We left Jesús María and headed straight towards the next village: Colonia Caroya. We set out with the awareness that we would be able to taste good salami and wine as we toured the town streets. This place is known by its very particular Salami National Festival and, to tell the truth, these small but important reasons were the right reason to wish to know this picturesque site.
Just like Jesús María, Colonia Caroya is a small village created mainly by Italian and Spanish immigrants, who left their unquestionable mark on the local customs and arquitecture. Its economy is based on agricultural and livestock activities and, recently, on tourism. Thousands of visitors come to the town every year to taste regional jams and homemade salami, which remind everyone of those prepared by “la nonna”.
We were welcomed by the cool shade of the ancient banana trees on San Martín Avenue. Most of the town shops are located on this particular wide street which is four kilometers long.
About halfway along the avenue stands La Caroyense Winery, which is an unquestionable local icon, just like the salamis. Without haste, we entered the facilities to learn about the history of the winery, which undoubtedly was related to the lives of many settlers.