The Colombini family traces its roots back to the middle ages when, among other things, it had a hand in governing the city-state of Siena.

During the twentieth century, the Fattoria dei Barbi was headed by Pio Colombini, then by Giovanni, and then by Francesca. It is currently run by Stefano Cinelli Colombini. Each of these family members helped to develop the estate as part of a long-standing family tradition.