Winemaking in Zielona Góra
Picturesque location
The location of Zielona Góra and its vicinity means that this city comes with some amazing views, but also it is this location that is one of the key factors making it favourable for grapevine growing. According to oral tradition, the first local vineyards originate from around 1150. However, the oldest documented information about the cultivation of grapevines in this area appeared in 1314. Since that time, local winemaking has experienced its ups and downs but has never stopped being an important characteristic of Zielona Góra. Currently, it is the 35-hectare vineyard situated next to the Lubuskie Winemaking Centre in Zabór that is one of the most prestigious places in the region.
Wine houses
Perhaps, it is hard to imagine but over 200 years ago, in the city there were several hundred wine houses where winepresses were used, wine was matured in barrels and equipment was stored. The best-preserved wine house, which dates back to 1818 and now is a part of the Palm House Restaurant, is located in Winery Park.
Solaris, Regent or Grempler Sekt?
The traces of local winemaking traditions can also be found in the Wine Museum (a part of the Lubuskie Region Museum), the only such place in the country. Visitors can also see more of the fascinating world underground Zielona Góra, i.e. the most unique wine cellars in the whole country which are more and more often used to promote its regional viticulture. The local wines are becoming increasingly well-known in Poland and abroad. Residents of Zielona Góra regularly choose to buy a local Riesling, Solaris or Regent. New Year’s Day is celebrated in the company of Grempler Sekt wine whose name relates to a winemaking factory from the 19th century, where the production of the first sparkling wine of modern Germany started.
Biggest wine festival in Poland!
The Winobranie Wine Festival, in turn, is the most important event in the city and takes place in September every year. It is a special period in Zielona Góra when the city becomes a big stage full of good fun and local wine. Many attractions are prepared for both residents and tourists, including concerts, open-air games, sports competitions, a collector’s market, the Winobranie Wine Festival fair and a colourful parade led by Bacchus. The history of the Winobranie Wine Festival dates back to 1852 when for the first time, winemakers marched through the city in order to celebrate a rich harvest together with local residents.
Come and feel the aura of our few-hundred-year-old winemaking history.
