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Corkscrew Racing is a new race company in central Virginia. They’ve done two races a year for the past several years, but 2014 brings a rebranding and new races through more vineyards, beginning with the Wine Lovers 5k at Cardinal Point Vineyard in Afton, Virginia.

The first time I heard about this race series was last September when they were gearing up for the fall Autumn Toast event, but it was being held the same weekend as my first half-marathon in Cleveland. I missed out on it, but the gorgeous photos, scenery, and promise of wine piqued my interest, and they’ve stayed on my radar.

In news that surprises no one, I LOVE wine. I have an Olivia Pope-like relationship with it. So it’s perfect that this year, they’re introducing the Wine Lovers 5k on Valentine’s Day weekend. This would be a great event for couples, best friends, or a girl’s morning-after! At the race’s finish line, wine and food (including chocolate made with Cardinal Point’s own wine) will be available with live music, making a great post-race lunch date.

In addition to Wine Lovers 5k, they also produce Vine to Wine in June and Autumn Toast in the fall at Barren Ridge. Participants get tech shirts and finisher’s wine glasses, plus finish line tastings, and instead of medals or plaques, age group winners get a bottle of wine! I’m excited to visit a new-to-me winery and enjoy the scenery while racing.

On top of great races, Corkscrew Racing also partners with local non-profit organizations and donates a portion of their proceeds from each race. Since I’m a “runner with a cause,” I think that’s fantastic.

If you’re local to the area you HAVE to check out one of these races!

Corkscrew Racing offered me an entry into the Wine Lovers 5k, but all opinions are my own.