Enotourism: a guide to the best wine bars and wine stores in Poland
June 11, 2025
Poland's wine scene is experiencing a true renaissance, offering connoisseurs unique venues that combine tradition with modernity. From elegant wine bars to specialized wine stores, the country on the Vistula River surprises with a wealth of oenological experiences. Exclusive wine bars and boutique wine stores are becoming not just places to shop, but true temples of wine culture, where professional sommeliers introduce guests to a fascinating world of aromas and flavors. Let's discover together the places that set the highest standards in Polish oenology, where history meets innovation and each bottle tells its own unique story.
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Mielżyński's Empire - a pioneer of wine culture in Poland
The Mielżyński chain is a true institution on the Polish wine map, whose origins date back to 2004, when Robert Mielżyński, inspired by his experiences in Canada, decided to create a place in Warsaw that combines a wine store and a restaurant. Today, the brand is present in three key Polish cities, each location maintaining a distinctive style and philosophy while offering a unique experience.
Mielżyński Burakowska in Warsaw, the chain's flagship location, is housed in the adapted space of a former industrial warehouse on Burakowska Street. It's a place of unique character, where raw brick walls contrast with elegant shelves filled with bottles from around the world. The history of the place is fascinating - the building still remembers pre-war times, and its industrial space has been transformed into a place to celebrate wine culture. The Warsaw establishment is famous for organizing regular thematic tastings, during which guests can learn about wines from specific regions or from selected producers. The offer includes more than 1,000 labels, carefully selected by a team of experienced sommeliers who personally visit vineyards to establish relationships with producers.
Mielżyński Poznan, located on Wojskowa Street, continues the tradition of combining the functions of a store and wine bar in a stylish interior. The Poznan establishment is distinguished by its intimate atmosphere and rich educational program. Wine workshops organized here are very popular among residents of the capital of Wielkopolska. Particularly interesting are cyclical meetings with winemakers, who personally present their products and share stories from their vineyards. Poznan's Mielżyński is also famous for its excellent cuisine, which perfectly matches the wines on offer. The menu changes seasonally, always relying on fresh, local products to create the perfect culinary and wine pairings.
The youngest member of the Mielżyński family is located in Gdansk, in the unique location of the former Remiza in the Imperial Shipyard. This historic building, remembering the heyday of the Gdansk shipbuilding industry, has been transformed into a modern space where history meets the present. Gdanski Mielżyński impresses with its spaciousness and excellent lighting, which brings out the beauty of the architecture. The restaurant not only offers a wide selection of wines, but also organizes cultural events, combining tastings with live music or art exhibitions. Especially noteworthy are the natural wine festivals held here, which attract enthusiasts from all over Poland.
The same principle applies at all Mielżyński's locations - the prices of wines in the store and for on-site consumption are identical, with only a nominal service charge. This is a revolutionary approach that has changed the Polish wine market, making premium wines more accessible. Mielżynski's philosophy is based on direct relationships with producers, which allows it to offer unique wines at attractive prices. Most of the wines offered come from small, family-owned vineyards that focus on quality and authenticity rather than mass production.
Each of Mielżyński's locations is not just a place to buy wine, but a true wine education center. Professional sommeliers offer advice and share their knowledge, helping guests discover new flavors and aromas. Regular tastings, workshops and meetings with winemakers create a community of wine lovers that is constantly growing. Mielżyński has become synonymous with quality and expertise in the world of Polish oenology, setting standards for other places of its kind.
Taste Culture and Alewino - a a boutique approach to the world of wine
In Gdynia's Orłowo district, on Zwycięstwa Avenue, sits a unique place combining a passion for wine with a love of fine delicatessen - Culture of Taste TheLikatesy. Founded by enthusiasts of good taste, this elegant boutique has quickly gained a reputation among Tricity connoisseurs. The history of this place began with a dream to create a space where the quality of products goes hand in hand with professional expertise and top-notch service.
Culture of Taste stands out from other wine stores because of its unique approach to the selection of liquors on offer. The owners personally visit European wineries, establishing direct relationships with producers and carefully selecting each label. The offer includes both established classics and discoveries from lesser-known wine regions. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of natural and biodynamic wines, which are gaining popularity among conscious consumers.
The interior of Culture of Taste impresses with its elegance and thoughtful design. Wooden elements blend harmoniously with modern details to create a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. The bottles are arranged for easy browsing, and each section is labeled with information about the region of origin and characteristics of the wines. Of particular note is the specially designed temperature-controlled cellar, where the most valuable vintages are stored.
Culture of Taste, however, is much more than a wine store. It is a place for education and exchange of experiences. It regularly hosts intimate themed tastings, where you can learn about wines from a specific region or from a selected producer. The owners share their knowledge and passion, telling the fascinating stories behind each bottle. In addition, the store offers exclusive delicatessens that pair perfectly with wines - from artisanal cheeses to premium cured meats to exquisite sweets.
