It’s kind of wild to think that the Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon has essentially been “gone” for seven years. The last true running of this event—at least in the way many of us remember it—was back in 2019. After that, 2020 did 2020 things, 2021 went virtual, and then the race (while keeping the same name) shifted to Independence.
Now, nothing against Independence—it’s a great town—but let’s be honest: it’s not quite Oregon Wine Country. And the course was even less so.
Fast forward to 2026, and after a bit of an identity reset, this race is finally back where it belongs: in the heart of the Willamette Valley on May 31st, centered around Dundee and the surrounding vineyard-lined hills.
And honestly, it just feels right again.
Start Line Vibes at Stoller
The race both starts and finishes at Stoller Family Estate, which is exactly how many runners remember it. It’s hard to beat that setting—rolling vineyards, wide-open views, and the promise of a post-race glass of wine waiting for you at the finish.
Because parking is limited on-site, runners will park at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum and shuttle in. It’s about a 15-minute ride, and the logistics are pretty straightforward.
The race kicks off at 7:00 AM. Early? Sure. But there’s something to be said for getting your miles in, wrapping up before late morning, and still having time to settle into a proper wine country brunch afterward.
If you’re traveling in, it’s worth making a weekend of it. There are plenty of great nearby stays (we’ve got you covered on the Run Oregon Road Trip map), and this is one of those events that’s better when you don’t rush in and out.
A Course That Earns Its Wine
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this is not a fast and flat half marathon.
But… you probably weren’t expecting that.
The course opens with a relatively gentle start—some flatter sections and even a bit of downhill—but that early calm doesn’t last long. Before long, you’re climbing into the heart of wine country, where the real work begins.
That paved climb eventually transitions into vineyard trails, weaving through iconic stops like Sokol Blosser Winery and Durant Vineyards. From there, you’ll hit more rolling pavement before heading onto a longer trail stretch through Domaine Drouhin Oregon.
There’s also a memorable loop around Domaine Serene Winery—a spot that feels about as “wine country” as it gets—before a final descent on trail through Winter’s Hill Estate brings you back to Stoller.
It’s a course that mixes pavement and trail, climbs and descents, and just enough scenery to distract you from the effort. Tough? Absolutely. Worth it? No question.
There’s also a 5K on tap, which stays mostly on the Stoller property. Don’t let the shorter distance fool you—there are still some legit hills in there, and it leans heavily toward trail terrain.
Half marathon runners will see six aid stations, roughly every two miles, stocked with water and electrolyte drink. The 5K will have one aid station.
The Real Finish Line
Let’s be honest: for a lot of people, the real finish line is the wine festival.
This is what sets this race apart. Participants receive tasting coupons for a range of local wineries, and even if friends or family didn’t run, they can still join in afterward. It turns the entire event into more of a celebration than just a race.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this one, and seeing it return to Dundee feels like a reset in the best possible way. This course, this setting, this vibe—it’s what made the event special in the first place.
It’s only a few weeks away, and if you’ve been on the fence, this might be the year to jump back in.
Because some races are just better where they belong.
