<p>
	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.  She is now able to produce hand-painted plates to make them dishwasher proof (not a problem in Moorish times!)</p>
<p>
	<strong><a href="/table/ceramics.html">See our artisan ceramics ►</a></strong></p>


Belén de la Cal Hidalgo - Ceramic Artist

<p>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.</p><p><a href="/food/cheese-sheep.html"><strong>See our artisan cheeses ►</strong></a></p>

Antonio Villajos - Cheesemaker

<div>
	Not far from Madrid is Sigüenza, a hill-town topped with a fairytale castle.  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.  His small workshop is not much different than that of his father and grandfather, both of whom practiced this ancient trade.</div>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	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.  Jesús and his son are proud of their skills, and are innovating to help preserve this craft for generations to come.</div>
<div>
	 </div>
<div>
	<a href="https://www.tienda.com/table/wine-service.html"><strong>Shop Bota Wineskins </strong><strong> ►</strong></a><strong></strong></div>
<div>
	 </div>


Jesús Blasco - Bota Wineskin Maker

<p>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;</p><p>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.</p><p>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:</span><a  data-cke-saved-href=">.</a></p><p><a href="/wine/wine_sherry.html"><strong>See our Colosia sherries ►</strong></a></p>

Juan Carlos & Carmen - Bodega Gutiérrez Colosía Owners

Delicious Gifts, Shipped Free - Send a flavorful gift from Spain this holiday season.

The Best of Spain for Your Table - Find the best ingredients for a holiday tapas spread.

Gifts Full of Spanish Flavor - Send a gift worth savoring this holiday season.

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

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

Popular Holiday Gifts

Tapas Classics Gift Box - FREE SHIPPING!

Jamón Tasting Trio of Sliced Ham

La Tienda's Jonathan Harris demonstrates
La Tienda's Jonathan Harris explains the difference between Jamón Serrano, Ibérico and Bellota

Delicious Gifts, Shipped Free

The Best of Spain for Your Table

Gifts Full of Spanish Flavor

We're All About Familia

Delicious Paella Made Easy

Delicious Gifts, Shipped Free

The Best of Spain for Your Table

Gifts Full of Spanish Flavor

We're All About Familia

Delicious Paella Made Easy

Popular Holiday Gifts

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!