If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to combine travel, language learning, and unforgettable cultural experiences into one incredible adventure—this post is for you. I’m sharing my journey from running wine tours in the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina to now hosting immersive Spanish trips in the vibrant city of Málaga, Spain. Whether you’re a home-educating parent looking for enriching travel experiences for your child, or an adult Spanish learner with a love of food and culture, you’ll get a glimpse into the power of immersion and why specialist travel is not only more meaningful—but better for the planet too.
Where It All Began: Wine, Weddings & Student Adventures in Mendoza
For 15 years, I called Mendoza, Argentina home—a sun-drenched region nestled at the foot of the Andes, famous for its Malbec, mountain views, and the kind of sunsets that make you stop mid-sentence. It was there that I ran The Grapevine Wine Tours, my own travel agency that specialised in wine tourism across Mendoza, Patagonia, and even over the border into Chile. We crafted personalised itineraries for wine lovers from all over the world—whether it was a once-in-a-lifetime vineyard-hopping adventure, a destination wedding amongst the vines, or a tailor-made honeymoon with a side of syrah.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work was organising immersion trips for student groups from the USA. These trips blended Spanish language learning with authentic cultural experiences—think horse riding through the foothills of the Andes mountains, sipping Torrontés during a wine tasting, and chatting with locals in the city plaza. I arranged everything from accommodation and classes to excursions, always with the goal of helping students step out of the classroom and into real-life Spanish-speaking settings.
Immersion in Málaga: Language, Culture & Tapas
Now based in the UK, I bring that same passion for immersive, meaningful travel to the language immersion trips I organise in Málaga, Spain. Just like in Mendoza, students are surrounded by beauty—in this case, the sparkling Mediterranean, palm-lined promenades, and the winding streets of the old town. They attend daily Spanish classes and take part in activities that deepen their cultural understanding—from city tours and cooking classes to local market visits and sports on the beach.
Why Immersion (and Small-Scale Travel) Matters
Immersion is, hands down, the most effective way to learn a language. It forces you (in the best way!) to think on your feet, use your Spanish in everyday situations, and connect with locals on a deeper level. But it’s not just about language—these trips open minds, build confidence, and create memories that stick far longer than verb tables ever will.
And let’s not forget the planet. Specialist travel—like small group language trips or bespoke wine tours—tends to tread more lightly. It supports local economies, minimises over-tourism, and fosters genuine connections rather than mass tourism experiences. It’s travel with purpose, and I’m proud to be part of it.
From the Andes to Andalucía, my mission has always been the same: to create travel experiences that are personal, powerful, and packed with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.
