Marchese Piero Antinori Receives 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Woodinville, Wash.

Marchese Piero Antinori, one of Italy’s most highly regarded winemakers, received Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the publication’s 9th annual Wine Star Awards gala dinner on Monday, January 26.

“I am truly honored and proud to receive this prestigious award,” Marchese Piero Antinori said during the presentation ceremony. “It has been a privilege to be in the wine business for so many years, and most of all I would thank my father who gave me the responsibility that I have today, and I would also thank my daughters and chief enologist Renzo Cotarella, who is my right hand man.”

The Wine Enthusiast Magazine announced the honor in the magazine’s December issue: “…It’s no exaggeration to say that an entire world revolves around this one man. Piero Antinori represents the 25th generation to head a family business that has successfully been passed down from father to son for more than six centuries; and he has already taken steps to pass the baton onto his three daughters…During his tenure, the Marchese has, more than any other person, personally contributed to bringing Italy to the forefront of world enology in terms of innovation, quality and recognition…”

The Wine Enthusiast Magazine Annual Wine Star Awards recognize excellence in the wine and spirits industry. There were 50 nominees in 2008 with five nominees in each of ten of the award categories. The winners were selected for their outstanding contribution to the world of wine and spirits, and Piero Antinori was the only Italian producer to receive an award. The Lifetime Achievement Award is among the most prestigious conferred by the magazine.

Marchesi Antinori, is a family-owned wine producer in Tuscany since at least the 12th century and, officially, since Giavanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Vintners Guild in 1385. Marchese Piero Antinori, the 25th generation president of the company, has played a vital role in the preservation of Italy’s enological traditions, while at the same time, his innovative, dynamic and visionary views have led to Italy’s recognition as a producer of world-class wine. As the 26th generation of the Antinori family, Piero Antinori’s daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia are now involved in all aspects of Marchesi Antinori - and will play important roles in the prestigious producer’s future.

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For further information:
Jennifer Kang
425-415-3336
jennifer.kang@ste-michelle.com