After graduating in the University of Florence with a degree on enology, and then in Bordeaux, he began his professional career in Frescobaldi, in 1986. A decade later, he became Chief of Wine Making Process at Antinori becoming a pioneer in Bolgheri with Antinori's super Tuscan, Guado al Taso. As a matter of fact, Antonini cites Piero Antinori as one of his major influences: “Working with Piero Antinori was a great learning experience. I understood how to combine tradition and innovation when making wines with strong identity and local flavor, taking into account what the customer is looking for.”