Wine trade limbers up for Bacchus race

A team of 15 runners from the international wine trade will be taking to the byways around Denbies Wine Estate on 13 September to run the Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon, in aid of the Vintners’ Foundation.

L-R: Peter Richards MW, Susie Barrie MW, Rosie Bowerman, Emily Torjussen, Dan Eastley

The team, marshalled by married MWs and amateur runners Peter Richards and Susie Barrie, features representatives from as far afield as Argentina (Chakana winemaker Gabriel Bloise) and Chile (Wines of Chile’s Alvaro Arriagada). Notable running talents Lynne Cox and Sally Easton MW look set to be the team’s fastest finishers.

The group is bolstered by support from Sussex producer Ridgeview (Tamara Roberts, Simon Larder and Oliver Marsh), Lay & Wheeler (Micah Dougall, Robbie Toothill), Hallgarten Druitt & Novum (Lizzie Burton), JumpStart (Sophie Jump) and Wine Festival Winchester (Rosie Bowerman, Dan Eastley and Emily Torjussen).

Taking place on arduously hilly terrain, the Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon has a lighter side, featuring wine stations and fancy dress.

“The training is coming along well, both in terms of running and wine consumption,” laughs Richards. “It should be a fun day out and a great way not only to support the English wine scene, which is hugely exciting right now, but also to raise vital funds for The Vintners’ Foundation.”

Last year, together with another wine team, Richards and Barrie completed the Médoc Marathon in memory of former Wines of Chile UK head Michael Cox, helping raise more than £15,000 for good causes in the process.

The Vintners’ Foundation supports those affected by alcohol abuse, funds alcohol education initiatives and assists both research and schools. Sponsorship is welcome via the team’s JustGiving page.