Our friend Pepe Ruíz provides our Calasparra paella rice, and we always enjoy visiting the tiny town of Calasparra to visit with him.&nbsp; The rice grown in fresh water, high in the mountains along the Mundo and Segura rivers.&nbsp; Why grow rice in the mountains?&nbsp; One story is that centuries ago malaria affected the low lands near Valencia, and as an accident of history, they blamed the disease on the location of the rice fields. When they moved the rice crop to the mountains of Calasparra, the mosquitoes were left behind.&nbsp; In the new climate the grains of rice took longer to mature, and so are able to absorb an amazing amount of rich broth – the secret of good paella!&nbsp; Calasparra rice is the only DOP protected rice growing region in Spain, and it is still artisan grown with no insecticides or herbicides.<a href="/food/rice-and-pasta">See our artisan paella rice ►</a>

Pepe Ruíz - Rice Farmer

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

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

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

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

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Grilling Sampler of Spanish Sausages (2.25 Pounds)

Gazpacho Andaluz with Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sliced Serrano Ham by Peregrino, Nitrate Free - 6 oz

Serving Sliced Jamón Serrano Video

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

Churros Pastries by Peregrino - Toast and Serve

Video describing Peregrino, La Tienda's house brand

Peregrino Brand Foods Video

Serrano Ham Croquetas by La Croquetina

Glass Porrón Wine Pitcher

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

Spanish Porrón Wine Pitcher Video

Mild Palacios Chorizo from Spain

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates serving Palacios Spanish chorizo

Serving Spanish Chorizo by Palacios Video

Free Rabitos with $49 Orders! Promo Code: BONBON

Spring Sale

Free Rabitos Bonbons with $49 Orders

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

We're All About Familia

Spring Sale

Free Rabitos Bonbons with $49 Orders

Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

New! Tender Spanish Lamb

We're All About Familia

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Try Our Best Paella

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Try Our Best Paella

Get Free Paella Recipe eBook!