Once upon a time...

We first discovered Puglia in 2016 while on a road trip to explore remote parts of southern Italy. Something about this corner of Italy captured our hearts—the rugged coastline that reminded Lesley of her native Massachusetts, the ancient olive groves, the warmth of its people and the deep connection between the land and those who work it. We kept returning, eager to explore beyond the familiar sights, meet local farmers and learn more about the region’s rich agricultural traditions. Gradually, our curiosity grew into something more purposeful. As we began thinking about life after our corporate careers, we imagined putting our time, energy and resources into a small farming venture of our own—one that could help restore neglected land and contribute, however modestly, to a healthier way of sourcing our food.

“Building a sustainable farm from the ground up was no small task. We embraced traditional farming practices passed down through generations, while integrating innovative techniques to ensure our methods remain environmentally friendly. From crop rotation and composting to renewable energy solutions, every step we take is guided by our commitment to sustainability.”

A JOURNEY TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE

“At Agricola dell'Orso, we care about soil health, biodiversity and environmental resilience."

Our project thrives on collaboration with small farmers. Born and raised in Puglia, our farm-hands Mauro Caramia and Filiberto Erario manage daily farm operations. They are our backbone at Agricola dell’Orso and together we build strong connections with other local farmers and artisans, sharing knowledge and passion. 

This teamwork extends to promoting our products together, both locally and on an international level. We believe that the land’s true richness comes from its diversity and that unity makes us stronger. Supporting and engaging with the local community is at the core of everything we do. Together, we cultivate more than exceptional products—we nurture a shared heritage.

Action today for impact tomorrow

Creating a biodiverse, self-sufficient farm

As promoters of progressive agriculture, we are committed to respecting the most rigorous standards to produce exceptional extra virgin olive oil, wine made from our native organic grapes and more – we are proud to be ambassadors of Italian taste.

This ambitious goal is nurtured by organic and regenerative farming practices, with the utmost respect for the environment. Our priority is to improve soil health and maximize biodiversity, promising nutritious, and healthy products. Transparency and traceability are the keywords of our approach, from the soil to your table.