The health benefits of a Mediterranean diet are well known, but do you know why? We caught a great podcast recently by olive oil champion Elizabeth Berger and scientist Prof Tim Spector – and here's what we learned about olive oil, the superfood.

It's almost time for the olive harvest, so Jerry and I are here for a whistle-stop visit, to check on all 500 of our trees, and the vines. It's still blisteringly hot, but a joy to be here to witness the changing of the seasons as we reflect on a wonderful summer of family, friends and Olympic achievement.

Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the best. And that's never more true than with our Bianco Balsamico. Created for a demanding Parisian chef, it has a deliciously honeyed hue thanks to the way we age it. And it's absolutely sublime drizzled over salad leaves.

At this time of year, the estate is all about guests, gardens and grapes. The olives, pruned in May, are happily looking after themselves and we're happily immersing ourselves in the Italian sunshine, enjoying some fabulously local, seasonal food at our favourite osterias.

2023 was a year of us having to make some adjustments, mainly due to Brexit! We now have to plan our projects carefully as we have succumbed to the dreaded 90 out of 180 days stay limitation…just as well Jerry has a love of spreadsheets and records almost every minute of every stay!

There's no denying – Sant Elia’s Balsamic is sensational drizzled into our single estate extra virgin olive oil for a dip to have with a beautiful, homemade loaf. But there's much more to it. Here are our favourite ways to use our balsamic.