Masseria Melcarne

Masseria Melcarne stands between Surbo and Torre Rinalda, in the province of Lecce, on an agricultural estate of approximately sixty-five hectares planted with olive groves, orchards, citrus groves, and vegetable gardens. The masseria is run by Francesco and his wife Betti, who have developed a multi-faceted farm over the years: extra virgin olive oil production, artisan preserves, agritourism, and a restaurant serving traditional Salentino cuisine using only local ingredients. Farming follows organic principles, with a focus on indigenous varieties: Ogliarola Salentina, Cellina di Nardò, and Leccino.

Masseria Melcarne's preserves are made from fruit grown on the estate, following old family recipes. The range includes jams of orange, quince, grape, apricot, and the rare Petrucina pear — an autochthonous Salentino variety — alongside brined table olives and wildflower honey. The year 2013 marked a painful turning point with the arrival of Xylella fastidiosa, which devastated the historic olive trees: the family responded by replanting with scientifically selected resistant varieties, choosing to stay and carry on.