Our extended family takes a holiday together every year or so. It’s a tradition started by my father-in-law to bring us together to enjoy new experiences and time together, legacy lessons indeed :). And it is something he hoped would continue after he passed away. So, I can’t help but think of him when we all travel together.
While we were in Italy, something happened that really resonated with me and this idea of sharing family stories and embracing legacies – We visited the Antinori family winery that boasts 26 generations of winemakers.
26 generations!
Let’s just think about that for a minute. In America we are 17-18 generations deep, going back to the founding of the country! This family started making wine in 1385, when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the “Arte Fiorentina”, which is the Winemakers’ Guild of Florence. That is six centuries and some change spent learning their craft!
How amazing is this family tree? In addition to winemakers the family noted careers as clergy with white crosses and military hats above their name circles.
What 26 Generations of Winemakers Taught Me About Legacy Lessons
We spent an hour learning not only about the history of the family, but their belief in sustainability. This new facility was built into the hills of the Chianti region in a way that beautifully merges this artistic industrial building into the rural landscape. Even the roof has been turned into a restaurant and farm land complete with rows of vines.
The design and architecture follow the natural production process from the arrival of grapes down to the fermentation tanks. Which means everything was designed to have minimal impact on the environment.
Having such a deep connection to the generations that came before inspires them to leave a legacy for the generations that will come after them. Friends, I had goosebumps!
Then came the moment we were (some of us, not so patiently) waiting for: wine!
Irene, our amazing tour guide created a wine tasting that was full of moments to pause and reflect. Time to use our eyes to see, our noses to smell and our mouths to experience the passion of 26 generations of wine makers. I’ve been to plenty of wine tastings in my life, but I don’t recall ever experiencing wine with this depth or this connection.
It wasn’t just the delicious wine, or how they are using inspiration from the past to look to the future. For me it was the deep connection they have to why they continue to nurture and grow their legacy and the lessons shared for future generations that made this visit one of the highlights of my trip.
Also the wine! Delicious!
The Wine Almost Made it Home
My personal favorite (Cervaro della Sala) wasn’t on the tour, but I picked up a bottle in the gift shop.
I bought that bottle of wine so I could re-experience the tastes and smells and sounds and feelings from that tour (spoiler: I already shared the bottle). So even if I can’t share a glass with you, telling this story and the impression it left on my heart is a way to connect and share the moment with you.
Our stories have power and I can’t wait to help you share yours.
Let’s start talking!
Tami Lynn