Antonella Piredda was born and grew up on the island of Sardinia. She spent a number of years in Milan, gaining a degree in foreign languages and literature (English, Spanish and Portuguese). She then spent a year in California before moving to Tuscany. After working in luxury hotel management, she became a licensed tour guide for Siena and its Province. Her passions are art history, wine, food, local traditions and literature. She lives in the medieval village of Montisi with her husband, wine making consultant Maurizio Castelli.