From a Boston-qualifying marathon through Napa Valley to a half marathon in Northern Virginia’s wine region, learn more about these spring and summer wine country half marathons and marathons.

(Feature photo by USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures Santa Rosa Marathon)

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When traveling to a destination race, pairing multiple interests makes the experience even sweeter. These spring and summer wine country half marathons and marathons give runners something to look forward to after their race finishes: local wine.

The wine country race courses on this list wind around picturesque vineyards and countrysides — including a few well-known winemaking regions. California wine country half marathons and marathons visit Napa and the Russian River Valley. In addition to California, you’ll also find a race in Virginia’s wine region.

Whether you’re seeking a wine country destination race to motivate yourself to start training or you’re planning a friends’ getaway for next spring or summer, here are eight races to consider.

Explore details of these wine country half marathons and marathons, listed by calendar month. It goes without saying that you’ll want to extend your trip to visit the local wineries.

• Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon
• Livermore Valley Half
• Napa Spring Half Marathon & 5K
• Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
• Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon
• Windsor Half Marathon
• Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rose 5K
• Santa Rosa Marathon

Looking for more destination races? Find them here.

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Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon

March | Napa, California | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
Run past renowned Napa Valley vineyards and enjoy the picturesque landscapes along this point-to-point marathon course. The Boston-qualifying marathon starts on the Silverado Trail in Calistoga, and the half marathon starts in front of Conn Creek Winery in Rutherford. Both have an overall net elevation loss and finish in Napa at Vintage High School.

Winners in the marathon and half marathon distances (men, women, and nonbinary categories) receive an etched double magnum and a Napa Valley Collective Case with 12 bottles of local wine. Additionally, the top three finishers in age groups 21 and older receive a bottle of wine (marathon and half marathon only). Event proceeds contribute to college scholarships for local high school graduates.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 68 degrees; low of 44 degrees; average of 56 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 250-foot net elevation loss (marathon)
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 6 hours (marathon); 6.5 hours (half marathon)
• Race Swag: Long-sleeve tech shirt, gear-check bag, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 75-minute drive from Sacramento International Airport; 90-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport

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Livermore Valley Half

March | Livermore, California | Half Marathon, 5K
Starting and ending in downtown Livermore, this race course takes runners through Holdener Park and past vineyards and olive groves, including Livermore’s largest winery, Wente Vineyards. After you cross the finish line, enjoy post-race live music and a wine and beer festival.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 65 degrees; low of 42 degrees; average of 54 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 380-foot gain and loss (half marathon)
• Time Limit: 3 hours (half marathon)
• Race Swag: Long-sleeve tech shirt, wine-tasting glass, entry to the wine and beer festival, finisher’s medal, race photos
• Distance from Airport: 60-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport

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Napa Spring Half Marathon & 5K

April | Napa, California | Half Marathon, 5K
Run California’s wine country roads along this half marathon course. You’ll pass a half dozen wineries — Robert Craig Winery, Judd’s Hill Winery, Sodaro Winery, and others — before finishing where you started in Oxbow Commons Park. The top three finishers in each age group receive a wine glass award. Don’t miss out on the post-race wine festival and live music. Entry to the festival is included with your race registration; family and friends who didn’t race can purchase a pass.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 72 degrees; low of 46 degrees; average of 59 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 435-foot gain and loss (half marathon); 67-foot elevation gain and loss (5K)
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 4 hours (half marathon)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal, race photos
• Distance from Airport: 70-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport; 75-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport

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Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon

May | Hillsboro, Virginia | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
The Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon is a perfect spring road trip destination for runners on the East Coast. Explore Loudoun Wine County’s wineries and farms along this flat course on a mix of pavement and gravel. Each distance is an out-and-back, starting and ending at Doukenie Winery in Hillsboro.

The winery is also the location for the race expo and wine and music festival. Hosted by the Loudoun Wineries Association, the wine festival features 14 local wineries. Runners and spectators can purchase a wine glass to receive tastings.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 73 degrees; low of 52 degrees; average of 63 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 690-foot elevation gain and loss (half marathon)
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 3.5 hours
• Race Swag: Tech shirt, finisher’s medal with wine opener
• Distance from Airport: 35-minute drive from Dulles International Airport

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Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon

May | Santa Barbara, California | Half Marathon, Relay
Sign up for the half marathon distance, or run the relay with a friend. The first leg is
5.8 miles with uphill running, and the second leg is 7.3 miles with more downhill than up. The race starts and ends in downtown Solvang, just northwest of Santa Barbara. You’ll run through Santa Ynez Valley, past vineyards, horse ranches, and lavender farms. Enjoy views of the Sierra Madre Mountains along the course. A wine festival greets you at the finish line (festival tickets are purchased separately).

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 69 degrees; low of 51 degrees; average of 60 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 3.5 hours
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal, tote bag
• Distance from Airport: 45-minute drive from Santa Barbara Airport; 2-hour, 20-minute drive from Los Angeles International Airport

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Windsor Half Marathon

May | Windsor, California | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
The half marathon course starts and ends on the Windsor Town Green and winds around vineyards in the Russian River Valley, while the 10K and 5K stay closer to town and boast fast and flat courses. Windsor is known for its craft beer scene just as much as its local wine, and you’ll find both at the post-race festival.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 75 degrees; low of 47 degrees; average of 61 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 397-foot elevation gain
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 3.5 hours (half marathon); 2 hours (10K, 5K)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 90-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport; 2-hour drive from Sacramento International Airport

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Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rose 5K

July | Sonoma, California | Half Marathon, 5K
Starting at a Napa winery and finishing in downtown Sonoma, this half marathon course delivers picturesque views of rolling vineyards, ranches, and farms. The half marathon is scheduled on a Sunday, and the 5K is on Saturday, giving runners the opportunity to participate in both as a “pairing.” For completing the pairing, you’ll receive both medals and shirts, a rosé tasting glass, a wine glass, and more. Relax at the post-race wine festival on Sunday until noon. If you’re looking for a VIP experience, this race has an optional upgrade that includes a private seating area at the wine festival, a catered brunch, exclusive wines, and more.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 83 degrees; low of 56 degrees; average of 69 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: 3.5 hours (half marathon)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal, tote bag, rosé tasting (5K), 6-ounce tasting glass (5K), post-race wine festival (half marathon), wine glass (half marathon)
• Distance from Airport: 70-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport; 70-minute drive from Sacramento International Airport

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Santa Rosa Marathon

August | Santa Rose, California | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
This scenic, mostly flat course highlights the heart of Sonoma County. All race distances start in downtown Santa Rosa, run along the Rosa Creek Trail and Prince Memorial Greenway, and end at Old Courthouse Square. The Boston-qualifying full marathon takes runners farther into Sonoma County where you’ll run past sprawling vineyards and quaint towns with a quick trip through the barrel room of a local winery.

If you’re looking for extra miles, sign up for the Double Barrel Challenge to run the 5K or 10K on Saturday, followed by the half or full marathon on Sunday — you’ll receive an additional medal for completing the challenge.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 84 degrees; low of 52 degrees; average of 68 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Not listed
• Historical Race Results
• Time Limit: Runners must average 15-minute miles (marathon, half marathon)
• Race Swag: Windbreaker (marathon, half marathon); performance quarter-zip (10K, 5K); finisher’s medal; two complimentary beers for participants 21 and older at the marathon post-race party
• Distance from Airport: 80-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport; 2-hour drive from Sacramento International Airport

*Average Race Month Weather is based on the National Weather Service’s historical data.

Check out more destination races to add to your race calendar.

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