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There’s party pace, and then there’s PARTY PACE. Running a wine half marathon will unlock the true meaning of the second one. With costumes, wine, running, and thousands of people just there for a good time, a wine marathon is one of the best choices you can make. 

I’ve collected every single European Wine Marathon in one place. I even added a few extra beer, cider, and cognac runs to keep things fresh. The only rule I had was that the race must offer booze while running.

If you’re looking for someone to plan a vacation around a wine marathon for you, look no further. I offer trip consultations, tailored travel itineraries, and end-to-end trip planning. I even support running clubs traveling in large groups.

I ran my first wine half at the Beaujolais International Half Marathon in 2023 and had so much fun. In 2024, I completed my first wine marathon at the Marathon du Medoc. In 2025, I added to this list and ran the Côtes de l’Orbe Half Marathon in Switzerland. All the races were amazing examples of people coming together and celebrate running and wine.

If you’re reading this you are probably already interested in the idea of doing a wine run, but I wanted to include some more details that you may not think about before signing up. And if you’re not sure how you ended up here, but you’re just looking for bucket list races that don’t involve wine – this is the article you need.

• French Wine Races
• German Wine Races
• Italian Wine Races
• British Wine Races
• Spanish Wine Races
• Swiss Wine Races
• Croatian Wine Races
• Austrian Wine Races
• Moldovan Wine Races
• Belgian Beer Races
• Netherlands Wine Races
• Serbian Wine Races

What is a Wine Race?

My definition of a wine race is a race that serves wine while you are running. When I was searching for European Wine Marathons I stumbled across many races claiming the title of “wine run” just because they cut through a vineyard or give a bottle of wine at the finish. In my book that is not a wine race. A wine race must include wine served while running. The goal is not speed but pure fun. 

Let’s break down some of the more nitty gritty logistics for wine marathons.

The Bathroom Situation

Between running the Beaujolais Half and talking to other runners, one thing became clear. The bathroom situation was weak across most European Wine Marathons. In the Beaujolais Half, there were two port a potties along the course. Marathon du Medoc had more, but not still not enough. Everybody was peeing in the vineyards. Which isn’t a problem if you are running the Marathon du Medoc when the leaves are green, but in November in Beaujolais? It’s a problem, there are no leaves for privacy.

Luckily, the Côtes de l’Orbe Half had plenty of bathrooms and not a lot of runners so they were still pretty clean, even when I came through near the end. That being said, I still saw guys peeing in the vineyards.

Lines at European Wine Marathons

While the Beaujolais Half had lines at some of the stations, Marathon du Medoc was much quicker for getting wine. The difference is that Beaujolais is more sustainable and required runners to bring their own cups. This means the people pouring can’t prepare before the runners arrive.

Marathon du Medoc was much faster, but still had some lines. In particular, the first wine stop was very backed up. This is also true for Beaujolais. I would suggest always skipping the line at the first station in a large race so that you can stay ahead of the crowds and the time limit. If the race is smaller with only a couple hundred runners you can visit all of the stops without any issues.

Red or White Wine?

There are wine marathons all across Europe, be sure to pick one that will cater to your preferred type of wine. You don’t need to run a race that only has red wine or white wine if that isn’t what you like. The Beaujolais race is all red, but the Chablis race is all white, and they both happen within a month of each other. Alternatively races like Côtes de l’Orbe offer red, white, and rosé at each stop.

If you don’t like wine, but you want to drink while running, you can check out a beer half marathon in Belgium, a cider half in the UK, or a Cognac half in France.

Medical Certificates

Lots of European wine marathons, especially those in France, will require a medical certificate. 

Getting a medical certificate can sound intimidating. But they really aren’t. You just need to bring a form to your doctor that says you can run in competition and have them sign it. My doctor required a few tests as it was my first time seeing them, but it was no different than my yearly physical.

Accommodation for European Wine Marathons

Lots of these wine marathons don’t take place in the biggest cities, in fact they don’t even take place in big villages. You can account for this by booking far in advance to make sure you have a place near the starting line. Of course, you will be finishing the race buzzed or maybe drunk. You want a hotel nearby. I’ve included a map below showing all of the starting cities mentioned in this list.

