tenute

Tenute is the plural of the Italian noun tenuta, which denotes a rural estate or property. The term conveys the idea of an organized holding with defined land and buildings, often including agricultural activities such as vineyards, olive groves, and a residence. Etymologically, tenuta comes from the verb tenere, “to hold,” reflecting ownership and management of a specific territory.

In the context of wine, tenuta is frequently used to designate an estate that produces wine from grapes grown on its own vineyards. Wines labeled with the name of a tenuta emphasize the estate’s identity and the on-site integration of viticulture and winemaking. However, the inclusion of “tenuta” on a label is not a strict legal guarantee that all fruit comes from the estate, as some producers may source grapes from within the broader area while still operating the estate winery.

Historically, tenute have been the large rural holdings associated with manors or latifundia, and many remain active as agricultural businesses today. In contemporary Italy, they are often referred to as “tenuta” or as “azienda agricola” and may expand into agriturismo activities, offering accommodations and experiences tied to the estate’s land and products. The term is widely used across Italian wine regions, including Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, and Puglia, reflecting both heritage and branding in wine and agriculture.