When wine meets sport

Wine might not be a contact sport, but that doesn’t mean it supports a lethargic lifestyle. For a while now wine estates have become fully used spaces: the beautiful farmlands become the centre for sport events and trail runs. It adds an extra business tier for estate owners, and also attracts more visitors.

These runs have also supported a number of causes – and the next big event is the fourth Steenberg Cool Runnings Charity Trail Run in Constantia on August 6. Held annually at Steenberg Vineyards, the trail run takes amateur, intermediate and professional runners on a 5km or 10km loop to run, jog or walk in the great outdoors. All proceeds will go to the Mdzananda Vet Clinic in Khayelitsha, a community project that provides quality care for ill and abandoned animals.

But the event is also a celebration of wine – and as any runner knows a post-run drink can change the world. All participants receive a wine glass filled with Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc at the finish line and can enjoy a free wine tasting at the cellar – unlike other weekend runs where, except for the free endorphin high (the only thing you’ll get drunk on) and your medal at the end, you get nada by way of swag.

The entry fee for Cool Runnings is R130 per trail runner, R50 per teen, and children under 12 can join free. Why not plan your next trip to the winelands around a sporting event? Happy running (and drinking). For more information visit steenbergfarm.com