Looking for a scenic excuse to sip some local vino? The best races in wine country offer the perfect mix of hard work and easy indulgence, with gorgeous courses that wind through vineyards and rolling countryside – many of which end with a complimentary glass of the good stuff.
If that sounds like heaven, this list is for you. And you may not have to travel as far as you think: These events stretch far beyond California and Oregon, featuring races through Virginia’s rolling hills, New York’s Finger Lakes, the Texas Hill Country, and even along Michigan’s wine trail.
Because our focus here is wine, we’ve included shorter distances – starting at just 1K – to get you to that post-race glass faster. There are, of course, plenty of 13.1-distances on the list, too.
While some courses weave directly through vineyards and end with wine tastings and live music, others simply take advantage of the serene, vineyard-lined countryside for a beautiful run.
Either way, they’re all ideal for a race-cation — especially if you’ve got wine-loving friends or family in tow. Race in the morning, recover with a local pour in the afternoon. Where do we sign up?
Calendar: Best Races in Wine Country
- Paso Robles Wine Country Runs in California in TBD 2026
- Napa Valley Race in California on March 1, 2026
- Windsor Race in California in May 2026
- Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon in California on May 9, 2026
- Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon in Virginia on May 2026
- Wicked Wine Run – Richmond in Virginia in May 2026
- Virginia Wine Lovers 5K in Virginia in June 2026
- Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Race in California in July 2026
- Fueled by Fine Wine Race in Oregon in July 2026
- Running Between the Vines Race in Michigan on August 9, 2025
- Pines to Vines Trail 55K in Michigan on August 10, 2025
- Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon in Oregon on September 3, 2025
- Wegmans Wineglass Half Marathon in New York on October 5, 2025
- Wicked Wine Run – El Paso in New Mexico on October 11, 2025
- Napa Wine Country Race in California on October 25, 2025
- Wicked Wine Run – Fresno in California on November 22, 2025
- Spicewood Vineyards Race in Texas on December 13, 2025
Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon
- Where: Santa Ynez, CA
- When: May 9, 2026
- Distances: 13.1 run, 13.1 relay
More than 3,000 runners turn out each year for this point-to-point race that starts in downtown Santa Ynez, a small wine country town, and finishes in Solvang, known for its unique Danish architecture. Both are just over the mountains from nearby Santa Barbara and in a valley that boasts over 275 wineries – perfect for making a real spring race-cation out of.
Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
- Where: Leesburg, VA
- When: May 2026
- Distances: 13.1
If you love wine and haven’t visited Virginia’s Loudoun County yet, are you even a wine lover? One of the best wine regions on the east coast, this area boasts over 50 wineries, the majority of which sit in Virginia’s rolling hills and horse country for a perfectly picturesque view.
The Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon takes runners through this scenic course, following a meandering, loop-shaped point-to-point route that starts and ends at Doukenie Winery. Celebrate 13.1 miles complete with local wines, music, and beautiful views sipping at Doukenie’s pond.
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
- Where: Sonoma, CA
- When: July 2026
- Distances: 13.1, 5K
One of our favorite scenic half marathons and races with the best finish line parties, the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon runs through some of the country’s most beautiful and dramatic scenery in Wine Country USA and ends with an epic party filled with wine from local vineyards in the beautiful downtown of Sonoma.
Fueled by Fine Wine Half Marathon
- Where: Dundee, OR
- When: July 2026
- Distances: 13.1, 25K, 5K
Framed by the rolling farmland of northwest Oregon’s Willamette River Valley as well as the majestic peaks of Mount Hood and the Cascades, this Oregon race is limited to 1,100 participants for an intimate run through private vineyards. After the race, taste up to 24 local wines at the post-race festival in the park – all just 30 minutes southwest of Portland.
Wicked Wine Run – Fresno
- Where: Sanger, CA
- When: November 22, 2025
- Distances: 1K, 5K
Run through the vines at Kinds River Winery on a 40-acre family farm just south of Fresno. The race, which starts in the lovely 10 am, late-November morning, will take you to the finish party before the winery’s tasting room even opens, so you can be the first to sip with the view for the day.
Spicewood Vineyards Half Marathon
- Where: Spicewood, TX
- When: December 13, 2025
- Distances: 13.1, 10k, 5k
Filled with scenic farmland, vineyards, and rural country roads, this race offers some challenging hills as well as some beautifully pastoral views of this corner of the region known as the Texas Hill Country, just a short drive from nearby Austin. The finish line is packed with wine tasting (in your own souvenir glass) at the ridiculously beautiful Spicewood Vineyards – the perfect way to wind down your year.
Wegmans Wineglass Half Marathon
- Where: Corning, NY
When: October 5, 2025 - Distances: 13.1
A race through New York’s wine country – though without any wine at the finish – this gradual downhill course unfolds along the winding Chemung River. It takes runners on a point-to-point course that finishes across the Centerway Bridge, and features a run past the famed Corning Museum of Glass before finishing on Historic Market Street. This gorgeous course takes runners through several small towns and along scenic country roads.
