seasonal news & notes ~ winter 2014
THIS IS THE YEAR… As we put together Blackberry’s calendar for 2015, our team continually heard ourselves saying, “This is the year!” because we are just so excited about the year ahead. It inspired us to encourage our guests and our team to commit to something big in 2015: This is the year I . Maybe this is the year you get in shape for a half marathon. Or learn how to make perfect jams and jellies. Or enjoy your first foxhunt. For me, this journey really began last year when I decided to work fewer nights and make the most of my time with my oldest daughter before she goes off to college. This is the year I’ll enjoy every special moment with her, from taking a father-daughter camping trip to cooking with her at home to cycling tandem on the Foothills Parkway. Whether your goal is to create more special family memories or try something totally new, my hope is that you do something in 2015 that will allow you to look back with no regrets. The holiday season is in full swing here, and it reminds me that many of you are like family to me. When the holly wreaths go up, I know that my friends will be heading this way soon to enjoy one of our favorite times of the year. It’s certainly been a year worth celebrating: The Wellhouse opening, a handful of well-earned awards for our team and, of course, sharing all the seasons of the farm with you. It may be hard to imagine, but next year promises to top this one. In fact, 2015 looks to be our biggest year of events yet. It’s been 15 years since we began hosting our first epicurean experiences, so in celebration of such a milestone, we’ve filled our calendar with incredible events to match. I’ll save the name-dropping and details for further updates (download our new app for the full scoop!), but I can tell you one thing: this is the year to come to Blackberry. In January, our first bottles from our new brewery will finally be available, and we will be bottling our very first Tennessee whiskey! It’s just one more thing to anticipate about the year ahead at Blackberry Farm. Until then, enjoy the holiday season, filled with the friends and family that make this time of year so special. Hope to see you in the year to come!
Sam Beall, Proprietor
Letting Go & Letting Loose
WINTERING
W
well
WELCOME TO A SEASON OF DELIGHTFUL OPPOSITES:
cozying up by the fire or bundling up for a brisk walk, sleeping late under heavy down comforters or staying up late at holiday parties, indulging in rich dessert or treating yourself to a full day in our new Wellhouse. This is Winter. And the best part? You don't have to choose.
This is a time to embrace self-care and celebration—and there’s no better place to do both than on the farm. Winter reminds us to make time for life’s greatest gifts, family and health. We hope you’ll enjoy them all at Blackberry this season—and discover for yourself why so many guests tell us that Winter is their favorite time of year to stay with us.
THIS
The Wellhouse will welcome its first Winter this year, and our team knows that holiday tension and cooler weather can be hard on your body. So in anticipation of dropping temperatures, shorter days and toasty fireside moments, the Wellhouse team has created spa treatments and classes that will rejuvenate you from the inside out.
NATURAL FARM-FRESH REJUVENATION featuring Cruze Dairy Farm buttermilk mask
Transform your skin by upgrading our restorative facial with the addition of our signature Cruze Dairy Farm buttermilk mask. This rich application smoothes, firms and brightens your complexion on a cellular level. CRUZE DAIRY FARM BUTTERMILK & WILDFLOWER HONEY MANI/PEDI
A farm-fresh favorite, this treatment shapes nails, massages hands and feet and nourishes skin with the wholesome benefits of Cruze Dairy Farm buttermilk and local wildflower honey.
is the
YEAR SOUTHERN SORGHUM BEAUTIFYING BODY WRAP
Experience the all-natural benefits of sorghum—and other potent anti-agers—in this farm-to-treatment table body wrap. This deeply relaxing and fragrant body treatment firms, brightens and hydrates the body’s largest organ: the skin. CARDIO-CORE CIRCUIT
We’ll help you create the perfect workout with your choice of cardio equipment, personalized timed intervals and targeted core conditioning.
In 2015, our gift to ourselves—and to you—is permission to chase a dream. To finally cross something off the bucket list or take up something entirely new. This is the year to go for it. Run the marathon. Build that treehouse for your grandkids. Meet a legendary chef. It seems only fitting that 2015 promises to be Blackberry’s biggest year of events yet. Our calendar is filled with epic experiences that will check off items on your bucket lists and ours. We can’t wait to share them with you. Join us by dreaming big for 2015 and exploring The Blackberry Year. Visit blackberryfarm.com to book your 2015 adventures.
BLACKBERRY FIT
Breathe fresh mountain air as you workout around the property, stopping at outdoor fitness stations for timed intervals.
#thisistheyear
A Season to Indulge
Set out your cheese boards; take down your rocks glasses. Winter is the perfect time to celebrate moments big and small with handcrafted artisan cheeses, small-batch beer and our very first barrel-aged Tennessee whiskey.
A GOOD YEAR
Favorite Brews We cannot keep our beer on the shelves! For now, the best way to get your hands on some is by signing up for our allocation letter. The allocation letter allows you to reserve cases at a time (for pick-up on your next visit to Blackberry), ensuring that you’ll get to enjoy our beer, even though quantities are limited. And as we increase beer production, our allocation letter will still be the place to find our small-quantity productions, like seasonal selections and experimental brews.
