School fundraiser fun among the vines

About 1400 turned up for this year's annual Round the Vines on Sunday .

In true St Patrick's Day fashion many featured green-themed costumes to participate in the fun run or walk, over routes of 10km or 21km.

The event goes through four of Martinborough's vineyards, Alana Estate, Ata Rangi, Martinborough Vineyard and Palliser Estate.

Co-ordinator Jackie Steventon was unsure exactly how much had been raised but hoped the event, in its 17th year, had raised $20,000.

The money raised will go towards resources and cultural trips for Martinborough School.

Six drink stations - all offering wine, water, fresh grapes and watermelon - were dotted around the course and a local band entertained walkers and runners.

Prizes were given to the best-dressed teams and individuals.

A team from Hawkes Bay called My Big Fat Irish Wedding won the award for the best-dressed group, for costumes Mrs Steventon said were "amazing".

Other costumes included ladies dressed as grapes and a team from Auckland that dressed as basketball players sporting green basketball singlets.