The Bailliage Provincial of South Central covers from the Atlantic Ocean to the River Mississippi, from the Gulf of Mexico to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Our venue for this event was the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina - one of the very best resorts of the region. Biltmore House was opened in 1895 by George and Edith Vanderbilt. Still owned and operated by George Vanderbilt’s family their gracious hospitality echoes throughout the estate.

The weekend’s goal was to offer discerning Chaîne members an event they would enjoy, long remember and reinforce the value of their exclusive membership. Over 80 members from 12 Bailliages across the country attended.

The programme …

Friday afternoon - Savannah Bailli Jean-Yves Vendeville, Executive Director of Savannah Technical College, conducted a “Wines of the South-west of France” seminar paired with wonderfully-prepared regional food by Biltmore Estate Executive Chef Mark DeMarco.

Friday evening - Induction of new Chaîne and Société Mondiale members on the estate at Cedric’s Garden, Antler Hill Village. The ceremony was followed by a superb dinner the courses for which were paired with the new generation of Biltmore Estate Wines. A dramatic finale was viewing “Chihuly Nights”, stunning large-scale, lighted glass sculptures by premier American Artist Dale Chihuly.

Saturday morning - firstly a business meeting chaired by Échanson Provincial Richard Smith followed by more wine education from Guillaume Boudet, Winemaker for Napa Valley’s Hyde de Villaine Wines. The tasting was a preview of the Gala Dinner wines.

Saturday evening - Chef de cuisine Jacob Crvich’s “Taste of spring menu” for the Gala Dinner at The Inn on Biltmore Estate was paired with five Hyde de Villaine wines.

Five star food and 90 plus wines combined to make the Bailliage Provincial’s event one which will be long remembered. An extraordinary team effort created it. Thanks go to all involved.

Fasten your seat belts for next year’s South Central Chapitre being held in Savannah, Georgia, in the spring.

Tony Hirsh
Bailli Provincial of South Central

Photos by Bill Sites, Vice-Argentier of Nashville, and Trina Massingill of Biltmore Estate

* Ed. The Société Mondiale du Vin is the USA’s equivalent of the Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD)