Polish winemaking is maturing. We need knowledge, cooperation and courage

The second edition of the "Viticulture" conference will take place on January 23 in Kielce. How did the idea for this event was born and what are its main assumptions?

The first edition of the conference in 2025 showed that the Polish wine community is in dire need of a space where it could meet – not only socially, but above all substantively. Winemaking in Poland is developing at a dynamic pace, but there is still a lack of places where science, practice and business can complement each other. The "Viticulture" conference was created with the aim of creating such a platform for the exchange of experiences.

As scientists, we want to be close to practitioners, understand their problems and look for solutions together. The second edition is a natural continuation of this idea – this time with an even richer program and a broader view of the challenges facing the industry.

What distinguishes the program of the upcoming conference?

We focused on diversity and interdisciplinarity. Winemaking is not only about viticulture itself – it is a system in which biology, agrotechnics, economics, production technology, and even marketing are combined.

Therefore, the program includes topics from phytopathology and modern forms of pruning, biological crop protection, crop management to economic conditions of vineyard management. Participants will hear, among other things, about the current problems with bacterial cancer of vines, about Czech experience in growing in colder climates or about the role of biostimulants in improving plant health.

We want every participant – regardless of whether they are just starting a vineyard or have been running it for years – to find something for themselves. The conference is not only a set of lectures, but also an inspiration and a practical guide to the latest trends in winemaking.

In your speech during the conference, you will deal with the topic of managing the volume and quality of crops in changing weather conditions – where did the idea come from?

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing modern agriculture, and winemaking feels it particularly hard. The vine is a demanding plant that is sensitive to extreme weather phenomena. We are experiencing more and more often late spring frosts, summer droughts, heavy rains or heat. Each of these factors has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of the crop.

In my presentation, I will show how to effectively respond to these challenges by regulating growth and fruiting, proper shrub formation, and the use of biostimulators. It is worth noting that many of these methods have already been proven in Polish conditions – so we are not talking about theoretical concepts, but about practical solutions that help producers achieve stable yields despite increasingly difficult weather conditions.

Is Polish winemaking in good shape today? How do you assess its development from the perspective of a scientist and practitioner?

It is in a very interesting moment – you could say that it is maturing. Vineyards were founded mainly by enthusiasts who learned by trial and error a few years ago. Today, we observe a completely new quality. Investors approach the subject professionally and use consulting, analyze data, implement technologies.

At the same time, consumer awareness is growing. Poles are increasingly reaching for domestic wines and appreciating their quality. This gives an impetus to further development. However, there is still a lot of work ahead of us – especially in the field of staff training, standardization of production and promotion of regional brands. And events such as our conference play a significant role in this.

The program also includes speeches by foreign experts. What is the significance of this international perspective for you?

Huge. Winemaking is a global industry, and knowledge is circulating between countries faster than ever. We learn from each other – both successes and mistakes. Today, the Polish wine map is climatically reminiscent of the wine regions of northern Germany, the Czech Republic or Austria from years ago. That is why their experience is extremely valuable to us.

An example is the lecture of Richard Danko from Mendel University in Lednice, who will show how to combine traditional forms of viticulture with modern agrotechnics. It is knowledge that can be transferred directly to our reality. On the other hand, presentations by Polish specialists – Janusz Mazurek, PhD and Dariusz Paszka, PhD – will allow us to look at winemaking from both the scientific and economic side. This combination of theory and practice is our greatest asset.

During the conference, topics related to wine production will appear. Do you think that Polish winemakers are currently facing any particular problems at this stage?

I am very happy that Piotr Stopczyński has confirmed his participation in the conference – a person who needs no introduction in the wine world. He is an outstanding oenologist, a specialist with enormous knowledge, practice, intuition, precision and professionalism. Some of the best Polish wines come out of his hand.

There are never too many wine topics – after all, this is the culmination of the whole process, the culmination of work in the vineyard. Often it is the production stage that determines the quality and nature of the finished product. Therefore, Piotr Stopczyński's speech will be extremely valuable for both experienced producers and those who are just building their wine awareness.

There has been a lot of talk about biological plant protection In recent years. Is it a viable alternative to chemistry in viticulture?

It is not so much an alternative as a supplement. Bioprotection is the direction in which the entire European policy is heading – and it is a very good thing, because it gives a chance for more sustainable, environmentally safe production.

In the case of vines, biopreparations can significantly support plant immunity, improve the root system and reduce disease pressure. More and more Polish vineyards are successfully combining traditional protection products with biological preparations. As a result, not only the health of the plants improves, but also the quality of the grapes. This is a trend that will continue to grow – and this is what Wojciech Niemiec will talk about during the conference.

The conference will also feature an economic theme. Do small, family-run vineyards still have a chance to succeed in today's market reality?

Definitely yes, but it requires a very conscious approach. Dariusz Paszko, PhD who deals with the economics of winemaking, will show specific business models and strategies for the functioning of small farms. Not every vineyard has to compete with large producers. Often it is small, boutique wineries that are the most successful, focusing on quality, enotourism and the unique character of the place.

The key is to understand your potential and be able to communicate it to consumers. The Polish wine market is still developing, so there is room for new ideas and business models.

The conference is not only about lectures, but also about meeting space. What is the importance of networking and building a wine community for you?

Very large. Knowledge is one thing, but people are another. The conference is a place where producers, scientists and advisors can get to know each other, talk and exchange experiences. Many participants of the first edition said that it was thanks to these conversations that they established cooperation, gained new contacts, and even started research projects together.

I would like this event to be both a source of knowledge and an impulse to create an environment based on cooperation and trust. Polish winemaking is developing faster than many expected – now is the time to base this development on solid foundations: knowledge, quality and community.

How would you encourage those who are still hesitating to come to Kielce for TSW?

I would say: if you are interested in vines, this is an event that you cannot miss. In one day, you will gain knowledge that you will not find in books or on the Internet, you will talk to people who make up Polish winemaking, and you will see how great the potential of this industry is.

The TSW Fruit and Vegetable Industry Fair is the largest event for fruit and vegetable producers in Central and Eastern Europe, and our conference has become an important element of it. It is a unique place where science, passion and practice meet. I cordially invite everyone. I guarantee that everyone will leave Kielce richer in knowledge, inspiration and new contacts.

Thank you for the interview.

Thank you and see you on January 23 in Kielce during the II Viticulture Conference.