Moving to the capital, at 48 Mokotowska Street is Alewino - a place that revolutionized the Warsaw wine scene. Founded by Bogumila Siedlecka-Goslicka, known in the community as 'Boca', alewino combines the functions of a restaurant, wine bar and wine store in a uniquely harmonious way. The history of the place dates back to 2010, when the owner, inspired by her travels through the vineyards of Europe, decided to create a space in Warsaw celebrating wine culture in a modern way.
Alewino is housed in a historic building in the heart of a trendy neighborhood, and its interior impresses with a combination of classic elegance and modern touches. A characteristic element of the decor are huge shelves filled with bottles from all over the world, which create a unique atmosphere. The centerpiece of the establishment is a long wooden bar, where guests can taste wines under the guidance of experienced sommeliers.
What sets Alewino apart from other places is the extremely careful selection of wines. There are more than 500 labels on offer, with an emphasis on small, independent producers who are passionate about their craft. Particularly rich is the collection of natural, organic and biodynamic wines, which are the specialty of the establishment. Each wine at Alewino has its own story, which the sommeliers are eager to share with guests.
Alewino is also known for its excellent cuisine, which pairs perfectly with the wines on offer. The menu, created by talented chefs, is based on seasonal products of the highest quality and changes regularly to reflect the current availability of ingredients. The dishes are inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, but there is also no shortage of creative interpretations of Polish classics.
Regular events held at alewino attract wine enthusiasts from all over Warsaw and beyond. Tastings led by the winemakers themselves, workshops on pairing wine with food or themed tasting dinners are just some of the offerings. Particularly popular are the 'Evenings with the Producer', during which guests can learn about the philosophy and working methods of a particular winery directly from its representative.
Compare offerings and unique wine experiences
Comparing the offers of the presented venues, one can notice both similarities and significant differences that make each of them unique in its own way. The Mielżyński chain, with venues in Warsaw, Poznań and Gdańsk, offers the most extensive structure and the largest geographic coverage. As a result, the brand has become recognizable throughout Poland and sets the standard for other places of its kind. Prices at Mielżynski can be described as premium - they are not the cheapest wines on the market, but the quality-to-price ratio remains very favorable, especially considering direct relationships with producers.
Culture of Taste in Gdynia is distinguished by its more boutique character and its combination of wine offerings with exclusive delicatessens. Prices here range from medium to high, but the quality of the products fully justifies their value. Of particular interest is the collection of natural and biodynamic wines, which is one of the richest in the Tri-City. In addition, the opportunity to purchase exquisite snacks that perfectly match the selected wines is a unique proposition for customers.
Warsaw's Alewino takes the most exclusive approach, combining the functions of a restaurant with a high-end wine bar. Prices here are the highest among the described places, which is due to both the prestigious location and the exceptional selection of wines and the quality of the dishes served. Alewino attracts the most discerning customers, for whom the culinary experience is as important as the wine tasting.
It is worth noting the differences in the atmosphere of these places. Mielżyński's establishments, especially the one in Warsaw on Burakowska Street, are characterized by an industrial, austere style that creates a modern but cozy space. Culture of Taste focuses on elegance and sophistication, with attention to every detail of the decor. Alewino, on the other hand, combines classic elegance with modern touches, creating a refined atmosphere ideal for celebrating wine culture.
Each of these places has its own unique history and philosophy. Mielżyński, founded by Robert Mielżyński, who transferred his experience from Canada to Poland, revolutionized the approach to wine sales in Poland by introducing a concept combining a store with a wine bar. Culture of Taste is an expression of the owners' passion for discovering and sharing exceptional products from across Europe. Alewino, on the other hand, was created on the initiative of Bogumiła Siedlecka-Goślicka, who created a place that celebrates wine culture in a modern Warsaw setting.
The educational offer is another aspect that differentiates these places. Mielżyński offers the most extensive program of workshops and tastings, aimed at both beginners and advanced wine lovers. Culture of Taste specializes in intimate themed tastings, where you can learn about wines from a specific region or from a selected producer. Alewino, on the other hand, is famous for its exclusive events with the winemakers themselves, which attract the most discerning enthusiasts.
It is also worth mentioning the differences in wine offerings. Mielzynski has the largest number of labels, with an emphasis on classic wine regions, but there is no shortage of interesting discoveries from lesser-known areas. Culture of Taste stands out for its extensive collection of natural and biodynamic wines, which are gaining popularity among conscious consumers. Alewino, meanwhile, specializes in wines from small, independent producers, with a particular focus on natural and organic wines.
Regardless of their differences, all the places described share a passion for wine and a desire to share it with guests. Each of them has contributed to the development of wine culture in Poland, educating consumers and introducing them to the fascinating world of oenology. Thanks to places like Mielzynski, Culture of Taste and Alewino, the Polish wine scene is developing dynamically, and consumer awareness is growing steadily.
When choosing the perfect place for yourself, it's a good idea to be guided by your own preferences - whether you care more about a wide range of wines, exquisite cuisine, or perhaps an intimate atmosphere and the possibility of buying delicatessens. Regardless of your choice, each of the described places guarantees an unforgettable experience and the discovery of new flavors under the guidance of true wine enthusiasts.
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