Barossa Valley and a marathon (5/28/2023)

Yesterday, we left Adelaide by bussing to the airport to pick up a rental car which we drove up to Tanunda, one of the four main cities in the Barossa Valley wine region. Bob always gets a little anxious with driving on the left, but he picked it back up with no problem.

We were able to check into our hotel room early and just hung out after we picked up groceries at the local Foodland right across the street to give my legs a rest before the today’s marathon.

I have been stressing about the marathon, as the forecast was for rain and wind — two elements that I avoid in my training runs. Such is karma. The run started at 7:30am this morning, and as forecasted, it was windy, chilly, and rainy. I survived and finished second (out of only 9) in my age/gender category. Bob drove me to the start and met me at the end.

This winery was the sponsor for the marathon.

The small race village at the start and end of the race.
All runners (5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, and marathon)
started and ended at the same place.

Bundled up spectators at the finish line.

Getting ready to head back to the hotel with Bob

We had made wine tasting reservations online prior to our arrival for a 2:00 pm tasting at Jacob’s Creek, a brand we’re familiar with. It was a nice (not spectacular) facility and good wines with a friendly pourer. They had multiple tasting options for $10 Australian (approximately US$6.70), but if you visit the Barossa Valley and have limited time, there are probably more impressive cellar doors.

Inside the cellar door. Our tasting was at the bar.

After the tasting, we stopped at Chateau Tanunda since they sponsored the marathon event. We wanted to at least see the grounds of the Barossa Valley’s first winery. Bob and I split a glass, the nice hostess poured it in two glasses for us and stoked up the fire.