Mantas de Grazalema is one of those brands that perfectly embodies Apero's philosophy: uniting functionality, authenticity, and aesthetics. Their products symbolize that connection between origin, tradition, and respect for quality craftsmanship that we value so much. Since we opened the shop, their merino wool blankets have been part of our selection, not only for their design and warmth, but for everything they represent.

Just a few days ago, we had the opportunity to visit their facilities in the beautiful town of Grazalema, in the Sierra de Cádiz mountains, which gives its name to their brand. It was a very special visit, because it gave us the chance to do something we truly enjoy: discovering and sharing projects with a story.

Grazalema is one of those places that seems suspended in time. Its whitewashed houses, natural setting, and tranquil atmosphere make it a destination we never tire of visiting. Its hiking trails are incredible, and its running routes are part of some of the most legendary and challenging trail races in the province.

But behind the beauty of this Andalusian white village lies a significant industrial history, something that never ceases to amaze, as hardly any trace of it remains. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Grazalema was one of Spain's major wool-producing centers. Thanks to the area's abundant rainfall, its merino wool was exceptionally clean and, therefore, highly prized. At its peak, the textile factories employed over 4,000 people, and Grazalema blankets were exported throughout Europe and Latin America. Of that industrial past, only one factory remains operational today—the one we visited.

We are greeted by Mario Sánchez Coronel, the third generation of a family that has kept this important textile tradition alive, overcoming numerous challenges. With kindness and impeccable service, he accompanies us through the various departments of the factory, showing and explaining the processes and the different machines involved in each one.

We begin in the newest building, a spacious and open area where technologies from different eras coexist. Here, the fabrics are prepared for the blankets, ponchos, scarves, and other products made with the highest quality merino wool. The repetitive, rhythmic sound of the looms is almost hypnotic; being there is an experience that transports us to another time, one in which the textile industry proudly displayed the "Made in Spain" label on its products. Watching them work, move, and interact, we can't help but feel a little intruding, but we appreciate being allowed in to document the moment. Here, machines haven't replaced people; they coexist and work together in harmony. Mario explains that the incorporation of new technology isn't driven by the urgency to produce more or faster, but rather by the desire to improve product quality and reduce defects.

We concluded our visit in an adjacent building, the one that once housed the original factory. Inside, antique machinery is preserved; what was once cutting-edge technology is now a vestige of the past, a fundamental legacy for understanding the history of this place and its importance. One detail that surprised us was seeing how one of these tools, over 200 years old and after some updates, is still in use, rigorously and precisely fulfilling its purpose. Mario showed us this with a certain pride, and rightly so, as it defies the contemporary logic that links technology with obsolescence.

After that long hour-long visit, we could see that the entire process of making Grazalema blankets remains artisanal, and that everything is done with exquisite care and attention. The wool is hand-selected, washed in hot water vats, sun-dried, carded, spun, and woven. Even the characteristic fringes of some of their blanket designs are hand-braided, one by one. The attention to detail is constant and evident in everything that comes out of this factory.

At Apero, we especially value knowing firsthand how and where the objects we offer are produced. For us, it's not just about selling a product, but about being able to tell its story, honestly and truthfully. And that's precisely what we find here: a story worth telling. Visiting Mantas de Grazalema allows us to discover a family project that generates employment in its community and keeps an industrial and cultural heritage alive. Ultimately, it's something that transcends the purely transactional and adds another, more human and lasting dimension to the objects and brands we so carefully select.