VINE-TO-HOP TRAIL RUN 2023
EXPERIENCE DARLING & SURROUNDINGS FROM AN UNFORGETTABLE POINT OF VIEW!
Darling Brew & Contreberg Farm have something up our sleeve… The name says it all - you'll have a cheerful start among the vines at Contreberg farm, and run towards a hoppy end at DB.
We're excited to host the 2nd Vine-to-Hop. Following the success of last year’s event, our talented trail developers have gone above & beyond to create new routes that venture off the beaten track to take participants right through the heart of Darling's Winelands & straight to the beer.
Come & enjoy the beautiful, unspoiled areas around our little hamlet in the scenic Swartland. Join us this year to run beautiful & inaccessible Darling routes in your own time & at your own pace!
DATES:
Vine-to-Hop Trail Run will take place on Saturday, 4 March 2023, starting at 05:30. Cape Town sunrise is at 06:37 on this date in March.
LOCATION:
Vine-to-Hop Trail Run will take place between Darling Brew Tasteroom in Darling, and Contreberg Farm, located along the R307 outside of Darling, Western Cape, South Africa.
START TIMES:
21km - 06:30
14km - 06:45
7km - 07:00
ROUTES:
REGISTRATION:
Friday, 3 March 2023:
15:00 - 17:00 (Contreberg Farm)
Saturday, 4 March 2023:
05:30 - 06:30 (Contreberg Farm)
NB! Please note times have changed to allow more time for registration.
Please see the link to the downloadable Idemnity form: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1P2PSbMmJWq-ZjzrnhUQ_hiMHMWmlsGW8iIcNgDg6JKQ/edit?usp=sharing
LOGISTICS:
As we start at Contreberg Farm and end at Darling Brew Tasteroom, the following will apply:
21km runners
The start will be based at Contreberg Farm and finish at Darling Brew, in Darling.
14km runners
The start will be based at Contreberg Farm and finish at Darling Brew, in Darling.
7km runners
The start and finish will both take place at Contreberg Farm.
AFTER THE RACE:
- All runners receive a race pack at the start of the day & once you’ve completed your race you'll receive a post-run finisher’s beer (non-alcoholic options available), official Darling Brew glass, a tasting of one of Contreberg Farms wines, and a Vine-to-Hop Trail medal. Darling Brew Tasteroom will be open & mobile coffee, beer, and food will be on hand for quick and easy access. Bookings at the restaurant are advised and can be done on our Tasteroom page.
- Prizes will be handed over on Race Day! So if you have placed in any of the categories, please hang around to receive your prize.
- Accommodation and other restaurants in Darling can be found on Hello Darling!
TRANSPORT:
PLEASE NOTE: There will be shuttles available for 21km and 14km runners that'll take runners back to Contreberg Farm once they have finished.
Please purchase your ride back to Contreberg Farm via Entry Ninja at an additional R50.00 p/p.
Please Note: If you haven’t purchased your ride back or still need to, pack in your card, cash or payment device into your hydration pack/pocket as you can purchase a ride after the race.
If you're planning to come with family/friends who can fetch you at Darling Brew or you'd like to arrange your own transport, you don't have to purchase a ride back to Contreberg Farm.

IMPORTANT DOs & DON'Ts:
💧 All runners are advised to bring hydration packs (water/emergency snacks) - specifically 21km. There will be water points en route.
🧢 Please wear a hat/buff, sunscreen (SPF50), and appropriate, comfortable running clothes.
☎️ An emergency number will be printed on your bib.
🦺 There will be marshals en route.
🤒 All runners to complete online indemnity form before the race. Provided at venue to complete.
🚮 Please don't litter during the race, these are private farms that we work extremely hard to access on your behalf.
🤝 Be courteous to fellow runners & any farmers/farm workers en route.
🎟 Please note no refunds are available after end of day 24 February 2023.
ACCOMMODATION:
Contreberg Farm offers a 5-bedroom guest house (sleeps 15 people) at the event venue. There will also be a camping facility at Contreberg Farm for Friday night (and Saturday should campers want to stay two nights). This is a first-come, first-booked for the first 50 interested runners. Camping stands may be booked via Entry Ninja.
Camping Facilities include:
- Bathrooms with showers (hot water) + toilet.
- Braai facilities
- wood for sale
Camping Facilities DONT include:
- Electricity.
For more accommodation options please visit www.hellodarling.org.za/accommodation
IMPORTANT ROUTE INFORMATION:
🔺 General route markers + directional arrows will be red on white board.
↔️ Split points will have category names + colour arrows that match your running bibs. Marshals will be on hand to direct you accordingly.
🌼 Please note that certain parts of the route will not been bush cut due to wildflower restrictions!
🦌 Certain routes travel through areas where there may be animals en route, so please stay alert and aware. The farm will not be held liable in case of any collisions or injuries.

In Partnership with Contreberg Wine Farm
Darling Brew is proud to have Contreberg Farm on board as a partner for our 2023 Vine-to-Hop #DBadventure. This exceptional wine farm in the Darling Hills is a great place to run, and also a superb destination for weddings and events, wine tastings (on-site tastings, available at PnP & find their wine online), and getaway accommodation.
On race weekend, Contreberg Farm offers a 5-bedroom guest house (sleeps 15 pax) at the event venue. There are also camping facilities for 50+ guests on Friday + Saturday. Enquire about availability via eleanor@contreberg.co.za or visit www.contreberg.com
#VTH2023 Sponsors
This year’s Vine-to-Hop is brought to you by Darling Brew and Contreberg but we also have amazing sponsors who make this day possible by adding healthy & incredible products to our race day bags, podium prizes & more. A big shout-out also goes out to our MC, Guy McDonald, and our timekeepers from Chain Gang Events. Thank you one and all for your contribution in the lead-up to the event, on race day, and during the wrap-up phase. We are truly blessed with the best! We would also like to thank our partners & sponsors: