‘Sip happens’ at Leura Park

LEURA Park has announced it will host the next instalment of the ‘Grapest 5K Run’ set to descend over the award-wining vineyards with a mixture of running and drinking wine.

The May 1 event combines what they call “life’s greatest pleasure” including sipping on wine, while getting some exercise at a highly sought-after location.

Centred around the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula property, the wine-based event will give competitors the option between a 5k or 10k run as well as a 1k wine walk through the vineyards.

During the race or “waddle”, competitors will be treated to eight different wines and ciders at various stations throughout the course before listening to live music from local band Test Pilot Molly.

The nationwide event attracts competitors to the best wineries and estates across the country with the next events scheduled in the coming months for Port Macquarie and Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Leura Park Estate director Lyndsay Sharp said she was delighted the renowned ‘Grapest’ event was returning to the Bellarine for its third year, allowing them to share the region’s legendary premium cool climate wines and coastal charm.

“Hosting an event and bringing people together for some fun has taken on a new, very privileged meaning after the year that was,” she said.

“The Grapest 5K Run event has enjoyed fantastic success over the years, delivering a truly unique fitness and wine-tasting experience at vineyards right across the country and now our wine-loving runners are once more set to get a taste of this unparalleled experience in the Geelong wine region.”

Tickets for the event will range from $22.50 to $63 with prices to include useful items on the day such as a custom wine glass attached to a lanyard, a wrist band and the unique ‘Sip Happens’ bottle stopper finisher’s medal.

“Grapest is a fabulous event combining a little bit of fitness and lots of fun for a diverse age range – running, wining, dining, music, food and friends old and new,” Ms Sharp said.

“All at Leura Park Estate are excited about hosting Grapest after a hiatus in 2020 and look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy our vineyard, wines and hospitality.”