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

We enjoy walking along the waterfront of Puerto de Santa Maria and dropping in to visit our friends Juan Carlos Gutiérrez Colosía and his warm and delightful wife Carmen Pau who own a boutique sherry bodega located close to the pedestrian ferry to Cádiz. We always are greeted with extravagant warmth by the couple, and Carmen speaks flawless English. The winery is a work of love, a truly family enterprise. &nbsp;Their lovely daughter Carmencita might show you around their intimate wine cellar should your visits coincide.&nbsp; In addition to a cellar full of singular sherries, they also have an amazing selection of rich and pungent sherry vinegars, such as you have never tasted before. Their vinegars are the only ones we use at home, both in cooking and our vinaigrette- laced greens.Don’t miss a chance to meet them. The couple represents to us the very best of Spain. Just email our friend Carmen&nbsp;<a href="mailto:<a data-cke-saved-href=">.</a><a href="/oil-vinegar/vinegar">See our Colosia sherry vinegars ►</a>

Juan Carlos & Carmen - Bodega Gutiérrez Colosía Owners

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Artisan Young Manchego Cheese from La Mancha - 12.3 Ounces

Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Tortilla Española Potato Omelet with Onions by Peregrino

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Hot Palacios Chorizo from Spain

Churros Pastries by Peregrino - Toast and Serve

Artisan Cooking Chorizo Sausage by Peregrino

Gazpacho Andaluz with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Jamón Serrano Boneless Center Piece by Peregrino (2 Pounds)

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

Save $15 Off $75 Orders - Promo Code: GOSPAIN

Save $15 Off $75 Orders

30th Anniversary Sale

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

Save $15 Off $75 Orders

30th Anniversary Sale

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

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