AS WE LOOK BACK OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS, WE ARE AMAZED
by all that happened. We saw the opening of The Wellhouse, cycled across Italy, dined with 50 Medal of Honor winners here on the farm, galloped across open fields, fished in mountain streams and shared memories with guests and friends. We also had the opportunity to accept a few honors along the way. We want to say thanks to our guests for continuing to spread the word about our quaint farm and to the experts and journalists that gave us a nod as well.
THIS YEAR, THE BLACKBERRY TEAM WAS HONORED WITH THE FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT AWARDS:
BEHIND THE CHEESEBOARD
The Cheesemaker
First Sips Whiskey—like wine and leather—simply takes time to be great. Lucky for you, we have spent the last four years giving a few barrels our love and attention. In January, we will proudly unveil our first Tennessee whiskey. While still young, it will give you the perfect chance to get a glimpse of the unique sips to come.
Ryan Burger’s passion for food ignited at a young age. After his time at the Culinary Institute of America, he spent more than six years working in various restaurants, including a stint as Sous Chef for Jean-Georges Market in Atlanta. An award-winning cheesemaker, Ryan serves as our head cheesemaker and livestock manager. His favorite part of cheesemaking is creating new products from local ingredients, such as chanterelle mushrooms, pine needles, beer and the rich pure cow's milk that we source from Blackburn Dairy Farm. Ryan’s cheeses have earned national recognition in Culture Magazine, Food & Wine and at the Good Food Awards.
The Barn at Blackberry Farm earned the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program, led by Food and Beverage Director Andy Chabot, who has dedicated years to building and curating a thoughtful program.
Saveur named Blackberry Farm the “Best All Inclusive” hotel, a well-deserved honor for Chefs Joseph Lenn and Josh Feathers as they lead the culinary teams that make the Blackberry all-inclusive experience so remarkable.
Andrew Harper designated Blackberry Farm the #1 Food and Wine Resort and the #11 Spa Resort. Our hats go off to Wellness Director Amanda Anderson for our first spa related award since The Wellhouse’s recent opening.
Two cheeses from Cheesemaker Ryan Burger, Preservationist Shannon Walker’s honey and our beer team’s Classic Saison are all finalists in this year’s Good Food competition. Final results will be announced in January.
Raising the Bar SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN THE FALL OF 2012, THE BLACKBERRY FARM FOUNDATION
has raised over $150,000—and as this was going to press, we still had several other fundraising events scheduled for 2014. Looking to finish the year’s giving with a total of $300,000, we are humbled by the generosity of our guests and friends. Last year, we were able to provide grants to three organizations, and in 2014, we are thrilled to double the number of recipient organizations and the amount contributed. It is our goal to make sure every cent raised goes to organizations that impact children or foodways-related efforts. While the Blackberry Farm Foundation is only 2 years old, over the last 15 years of Blackberry Farm events, the farm and our guests have raised $2.5 million for important causes. We are grateful for the opportunity to join our guests in making a difference.
STOCK UP FOR WINTER Fill your pantry with healthy, tasty, even medicinal, provisions for the season.
NATURE’S GIFTS
PECAN SORGHUM BUTTER
Nutritious and tasty, nuts are a favorite snack around the farm. And why not? Our nut butters pack a healthy punch of flavor, protein and good fats—and they can be stirred into oatmeal, spread on crackers and toast, paired with fresh fruit or even enjoyed straight off the spoon for a quick energy boost. On the other hand, sometimes the simplicity of honeyed walnuts is perfection itself.
A new take on nut butter, this creamy, nothing-but-healthy spread sings with two classic Southern ingredients—pecans and sorghum. Its deep, rich flavor is bound to become a quick, addictive favorite like it has for the team at Blackberry Farm. (7.75 oz.) $15.00
BLACK WALNUT HONEY BUTTER We combine our local honey, black walnuts, flaxseed and sea salt to create a smooth spread with unique black walnut flavor notes and loads of nutrition. Try it on crackers, or stir it into your oatmeal for a healthy start to your day. (7.75 oz.) $20.00
CLASSIC PEANUT BUTTER
HONEYED BLACK WALNUTS
Handmade with roasted North Carolina peanuts, our Peanut Butter is unlike any other with its unique texture of the grind and addition of coarse sea salt, nothing more. That’s the recipe we seal in each jar. (16 oz.) $15.00
Sweet and delightfully crisp, these black walnuts are tossed in local honey and roasted for the perfect crunch. (7.75 oz.) $20.00
APPLE BUTTER AND PECANS Combining the nutty, crunchy sweetness of pecans and the silky Fall beauty of apple butter, this “butter” will bring new life to old favorites. Try it with biscuits and more! (12 oz.) $15.00
Just a Tap Away Explore all your Blackberry favorites—and discover some new ones—with our recently released Blackberry Farm app. Designed to make browsing, shopping and planning your next stay even easier, this app is the perfect way to stay connected to Blackberry.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, and then open the app to shop. You’ll find this season’s featured nut products, as well as a vast range of our beloved artisan meats, cheeses, preserves and dry goods. Use our handy Wishlist feature to ‘bookmark’ your favorites and send to loved ones for convenient gift-giving ideas. And once you’ve ordered, be sure to check out seasonal recipes from our chefs—incorporating many of our FarmStead classics.