Lots of races offer accommodation or travel packages that include hotel stays, if you are willing to pay a bit more this is something to check out, or I can help you plan an entire trip designed just for you.

French Wine Races

Beaujolais International Marathon

This is the half marathon I ran, but they also offer a full marathon or a 10k. You have a lot of options here and a lot of red wine. 

Taking place at the end of November every year, the Beaujolais Half celebrates the successful release of the Beaujolais Nouveau. This is one of the first wines you can sample that was produced with the years harvest.

When is it: November 23rd, 2024

Closest airport: Lyon airport is approximately one hour away by train from the race start.

Marathon du Medoc 

Arguably the most famous wine race, and the original one, this marathon happens every September and fills up quickly. Registration opens in March, but if you miss the first sign up, you can still join the waitlist.

Make sure you have a party outfit ready as the organizers do provide a theme for runners every year – next year the theme is “The Sea“. Also know that the only distance they offer is the full marathon of 21 wine tastings – 19 red, and 2 white wines.

This race is also known for the food provided during the race, including oysters, steak, cotton candy, and popsicles. If you want to learn more, read my full review of the Marathon du Medoc.

When is it: September 6th, 2025

Closest airport: Bordeaux Airport is going to be your best choice when traveling for the Marathon du Medoc

Marathon des Vines de Blaye

Also located in the Bordeaux region, the Marathon du Blaye offers a 10k and marathon in early May. This race has over 30 wine stops during the marathon!

If you have missed registering for Medoc, this can be a great alternative for runners who are searching for something in the Bordeaux region of France.

When is it: May 10th, 2025

Closest airport: Bordeaux Airport is the closest, however the public transportation between the race and airport is not great and can take three hours. If you are willing to rent a car, or hire a taxi, the journey is only 50 minutes.

Get a tailored itinerary for any French wine marathon.

Marathon de Chablis

Let’s talk white wines. While lots of these races are exclusively red wines, the Chablis wine marathon and half offer exclusively white wines. 

The Marathon has nine total wine tastings, the half marathon has 5, the trail run only has two, and the hike has three tastings.

When is it: October 25th, 2025

Closest airport: Charles de Gaulle and Orly are both two and a half hours away from the city of Sens.

Marathon du Vignoble d’Alsace

If you are looking for a run in June, make your way to Strasbourg. The race itself takes place about an hour outside the city and runs through the Alsace wine region. There will be a wide variety of white wines for runners to try, as well as half, full, and 10k distances.

When is it: June 22nd, 2025

Closest airport: Located about 30 minutes outside of Strasbourg, there are a variety of airports that runners can choose. Strasbourg International is the closest, but if you want to save money, it takes about two hours to reach Strasbourg from Paris, or two and a half hours to reach Strasbourg from Frankfurt.

Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon

If you fancy a visit to Burgundy in March, the Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon is your choice. This race offers 8 wine tastings over the course of the half marathon, and 17 tastings over the course of the full marathon. 

The race organizers also offer a 12km and 8km nature race. The 12km race has two wine tastings, and the 8km has one tasting.

When is it: March 29th, 2025

Closest airport: The closest airport for this race will be Lyon International. It should take you about 90 minutes to reach the village that is hosting this race by train.

La Champenoise

Are you looking for something with a bit more sparkle? How about some champagne while you run? 

La Champenoise covers 18km of ground while offering runners the chance to enjoy several champagne tastings and local culinary options. The race only offers 1,700 bibs, so make sure you register early!

When is it: June 14th, 2025

Closest airport: While the Paris airports are going to be the closest for runners, you will unfortunately have to rent a car or taxi, as this area of France is not well connected to the train system.

Jura Wine Marathon

If you are looking for a race that features a dry white, this is your best choice. The Jura Wine Marathon offers runners the sample 7 types of Vin Juane wine, along with local cheeses (the Half Marathon distance has 3 stops).

