Antinori opens to the public for first time

The wine cellars of renowned Tuscan estate Marchesi Antinori have opened to the public for the first time in the company’s 628-year history.

The Antinori cellars, designed by Marco Casamonti

After seven years of planning, the family-owned company has opened the Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar – a state-of-the-art facility in the Tuscan village of Bargino.

The facility, in Chianti Classico, offers guests the chance to explore the family’s 628-year winemaking history and their centuries-old art collection.

In addition, visitors will be given tours around the new cellars, designed by leading Italian architect, Marco Casamonti.

The current head of Antinori, Marchese Piero Antinori

Set among olive groves, vineyards and oak trees, Casamonti designed the cellars to blend in harmoniously with the Tuscan landscape.

The majority of the expansive site is underground, concealed within a hill. From the outside, only the winery’s restaurant terrace overlooking the vines is visible.

The project, including a restaurant, auditorium, museum, book shop and wine shop, was masterminded by the 25th and 26th Antinori generations.

Dotted throughout the building are sculptures by contemporary artists specifically commissioned for the space.

The entire Antinori portfolio will be available for sample in the tasting room.

The €20 admission cost includes a three-wine tasting, with the more expensive and rare wines like Solaia and Tignanello available to taste at an additional cost.

The site is open daily from 10am-4pm, with the restaurant expected to open for business in the next few weeks.

Antinori is credited for helping to kick start the “Super Tuscan” revolution in the 1970s with Tignanello, made from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.