The ancient Antinori family have lived in Florence since the early 13th century when they moved here from Calenzano, a small town between Florence and Prato, where their presence was recorded back in 1188. The merchant family were registered with the Guild of Silk Weavers in 1285 and later with the Guild of Bankers, thanks to the branches that opened in Bruges and Lyons, and their growing network of business in Europe.

They were also wine producers and merchants, and it was this business that became prevalent over time: Giovanni di Piero Antinori registered with the Guild of Winemakers in 1385 . Production and sales of wine became increasingly important for the family and by the 16th century they were known to various clients outside Italy.

Wine remained the family's main passion and activity to the extent that in 1898 , when the “ Fattoria dei Marchesi Lodovico e Piero Antinori ” was founded, the property and farms were transformed into a really modern and well-organised business. It was founded by the two sons of Marchese Niccolò - a direct descendant of the Niccolò who purchased Palazzo Antinori in 1506 – who had already devoted a good deal of time to making Tuscan wine a fine quality, well-known product.

Antinori has always been identified with the regions of Tuscany and Umbria, with almost 1,400 hectares of vineyards planted in the most highly-suited area for high quality wine production. Chianti Classico, Bolgheri, Montalcino, Orvieto, Montepulciano – all famous zones – as well as Sovana and southern Maremma, which are both very interesting, emerging zones.