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

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

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

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders - Paella season is here! Celebrate with free Calasparra paella rice through 5/20. Use Promo Code: ARROZ

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

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

Light & Flavorful Conservas - Enjoy healthy, simply prepared tinned seafood from Spain!

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

Best Sellers ►

Serrano Ham Croquetas by La Croquetina

Cod and Caramelized Onion Croquetas by Senén (for Oven)

Piquillo Pepper Stuffed Manzanilla Olives

Grilling Sampler of Spanish Sausages (2.25 Pounds)

Barra Cantábrica - Extra Airy Bread

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Tortilla Española Potato Omelet with Onions by Peregrino

Mini Tortilla Española Potato Omelets by Peregrino (4 Pieces)

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders! Promo Code: ARROZ

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders

Memorial Day Grillings

Share the Joy of Tapas

Light & Flavorful Conservas

We're All About Familia

Free Paella Rice with $99 Orders

Memorial Day Grillings

Share the Joy of Tapas

Light & Flavorful Conservas

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!