When you think of “Wielkopolska,” chances are your first associations will be potatoes, asparagus, pumpkins, or maybe some other Central European veggies. But vineyards? Surprisingly – yes! Today, Wielkopolska is home to more than 30 wineries, from small, intimate estates to those stretching across dozens of hectares. Wine tourism here is not just about the wine itself, but about the adventure and the stories behind it. Most wineries can be visited for walking tours, tastings, and often even overnight stays in charming surroundings. The most interesting spots are connected by the Wielkopolska Wine Trail.
You have to note that vine growing in Wielkopolska is not some new trend. The first vineyards appeared more than a thousand years ago, usually near newly founded monasteries or church estates. Traces of this history remain in local place names such as Winiary and Winogrady in Poznań, Winiary in Gniezno, or the village of Winna Góra.
Grapevines need gently sloping hills, plenty of sunshine, good soil, and clean surroundings. This perfect combination is easiest to find in western Wielkopolska, and that’s where most of the vineyards are located – roughly in a belt stretching from Leszno, through the area around Nowy Tomyśl and Lwówek, to Międzychód and Sieraków, known as the Land of a Hundred Lakes. But that’s not all. Vineyards also thrive around Gniezno and Konin, as well as on the outskirts of Poznań itself. They grow both well-known varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling or Merlot, and those better suited to the local climate, like Solaris, Rondo, or Regent.
All these wineries have one thing in common – they were created out of passion and dedication. Wherever you go, you’ll meet remarkable people eager to invite you on a walk among the vines, share the story of their estate, show you where the wine is made, and of course offer a tasting (often straight from the barrel or tank). You can visit Wielkopolska’s wineries on your own or with friends, but many also offer guided tours for groups and sommelier workshops – perfect for team-building events.
Where to look for the most interesting stops along the Wielkopolska Wine Trail? The best place to start is the interactive vineyard map available on the trail’s website – you’ll find the most up‑to‑date information there. It’s also worth checking out local events: the Wino fair, the Winowacje outdoor festival, and even the Poznań Christmas Market, where you can try authentic mulled wine from Wielkopolska.
