Enotourism and Wine Trail in Poland
History of winemaking in Poland
The history of Polish winemaking is dated over 1000 years, moreover it was known to the first Piasts. First region, where its development has been observed are environs of Krakow. Grapevine in this area was cultivated in the 10th century ! What was the cause of the sudden development of grapevine in Poland? Main reason was the use of wine for liturgical purposes. For the fathers of Polish winemaking considered are Cysters and Benedictines. An important center to handle the production of this drink was the Benedictine abbey in Tyniec. Winemaking traditions were continued there from the 11th to the end of the 18th century. The history also tells about the cultivation of vines by the Order of the St. John in Zagość near Nida or about the wineries located in the region of Zielona Góra.
However, significant development of Polish winemaking is dated in the 14th century, when the vineyards were founded and leased by the townspeople. It was related to the use of wine during religious ceremonies, which caused wine to become a medium of exchange and an exchangeable commodity. At that time winyards were located near places like: Zielonej Gory, Krakow, Sandomierz, Plock, Torun, Poznan, Przemysl, Krosno and Lviv.
However, the good times of Polish winemaking did not last long. It was caused due to the popularization of imported goods from Western Europe. Moreover, in the 17th century the climatic conditions got worse, which had a negative impact on the cultivation of the vine. Next disaster took place in the 19th century, when the plague of phylloxera – an inconspicuous insect, caused plenty of damage to vineyards all over Europe. In the following years , the destruction was brought by World War I and II, as a result, only the residues of wine traditions have survived.
In the 1980s, grapevine cultivation in Poland was reborn. Nowadays, Polish winemaking id developing dynamically, and geographical distribution allows to determinate several wine regions such as :
- The Lesser Poland Wine Trail
- Carpathian Wine Trail
- Lubuski Wine and Honey Trail
- Sandomierski Wine Trail
- Roztocze Wine Trail
- Lower Silesia Beer and Wine Trail
The Lesser Poland Wine Trail
Was established in 2013 to encourage tourists to discover the beauty of vineyards located in the lesser Poland, enable a meeting with their owners and show how wine production works. The trail also aims to encourage potential winemakers to create new vineyards. Originally The Lesser Poland Wine Trail comprised 15 vineyards. Currently, in the 9th year of its activity, the Trail has 50 vineyards. The basic species grown in the vineyards are varieties of hibernal, seyval blanc i solaris, which are used in white wine production and cabernet cortis, regent i rondo, which are used in red wine production. >>read more about Lesser Poland Wine Trail
Carpathian Wine Trail
This is one of the showpieces of the Carpathian Province. This trail consociate 29 vineyards from Poland and Slovakia. Carpathian Wine Trail is like a historic trade route, the same as the amber or silk route. This project includes not only the creation of a common tourist product, but also establishes cooperation with the gastronomy industry. Moreover, on the Trail are organized numerous events. One of them is project called ,, Karpacka Akademia Dziedzictwa Winiarskiego”, which aim was to present Carpathian traditions, viticulture and wine production.
Lubuski Wine and Honey Trail
Wine and honey have accompanied humanity for ages. It is right here, in the Lubuski region, that the cultivation of the grapevine has survived the longest. This region also boasts a rich history of beekeeping. Numerous private beekeeping museums are created here. What is more, Vineyards with rich history and old wine traditions are created here. The idea of the project appeared in 2006, however, it was realized two years later. Nowadays, in the Trail there are about 50 places where you can learn about the history of Polish winemaking and beekeeping.
Sadomierski Wine Trail
Grapevines in the Sandomierz region have been successfully cultivated since the 13th century. Wine from the local regions is exported to other places in the world. However, the thing that attracts wine lovers the most is, Sandomierski Wine Trail”. Why ? Firstly, there are numerous oenological farms located on the trail. Moreover, most of them offer tasting its liquors and sell its own wines, fruit and grapevine seedlings. Another attraction is that owners of the vineyards will show you around and say some words about their vineyards.
Roztocze Wine Trail
Despite the fact that Roztocze Vineyard Trail is not that big, there are many attractions close to the vineyards, which tourists can visit during their stay there. The trail currently includes 5 vineyards. However, due to favorable soil conditions, it will certainly develop even more in a few years. Type wines that you are able to taste there are: Riesling, Solaris (white wines), Cabernet Cantor, Dornfelder, Acolon (red wines).
Lower Silesia Wine and Beer Trail
This trial will provide unforgettable moments for both beer and wine lovers. During this trip you will get to know Lower Silesia from a different side. Here you will have the opportunity to try local wines and breweries. What is more, you will learn about the process of preparing sherbets and also have an opportunity to try local products and meet people who create this amazing place. This trail is designed to show tourists places that they do not expect. What is more, all kinds of events are organized here. Everything to show visitors the charms and traditions of this region.