In 1309 Pope Clement V transferred the papal residence from Rome to Avignon, France. In 1377, when Pope Gregory XI moved the papal residence back to Rome, some noble families of Avignon left France to follow him. It was at that time that one of those families became known as Avignonesi, probably to simplify an otherwise difficult foreign name. It's not known exactly when Avignonesi's cellars were built but they are doubtless among the most ancient in Italy.

Over many centuries the wines produced have forged reputations as some of the finest in Italy. Today the vineyards total over 100 hectares of Tuscan land and are spread across four different estates producing a range of Tuscan wines.