No, it's not a tomato . . . it's not a tuba or tornado . . . nor is it a tavern, taxi, or tabernacle. So, what exactly is a tenuta? Pronounced tay-noo-tah, it is an Italian estate or vineyard.
A tenuta usually consists of a large estate home surrounded by a small village that once housed those who worked the farm. Today, many of these estates and villages have been converted into apartments and B&Bs for visitors.
Pictured here is Tenuta di Lupinari, one of the largest private, family-owned estates located in the heart of Tuscany.
Behind the estate home is the small village, also known as a borgo.
This property has been beautifully restored to constitute 11 apartments and 4 B&B bedrooms.
I really enjoyed the spaciousness, the peacefulness, and the overall feeling of being a local while staying in one of Lupinari's apartments. 
It truly is a unique experience.
Visit Tenuta di Lupinari's website at www.lupinari.com.
