I drink a lot of wine. Heck, it’s practically a rite of passage when you live in the Willamette Valley and have dozens upon dozens of wineries within 20 or 30 minutes of your front door. I’ve visited most of the wineries in the Salem area and more than 280 overall. And if you’re drinking Willamette Valley wine, there’s a good chance Willamette Valley Vineyards is already on your list.
One of the original wineries to help put Oregon Pinot Noir on the map, Willamette Valley Vineyards has expanded with tasting rooms across the region. But the original estate in the Salem Hills, just south of Salem, is still worth making the trip for all on its own.
While I’d recommend visiting for a tasting any time of year, this year’s third annual Run Willamette Salem Hills 5K gave runners a different—and equally enjoyable—way to experience the property.
There are plenty of wine country races throughout Oregon, including several great long-standing events that wind through vineyards in the Dundee Hills. The Run Willamette Salem Hills 5K offers something a little different. It’s just one distance, starts at a relaxed 9:30 a.m., and takes runners through the vineyards, trails, and roads within one of Oregon’s most recognizable wineries.
The race begins with a short paved out-and-back to help spread the field before diving into the vineyard roads. The first mile is mostly flat or downhill, beginning on pavement before transitioning onto vineyard trails. It is a recipe for fast splits, but the descents require a little caution as you pick your footing – it is a vineyard after all.
The start of mile 2 continues on trails and the first real sustained (though gentle) uphill, made a tiny bit more challenging by doing on vineyard grass and trails – not exactly the most stable running platform in the world. It starts to mix in pavement following some more trails, including one particularly fun downhill beneath a canopy of trees that makes for one of the fastest sections of the course.
Then comes the final climb. I knew it was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier.
The last mile heads back up toward the winery and packs a respectable punch after two miles of mostly descending. Thankfully, it’s not an endless grind – and it is luckily on pavement – but it definitely reminds you that you’re running through wine country. It’s enough climbing to make you earn that finish-line wine, but not so much that it leaves your quads destroyed for the rest of the weekend – maybe just for an hour after.
And speaking of the finish, the post-race experience is exactly what you’d hope for. Wine tastings, breakfast burritos, live music, and sweeping vineyard views make for an easy place to linger after crossing the line. Whether you’re chasing a PR or simply looking for a unique race experience, this event delivers both a fun challenge and one of the most scenic finish areas you’ll find in the Willamette Valley.
Also, the awards are pretty great! Top 3 finishers in 10-year age groups get bottles of wine – with a custom label! So fun!
If waiting until next year sounds too long, consider signing up for the Cherry City Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K this fall. And whether you’re racing or not, make time to stop by Willamette Valley Vineyards afterward—you’ve earned a glass.
