Leelanau Peninsula’s Annual Harvest Stompede Offers a Unique Vineyard Course for Walkers, Runners and Wine Tasters

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Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Jul 31, 2014, 22:20 ET


Leelanau Peninsula, MI (PRWEB) July 31, 2014 -- The vineyards are lush, and the grapes are plumping up in preparation of the upcoming harvest. And, to celebrate, folks are gearing up for the annual Harvest Stompede held Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7, 2014 along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail.

Kicking-off the weekend festivities is an optional walk or run through the vineyards start-ing at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at Ciccone Vineyard & Winery in Suttons Bay. A unique course between rows of grapevines offers an experience like no other for runners, walkers and spectators alike. The race is designed for both serious and recreational runners and walkers with options for a 5K walk, 5K run or 7-mile run.

“It’s our favorite event of the year,” shares Tony Ciccone of Ciccone Vineyard & Winery. “It’s exciting to see all those people race through the vineyards in celebration of the new vintage.”

Following the race, 23 participating wineries each offer a wine and food pairing featuring fresh, local ingredients. Tasting hours for the self-guided tour along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail are 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets for the Harvest Stompede wine tour are $40 per person and are only available in advance and routinely sell out. Get tickets and lodging packages at http://www.lpwines.com/harvest. To participate in the race, which is separate from the wine trail event, register online at https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/98170.

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The Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association (LPVA) is a member-driven, winery association founded in 1998. The mission of the LPVA is to spread the word about all the good things happen-ing along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. The trail is divided into three mini-trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop.

The Leelanau Peninsula AVA is home to 25 wineries located within diverse microclimates uniquely suited for a variety of wine grapes. Among the internationally acclaimed varietals are Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. The local wines continue to achieve national and international accolades with each passing vintage.

Matt Gregory, President, Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, http://lpwines.com, +1 (231) 944-5220, [email protected]