Vilassar de Mar, Spain

ESPINALER 1896 S.L

Espinaler's journey started back in 1896 when Miquel Riera y Prat established the original Espinaler tavern in Vilassar de Mar, near Barcelona. This welcoming tavern quickly became a local staple, celebrated for its vermouth and wine, embodying the rustic charm and warmth of a typical Mediterranean establishment.

Over the years, the business expanded with the addition of a tobacco shop in 1907 by Miquel himself, significantly boosting the family's business ventures. Despite facing the hardships of the civil war, his daughter, Francisca Riera Fornells, bravely took the reins in the 1930s, guiding the family through these turbulent times.

A significant transformation came in 1946 when Joan Tapias Riera, Francisca's successor, focused on enhancing the quality of their offerings, particularly their vermouth, which set a regional benchmark. His wife, Ventureta Roldós, contributed significantly in 1952 by creating the iconic Espinaler Sauce. This unique blend of vinegar, red paprika, black pepper, and selected spices became synonymous with quality and tradition, further establishing the brand's reputation.

By the year 2000, Espinaler had not only expanded throughout Spain but also opened a massive 1,300m³ gourmet store-tavern-warehouse in their hometown, which was later recognized as the best gourmet store in Spain in 2012. This marked a milestone in Espinaler’s history, celebrating over a century of culinary excellence.

Today, the fifth generation of the family, David and Miki Tapias, continue to uphold the family’s legacy. They maintain the same commitment to quality and tradition that has been a hallmark of Espinaler since its inception. Espinaler now offers a broad range of products, including appetizers, sauces, canned fish and seafood, and vermouths, distributing them globally.

The essence of Espinaler is to provide a unique Mediterranean experience — the Espinaler Experience — which is all about sharing moments of happiness and joy over exceptional food and drink. This commitment extends beyond their products to their values of sustainability, quality, and community engagement, making Espinaler not just a brand, but a part of culinary heritage that brings people together.