Patricia Castellanos and Tom Cornish

Biltmore Premier Members Patricia Castellanos and Tom Cornish

Since when are you a Biltmore Cellar Club member?
We became members in 2003.

How has the Cellar Club enhanced your personal and professional life?
The Cellar Club has been a terrific opportunity to meet and entertain business associates in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying fine wines. Since we live close by, Patricia and I are able to take breaks from our family responsibilities and spend time together over great wine and excellent food.

Tell us a little bit about your career background...
Patricia is a Senior Vice President and shareholder in Seitlin & Company and has a 17-year banking background with SunTrust. I joined the insurance industry four years ago after a 20-year career in banking with SunTrust.
Seitlin is one of the largest privately held insurance brokerage companies in the US with 165 employees in Miami, Ft Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

What are some of your favorite travel destinations?
We especially enjoy traveling to Europe, as it gives us the opportunity to blend together our interest in history, wine, art, food and learning about different cultures.

On a recent trip to Israel, we rented motorized vehicles and headed to the boardwalk overlooking the sea, which was terrific. We were also very impressed with the active nightlife in Tel Aviv.

Patricia and I recently returned from Napa Valley and enjoyed a long stay at the Joseph Phelps vineyard — their Cabernet is one of our favorites. We also enjoy traveling to Argentina and love their food and wine.

Do you have an affinity towards a particular type of cuisine?
We love all types of food but would have to say that Italian and Spanish are our favorites. Patricia and I have an upcoming trip to Barcelona in October, and we are already planning the food and wine portion of it.

Do you collect wine?
Wine is a great love. We tend to be more drinkers than collectors. It would be hard to narrow it down too much — but we are very partial to Northern Italian wines.

Is there a book you have enjoyed reading recently that you would like to share with us?
The new James Naisbitt book, Mindset, is an incredible look into the future of successful thinking.

What has been the most memorable experience (so far!) you have had at the Biltmore?
Our most memorable time at the Biltmore is easy: Patricia and I were married in the Al Capone suite on September 1, 2002. We spent our honeymoon night in the suite as well. We are a Biltmore couple! We also have a future Cellar Club member in our 3-year old son Nicolas Alexander.