FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andy Myer
Biltmore
(828) 225-6798
amyer@biltmore.com

BILTMORE® INTRODUCES LICENSED COFFEE AND TEA PRODUCTS

Legendary Estate Looks to Culinary History for Inspiration

ASHEVILLE, NC – Biltmore's licensed products division is pleased to announce expansion of the company's branded gourmet foods program to include a partnership with Barrie House Coffee & Tea. The new products will include three coffee flavors, Estate Blend, Decaf Estate Blend, Ch â teau Noir (French Roast style), and one introductory tea flavor, English Breakfast. The company's new coffee and tea lines reflect the high quality products served at the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate and are a natural fit with Biltmore's history of entertaining.

Biltmore's gourmet foods program is a natural extension of the 8,000-acre estate's culinary heritage and mission to continue operation as a self-sustaining farm. The property embodies the vision of founder George W. Vanderbilt and the luxury of the Gilded Age. At its heart stands Biltmore House, completed in 1895, which remains America 's largest home and a National Historic Landmark. In keeping with the Vanderbilt tradition of entertaining in style, today's estate guests are treated not only to the elegant sights of a 19 th century country estate, but to epicurean pleasures reminiscent of the Vanderbilts' gracious lifestyle.

Coffee and Teatime at Biltmore
Research from Biltmore's archives shows that coffee and tea were served regularly during George and Edith Vanderbilt's time at Biltmore. Afternoon tea was often served in the Tapestry Gallery, a comfortable seating area on the first floor of Biltmore House. When Edith Vanderbilt's sister, Pauline Merrell, visited Biltmore in 1905, she described taking tea in the Tapestry Gallery at 5 p.m. with the children and enjoying piano music played by a relative of the Vanderbilt family. Black coffee with sugar was served as its own course at the end of formal meals.

“Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt were world-famous for their ability to entertain. Coffee and tea were enjoyed regularly at the estate and still are to this day,” said Tim Rosebrock, Vice President and General Manager for Biltmore's licensing division. “This partnership is an ideal fit for our branded foods category as we strive to continue Biltmore's legacy of culinary history and hospitality. We hope consumers will be able to enjoy a taste of Biltmore each day at home."

The licensing partnership between Biltmore and Barrie House Coffee & Tea was brokered by The Valen Group. Biltmore's other gourmet products available in stores throughout the Southeast are dressings, marinades, and premium cheesecakes. In addition, Biltmore sells award-winning wines in the same retail stores, rounding out the culinary experience at home.

For more information on Biltmore food products please visit www.biltmoregourmet.com .