SPAIN AT GLANCE

Paella

Spain is a millenary country with a strong food and wine history; we provide you here with today’s main data in a nutshell. We also invite you to discover  the diversity of Spain thru its 17 regions and 2 autonomous towns, the richness of their culture, food production and gastronomy.

FOOD

The Spanish agricultural and food industry is fifth (por volumen de negocio) in the European Union, with a production valued at 78,164 million Euros, of which 20.6% is exported.

In Spain there are 66 products under Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and a further 46 under Protected Geographic Indications (PGI).

Worldwide, Spain is:

The number one producer and exporter of olive oil and extra virgin olive oil.
The number one producer and exporter of table olives.
The number one producer of pine nuts.
The number one exporter of citrus fruits.
Second in production and exportation of preserved fish and seafood.
Second in production and exportation of almonds.
Second in production of mussels.
Second in production of artichokes.
Fourth in production of pomegranates.
Fourth in production and exportation of hazelnuts
Fourth in production of pork.

Within the European Union, Spain is:

The number one producer and number three exporter of fruit.
The number one producer of farmed fish.
The number one producer of preserved fruit, and the third largest of preserved vegetables.
The number one producer of honey.
The number one producer and exporter of pomegranates.
Second in the production of pigs, sheep and goats.
Third largest producer of meat.
Third in production of walnuts
Fourth in production of processed meat products.
Fourth in egg production.
Fourth largest producer of bottled water.
Fifth largest producer of vinegar.

WINE

Spain is indisputably the country in which vineyards occupy the greatest land area (1,1 million ha / 2.9 million acres: 14,8% of the world’s total) and is the second largest exporter of wine worldwide, exporting 14,4 million hectolitres of the 35 million it produces. Spain is the third largest producer of wine worldwide.

The value of Spanish wine exports is calculated to be 1.833 million Euros, 74% of which are wines under Denominations of Origin (DO). United Kingdom is the principal market for our wine exports, importing 17% of the total, followed by Germany, the United States, France, Switzerland, Italy and The Netherlands.

Spain has 69 Wine Denominations of Origin, which cover a surface area of 641,784 hectares, and group a total of 165,943 wine growers and 6,355 wineries.

Culture of Tapas

Tapas are part of the Spanish gastronomic culture. Hundreds of years of tradition that have left many things to discover.
According to legend Tapas was invented by King Alfonso X the Wise in the thirteenth century who ordered taverns not to serve wine but accompanied by a snack or tapa.
The tapa, at first, was placed on the mouth of the jar or glass, so it "tapaba" covered the container, hence the origin of the word. In those days the tapa consisted of a piece of cheese or a slice of ham.
Cervantes in Don Quixote called the tapas "llamativos", and Quevedo "aviso".
But the "tapa" has different names depending on the region of Spain where it is requested.
In Aragon and Navarra is called "alifara", in the Basque Country "pote", in Leon "pincho", etc.
Tapas have diversified greatly over time. In the past was limited to the above, but now they are small portions of dishes, which may well replace luch or dinner.

Alfonso X of Castile

We never consider the typical tapas as American fast food. It is more natural and their practice generate friendship and fellowship.

Mediterranean Diet, World Heritage

Various studies have shown that in Mediterranean countries death rates from cardiovascular diseases are the lowest in Europe. It seems that low intake of animal fats is one of the great advantages of the Mediterranean diet, in favor of an increased intake of fatty fish rich in omega-3. But we must also link the beneficial effect of olive oil that  helps the body get rid of "bad cholesterol". 

The consumption of legumes and vegetables, pasta, cereals and rice are a major contribution to the diet at the expense of meat, dairy, fats and refined sugars, which are traditionally consumed occasionally.Mediterranean diet has been recognized by doctors and nutritionists as one of the healthiest  which provide greater life expectancy and quality of life.We hope that recognition of the Mediterranean diet as cultural heritage serve to recover these healthy habits and that future generations will not get to suffer the consequences of an unbalanced diet.

SPANISH CUISINE YEAR I A.D. (After Adriá)

We come from a shining moment for Spanish cuisine marked both inside and outside the country by the figure of Ferran Adrià and his team developed at elBulli.  
In other countries have said that after Adriá the Spanish creative cuisine would drop, but if I'm honest, this is not the  impression I have. On the contrary. I think that despite the crisis Spanish cuisine is experiencing a shining moment in which more or less direct descendants of The Taste of the Mediterranean (the book that surely marked a before and after) are consolidated and cohabit with some of the great classics, which are active and in very good shape.

Great Offers and Promotions at La Viña Hale

Don´t Miss Out!

Sitges Tapa a Tapa 2012

A short trip to Sitges always feels so good.
You still have until Sunday May 13th to enjoy the Sitges Tapa a Tapa.
So seize the warmth for a visit to Sitges and enjoy a beer and a tapa for € 2.40 in the 20 participating locations.
You can give your rating of the tapas and participants will be drawn for a lunch or dinner in a Michelin Star Restaurant.

A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN IN THE HEART OF HALE


Enjoy traditional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine in a friendly and relaxed setting. We offer innovative dishes using only the finest and freshest ingredients available. Come and join us for a mouthwatering selection of tapas at lunchtime, a full a la carte evening menu. 

Our relaxed and informal atmosphere makes La Viña Hale the perfect venue for that intimate dinner or break from shopping..  

Our chefs focus on delivering the most tantalising dishes in the area, a wide selection of tapas and offering tasty vegetarian options. As well as offering quality and friendly service, our customers welcome the exceptional value.

So whether you're looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, an intimate dinner for two, or just looking to take a daytime break, join us at La Viña Hale for a taste of the Mediterranean in the heart of the Hale.