Have your wine and drink it, too, when the Grapest 5K returns to Lovedale on Saturday, May 5.

The Grapest 5K combines an afternoon run through the vineyards, followed by wine tasting and live entertainment as the sun goes down. 

The event debuted in 2017, with thousands of runners taking part in seven events across the nation – including 500 at Lovedale.

This year’s Hunter Valley course will run through Adina Vineyard, followed by wine tasting from Adina and its across-the-road neighbours, Domaine de Binet and Tatler Wines.

Event director Peter Manning said it’s a chance to experience a great evening with friends, with a little fitness and lots of fun.

And with 85 percent of the participants female, with an average age of 40, it’s a good place for hard-working mums (and dads) to enjoy some ‘me’ time.

“This event is all about having a great time not beating your best 5K time,” Mr Manning said.

“Participants can take in the amazing views as the run, walk or skip the new 5K or 10K course through the olive grove orchards and vines of Adina winery.

“They once again get to sample the best wines the three vineyards have to offer after the run.”

After the hard yards are done, participants collect their 2018 wine cup and finisher’s medal, take a breath and relax through the now-famous ‘Wine Waddle’ (four wine tasting stations), then dance the afternoon away to the McKenzie Band.

A shuttle bus will pick up from McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle at noon, and will depart Lovedale at 6.45pm, with the cost of the bus ticket donated to Variety NSW (support sick and disadvantaged children).

The Grapest 5K is strictly an over-18s event. Early bird prices finish at 11.59pm Thursday, April 19. Tickets are available at grapest5krun.com.au.