If you aren’t familiar with Vine Juane, it is most comparable to Sherry, but unlike Sherry it has not been fortified with brandy for a higher alcohol content.

When is it: October 2025

Closest Airport: While the city of Dole does have it’s own airport, it does not have many flight options. Your best bet for travel will most likely be Geneva and taking a three and a half hour train, or Lyon with a four hour train.

Marathon du Cognac

Alright this one isn’t a wine race. But it is boozey, so I’m adding it to the list. 

The Marathon du Cognac offers runners the chance to head through vineyards and sample Brandy while running a full or half marathon.

When is it: November 8th, 2025

Closest airport: Bordeaux International Airport is 90 minutes away, or you can travel through Paris which is roughly two hours away by train.

Le Marathon des Vignobles de Cahors

Like the other races on this list of European wine runs, this marathon will take you through the picturesque villages of the Cahors region of France while sampling 7 different wines.

The race also offers a point to point half marathon that crosses through three wine tastings.

When is it: May 11th, 2025

Closest airport: The closest airport to Cahors is Brive-Souillac (BVE) or Toulouse. After you land both options will have you taking the train for an hour.

Semi Marathon de L’Armagnac

Another one that isn’t really a wine marathon, this Armagnac race offers three tastings during the half marathon. There is also a reward for best costume at this race. For a booze based race, this one does have a short time limit, with only three hours for runners to complete the course.

When is it: September 28th, 2025

Closest airport: Bordeaux Airport is going to be your best choice for this race. If you are able to rent a car that will be the easiest option. Otherwise it takes about two hours to reach Mont-de-Marson and then take a bus to the race start in Villeneuve-de-Marsan (buses are limited on the weekends).

German Wine Races

Marathon Deutsch Weinstrasse

This German wine race doesn’t offer glasses of wine for runners to sample. But they do offer sponges of Riesling. 

I don’t have an exact number of wine stops for this race,  but according to some reviews I found it is “a lot”.

When is it: April 12th, 2026

Closest airport: If you fly into Frankfurt you will be able to reach the starting village of Bockenheim in just two and a half hours.

The Ahrathon

This race near Cologne offers 7 red wine tastings along the half marathon route spaced out every 3 kilometers. They also have a marathon option for runners, however that is just a loop of the same seven tastings. Located in the Ahr valley, this race is perfect for Pinot Noir fans, as that variety of grape accounts for the majority of wines in this region.

When is it: June 14th, 2025

Closest Airport: Fly into Cologne Bonn airport and then take the train towards the race city of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The train should take approximately 90-minutes. However, you may not be able to get accommodation in the race city, but the nearby towns of Remagen, Sinzig, and Bad Breisig all have hotels and easy access to the course.

Genusslaeufer

Located near the German/Swiss/French border city of Basel, this race offers four tastings during the half marathon and three tastings during the quarter marathon. Before the race kicks off at 1PM, there will be a costume competition, where those participating can even bring their own music to walk the catwalk with.

This race even offers a children’s race, called “Hunt Overtake the Wild Boar”.

When is it: April 27th, 2025

Closest airport: I recommend flying into Basel Airport, which is about an hour away from Müllheim on public transit, or just 30 minutes if you rent a car.

Italian Wine Races

Congeliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Run

This wine marathon highlights some of the best food and drinks in this region of Italy. Runners will have the chance to try fresh cheeses, cured meats, polenta, a traditional pork sausage, AND sample some bubbly Prosecco while they run. 

The half marathon has 4 food and drink stops, and the full marathon has 6, in addition to “unofficial” wine stops that are set up by local wineries.

When is it: December 1st, 2024

Closest airport: Flying into Venice airport will get you to the race village start in approximately one hour.

Montepulciano Run

In the center of Italy lies this wine race that specializes in red wines made with the Sangiovese grape. Considered a classic Tuscan wine, this race has five wine stops, one every 5k of the race.

In the days leading up to the race, there are a variety of other events to attend, like a moon light walk through the city and vineyards, or take a food and wasting tour in the wine cellars the day before.

