In-Room Dining

Tis the season gourmands across the country wait for, White Truffle season! This rare treat is only available from Autumn through December, and merits a special White Truffle Tasting Menu during the month of December when the truffles are at their peak. Available only in Herons starting Wednesday, November 12 2025, the menu showcases the “white diamond of Italy”, balancing the flavors of this most delicate and rare truffle in the world with seven courses of carefully selected ingredients, providing a sensory experience unlike any other.

Reservations are required. Due to the importing of the truffles, seatings must be purchased a minimum of 72 hours prior to the desired date of reservation. Seats are $425 plus tax and service charge and can be purchased at 919-447-4050 or online. Reservations are non-refundable but are transferable, wine pairings are also available for an additional cost. 

Christmas dinner at The Umstead combines our signature warm hospitality & festive decor with the magic of the holiday season for a truly unforgettable culinary celebration. Herons Executive Chef and four-time James Beard Semifinalist Steven Greene and his culinary team will showcase their talent and the best seasonal produce from our organic farm with a four-course dinner with choices and tasting menu.

Featuring holiday classics and a few surprises, all with artful and elegant presentations, this event is guaranteed to be a feast for the eyes and palate.

Seatings are available from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dinner is $185 per person for the 4-course with choices,  $205 for our tasting menu, and $39 per child (ages 2 to 10), plus tax and service charges. Wine pairings are available tableside for $100, plus tax and service charges. Reservations are now available and can be made with our reservations team at 919-447-4050. Prepayment at the time of booking is required, and reservations are transferrable but non-refundable.

Join us this winter for our annual Tea with Santa events. Let your children ages 10 and under delight in this magical event as they enjoy a special visit with Santa and let him know what is on their wish list this holiday season. Santa will share photos of his favorite memories as he tells stories of his helpful elves and reindeer. Tea with Santa includes photography, a small gift, and hot chocolate service with savory and sweet morsels.

Reservations open on Wednesday, September 3th at 8am. Please call 919 447-4050 to reserve your space. Tickets are $115 per person plus tax and service fee, and include white glove holiday food service and hot chocolate in addition to time with Santa and storytelling. There is a maximum of eight guests per booking, and all reservations must be paid in full using one method of payment at the time of booking. As this is one of our most popular events, we ask for your patience as hold times should be expected; hanging up will result in the loss of your place in the queue. 

Tea will be offered at 10:30am and 3pm:

Saturday, November 29th / Sunday November 30th / Sunday, December 14th / Sunday, December 21st

Tea will be offered at 10:30am only:

Sunday, December 7th / Saturday, December 13th / Saturday, December 20th

Please Note: we are fully committed for this series of events in 2025.

Join celebrated ceramic artist Alice Ballard for a two-day immersive experience exploring mindfulness through art and nature. This intimate workshop begins on Saturday, October 18th with a creative session at The Umstead’s One Oak Farm, where participants will hand-sculpt their own meditation bowls out of clay surrounded by the beauty of fall. Gourmet boxed lunches and beverages will be served at the farm. This exclusive experience is limited to ten guests to ensure a personal and immersive creative journey.

The evening following the workshop, our guests will enjoy a four-course, farm-inspired dinner with the artist in Herons’ Private Dining Room, featuring a special dessert by Pastry Chef Lia Benedetto inspired by Alice’s sculptural work.

The experience includes a one-night stay in our serene guest rooms before returning Sunday morning for a final session on the Salon Terrace. With nature as a backdrop, participants will complete their meditation bowls with finishing touches and glazing under Alice’s guidance.

This retreat invites guests to reconnect with the earth, awaken their creativity, and savor the harmony between art, nature, and cuisine.

Pricing:

Single Occupancy – $1495  |  Shared Occupancy (Per Person) – $1250

Reserve this experience by phone at 919 447 4050

Experience Oregon

Join us for our November Uncorked tastings as we explore the wines of Oregon. Known for its cool climate and commitment to sustainable winemaking, Oregon produces expressive, site-driven wines—from bright, textured Chardonnays to earthy, elegant Pinot Noirs. Wine Director Hannah Barton will lead you through a tasting that highlights the purity, balance, and innovation that make this region so compelling.

The tasting will be held on Wednesday, November 19th in the Fireplace Lounge and begin at 6:30pm. Meat and cheese plates will be paired with the wines. Please call if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. Tickets are $75 plus tax and service charge and are non-refundable. 

To enjoy this experience call 919 447 4050 or click here to reserve online.

A Holiday Soireé with Natura Bissé

Kick off the holiday season with a festive evening of beauty, wine, and wellness at The Umstead Spa. Guests will be greeted with sparkling wine and a charcuterie display before settling in for an intimate, guided session with a licensed esthetician from Natura Bissé.

The evening features a tasting of four wines paired with four Natura Bisse products to sample. The wines have been curated by our Wine Director, Hannah Barton, to reflect the ingredients and nature of each treatment.

Limited to 12 guests, Beauty Uncorked provides a serene and social way to celebrate the season within the tranquil ambiance of The Umstead Spa Lounge.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Reservations are $185 per person plus tax and service. To reserve your spot, please call 919 447 4050 or reserve online.