After driving through the bountiful Vera valley dotted with fruit trees and modest farms, Tim and I were greeted heartily by two millers, José María Hernández and his son, Alvaro.&nbsp; I always appreciate the "down to earth" quality of people whose livelihood is tied to the soil.&nbsp; Soon Alvaro proudly showed us group pictures of the three generations who&nbsp; pioneered the production of pimentón de la vera, the famous smoked paprika of Spain.&nbsp; He identified&nbsp; each member of their family, one by one!&nbsp;Eva came down from Madrid especially to greet us.&nbsp; Speaking in flawless English she guided us through their warehouse, which was a virtual working museum of paprika mills dating back to the early twentieth century. The mills were engineering works of art and José María was particularly proud that La Dalia paprika was still&nbsp;produced using the original granite millstones.&nbsp; The unique properties of granite assure the amazing fineness of the rich red powder that came from the little smoked peppers the farmer brought from the field.&nbsp;<a href="/food/smoked_paprika.html">See our artisan smoked paprika ►</a>

José María Hernández - Paprika Miller

We first got to know Fermín Rodríguez when he invited us to tour his family olive groves in Priego de Córdoba.  He told us of how, as a child, he would hide in the hollows of the ancient olive trees at the foot of the rolling Vizcántar Hills. Clearly, this is his life and his passion. As a professional taster, and producer of Señorío de Vizcántar Extra Virgin Olive Oil, he introduced us to the complex world of true extra virgin olive oil. A few years ago he married a delightful Berber woman named Aixa and we enjoy visiting their little girl Sofía during our visits. Maybe she will join the olive oil business with her father some day!

	<a href="/food/olive_oil.html">See our artisan extra virgin olive oils ►</a>

Fermín Rodríguez - Olive Oil Taster

Our friends Bernát and his son of the same name work together in a modest workshop in a village on the island of Mallorca. They are a vanishing breed of craftsmen who create olive wood bowls, plates, mortars and pestles and other utilitarian objects from whole pieces of olive wood – nothing is laminated or glued together. The search for large pieces of fallen olives trees is a daunting task, but once the olive wood enters their workshop, father and son transform it to a thing of beauty.  Standing next to them amidst the sawdust and the lathes is a magical event.

	<a href="/table/olivewood.html">See our artisan olive wood ►</a>

Bernát Fiol - Olive Wood Carver

Not far from Madrid is Sigüenza, a hill-town topped with a fairytale castle. &nbsp;In this ancient village, Jesus Blasco works with his brother and son to cut and stitch bota wineskins by hand, as they have been made for thousands of years. &nbsp;His small workshop is not much different than that of his father and grandfather, both of whom practiced this ancient trade.Jesús greeted us at his door and proudly showed us the painstaking process of cutting a goat hide, stitching it together, then sealing it with pine pitch to make it waterproof. &nbsp;Jesús and his son are proud of their skills, and are innovating to help preserve this craft for generations to come.<a href="/table/wine-service">Shop Bota Wineskins&nbsp;&nbsp;►</a>

Jesús Blasco - Bota Wineskin Maker

It's Grilling Season - Cook out with the delicious flavors of Spain this Labor Day!

Serve Spain's Iconic Chorizo - Smoky, meaty and irresistible, shop our wide variety of chorizos.

Light & Flavorful Conservas - Enjoy healthy, simply prepared tinned seafood from Spain!

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Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Piquillo Pepper Stuffed Manzanilla Olives

Rabitos Royale Dark Chocolate Fig Bonbons (15 Pieces)

Sliced Ibérico Ham by Peregrino, Nitrate Free - 2 oz

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates
La Tienda's Jonathan Harris explains the difference between Jamón Serrano, Ibérico and Bellota

Difference Between Jamón Serrano, Ibérico and Bellota Video

Anchovy Stuffed Olives by Peregrino - 'Extra' Quality

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Sardinillas by Conservas de Cambados - Small Sardines

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Cinco Jotas Sliced 100% Ibérico de Bellota Shoulder - 3 oz

Share the Joy of Tapas - Shop the best ingredients for a tempting tapas spread.

It's Grilling Season

Serve Spain's Iconic Chorizo

Light & Flavorful Conservas

Delicious Paella Made Easy

We're All About Familia

It's Grilling Season

Serve Spain's Iconic Chorizo

Light & Flavorful Conservas

Delicious Paella Made Easy

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

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Meet Our Artisans

Learn More About La Tienda

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!

Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!