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 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.  We visited her in their modest farmhouse on the plains of La Mancha.  There her husband, Juan Antonio, explained how they carefully maintain the highest standards of this precious spice – as a matter of personal pride.  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.  They only produce a few kilos of saffron per year.  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="/food/saffron.html">See our artisan saffron ►</a>

María Angeles and Juan Antonio - Saffron Farmers

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="/wine/wine_sherry.html">See our Colosia sherries ►</a>

Juan Carlos & Carmen - Bodega Gutiérrez Colosía Owners

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

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

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

Celebrate with Jamón - Spain's delicious ham will be the star of your next gathering.

Buen Viaje - A portion of proceeds from Peregrino purchases support Spain's famous hiking trail.

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

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

Spicy Artisan Cooking Chorizo Sausage by Peregrino

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Share the Joy of Tapas

Delicious Paella Made Easy

Celebrate with Jamón

Camino de Santiago

We're All About Familia

Share the Joy of Tapas

Delicious Paella Made Easy

Celebrate with Jamón

Camino de Santiago

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!