This family has been making wine for 6 centuries | 60 Minutes Archive
In a Nutshell
The Antinori family has produced wine continuously for 623 years across 26 generations, defying the 15% survival rate for family businesses past the second generation. Three sisters—Albiera, Allegra, and Alessia—now run the 5,000-acre operation that sold 17 million bottles for $200 million last year, maintaining the core philosophy of patience, elegance, and respect for nature over quick profits. The family remains committed to staying independent and intends to continue as a family business for another 500 years.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
A recent study found only 15% of family businesses survive past the second generation, with marketplace whims, familial rivalry, or greed typically ending operations.
The Antinori family of Italy has been making wine for six centuries, with their family story described as complex, stylish, sophisticated, with a bouquet both elegant and earthy. They farm 5,000 acres in Italy's great vineyards, primarily in Tuscany and Umbria, with additional property in California's Napa Valley.
Until recently, Italian business, especially the wine business, was primarily for men. Albiera Antinori and her two sisters (Allegra and Allesia) are the first women in 26 generations to play a major role in the family enterprise. Allegra Antinori states: "I feel part of the land, you know. I think I'm owned by that land. It's something very very strong."
Allesia Antinori explains the family's approach to wine: "The elegance. The wine has to be elegant." She describes elegance as personal and intuitive, comparing it to recognizing an elegant woman.
The first document proving an ancestor was involved in wine production dates back to 1385. Piero Antinori, the 70-year-old patriarch bearing the noble title of Marquees, works behind an antique Renaissance desk.
In Florence, a small window dating to hundreds of years ago served as a wine sales point where a cellar master would pass bottles and receive money. This system operated until a couple of centuries ago.
Sign in to read the full notes
Get access to AI-generated notes, topic timestamps, and more.