Please join in on the discussion.
At first I thought it mere coincidence that the subjects of two of the pictures in this site’s Gallery section – one of Warren Winiarski of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and the other of Albiera, Alessia and Allegra Antinori — have been linked in a recent major news story that has shaken the wine word. In case you haven’t heard, this past Monday it was announced that the Antinoris, along with Washington State’s Chateau St Michelle, had bought Winiarski’s iconic winery, the brand name and his two famous vineyards, Fay and S.L.V.
But on further reflection I realized this was no coincidence at all. Both Winiarski and Piero Antinori make wonderful wine. Both of them have been revolutionary pioneers who have, without exaggeration, transformed the industry. And Winiarski, Antinori, and increasingly, his three daughters, share the same philosophy towards making wine. Put simply, they all love what they do, and while the know it’s essential to run their businesses profitably, it’s about a lot more than making money.
On top of this they are all charming and delightful people whom I both admire and like.
So it seems only natural that when Winiarski wanted to ease back on the work – he’s 78 – and was looking for a buyer he didn’t chose a large wine conglomerate or a private equity firm, but rather decided to hook up with the Antinoris, people who share his values and to whom he could confidently entrust Stag’s Leap’s reputation.
Nick
Nick:
Have you considered that you may have some magical, vinious powers that cause dynamic things to happen to the wineries you mention or post pictures of?
Be careful with those powers. What if you accidentally caused the Casablanca Valley to be purchased by Disney for a new theme park…and just because you wrote about it.
Welcome to the world of Blogging!!
Tom…
Loved your comments on S. American wines!
Nick,
Great comments on the Antinori family. We stayed en famille a couple of times at the vineyard villa of the Antinoris near Radda and gotten to known them a little. Both times it was a remarkable experience. We appreciate your reviews and your reporting.
Cheers, Tim & Nancy
Nick, I thoroughly enjoyed your Beef story in Delta Sky! Terrific read.
John
Congratulations on the Business Week writeup about the craft brewing industry. Possibly the most “clueful” piece I’ve read about the situation. Do you happen to have a beer background as well as your wine expertise?
Nice Site!
http://google.com
Nick, Just this morning I was thinking about what magical people winemakers are, and how we – who are not they – adore them. I believe it has to do with their alchemy… Turning juice into wine that has such beneficial effects on our bodies, our minds, and our culture. As nothing lasts forever, if one must move on, going from one passionate family to the next is quite honorable. I didn’t know either family, so I had no way of knowing what a beautiful segue this was for Warren and his family, for what had to be a very difficult decision to reach, then execute. Thanks for sharing your insightful thoughts.
A lot of wine coming out of Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in recent years has been very disappointing. I hope Antonori can get them back on track.
Nick, We met @ a NYC wine event recently, we own a retail wine shop in White Plains and I am enjoying your Nick on Wine column.Il Volano your Tuscan find sounds lovely, would you know who the wholesaler in NY is .We would be interested in carrying it in my shop Regards Tony Russo