Are you in for a surprise?
If you’ve been searching for information about “Polish wine,” you might be surprised to learn that one of the most common search queries is actually “how to polish wine glasses”!
This undoubtedly proves that Poland’s wine scene and wine tours remain an undiscovered treasure waiting to be explored by international travelers.
Poland’s Emerging Wine Region: A Historical Moment
Within just a two-hour drive from Krakow, there are an astonishing 87 wineries operating today.
As a state-certified Krakow guide and wine enthusiast, I recently made the bold decision to introduce wine tours into my portfolio of private tours in Krakow.
Why was this bold? Because Polish wine is still emerging and cannot yet compete with world-renowned regions like Napa Valley or Veneto.
However, after guiding several wine tours last year, I witnessed firsthand how these experiences became the most immersive and delightful adventures for my guests.
Their five-star reviews confirmed what I recently realized at a wine trade show in Krakow: we are witnessing a remarkable moment in Poland’s wine industry history.
Why Polish Wine Tours Are 100% Worth Your Time
1. Intimate, Personal Experiences with Passionate Winemakers
Polish vineyards are typically small enterprises, often with just one person overseeing the entire winemaking process—literally from grape to glass.
Unlike regions with multi-generational wine dynasties, the winemaker you’ll meet in Poland will likely share an inspiring story of defying odds to pursue their passion.
These pioneering winemakers aren’t fourth-generation vintners who inherited established businesses.
Instead, they’ll tell you how their spouse cautioned against starting a vineyard for 20 years, but they persisted and now feel like they’re living a second life through their wines.
What makes these encounters even more special is the genuine excitement these winemakers show when meeting international visitors.
With relatively few foreign tourists making their way to Polish vineyards, your interest in their craft creates a unique connection that enhances the entire experience.
2. Exceptional Standards and Ultra-Local Production
When discussing Polish wine quality, it’s important to note that most Polish wines are single-vineyard and estate-bottled—qualities that typically command premium prices from large producers worldwide.
This artisanal approach means you’re tasting wines that are ultra-local, handcrafted, and infused with passion.
Often, the same person who tended the vines, pressed the grapes, determined the vinification process, and bottled the wine will be pouring for you. You can literally taste the heart that goes into each bottle.
3. Natural Approach Reflecting Poland’s Agricultural Heritage
There’s a strong trend toward natural winemaking methods in Poland.
This reflects Polish people’s appreciation for ecological food production—many rural residents still grow their own fruits and vegetables and bake their own bread.
While Poland doesn’t have olive groves to enhance tastings like Mediterranean regions, many vineyards are surrounded by beautiful canola fields producing hand-pressed oils that complement wine tastings beautifully.
In fact, at one vineyard I visit on my tours, there’s a 400-year-old wooden chapel visible beyond the vines—just one example of how Polish wine experiences seamlessly blend with cultural and natural attractions.
What’s in the Bottle: Polish Wine Varieties Worth Discovering
If you’re exclusively a fan of big, bold reds, Polish wine might not be your perfect match—yet. Red varieties are still evolving, though Pinot Noir is improving significantly each year with more being planted across the country.
However, Polish white wines are already earning recognition for their crisp, flavor-packed profiles with diverse aromas. The hybrid varietal Solaris remains most popular, closely followed by Riesling.
The real standout is Polish sparkling wine, which many experts consider exceptional. Numerous winemakers produce sparkling varieties using the traditional champagne method, and many Polish wine regions are focusing specifically on sparkling wine production.
Wine experts increasingly suggest this should be Poland’s primary viticultural direction.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Experience Polish Wine
According to wine expert Michał Kamiński, “Polish wine industry is one of the fastest growing in the world—a surge Europe hasn’t seen in 150 years.
Over the next 20 years, this hidden gem will become one of Europe’s finest wine regions.”
Imagine yourself years from now, telling friends and family: “I was there in 2025. I walked those vineyards and even met the grandfather of the winemaker who now talks about the history of his winery.”
Where to Try Polish Wine in Krakow (Without a Full-Day Tour)
If you don’t have time for a complete wine tour but still want to experience Polish wine during your visit to Krakow, head to Dzikie Wino (Wild Wine). They have two distinct locations:
Main Market Square location: Tucked away in a courtyard behind Starbucks, making it easy to find. They offer numerous Polish wines alongside local delicacies and eagerly share the stories behind each bottle.
Kleparz fruit and vegetable market location: This shop with a tasting room exclusively offers Polish wines (no international varieties). The market itself is worth visiting, and the wine shop provides a perfect complement to the experience. Note that this location closes at 5:00 PM.
Experience Poland’s Wine Revolution Before Everyone Else Does
A wine tour through Poland offers more than just tastings—it’s an opportunity to witness a historical transformation in European viticulture.
The intimate scale of production, the passionate pioneers behind each bottle, and the seamless integration with Poland’s rich cultural landscape make Polish wine tours an unforgettable addition to your Krakow visit.
Whether you choose a private tour through multiple wineries or simply sample local varieties at a dedicated wine bar in Krakow, exploring Polish wine adds an unexpected and delightful dimension to your Polish travel experience.
