North to south and east to west, Poland truly has something for everyone – from spellbinding castles and charming villages to the outdoor adventures of the towering Tatra Mountains and the rugged Baltic coast. VeloWino offers a unique experience that not only takes you to the top vineyards in the country but also allows you to explore the city and countryside’s hidden gems. Read on for our top 5  recommended Polish destinations for wine and travel enthusiasts to visit this spring.

1. Kraków, for the perfect blend of culture and nature

Kraków, the cultural hub of Poland, is a medley of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the stunning Old Town at the foot of the Royal Wawel Castle, picturesque parks and vibrant nightlife. The city’s numerous wine bars offer a selection of Polish and international wines, which we sample at our popular Kraków wine bar tour. 

Just outside the city Ojców National Park is home to winding hiking trails and Europe’s oldest trout farm. Jurassic limestone rocks, cliffs, and valleys of the surrounding Jura region lend a distinctive minerality to the wines from the area. 

Some of the must-visit vineyards near Kraków include an experimentally-minded Winnica Kresy, built in the impressive Silesian style, and the renowned Winnica Srebrna Góra at the foot of the Camaldolese Hermit Monastery in Bielany. 

VeloWino runs trips around Krakow – during the week and on the weekend, by bike by car or by van, both tailored and ready-made.

2. Sandomierz, for scenic sites and rich historic heritage

Known as “Little Rome”, Sandomierz is perched on seven hills overlooking the Vistula river in southeast Poland. Its strategic location on Amber Road made it an important trade centre in the past. 

Nature lovers will be wowed by endless orchards, dramatic gorges and loess sedimentary rocks in the nearby hilly areas of Wyżyna Sandomierska and Góry Pieprzowe, or “Pepper Mountains”, named after their pepper-like hue.

Our weekend trips to Sandomierz area offer a chance to visit some of the Polish vineyard gems along the Sandomierz Wine Route, such as the family-run Winnica z Gór Pieprzowych in the midst of the nature reserve, or the urban vineyard of Winnica  Św. Jakuba, established by the Dominican order in the 13th century.

3. Szczecin, for the coastal charm and a vibrant wine making scene

Explore the busy port city of Szczecin, dubbed “The Paris of the North,” and discover the up-and-coming winemaking region of West Pomerania. Szczecin’s radial pattern of streets, inspired by those of the French capital, lends it a unique charm. 

May is a perfect time for wine travellers: courtyards of the storied Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin host the Festiwal Win Pomorza Zachodniego wine festival, showcasing the best of local wines and regional delicacies.

Be sure to sample the wines from renowned local vineyards like Winnice Kojder, which combines a low-intervention approach with a German winemaking style, and Winnica Turnau, known for its exceptional dry and sweet wines, including the rare ice wine.

4. Kazimierz Dolny and Lesser Poland Vistula Valley, for medieval marvels and endless wine adventures

A short trip from Warsaw, the picturesque Lesser Poland Vistula Valley region in the east of the country is on track to becoming one of the first Polish wine appellations. Every year, the Janowiec Wine Festival takes place in May, bringing together a vibrant group of wine producers from the region.

Overlooking the Vistula river, the quaint market town of Kazimierz Dolny offers a perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. This charming town boasts an array of art galleries, stunning Renaissance architecture sites, and a moving memorial to the Jewish community.

The region is home to a wealth of vineyards, including well-known producers like Winnica Kamil Barczentewicz, Winnica Kazimierskie Wzgórza, and the biodynamic vineyard Winnica Dom Bliskowice. Get in touch to learn about our customised tours and trips to Lesser Poland Vistula Valley.

5. Opole and Silesia, for nature’s treasures and hedonistic bliss

An important industrial region, rich in mineral resources, Silesia is also a haven for nature lovers seeking a tranquil break. The region boasts miles of forests, mountain ranges and other natural gems waiting to be explored.

One such gem is St. Anne Mountain, home to a stunning Franciscan monastery, an imposing calvary and the miraculous statue of St. Anne. The regional capital is Opole, known as the “singing city,” where you can attend the annual Festival of Polish Song, visit the tombs of Piast princes, and explore the magnificent market square.

The regional Opolski Szlak Winnic vine trail is home to many unmissable vineyards, including Winnica Poraj Paczków, Winnica Pałacowa Godyla and Winnica Rodzinna. For the perfect pairing, combine regional wines with rich Silesian flavours. The local cuisine is a blend of Austrian, Czech, German, Jewish and Polish dishes, full of distinctive tastes and flavours.

But how? Is Poland easy to reach?

There is absolutely no need to hesitate in planning a trip to Poland. There are numerous (and cheap!) flights to the main cities of winemaking regions like Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań.

Wine tours in Poland can easily be organized just by calling the wineries (do prepare for basic English) or with no hassle by guys like us, the VeloWino. We will take your group of friends on a bus tour anywhere in Poland or rent the bikes to make a cool connection of experiencing the landscape and the wine.

Call us at +48 728 758 263 or email at tomasz@velowino.pl – the adventure is waiting!