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Świętokrzyskie wines?  Really worth it!

After many years of dormancy, the Świętokrzyskie wine industry, whose history dates back almost 900 years, is experiencing a true renaissance and  the last two decades have resulted in 45 new vineyards, mostly in areas where vines were grown in their heyday. Areas around Opatów, Sandomierz, Busko-Zdrój, Pińczów, Szydłów, Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski and Bodzentyn are home for professional wine farms producing white, rosé and red wines (and even orange!).

The vineyard areas, from several dozen acres to several hectares, and the most popular varieties are dominated by white ones:  Muscaris, Solaris, Seyval Blanc, Riesling, Hibernal Chardonnay and Johanniter. Red wine varieties include primarily Regent and Rondo, but Leon Millot, Zweigelt, Cabernet Cantor but Marechal Foch are also popular.

- The total area of crops in the Świętokrzyskie region is 62 hectares;  with the climate warming, there are tendencies to plant more demanding grape varieties, such as Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir. – says Marceli Małkiewicz, of the “Świętokrzyskie Winnice” Foundation, owner of the “Winnica Sandomierska” located in the Wysokie Mountains in the Dwikozy commune. - Our region is characterised by hilly terrain and various rocky substrates ideal for the minerality of wines. Therefore, the wines have a rich bouquet and long taste, which makes them quality wines. Winemakers are passionate about producing their wines and are extremely committed to their craft. Tending the fruit manes, they select the plump, sweetest, and aromatic grapes to make their blends using only natural or specialist wine yeast.  Another advantage of our wines is the manual harvesting of the fruit – adds Marceli Małkiewicz.

The vast majority of Świętokrzyskie wines are offered for official sale and have proven very popular. Not so long ago, they were treated as curiosity, and the demand for them resulted from the curiosity of lovers of the "drink of the gods" about what was new and unknown. Today, they are bought simply because of their high quality. They have reached shop shelves and restaurants, they are ordered for special events, and are often purchased as an exclusive, original gift.

Enotourism keeps growing stronger

The interest of enthusiasts in domestic wine is not limited only to enjoying the drink,  aficionados want to learn about the history of winemaking, viticulture methods, and traditional vinification techniques. Hence, enotourism, i.e. wine tourism, is becoming more and more popular in the Świętokrzyskie region. The vast majority of wineries welcome guests with open arms  some of the attractions include a conversation with the owner about the secrets of winemaking, a tour of the vineyard on your own or with the winemaker, the opportunity to taste the noble grapes picked straight from the vine, a wine tasting, and, of course, shopping. Many farms offer visits to cellars where wines are maturing, picnics and dinners on the estate, and provide overnight stays in rooms located in the vineyards.

Świętokrzyskie Festival of Wine and Regional Products

The event, which will take place in Targi Kielce on 26 and 27 April, simultaneously with the SlowTravel Health Tourism Expo and the 2nd Świętokrzyskie Health Tourism Forum, will be a real treat! 

Winemakers will give presentations on the art of sommelier, the specificity of Świętokrzyskie wines, their production, viticulture, enotourism and the offer of vineyards in Świętokrzyskie. They will talk about their wines and offer free tastings;  stands bring about a varied appearance and range of wines on offer.

The Wine and Regional Products Festival will also be a unique opportunity to visit stands with local culinary products and get to know delicacies prepared based on the best traditional recipes.  You can taste honey, cheeses and other products made from natural ingredients. There will be tastings, culinary workshops, and meetings with producers who will discuss the production of unusual products.

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