THIS IS THE NICKEL CREEK CONCERT WEEKEND
January 2–4 We can’t think of a better way to kick off a big year at Blackberry than with an intimate concert by GRAMMY Award-winning bluegrass band Nickel Creek. We’re proud to count ourselves among their fans, and prouder still to invite you to share this concert experience with us. All net proceeds will benefit the Blackberry Farm Foundation, which raises funds to benefit children, our community and foodways-related causes.
JAN 30–FEB 1
IL RADUNO DI BLACKBERRY FARM
BEHIND THE LENS
February 13–15
February 20–22
March 15–18
Stave Puzzling is a classic weekend tradition at Blackberry. Join us for this special 10th anniversary celebration and enjoy hours of solving puzzles—handcrafted by longtime friend Stave Puzzles in Vermont—plus plenty of roaring fires, hot cocoa, warming whiskey and good company.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to treat your sweetheart to cozy carriage rides, roses, chocolates and champagne. Later, head over to The Barn for a truly romantic candlelit dinner, featuring an exquisite tasting menu. It’s the perfect way to connect with the one you love.
Whether you’re a dog lover, a truffle lover or both, you’ll find plenty of reasons to spend a weekend at Blackberry celebrating the legendary truffle—and the special dogs that find them. Join us for training, mock truffle hunting demonstrations and a special dinner showcasing these coveted delicacies.
Join Photographer Heather-Anne Thomas for a three-day workshop that includes everything from technique sessions to cooking and floral demonstrations. You'll also spend a day exploring the farm, camera in hand, to capture our beautiful landscapes. The workshop wraps up each night with photo-worthy group dinners.
A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE
February 20–22
BLUEBIRD CAFE Music has a special heritage in Tennessee—from small town stages to iconic recording studios. We celebrate that heritage by bringing Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe to Blackberry for an intimate concert like never before. For years, the Bluebird Cafe has played a special role in discovering and sharing some of America’s greatest musical talent. On any given night at the Bluebird Cafe, chart-topping stars like LeAnn Rimes, John Prine and Phil Vassar might share the stage with up-and-coming talent: taking turns singing, playing acoustic instruments and harmonizing. We’ll experience Bluebird Cafe’s beloved ‘listening room’ atmosphere Blackberry-style with a concert featuring several songwriters. If you love music—and the stories behind the songs—this is an event not to be missed!
YEAR VALENTINE’S DAY
February 6–8
STAVE PUZZLING
There’s plenty to celebrate at this special two-day event—beginning with a pre-release screening of the film “A Year in Champagne” and finishing the next day with an exclusive wine tasting honoring legendary Wine Importer Martine Saunier. Space for this magnificent celebration of Martine is very limited, so call our Reservations Team soon.
COMES TO BLACKBERRY FOR A MAGICAL NIGHT OF MUSIC & STORIES
FOXHUNT & FOXHUNTING FINALE
January 2–4, February 6–8, March 6–8 BALANCED LIFE AND BODY: WINTER RESET
January 23–25 Traditionally a month for new beginnings, January is the perfect time for a whole-body workshop focused on renewal. Join the Blackberry Farm Wellness Team and Herbalist Susan J. Fidler as we spend three days exploring the connection between nature, balance and a healthy life through yoga, Winter hiking, herb classes and farm-fresh meals.
BAYLESS & BEER
February 1–4 A legend in the culinary world, Chef Rick Bayless brings his passion for and expertise in authentic regional Mexican cuisine to complement Blackberry Farm beer. Part cooking school, part demonstration and part tasting, the event will immerse guests in the flavors of Mexico and the nuances of Blackberry’s handcrafted beer.
Foxhunting is a favorite tradition for guests who love the communal thrill of the chase. The hunt is the highlight of the weekend, of course, but the crisp air and beautiful landscapes make the weekend an adventure even if you don’t saddle up! The finale will commemorate the season at our remarkable Masters’ Dinner—featuring a game-inspired menu with unique wine pairings to complement.
CA L L OR E M A IL TODAY TO S CH E DU L E YOU R Y E A R A N D GUA R A N T E E YOU R SP OT FOR T H E SE R E M A R K A BL E EV E N T S . Share your Blackberry experiences on social media with
#thisistheyear
N o. 1 HOTEL FOR FOOD LOVERS
who wouldn't want a
LAST MINUTE GETAWAY? Weekdays in late Winter are a Blackberry 'secret': they're tailor made for packing your bags and focusing on the things that matter most. Settle in at Blackberry to enjoy the quality family time, mountain solitude and inspiring food and wine you’ve been craving. This is the year to be spontaneous. To reserve your stay, call
800.557.8451
A Valentine’s Day you’ll
love
Romance comes naturally at Blackberry Farm. Think beautiful mountain views, cozy fires, carriage rides and special tasting menus—plus chocolate, champagne and roses, of course. Book early because this is one Valentine’s weekend you’ll never forget.