Leelanau Vintner's Harvest Stompede Race & Wine Tour

If you’re looking for a reason to get back to Leelanau this fall – or a fun way to spend the weekend if you live here – consider the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association’s annual Harvest Stompede Vineyard Run & Walk and Wine Tour over the weekend of September 20 & 21. It’s considered one of the most scenic running & wine touring events in the Midwest and is returning to the Leelanau Peninsula for the eighth year.

The race itself is the kickoff of the weekends festivities and will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 9 a.m. Designed for serious and recreational runners and walkers, it’s a great event for spectators as well. Race coordinator Nate Rousse says “This is a one-of-a-kind annual run sponsored by the Traverse City Track Club and hosted by the Leelanau Peninsula winemakers. The course winds through absolutely gorgeous vineyards and is open to the public only on race day.”

The Harvest Stompede Wine Tour follows the race and offers a special pour and food celebrating the season at each of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association member wineries.

There are still some tickets available and you can get tickets and more information on the Harvest Stompede page at the LPVA web site. Also check out this slideshow from the 2007 Harvest Stompede!

Photo: Run through the Vineyards by Andy McFarlane/lpwines.com