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.  I always appreciate the "down to earth" quality of people whose livelihood is tied to the soil.  Soon Alvaro proudly showed us group pictures of the three generations who  pioneered the production of pimentón de la vera, the famous smoked paprika of Spain.  He identified  each member of their family, one by one! 

	Eva came down from Madrid especially to greet us.  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  produced using the original granite millstones.  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. 

	<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

In the beautiful Basque fishing village of Ondarroa, the Ortiz family founded Conservas Ortiz in 1891 to produce exceptional canned seafood. Now in its fifth generation, this family owned cannery is famed for its line caught Bonito del Norte tuna. Each tuna is sustainably harvested with hook and pole, and each can is packed by hand, preserving the delicate, tender tuna for you to enjoy. Discover the finest canned tuna in the world.

	<a href="/ortiz/">See our Ortiz seafood ►</a>

The Ortiz Family - Canned Seafood Maker

Valentine's Chocolates Sale - Indulge your sweetheart with chocolates from Spain!

Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day - Give a Gourmet Gift from Spain This Valentine's Day!

Save on Spanish Favorites - Stock up, over 50 foods from Spain now on sale!

Mediterranean Diet - Healthy Foods from Spain - Discover delicious foods that are good for you, too!

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

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Galician Bread - Barra Española

Galician Bread Video

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Sardinillas by Conservas de Cambados - Small Sardines

Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Churros Pastries by Peregrino - Toast and Serve

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Hot Palacios Chorizo from Spain

Glass Porrón Wine Pitcher

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates how to use a Spanish porrón wine pitcher

Spanish Porrón Wine Pitcher Video

Mini Tortilla Española Potato Omelets by Peregrino (4 Pieces)

Save on Chocolates for Your Valentine! Shop Sale

Chocolates Sale

Valentine's Day Gifts

Save on Spanish Favorites

Healthy Foods from Spain

We're All About Familia

Chocolates Sale

Valentine's Day Gifts

Save on Spanish Favorites

Healthy Foods from Spain

We're All About Familia

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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!