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

Master artisan Augustín partners with his daughter Belén to continue the ceramic tradition, which stretches back to the medieval days of Moorish Toledo. They chose to locate their studio in El Puente del Arzobispo, a small town with abundant top quality clay, and a very strong artistic temperament. We find it a joy to work with Belén, a bright woman, who is adapting ancient traditions to the modern world.&nbsp; She is now able to produce hand-painted plates to make them dishwasher proof (not a problem in Moorish times!)<a href="/table/ceramics">See our artisan ceramics ►</a>

Belén de la Cal Hidalgo - Ceramic Artist

One recent Easter week, we visited the Villajos family in the tiny village of Porzuna deep in the meseta of La Mancha, where Antonio creates one of Spain's finest Manchego cheeses.&nbsp; When we visited last, Antonio's son was just finishing high school, and his daughter was working at one of the desks in their modest office. He took us for a brief tour of his cheese making operation, and we learned that Antonio knows each of the local shepherds, so that the fresh sheep's milk often arrives at the dairy only 15 minutes after it is milked! It is hard to describe the warmth and hospitality extended by Antonio and his wife. We have never tasted a Manchego cheese that compares to the ones he and his cheese master Bernardo produce.<a href="https://www.tienda.com/artisan-cheese/cheese-sheep">See our artisan cheeses ►</a>

Antonio Villajos - Cheesemaker

At the top of a mountain in western Spain sits the magical medieval village of La Alberca, located in the heart of the Sierra de Francia National Park. It just so happens that this is the perfect place to dry and age jamón, and in 1956, Fermín Martín founded Jamones y Embutidos Fermín to produce artisan Ibérico hams and sausages.

Today Martín’s children, Santiago and Francisca, run the company following the same artisan, all natural methods as their father. With over 100 employees, Fermín is the lifeblood of this small village. In 2007, Fermín was the first Ibérico ham maker allowed in the U.S., and La Tienda was proud to sell their very first Jamón Ibérico in America.

	<a href="/fermin/">See our Fermín meats ►</a>

Santiago Martín - Jamones Fermín Owner

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

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

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

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Artisan Cooking Chorizo Sausage by Peregrino

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Rabitos Royale Dark Chocolate Fig Bonbons (15 Pieces)

Churros Pastries by Peregrino - Toast and Serve

Mini Tortilla Española Potato Omelets by Peregrino (4 Pieces)

Barra Cantábrica - Extra Airy Bread

Grilling Sampler of Spanish Sausages (2.25 Pounds)

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

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Send an eGift Card!

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

We're All About Familia

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

Send an eGift Card!

Delicious Paella Made Easy

It's Grilling Season

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!