GV, American Wine Pioneer

“This is where I will build the largest winery in America.” George V. smiled as he enunciated each word.

“French vineyards will look to America for secrets of the grape in short order. North Carolina will set the trend for the rest of the country. There will never be a better place on the face of the globe for the future of wine.” George smiled continuously as he talked to Jonathan Presley of the Asheville Citizen Times.

Jonathan penned a note under the date on his paper, February 18, 1892. He wrote: George Vanderbilt is a a dreamer in our midst with ideas and an endless stream of money to make it happen.

“Mr Vanderbilt, will the construction of your new estate be designed with wine as the key to a new era of North American superiority?”

“The reason this estate is even being considered is because of the grape growing potential. This estate shall be the centerpiece of America leading the world-wide growth in the wine industry. This is but one of many areas of the country where vineyards will be King. The Vanderbilt name will grace the labels of vintages that rival the great wines of Europe, France most assuredly. Mark your calendar 7 years from now. The World Exposition of 1899 will shock the wine regions of the Planet.”

“Sir your ability to turn the small into the huge profit wise and quality wise is known from sea to sea. Is it your plan to dominate the international wine industry?”

Mr. Vanderbilt reclined into his chair, raised his head slightly, and exhaled a perfect smoke ring  of Cuban tobacco. “Well. Not completely, at least not for a decade or so. Seems fair giving notice Mr. Presley.”

More than a few bottles of French and Italian wine bottle graced the table where the two men sat.  Bordeaux, Borolo, Champagne. All the great names in wine nearly covered the surface. Mr. Vanderbilt waved his hand across the tops of the bottles, slowly moving from one end of the table to the other.

“See anything unusual among these bottles Mr. Presley?”

“Many things Mr. Vanderbilt. This may be as many bottles of wine as I have ever seen assembled in any one location. As to their importance or significance you must be the one to educate me. If you are saying that there is a gap that needs to be filled by your wares..well then I am all ears. Asheville needs more jobs. Merely building your huge estate speaks well for a few years of local employment. The idea that cultivating grapes and brewing wine is a long term venture for Asheville has my complete attention.” Mr Presley touched each of the bottles one by one, from east to west and north to south on the huge table, almost lovingly.

“One hundred and one!” Mr. Presley exclaimed loudly.

“One hundred and two. You were close.” Vanderbilt placed one more bottle in the very front of the other bottles. It was 4 times the size of the others. “This is a jeroboam of Biltmore Estate Wine. Bottled for me in Napa California. It is a medley of fine vintages. Mr. Presley allow me to introduce you to the world’s first Meritage!”