Running in the vines

From a park run and charity 5k to a half marathon, if you enjoy running then what could be better than pounding through the vines – especially when there’s wine waiting at the end (and sometimes on route!).

I’m not normally a runner but the prospect of a 5k charity wine run at Hanwell Wine Estate where you are invited to run, walk or crawl around their beautiful Nottinghamshire wine estate, including wine samples on route sounded appealing. It was great fun and enjoyed by all - regardless of ability. Once you’d crossed the finish line there was an opportunity to try more delicious locally grown wines and grab yourself some lunch from the Café Bar. This year’s event was raising funds for MS Society.  Next year’s date is already set for Sunday 7th June 2026.  

So what next? Denbies Bacchus Wine Half Marathon and 10k has been called England’s equivalent of the famous Marathon du Medoc, with up to six opportunities to taste wine as you go around the course. It’s a celebration of award-winning English wine, fine food, fancy dress, music and of course, running (although don’t expect to get a PB!) The beautiful but challenging route weaves in and out of Denbies Vineyard and sections of Surrey’s North Downs. As if the wine isn’t enough incentive there’s a hog roast waiting at the end. Understandably demand for places is high. In 2025 it takes place on Sunday 7 September.

If you’re looking for something where the focus is more on getting out and exercising, then Squerryes Winery Park Run in Kent offers a weekly opportunity to take part in a free, fun and friendly 5k community event. You can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate every Saturday at 9am. Squerryes has an Estate Deli and Cellar Door to explore and there’s also the Vineyard Café where you can grab a coffee and pastry

The Pulborough Vineyards run has taken place a couple of times a year for quite some time. Starting and finishing at Nutbourne Vineyards, it gives you stunning views across the West Sussex Countryside to the South Downs. You can choose your own distance from 5k up to a half marathon. It’s all off road, mostly on firm grass / mud / stony walking tracks. And you’ll get a glass of wine to celebrate when you finish. Places are limited so early registration for the event is recommended.       

Another Sussex vineyard offering a charity 10.7k and half marathon is Rathfinny Estate. The event has been held at the end of April for the last 4 years and you run through beautiful vines via hilly trails with views of the South Downs National Park. Check out their website for more information.

If you’re based in London or the South East why not check out @run_to_wine_ on Instagram – a social running and wine lovers community that organises 5k runs that end with wine tasting. They recently organised a run between Nutbourne and Ambriel Sparkling in Sussex which looked great fun and there will soon be more dates for this experience.

It seems there are lots of brilliant opportunities to combine running in vineyards settings, whatever your ability. Cheers to that!