Premiere Napa Valley Hong Kong

Piero Antinori

Winemaker, Antinori Napa Valley

Piero Antinori grew up in a winegrowing family whose heritage includes 26 generations and over 625 years of traditional and innovative wine production in Tuscany and Umbria. As president, Piero Antinori has shaped the company since assuming this role from his father in 1966 into one whose wines are prized by connoisseurs the world over.

Under his guidance, investments have been made in other areas highly suited to quality wine production in a quest to promote new terroirs that are rich in winegrowing potential. Antica Napa Valley represents the realization of a long-standing desire, and is also a milestone in the production of great Antinori wines in the Napa Valley.

Country born: Italy

Education: My father Niccolo was my mentor as he insitlled in me a love of the wine industry, a respect for the earth and the land that is so important to the Italian way of life. After obtaining a degree in Economics and Commercial Science at the University of Florence, much time was spent traveling to other wine regions developing a relationship with international winemakers such Bordeaux's Emile Peynaud and Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi.

My three daughters are also my mentors. They will soon take over the day to day management of the business, and I can already see in them the future. They bring a continued passion to the business that has every day inspired me to produce the best wines that we can.

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Honors / Awards:
2008 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2008 from Wine Enthusiast
2006 BEST WINERMAKERS OF THE YEAR The Vinitaly 2006 International Award
1999 WINE SPECTATOR Distinguished Service Award
1986 Man of the Year, Decanter Magazine

Winemaking Philosophy:
The core of the Antinori philosophy is to maximize the undiscovered potential of specific wine regions, soils and microclimates while safeguarding the wealth of tradition, culture and taste which give Antinori wines their unique identity.