This left three first time dove hunters. A person could not ask for a better place to learn how to handle and shoot a shotgun as Cordoba is the most target rich environment for flying doves. Soon after the guests arrived, they made their way to the field for an afternoon hunt. Tata, the hunter’s assistant, coached Katherine as she successfully shot several doves. What an incredible experience for the first time ever shooting a shotgun. Warren learned quickly and tallied 456 birds in a three-hour span. The following day, he went on to bagging over 1,000 birds and proudly sported his coveted Pointer Outfitters 1,000 Bird Club t-shirt upon returning to the lodge.

This group had chosen to stay in La Loma Lodge. This beautiful traditional Estancia was built in 1908 by one of the wealthiest families in Argentina. The lodge is located about one hour north of Cordoba International Airport in the town of Totoral. Situated next to the biggest dove roost in Argentina, the rides to the fields are a convenient 10 to 40 minutes. La Loma’s staff, the delicious Argentine meals, as well as copious amounts of doves combine to make this a very memorable dove-shooting trip.

Since hunting was not the sole interest of this group, they decided to take a day away from the field to tour Colonia Caroya. This town is located south of Totoral and is a 40-minute drive from La Loma. Italian immigrants settled and established this town in 1661. Here they made their living by means of farming/cultivating fruit, corn and wine. 

In 1930, five of the immigrants decided to build a winery in this town and coined the name Bodega La Caroyense. To this day, this winery still produces wine. Bodega La Caroyense was first stop for the Smithie’s. During their extensive thirty-minute tour, the tour guide stopped to point out where all of the steps of production took place. Smiles and laugher were contagious as Steven, Katherine, Laura, and Warren learned to appreciate the Italian heritage and culture that traveled to Argentina many years ago. After the tour, the Smithie’s took turns tasting several of the different types of wine bottled at Bodega La Caroyense. The four knew that for them, the decision to be a tourist instead of a hunter on this day was a good one.

Following this stop, the van headed to Establecimiento DiCandi. Gerardo Panontini is the proud owner and operator of this local vineyard. Upon arrival Gerardo, his wife, daughter, and three dogs greet you with enthusiasm. The Panontini family is more than welcoming as they lead you to the large backyard behind their house, which is covered by rows and rows of grapevines. Soon after, he begins to tell you of the rich heritage of this vineyard. His great great grandparents immigrated to this town from Italy with a suitcase full of clothes and a grape vine cut from the soil of their homeland. Gerardo felt he owed it to ancestors to keep the tradition alive of cultivating grapes and producing wine while using the same grape vine and same methods as the Panontini’s did generations ago. This family run business further exemplifies the strong ties the residents of Colonia Caroya have to their ancestors and Italian heritage. The Smithie’s walked between the rows of grapes with Gerardo as he picked fresh grapes from the vine and presented them to each of his guests for a taste of his prized fruit. As Steven, Katherine, Laura, and Warren loaded back into the van to head back to the lodge, they carried with them a bottle of DiCandi redwine and unforgettable memories.

An avid hunter will easily mark a trip with Pointer Outfitters as the trip of a lifetime, but so will a guest who does not have the desire to spent everyday in the field shooting. This is because Pablo and his staff have the determination and ability to make sure your trip is organized exactly how the group desires. Whether it is a day in Cordoba shopping, touring Jesus Maria, or tasting wine with Mr. Panontini your desires are only a request away for our Travel and Leisure Department.

You should be the next one!

Jackson Willingham

Host | Intern Guide

Pointer Outfitters