Food
Sip & Sprint: 10 Destination Races For Wine Lovers
Yes, it's possible to love wine and enjoy exercise! These 10 races combine jogging and indulging as you take in some of the most stunning wine regions across the globe
If you love wine and running, why not combine the two? All over the world, some of the best wine regions host yearly races through and around their vineyards, encouraging runners to try local wines at the finish line – and sometimes along the way. Ready to sample Syrahs and chat over Chardonnay after a rousing run? Then lace up those trainers and check out these events for active wine lovers.
Windsor Run & Wine
Windsor, California, USA
We all know some great wines come out of California, but not all are made in Napa. Located west of Napa in Windsor, this run in early May follows a path winding through Sonoma wine country. Hundreds of wineries are located here in the Russian River Valley, so there’s no shortage of tastings to try or bottles to pack in your suitcase. The race comes in distances of 5K, 10K or half marathon, and you’ll get to sample local wines and beers while listening to live music at the end of your run.
Fueled by Fine Wine
Dundee, Oregon, USA
Even with their classic half marathon and quarter marathon distance options, this summertime race is not an easy course. Oregon’s award-winning Dundee Hills wine country is, as the name implies, hilly, and you’ll feel all the ups and downs of this trail that follows unpaved paths through rows of grapevines and under hazelnut trees. However, your efforts will be rewarded when you sample the wares from more than 16 local wineries at the after-party. As the race promises: “You won’t run your best time – but you’ll have the BEST time!”
Wine Country Runs
Paso Robles, California, USA
Set in one of California’s lesser-known (but incredibly delicious) wine regions, Wine Country Runs offers a half marathon and 10K courses through Paso Robles at CaliPaso Winery in November. If you’re competitive, both the male and female victors of the half marathon win their weight in wine. But don’t worry: every participant gets complimentary breakfast and access to a post-race picnic party on the winery’s beautiful lawn. The series is hosted by a non-profit that donates to charities and youth organisations in San Luis Obispo County, so you can feel good about your race dollars.
5Ks by Corkscrew Racing
Nelson County, Virginia, USA
Travel-worthy events don’t have to be massive undertakings or long courses: Corkscrew Racing puts on a 5K that leads participants through vineyards and alongside winding country roads in Virginia’s stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. Taking place in early February, it’s a lively way to celebrate the end of Dry January, while proving there’s no bad season to sample some wines and get out for a run with your friends. Wine tasting (which you can do with your own finisher’s glass) takes place after the race, served up with food and live music. Enjoy more than wine? Keep an eye out for Corkscrew Racing’s cider-related runs and Margarita 5K later in year.
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Wine Glass Race Series
Corning, New York, USA
Looking to break your PR or qualify for the Boston Marathon? You couldn’t ask for a better course than Wine Glass Marathon’s race series. The course has an overall downhill slant, and the October dates mean you have plenty of time to build speed over the summer – plus, if you’re going to put in some hard work, the Finger Lakes wine region is a scenic place to do it. If you’re not up for a full marathon, there are half, 8K and 5K options, too.
Half Corked Marathon
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
If you’re more serious about the wine than the running, you can’t ask for better than the annual Half Corked Marathon, held in late May. After all, one of the first things the race webpage states is that “if you are looking to set a record, this probably isn’t the event for you.” Participants go all-out in fancy dress (awards are at stake) and are given 3.5 hours to complete a course about 20km long, sampling a different wine every kilometre or so. The race leads runners through vineyards and along the Okanagan River, and the party at the end includes a picnic lunch for all participants.
[Photo: © Aaron Hagen]
Marathon Deutsche Weinstraße
Bockenheim an der Weinstraße, Germany
This highly scenic road race winds through southwestern Germany’s Palatinate (Pfalz) region. It starts in the village of Bockenheim an der Weinstraße and carves a path next to the vineyards in Leiningerland before heading into Freinsheim. The famous giant wine barrel (the largest barrel in the world) in the spa town of Bad Dürkheim is the halfway mark and turnaround point. The course can be run as a half or a full marathon, and there’s also a shorter version for kids. Carbo-load at the official pasta party the day before, and refresh yourself along the way with “wine sponges” soaked in local Riesling. It’s like water in a paper cup, but better!
Chianti Trail Ultra
Radda, Italy
When 5Ks and 10Ks just aren’t enough, the Chianti Trail Ultra series in March offers up everything from a ‘short’ 10K course to a whopping 120-kilometre route that takes in 25 historic castles as it leads through vineyards, olive groves, historic towns and verdant forests, with an elevation change of more than 5,200 metres. So, uh, yeah, it’s a workout. But first, there’s a winery tour and pasta party the night before the big day. Post-race, participants can learn the basics of becoming a sommelier in a 30-minute class.
[Photo: © Alessandro Moretti]
Bacchus Wine Half Marathon
Dorking, England
The Surrey Bacchus run may encourage a bit of fancy dress, but it expects serious mileage out of you, too. The course is located near Dorking, surrounded by Denbies Vineyard – the largest in the country. Race distances are offered at 10K, a half marathon or a 2K fun run. Sample six different English wines along the way, and then refuel with more wine and a hog roast at the after-party.
Hunter Valley Winery Run
Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia
Located north of Sydney on Australia’s eastern coast, Hunter Valley is a popular wine destination known for its Semillon and Shiraz varieties. This gorgeous place is also a super-photogenic holiday destination. Make the most of your time down under by running alongside these vineyards in a range of distances – from marathon to half marathon, 10.5K or 5K – in the blessedly cool Australian winter in mid-July. There’s even a kids’ 2K option, too.
[Header photo: © Alessandro Moretti]
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