OK so I admit that this is a bit of a cheat, as this should probably be three separate products! Olives are everywhere in Puglia. It is estimated that there are more than 60 million olive trees in Puglia (approximately 15 trees for every person) of which we own 37! It is estimated that around 5 million of these trees are categorised as "monumental, ancient specimens" (these can be identified via a UNESCO numbered "badge" on the main trunk - indeed the ancient olive groves are Puglia are on a formal programme to gain full UNESCO World Heritage Site accreditation). The olive tree is the symbol of Puglia, featuring in the heraldic emblems of many of the region's towns and cities. To quote Giovanni Resta "Each olive tree is unique, inimitable, mysterious and unrepeatable. Every tree is different from any other that has its gnarled roots in the thirsty land of Apulia." Most of the olives harvested near us are used to produce olive oil, the tasting of which is taken just as seriously as wine, but it is also possible to buy fantastic eating olives at the local markets. Alternatively, skilled artisan woodworkers make some amazing items from olive oil wood that truly capture the individual nature of the specific tree, branch or root from which they have been made.

Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world and Puglia produces the most wine of any region in Italy (about 17% of the national total). However, in years gone by Puglian wine was regarded by many as being too strong, too rustic and just generally not that great as anything other than a useful "blend" to improve the alcohol content,  colour and flavour of wine from other "finer" wine growing areas. However, nowadays the reputation of Puglian wine is on the up and local wines are regularly winning awards across Europe and beyond. Red wine is "top dog" in Puglia and is dominated by the Primitivo di Manduria, Negroamaro and Salice Salentino varieties - the "homes" of which are all nearly within staggering distance of the Masseria. Meanwhile, rose (or as it is known here, rosato) wine is becoming quite popular and there are some tremendous local options available. Similarly there are some excellent white wines around (typically our favourites tend to be made with the Fiano grape variety). However, whilst the reputation and quality of the wine is improving, the prices are still amazingly cheap - a very good bottle of local wine is unlikely to cost more than €6-8 and there are plenty of award winning wines around for about €10-12 a bottle. Even in restaurants you are unlikely to pay more than €15-20 for a bottle of very nice wine to accompany your meal. Another favourite option is to go to your local cantina with a 5 litre plastic bottle and get it filled up directly from the  "petrol pump" for about €1.60 a litre.  It may not have the complexity or structure of a bottled wine but they still taste great for an "every day" wine.

The local region is rich in a limestone rock which heavily dominates as a construction material in its various guises. However, Pietra Leccese is also very easy to work with and there are some fantastic local artisans making amazing home décor products from it. The products range from sculptures, statues and tableware through to decorative lighting (either table, floor or wall lights typically with holes carved into the shape in order to allow the light to shine through as per the photograph opposite). The stoneware is available in many towns but the best selections and shops we have found tend to be around the city of Lecce.

The ceramic quarter (quartiere delle ceramiche) in Grottaglie is well worth a leisurely explore even if you are not in the market for any pottery. There is a massive variety of ceramic products available covering the full spectrum of taste and style. The town is famous for two different designs.  The first are "pumi" bud shaped pieces available in either 2D or 3D formats, the symbol of Pomona the Roman goddess of fruitful abundance. The pumi represent fertility, the birth and growth of family and a fruitful / prosperous future and are often given as presents when a couple gets married, buys their first home or has a child. The second famous design are statues of bearded  ladies which refer to a local, Medieval love story of a groom who was prepared to risk his life to protect his new bride. There are a number of shops selling some fantastic tableware, tiles, house signs, etc and we are regular visitors for birthday / Christmas presents. Coupled with some beautiful windy back streets it makes for a really fun excursion.

Figs have been an important part of the regional landscape and diet for thousands of years. The hot summer climate seems to be ideally suited to the growing of figs and, if you can look past the olive trees, you will see that fig trees are very common. A summer stroll through the countryside with a local Italian family isn't complete until someone has plundered a wild fig tree and everyone can continue their walk whilst eating fresh fruit. The variety of fruit is extensive ranging from bright, almost lime green through to deep purple skins and soft yellow through to a deep blood red flesh. Locally figs are dried with either an almond inserted in the centre and / or covered in chocolate - perfect for Christmas.
San Michele has a big fig and almond festival in late August which is well worth a visit.