If James Bond swapped martinis for Brunello, he’d likely end up here—at the ever-so-slick Antinori nel Chianti Classico, where the architecture is almost as smooth as the wine. From the rust-toned roof to the spiralling staircase that drops you into a wine-lover’s dream, this Tuscan temple of taste is a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and bloody good Chianti.

A Grand Entrance (with Grapes)

Rolling up to Antinori’s architectural marvel feels like stepping into a film set. That floating Corten-steel roof, the swirling staircase, and rows of Sangiovese vines tumbling across the hillside… let’s just say it sets the tone. This isn’t your average wine tour—it’s part vineyard, part Bond lair.

26 Generations & Still Pouring

Antinori isn’t just old—it’s practically ancient, dating back to 1385. That’s right, while Henry V was busy invading France, Giovanni di Piero Antinori was bottling up something far more civilised in Florence.

Fast-forward to 1965: Marchese Piero Antinori buys prime vineyard land, lays the foundation for Super-Tuscan glory, and gifts the world Tignanello (first vintage, 1971). Between 2007 and 2012, they dug deep—literally—to build their Chianti Classico HQ, officially opening in 2013 to much applause and no shortage of Instagram envy.

Into the Earth: Barrel Cellar & Tasting

This is where the magic happens. The underground barrel cellar is a masterclass in moody lighting, terracotta curves, and well-behaved humidity. Gravity-fed grapes. No air-con. Just smart design and even smarter wine.

At the tasting table (cue soft lighting and serious glassware), we sampled four beauties:

1. Cervaro della Sala 2023 – Pale gold and poised, with notes of honeysuckle, brioche, and minerally charm. Basically, white Burgundy’s Italian cousin who dresses better.

2. Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021 – Garnet red, cherry-driven and classy as hell. Tastes like Tuscany wrapped in a cedar-scented picnic blanket.

3. Brunello di Montalcino 2018 – Deep, truffly and wise beyond its years. The kind of wine that pairs with steak, firelight, and deep conversations.

4. Tignanello 2020 – The Beyoncé of Super-Tuscans. Red fruit, mocha, spice, and more charisma than most dinner guests. Still young, but already demanding a seat at the top table.

Lunch with a View (and a Rosato)

Post-tasting, we floated (well, took the lift) to the rooftop for lunch at Rinuccio 1180. Picture terracotta planters, linen-draped tables, and Chianti hills stretching into the sun-drenched distance.

Highlights included:

• Rosato with Tuscan salumi & fried dough – light, crisp and dangerously gluggable.

• Grilled beef with Maremma red – smoky, bold, and made for each other.

• Aged cheeses – each one a love letter from a different region.

• Muffato della Sala dessert wine – Imagine Sauternes and honeyed apricots had a very classy child.

Final Thoughts

The day was a masterclass in harmony—wine, architecture, food and landscape all working together like a well-rehearsed string quartet. If you love wine, design or just want to feel mildly superior for an afternoon, book this tour. Antinori doesn’t just make wine. They craft stories—and I drank in every sip.