When is it: October 5th, 2025

Closest airport: If you’re traveling by public transit, Florence Airport is the closest option, taking just three hours. But for this race I would suggest renting a car and completing the journey in just 90 minutes from Florence or two hours from Rome.

British Wine Races

Bacchus Half Marathon

This race offers no awards for the winner, but they do have a special prize for the person who comes in last, and the best costumes. The costume award has no criteria beyond vibes. If the people at the finish line like your outfit, you get an award.

The half marathon distance offers 6 wine tastings for runners, and all of the wine is vegan. I cannot tell you what would make any wine non-vegan, but if you are vegan, this race is safe for you.

When is it: September 7th, 2025

Closest airport: This race is one of the best on this list in terms of airports, with London Gatwick being only 22 minutes away by train.

Make all the other running clubs jealous.

The Ciderthon

Inspired after running the Marathon du Medoc, the creators of the Ciderthon sought to bring that same running energy back to the UK. But the area they live in isn’t known for its wines. So they made the switch to cider.

The half marathon offers 12 cider tastings during the race, along with a celebratory pint at the finish line.

In addition, this race offers runners the option to set up a tent on their property and camp out during the race weekend. There is also a shuttle that runs from Henley to the race start.

When is it: July 19th, 2025

Closest airport: From Heathrow you can get to Henley in 90 minutes with several transfers. If you would prefer a direct, but longer, route fly into Gatwick and take the train for two and a half hours.

Spanish Wine Races

Sherry Maraton

If you prefer sweeter wines, this is the race for you. The Sherry Marathon and Half offers the opportunity for runners to indulge in the sweeter side of life while running.

The full marathon offers four local gastronomical stops, as well as several normal water and electrolyte breaks. The half marathon has 2 tastings along with additional water stops.

When is it: May 4th, 2025

Closest airport: If you are traveling from Europe there are some direct flights to Jerez de la Frontera. Otherwise, Seville will be your best bet for a flight. There is a train between the two cities that takes an hour.

Wine Run Lanzarote

Located in the Canary Islands, this wine run offers a 23km or a 12km race with 10 wine stops. The white wine produced by this region is said to have the ashy flavoring of the volcanoes that helped form these islands.

When is it: June 2025

Closest airport: The island of Lanzarote does have its own airport, but you will most likely need to make a connecting flight in Madrid or Barcelona.

Ribera Run Experience

This Spanish wine experience blends wine and history with a focus on showing some of Peñafiel’s most famous locations. The course is technical at points with narrow dirt paths and almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain across the 30km distance.

Depending on distance you’ll be able to sample five or ten wines during the course, a selection of the regions best Tempranillo wines.

When is it: September 13th, 2025

Closest airport: The closest airport to Peñafiel is the Madrid Airport, about two hours away by car. If using public transit, you will need to take either a three hour bus ride from Madrid to Peñafiel, or take the train one hour to Valladolid and then transfer to a regional bus.

Swiss Wine Races

Côtes de l’Orbe Half Marathon

Located right over the border from France, the Côtes de l’Orbe Half Marathon offers 13 wine tastings to runners. There is also a shorter 11km route with 8 wine tastings.

I ran this race in 2025, and it was one of my favorites that I’ve done. Each wine stop offers red, white, and rosé options for runners, and they also have 8 stops with food for the runners to sample. It’s definitely a smaller race, but I really loved how that enabled me to connect with the other groups beyond my own.

When is it: September 16th, 2026

Closest airport: The Côtes de l’Orbe half Marathon is approximately 2 hours by train from Geneva Airport.

Marathon des Terroirs du Valais

The Marathon des Terroirs du Valais offers a full, half, and 10k race with wine tastings.

With 12, 6, or 3 wine tastings depending on length, the race also sets a theme each year for runners costumes. This area of Switzerland produces approximately 60% red wines from Pinot Noir and 40% white wines from Fendant grapes. Expect the race course to have a mix of wine offerings.

When is it: May 24th-25th, 2025

Closest Airport: While Sion does have its own airport, the closest large airport will be Geneva that is two hours away, or Milan that is three hours away.

Genuss Marathon

I debated adding this “race” to the list, because it’s really not a race. It’s a hike that covers either 21km or 23km. Depending on your start time you have roughly 8-9 hours to enjoy the 5 wine and food experiences along this half marathon distance.

When is it: October 18th, 2025

Closest Airport: While Sion does have its own airport, the closest large airport will be Geneva that is two hours away, or Milan that is three hours away.

Croatian Wine Races

Wine Marathon Zmajevac

Like the Genuss Marathon above, I’m not sure this qualifies as a “marathon”, but it certainly is a race! This wine race challenges runners to be the first person to visit all 22 wine cellars and try the wine in each. The route itself is just over 5km, but with so many wines to sample you may end up going much further.

When is it: September 26th and 27th, 2025

Closest Airport: The race takes place in Baranja, with the closest airport being Osijek. The race provides transportation from Osijek to Baranja on race day. Since Osijek is a smaller airport, Belgrade and Zagreb Airports are both three hours away.

Austrian Wine Races

Blaufränkischland Marathon

Another October wine race, the first Austrian wine race celebrates its third birthday in 2024. With 13 wine tastings in the full marathon, that alternate with regular racing fuel stops, and 9 in the half. This is a great costumed race with enough line stops that you should be able to spread out and avoid crazy lines.

When is it: October 4th, 2025

Closest airport: Vienna International Airport. With a 20-minute connection from the airport to Vienna Central Station, runners can then switch trains to travel to Deutschkreutz which will take around 90 minutes by train.

Moldovan Wine Races

Mileștii Mici Winerun

This wine race is truly unique. Why? 8 of the 10km in this race take place underground in the worlds largest wine cellar.

While there is no wine while you run, race organizers provide mulled wine for runners before and after the race to help combat the chilly March temps.

When is it: March 15th, 2025

Closest Airport: Chisinau (RMO) is the closest airport to Milestii Mici, only 90 minutes away.

Belgian Beer Races

Liege Beer Marathon

Unfortunately, I was not able to find a wine race in Belgium. However, all hope is not lost. Belgium does offer the Liege Beer Marathon.

This marathon offers 16 beer tastings for runners. What makes this race extra unique is the ability to spend the nights around the race “camping” in a local school. It’s not five star accommodation, but it does offer a fun pre-race atmosphere and removes the worry about where to stay.

When is it: May 18th, 2025

Closest Airport: While Liege does have its own airport with flights around Europe, if you are traveling internationally your best bet will be flying into Brussels and taking the train for 90 minutes.

Making decisions is hard, let’s chat and I’ll tell you which wine marathon is the best choice for you.

Netherlands Wine Races

Limburg Wine Run

Located in the Limburg wine region, this race offers distances of 25km, 17km, and 13km with stops at local wineries.

The Limburg area is on the far side of the Netherlands, bordering Belgium and Germany. Runners should expect cooler weather on race day. Like many other wine races, this one also requires that you bring your own cup to help reduce plastic waste.

When is it: October 5th, 2025

Closest airport: Maastricht Aachen Airport is the closest location for those looking to fly in. If you can’t find a flight there, check Cologne Airport that is only 90 minutes by train, or Brussels that is just over 2 hours away.

Serbian Wine Races

Zupac Wine Run

This wine run offers either a distance of 6km or 14km with wine stops. However, I would not recommend this run unless you are able to rent a car as travel in this region is difficult.

Zupa wine is considered to be the premiere wine of Serbia. The region has been growing grapes and producing wine for over 7,000 years according to neolithic finds by archeologists.

When is it: September 2025

Closest airport: If you are able to rent a car, the closest airport will be Pristina (PRN), a two hour drive. If you are not able to rent a car, the closest airport will be Moravo (KVO) that is almost 4 hours by bus and train.

If any of these races appeal to you, but you don’t have a group to join in, I have got you covered! I started the Jet-Setting Runners facebook group in 2023 to connect women runners from across the globe who are looking for international race partners.