highest one-day sales ever at +50% YOY for the day. In the past 12 months e-commerce sales for Biltmore wines have grown 219%, with growth from April – November at 317%. Heather Jordan, Senior Director of Marketing and Sales, attributes this growth to “a well-established e-comm business coupled with increased digital communication on our part. We believe demand for purchasing our wine online will continue at an increased level well into the future.”
While the estate first welcomed guests in December of 1895, it was not until 1985 that Biltmore Winery first opened its doors to the public. “A winery was a natural extension of George Vanderbilt’s agricultural legacy. Today, the winery carries on stewardship of the land while also diversifying Biltmore’s business. Through each bottle of wine, our guests have a chance to experience and share Biltmore’s legendary hospitality” says Heather Jordan. Today, Biltmore Winery has vineyards on the west side of the estate in Asheville, N.C. where they specialize in growing Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. They also work with growing partners in other areas of America.
The celebratory wines created by winemaker Sharon Fenchak to recognize these anniversaries are a fitting tribute to how far this visionary project for a winery has come for Biltmore. Grapes for the 35th Anniversary Chardonnay (SRP $35) were selected from specific clones grown in Biltmore’s estate vineyards in Asheville. The wine is barrel fermented and aged, giving it a buttery smooth texture with notes of Meyer lemon and creamy custard. In a nod to George Vanderbilt’s legendary hospitality and entertaining, the Biltmore Estate® 125th Anniversary Sparkling is crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and vinified in the traditional method. The bouquet of tangerine, yeast, and honey are complemented by its delightful flavors of strawberry and mint (SRP $40).
All of Biltmore’s wines are available through Biltmore’s online wine shop, the Vanderbilt Wine Club, and a selection are also available in three-tier distribution in 19 states.
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