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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