The Antinori brand is no newcomer to the wine scene; in fact, they’ve been keeping our glasses filled since 1385. Antinori is known for their high quality wines at all price points, and most notably, their Chianti. They represent real Italian wine and a true family-run business – the 25th and 26th generations of the Antinori family are currently running the show. At the helm is Piero Antinori and his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia. They are the first women to play any kind of important role in the family’s winery and they are making sure they mark their place in the brand’s history.
One of their most impressive projects is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility in Bargino called the Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar. As popular as the wine has been, Antinori has never given fans of the brand a true inside look at their company – the new facility changes this completely. Seven years in the making, the cellar should prove to be a true tourist destination for wine lovers. It’s 20 minutes outside of Florence and 30 minutes from Siena, and part of it’s charm is that it is practically hidden from view. Marco Casamonti, a popular Italian architect, designed the attraction to be mostly underground as a way of preserving the gorgeous Tuscan landscape. It’s nestled among vineyards and olive groves and offers a truly authentic Italian experience.
The cellar will allow visitors to experience the Antinori winemaking process in an up close and personal way, view their centuries-old art collection and learn about the family’s history. The entire compound includes a winery, restaurant, auditorium, museum, book shop and retail wine store.
“When they see how every one of our wines are made from land, they will understand more about us,” Albiera Antinori says. “The liquid in the bottle has to embody the soul of the people who make it. Nothing is more important than that.”
Open daily from 10-4, the Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar admission price includes a three-wine tasting.