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 asked María Angeles to provide La Tienda’s saffron, because within gourmet circles her family has an impeccable reputation. Their saffron is certified as D.O.P. La Mancha, guaranteeing quality in an industry rife with counterfeit products.&nbsp; We visited her in their modest farmhouse on the plains of La Mancha.&nbsp; There her husband, Juan Antonio, explained how they carefully maintain the highest standards of this precious spice – as a matter of personal pride.&nbsp; Along with their children, David and Paloma, the family continues the tradition of planting, hand harvesting and toasting saffron with an inimitable artistry that comes from generations of experience.&nbsp; They only produce a few kilos of saffron per year.&nbsp; Our partnership with them has helped resurrect the saffron tradition within their village of Minaya, where they have recruited neighbors to help harvest this labor intensive crop.<a href="https://www.tienda.com/food/saffron">See our artisan saffron ►</a>

María Angeles and Juan Antonio - Saffron Farmers

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

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

Bread Sale - Enjoy 25% off top selling bread from Galicia!

Summer 2026 - Paella Photo Contest - Win a $1000 eGift Card!

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

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

We're All About Familia - Our family-run company supports Spains's amazing artisans.

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Serrano Ham Croquetas by La Croquetina

Anchovy Stuffed Olives by Peregrino - 'Extra' Quality

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Mini Cooking Chorizo Links by Peregrino

Burnt Basque Cheesecake, The Original by Casa Eceiza

Gazpacho Andaluz with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Barra Cantábrica - Extra Airy Bread

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

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

25% Off Artisan Bread from Galicia!

Bread Sale

Paella Photo Contest

It's Grilling Season

Share the Joy of Tapas

We're All About Familia

Bread Sale

Paella Photo Contest

It's Grilling Season

Share the Joy of Tapas

We're All About Familia

Best Sellers ►

Welcome to La Tienda!

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!