Early Bird
Deadline
January 31, 2026
Judging
Date
May 18, 2026
Winners
Announced
June 10, 2026
In a world that is quick to move onto the next thing, Tenuta Manoylo stands as a quiet reminder of what truly matters—time, care, and connection. Founded in 2014 by the Manoylo family, the winery was born from a simple yet profound desire: to live slowly and purposefully, and to share that way of life through wine. Nestled in the heart of the Marche region, the estate overlooks the medieval village of Moresco, surrounded by rolling hills, the River Aso, and the gentle influence of the Adriatic Sea.
The story of Tenuta Manoylo began when Dimitri and Olena Manoylo first discovered Marche and fell in love with its landscape and traditions. They saw in it not only a new home but also a canvas on which to build a dream. What started as a family passion soon became a professional calling. A boutique winery dedicated to producing exceptional, sustainable wines that embody the region’s history and spirit. Today, Tenuta Manoylo represents the harmony of old-world craftsmanship and modern innovation. Two generations of the family are now involved in the project: founders Dimitri and Olena oversee the estate in Marche, while their son Illia Manoilo serves as the winery’s representative at international events and fairs, bringing the voice of Marche to the wider wine world.
Tenuta Manoylo’s 24 hectares of vineyards are located on the slopes surrounding Moresco, a hilltop village where time appears to stand still. The location—between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic coast—offers a unique microclimate ideal for viticulture. Warm, sunlit days are balanced by cool sea breezes, while the limestone-rich soils formed from ancient marine deposits lend structure and minerality to the wines.
Marche itself has a deep and ancient winemaking tradition, dating back thousands of years to the Etruscans, Romans, and Lombards. In this historic landscape, Tenuta Manoylo continues the region’s legacy of producing wines that are both authentic and expressive of their origin. The estate cultivates both indigenous and international varieties: Pecorino and Passerina for whites, and Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Alicante, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot for reds. This diversity allows the winery to showcase the depth of Marche’s terroir while experimenting with styles that appeal to the global palate.
At the heart of Tenuta Manoylo’s philosophy lies the balance between tradition and innovation. Guided by experienced enologist Luigi Costantini—former President of Assoenologi Marche—the winery embraces both cutting-edge technology and rediscovered ancient techniques. Fermentation and ageing take place in a range of vessels including stainless steel, oak, concrete eggs, and amphorae made of volcanic clay sourced locally from Monteleone di Fermo.
These choices are not made for novelty, but for purpose: each vessel brings out a different facet of the grapes, allowing the wines to speak authentically of their land. Vinification methods such as whole-grape fermentation and even underwater aging are being explored to further refine the winery’s style. Every step, from vineyard to cellar, reflects a disciplined pursuit of quality and respect for time. The estate’s first vintage, released in 2021 under the label Passo del Borgo, pays tribute to Moresco’s gentle rhythm of life. Each bottle captures not only the flavours of the land but also the ethos of its creators—a return to what is meaningful, authentic, and lasting.
Sustainability is central to the Tenuta Manoylo identity. The winery’s practices are guided by the principles of environmental responsibility, biodiversity preservation, and reduced carbon footprint. The estate participates in Italy’s VIVA program, the national public standard for measuring and improving sustainability in the wine sector. This commitment extends beyond farming practices to include energy efficiency, responsible production, and long-term care for the region’s ecosystem. Around 500 olive trees dot the property, producing aromatic extra virgin olive oil that complements the winery’s core collection of wines. Together, they represent a holistic approach to agriculture, where every part of the land is valued and nurtured.
Tenuta Manoylo is more than a winery; it is a family’s contribution to the renaissance of the Marche wine region. The team, composed of local experts and international professionals, works together to elevate Marche’s global reputation while staying true to its roots. As Illia Manoilo reflects, “Sustainability, innovation, tradition, and research are the key words through which Tenuta Manoylo brings absolute quality to the glass. Our wines are a reminder that when we slow down and focus on what matters, we create not only better wines, but a better way of life.”
Header image sourced from Tenuta Manoylo (Website).
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