Had a fabulous week running through the vineyards of Rioja, building both my running stamina and appreciation of wine.Wasn't sure (before I went) how well running and drinking would mix but the answer is surprisingly well, due I have no doubt to the great balance to the week that was delivered by the program Chris and Abby had devised.They were really amazing hosts, nothing was too much trouble, and every run and excursion was carefully thought through and researched so that the week was continuously surprising and interesting. Most surprising of all was that I managed to run over 50 miles (which was a big step up from my normal 10 or so) without once feeling tired or being worried about injury. I can only put this down to the careful planning and excellent variety of runs, stretches, and recovery exercises that were on offer.The wine tasting and excursions to wineries and local towns were also spot on. Delicious wines and breathtaking scenery felt like a justifiable reward after each morning's exertion.Finally, we all turned up on day one as a diverse bunch with mixed running histories and abilities, different interests, and very different lifestyles. Part of the pleasure of the week was to see a team spirit develop and by the final long run, we were very much just that, a team of chilled out runners wishing the holiday didn't have to come to an end.I'd recommend this holiday to anybody, it works even if you only want to run, or only want to drink, but the combination is really something special.

A uniquely excellent holiday combination led by two wonderful people. Spending a week in La Rioja with Chris and Abby was unforgettable! The running was personalised so that each of us had clear guidance on our paces for running easy and hard. The coaching struck the perfect balance of encouraging, stretching and informative. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to do runs every day before the holiday but the programme was so well thought through that I didn’t question myself at all once we were there. The routes were varied and took us through stunning scenery, often through vineyards and orchards. The wine felt well-deserved after the hard work. Abby and Chris introduced us to tasting wine and provided delicious wines which we enjoyed in the spacious and exquisitely located accommodation. Winery visits were also great fun and showed contrasting styles of winemaking. I learned loads about Rioja and when I drink it I’ll now think back happily to this holiday. Abby’s cooking is not to be glossed over. What a treat! Nutritious, generous, tasty and used local produce. We ate like Kings. Lastly but not leastly, Abby and Chris are great fun to spend a week with and have managed to make Trails and Vines holidays the perfect balance of chilling with wine and earning it, all done with seemingly effortless execution. I’ll be back!

Beautiful runs, great wine, brilliant food...and even better people!Our trip to Rioja with Trails and Vines was simply one of the best holidays we’ve been on.Rioja has some fantastic scenery to admire whilst running and plenty of lovely wine to sample but it just wouldn’t have been the same without Abby and Chris’s intimate knowledge of the area and of the wine. They really did think of everything so we didn’t have to.Every run was perfectly planned so all we had to think about was running and enjoying the stunning views. Every meal was prepared from scratch and simply delicious. Every trip allowed us to see something of the area and of course, every wine felt so well-earned after a run!Whether you’re a serious runner or a parkrun jogger, a wine buff or a novice (and in our group we had a mix of everything) Abby and Chris’s real strength is in tailoring every run and every event to suit you.I can’t recommend these guys highly enough and we’ll certainly be back!

I had a fantastic week in Rioja with the Trails and Vines team - learning a great deal about running (my main reason for the trip) and also had a fascinating insight into the wine from the region, and further afield.The runs were planned to help you explore the area, whilst building up distance and technique - from hills and fartlek sessions to long runs and recovery runs. Chris and Abby imparted a lot of useful knowledge across the week, which has helped me to focus on my aims and challenges going forwards. The mix of individuals was great and at no point did you feel like you were holding anyone back, or pushing ahead - all the sessions were planned so you could run and improve at your own pace.As a newbie to the wine world, it was fun to dive straight in - learning lots from the tasting introduction, through the vineyard tours and dinner tastings. Running through the local vineyards and villages which produce these wines was amazing, and you really get to understand the culture and process behind what ends up in the bottle.Chris and Abby were top hosts, providing amazing food, drink and entertainment across the week - and catering for all needs, going beyond what you would expect to make you feel at home. I am looking forward to another holiday in the near future!

I joined the Trails & Vines ''New Year'' Norfolk retreat and I cannot think of a better way to start the year. The weekend was perfectly planned, balancing a variety of running sessions with relaxing social time over amazing food and wine.The weekend catered for a wide variety of running abilities, with all sessions tailored to you. I was particularly impressed how all activities were completed together as a group, facilitating a pleasurable social experience as everyone shared their own running stories and top tips. All sessions were balanced perfectly with an equal amount of relaxing options:- Intro run to Blicking Hall paired with a visit to a 'cosy' local pub- Speed session paired with jacuzzi (and maybe some wine)- Long distance run paired with a relaxing yoga sessionThe opportunity to evaluate your running technique video 1 to 1 with a trained running coach was certainly welcomed by all. If that was not enough… the handmade food and wine paired with amazing people made for an incredible weekend. Abby & Chris are certainly the perfect hosts!After losing my passion for running over the past 6 years, Trails & Vines have certainly revitalized it and I could not be happier. I am certainly looking forward to joining the next Trails & Vines retreat and would encourage others to do the same!