Running around the world for the best glass of wine

Written by Renato

Is wine good for running? Hard to say, you won't find a training plan with a mandatory bottle of Bourgogne. But joining a local event is probably the best way to visit a new destination in a short time, it's sightseeing on the run. And if you fly to France, South Africa, Tuscany or California you have no reason - not even a full marathon - to skip a great glass of wine. Here are Running Travel Specialist Renato Losio's best suggestions from around the world, salute!

Route du Vin, Luxembourg

Running along the banks of the Moselle on the German border, where the valley is dominated by many small wine-making towns. Over a thousand runners enjoyed last year a bottle of crémant Caves Gales after the half marathon in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This year's start date is September 27.

La Grande Classique: Paris - Versailles

An unusual distance, the Paris - Versailles Grand Classic (September 27) is a 16-kilometer race from the centre of Paris to Versailles. Jogging from the Eiffel Tower to the Palace of Versailles drinking a glass of Régnié after the finish line: can you possibly find anything better? If you have an extra day, add a day trip to the Champagne region.

Chianti Ecomarathon, Italy

The Salomon Ecomaratona del Chianti is a trail marathon in the splendid landscape of Tuscany. A 9 km walk and a 17 km race will take place as well for runners who would like to enjoy the local food and wine over the weekend. The start date is October 18.

Half Marathon San Francisco

The view from the Golden Gate Bridge is superb and while enjoying Presidio you will quickly forget the hilly course: the race is a 13 miles tour of what the best city in California has to offer. A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon in Castro or a daily trip exploring the Napa Valley Wine Country will be the best way to recover from the race.

Two Oceans Marathon, South Africa

The Two Oceans Marathon is a race where the runners pass both oceans surrounding South Africa, the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Challenging mountain climbs, including Chapmans Peak and Suikerbossie Pass, are part of the longer distance (56K), but the 21K has quite a few hills as well. Crossing 100s vineyard and production centres in Constantia, Stellenbosch and Worcester, enjoy a glass of Sauvignon blanc.

It's not just about drinking after the race. If you want to sip a glass of red wine during the marathon, join other thousands of runners at the crazy Marathon du Médoc next September in France. You might discover a new addiction.