The Wine Knows

Piero Antinori, the 25th generation of winemakers of Antinori in Italy, will be featured Sunday on "60 Minutes."

Antinori is a partner with Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, owning half of Col Solare on Red Mountain in Washington and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in Napa.

"60 Minutes" will feature interviews with Piero Antinori and his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra and Alessia, who are involved in all aspects of the family business. The program also tours the family's historic estates in Tuscany, Umbria and California.

Back in 2000, my wife and I went on vacation in Italy and had the lovely opportunity to have lunch with Allegra Antinori at one of the family's Tuscan estates.

Allegra mentioned that her generation - the 26th since the family started the winery in the 1380s - was the first without a male heir, a fact that apparently caused no small amount of consternation amid family members. However, Allegra had recently given birth to a son, a relief to the family in a male-dominated wine industry.