THE WINESAP APPLE
Found on the third floor of the main house, the Winesap Suite is our most spacious suite, running the structure’s full length. Originally the maid’s quarters, the room has been brightened with two new skylights to complement the 1912 original. The suite’s layout includes a sitting area with an espresso leather sofa, a work desk, and a small table. A twin bed is available upon request to accommodate an additional guest.
The suite features a separate en suite bath with a deep two-person tub, a dressing table with a lighted makeup mirror, double sinks, and a separate shower. Guests will enjoy the luxurious sleep experience of the Duxiana 6006 bed, made up with the finest linens. Recent renovations include a dedicated mini-split heating and air conditioning unit supported by modern attic insulation for optimal guest comfort. Cycling-themed artwork adorns the suite, adding a unique touch.
The Winesap apple, after which the suite is named, is believed to have originated in New Jersey during the early colonial period. It was first documented in 1804 in a domestic encyclopedia of the time, Willich and Mease. The Winesap is beloved throughout the South for its deep cherry red color, crisp yellow flesh, and spicy, wine-like flavor and aroma. It’s a popular eating apple, often used for cider, apple butter, and pies, and grows well in a variety of soils and climates.
For an authentic taste of the Winesap’s natural sweetness, try a delightful Winesap Apple Turnover. Featured on Epicurus.com and adapted from Apples by Robert Berkley, the recipe is easy and naturally sweetened by the apples alone. You’ll need just four ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 2 Winesap apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- Four 6-inch circles of thawed frozen puff pastry
- 1 beaten egg with a little water
Follow these simple instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and sauté the apples for a minute, just until softened. Cool.
- Grease a cookie sheet with the remaining butter. Arrange the apples in the center of the 4 puff pastry circles.
- Fold the circles in half and pinch the edges closed with your fingertips or a fork.
- Brush the tops sparingly with the beaten egg.
- Place the turnovers on the greased cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the pastry has risen and is golden brown.
- Serve warm.
The Winesap’s rich history and versatility make it a cherished symbol of Southern heritage, just like the suite named in its honor.
Tom Collins's Stories
Asheville has been called many things—weirdest, happiest, quirkiest place in America, Santa Fe of the East, New Age Capital of the World, Paris of the South, Beer City USA, Most Haunted, Sky City and others. It has many secrets, mysteries, and legends—some factual, some alleged, some exaggerated and some just plain lies.
