Welcome to the Forrest Estate GrapeRide

The South Islands biggest and most popular road cycling event.

For those that are new to The Forrest Grape Ride the long course traverses a 101km circuit through some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. From the Forrest Estate Winery stone wall in the capital of the New Zealand wine industry, Renwick, it’s a flat route to Blenheim. Riders then head north and gently climb into Picton with an exhilarating descent into the centre of the town. Climbing out of Picton, the route follows the picturesque Queen Charlotte Drive around the head of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds, literally a ride through nature’s photo album. The stunning scenery of Ngakuta and Momorangi Bays passes as the ride winds and twists to The Grove.

A flat ride to Linkwater leads onto Mahakipawa Hill and more breath taking scenery, followed by a descent to the outskirts of the mussel capital, Havelock. A left turn onto SH 6 and it’s homeward bound across gently rolling terrain, hopefully with the prevailing breeze at your back (we hope) and home to Renwick. Off the bike and you’re in the grapes with our celebrity guests, treading grapes for processing into an exclusive Forrest Wines vintage for next year’s event.

2012 will again be limited to a field of 2,500 riders to ensure quality and that special "X" factor for you, the rider.

2012 will see the very successful 42km Taster course 42 loop course run for a second year in a row as it proved particularly popular with first timers to the sport plus it offered a down sizing option for those that simply did not get fit enough for the long course. This also starts and finishes at Forrest Estate likes its big brother.

We say this every year but its seem the culture of some riders is to leave their entry to the last few weeks. These are the weeks when the event is full to its capacity. Get you entry in as soon as possible so that you will be at the start line with your mates! Enter online

Back by popular demand is the 202km Magnum (twice round the 101km course) for those that really like to punish themselves!!

The "100 Virgin Grape Crush" will see another 100 female riders from the event chosen to join the Grape Gonzo and Steve "The Goon" Gurney in the traditional crushing of 3 tonne of Forrest Wines premium pinot grapes.

New for 2012 will see the event consider bikes for the future. This might fit into the category of the recumbent but we would like to think there are other options outside of what has been created in the past. This is likely to include the use of solar power, pods and wind power! The course used will be the 42km Taser course.

Now if you rode in the 2011 event and return for 2012 you will receive a complementary 750ml bottle of the 2011 "100 Virgins Forrest Wines Pinot Noir" with your race pack".