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

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

Our friend Jaime Borrás is an enthusiastic owner of Catunambú, a coffee roasting company in Sevilla. He is an energetic man whom we first met in the nearby Parador in Carmona, where he regaled us with an immense amount of information about his favorite topic: coffee. A few days later, we met Jaime among piles of cloth and burlap bags of coffee beans in the warehouse of Catunambú, a famous old firm from Sevilla, founded in 1897. It was an amazing experience to stroll around the warehouse with Jaime - the aroma was unbelievable. We saw bags from up to 20 different countries, all ingredients in a bold yet smooth blend that is the signature flavor of Catunambú - the coffee of Andalucía!<a href="/food/pantry-staples/beverages">See our Spanish coffees ►</a>

Jaime Borrás - Coffee Roaster

We've been seeking out a truly authentic Galician empanada for years, so we were excited to visit the artisan bakery called Ternura. Owners Javier and José Antonio run a renowned gourmet shop in A Coruña called La Tienda de Lino. Their handmade empanadas became famous across Galicia for their flaky crust and delicious fillings. So, the friends decided to open a small production bakery to offer a frozen version of their empanadas. They named it Ternura, which means ‘tender,' to represent hands-on artisan methods and the texture of their amazing empanadas. Once we tasted the empanadas, we had to share them with you!<a href="/products/artisan-tuna-empanada-ternura-bd-90">See our Galician tuna empanada by Ternura ►</a>

Javier and José Antonio - Empanada Bakers

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day - Send mom a unique & delicious gift from Spain!

This One's on Us - Free Olive Oil with $99 Orders - While Supplies Last! Use Promo Code: SQUEEZE

Delicious Paella Made Easy - Find all the ingredients and gear you need for a next-level paella.

New! Tender Spanish Lamb - Succulent, tender lamb–the perfect choice for spring dinners!

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

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Tortilla Española Potato Omelet with Onions by Peregrino

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Sardinillas by Conservas de Cambados - Small Sardines

Butifarra Sausage with Ibérico Pork

Anchovy Stuffed Olives by Peregrino - 'Extra' Quality

Burnt Basque Cheesecake, The Original by Casa Eceiza

Barra Cantábrica - Extra Airy Bread

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

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

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

Free Olive Oil with $99 Orders! Promo Code: SQUEEZE

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Free Olive Oil with $99 Orders

Delicious Paella Made Easy

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

It's Grilling Season

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Free Olive Oil with $99 Orders

Delicious Paella Made Easy

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

It's Grilling Season

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!