Running Between the Vines
- Where: Jackson, MI
- When: August 9, 2025
- Distances: 13.1, 5M, 5K
Ready for a 13.1-mile run that starts at the peaceful, relaxing grounds of Sandhill Crane Vineyards and then unfolds out into a wilderness area filled with forests, hiking trails, fishing lakes and campgrounds? Running Between the Vines is here to show you you don’t have to head all the way to the coasts to score post-run vino. All the race distances follow beautiful, quiet country or neighborhood roads, and finish with a complimentary glass of wine at Sandhill Crane. They even offer a Cellar Slam challenge: Run the 5K in under 40 minutes.
Pines to Vines Trail Race
- Where: Jackson, MI
- When: August 10, 2025
- Distances: 55K
An add on to the Running Between the Vines races, this 55K race takes you on a point-to-point adventure through the trails of Michigan along the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. Pass swamps, meadows, lakes, and forests, then end your 34-mile run at Sandhill Crane Vineyard for some well-deserved beer and BBQ.
Paso Robles Wine Country Runs
- Where: Paso Robles, CA
- When: TBD 2026
- Distances: 13.1, 10K
Known for its rolling farmlands, hot springs and wineries, Paso Robles plays host each spring to this out-and-back loop race that takes runners along the hilly farmland just north of town.
The 2025 race was unfortunately canceled due to limited resources and lower-than-expected participant numbers, but we’re hopeful this tasty race will be back for the 2026 season.
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon
- Where: Willamette Valley, OR
- When: September 3, 2025
- Distances: 13.1
Known for its cool climate and ample rainfall, Oregon’s Willamette Valley has become one of the west coast’s major wine producing regions in recent decades, which runners get to see at this summertime race. While the race has been virtual or canceled the last few years, it’s back in-person in 2025 – and just in time to see those fall colors.
Napa Wine Country Half Marathon
- Where: Calistoga, CA
- When: October 25, 2025
- Distances: 26.2, 13.1, 10K
If you love the views but can pass on the post-race wine, check out this trail half marathon. Challenging, hilly and beautifully scenic, this race takes runners on a tour of the hills, babbling streams and trails of Calistoga’s Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. You’ll run dirt and sometimes rocky hiking trails, all the while surrounded by majestic redwood, oak, madrone and bay forests. This is a small race, limited to just 300 participants, so perfect for those who love an intimate, quiet experience.
Wicked Wine Run – Richmond
- Where: Richmond, VA
- When: May 2026
- Distances: 1K, 5K
Race through the ridiculously beautiful Lake Anna Winery vineyards, a family-owned winery on 75 lush acres in southern Virginia. You’ll score scenic views of Lake Anna and a real French countryside vibe. And with a 1K and 5K distance, you’ll be across the finish line and onto your complimentary wine in no time.
Windsor Half Marathon
- Where: Windsor, CA
- When: May 2026
- Distances: 26.2, 13.1, 10K, 5K, 1 mile
Known as the “gateway to the wine country” to the legions of tourists who flock to sample the wines and visit the vineyards of Northern California every year, Windsor lies just over an hour’s drive north of San Francisco plays host to this beautiful race. The half marathon starts and ends at the Windsor Town Green with a post‑race wine & beer festival, and the course winds you through the stunning vineyards of the Russian River Valley.
Wicked Wine Run – El Paso
- Where: La Union, NM
- When: October 11, 2025
- Distances: 1K, 5K
Another in the Wicked Wine Run series, this quick run will take you through the vineyards of La Vina Winery just over the Texas border into New Mexico. After your 1K or 5K walk or run, join the celebration of complimentary wine, music, and friends.
Napa Valley Half Marathon
- Where: Napa Valley, CA
- When: March 1, 2026
- Distances: 26.2, 13.1, 5K
Just outside San Francisco, runners can kick off their day with sunrise (7 am start) over Napa Valley before heading down the Silverado Trail on this point-to-point race that finishes at Conn Creek Winery. Whether you’re in it for the miles and miles of crisp spring views or that post-race Pinot, Napa Valley is an epic place to log your time.
Virginia Wine Lovers 5K
- Where: Afton, VA
- When: June 2026
- Distances: 5K
Wind your way through the quiet country backroads of west-central Virginia with this out-and-back mostly-flat course that starts and ends at Cardinal Point Winery. After running 3 miles, you’ll get to enjoy the post-race party with friends and family – and your complimentary glass of wine – under the winery’s covered deck. This race is dog friendly and stroller friendly. And if drinking wine isn’t so much your thing, check out Corkscrew Racing’s other events, including a hard cider 5K and and margarita 5Ks at various locations across Virginia.
