We recently caught up with Łukasz in his summer garden as the outdoor season ends and the wine tasting season starts. Łukasz is the passionate mastermind behind Poznaj Wino. This isn’t just another wine shop; it’s a whole vibe. Picture this: a chill deli stocked with perfect wine pairings, a stash of wine books, and even a sword for some epic champagne sabrage—yeah, slicing bottles like a pro. Plus, there’s a cozy tasting room where you can sip and learn while munching on tapas. We got the lowdown from Łukasz on how Poznaj Wino came to be and what makes it a must-visit spot in Poznań.
Q: Hey Łukasz! When did you kick off Poznaj Wino?
A: We opened in Autumn 2022, and it’s been a wild ride since!
Q: How’d you get into wine? It’s not the most typical path, right?
A: Definitely not! My wine journey started in a pretty unconventional way—I was hitchhiking through Portugal with my then-girlfriend (now wife), Diana. We ended up visiting a cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, where Port wine is aged, and that’s where the passion ignited. Every summer after that, I explored different wine regions across Europe.
Q: How easy was hitchhiking, though?
A: Let’s just say having Diana by my side probably helped! (Laughs)
Q: What stood out to you most during your travels?
A: Honestly, meeting winemakers in the vineyards and hearing the stories behind each bottle was incredible. Watching the whole production process up close was a game-changer for me.
Q: Got any funny travel stories?
A: Not funny, but a heartwarming one. In Georgia, we met a local guy who invited us to his family dinner—totally unexpected but a memory we’ll always cherish.
Q: What were you up to before the wine biz?
A: I was in the tourism and hospitality sector, working with hotels.
Q: So what made you take the leap into your own wine shop?
A: After many years of working as a sommelier in Casa De Vinos wine shop and Michelin star restaurant Muga ( they got the star in 2023), I decided to slow down a bit and think of something more local and quiet.
Q: Do you drink wine every day?
A: (Laughs) Yeah, but mainly for tastings, not for getting buzzed!
Q: Is that old saying true? “A glass of wine a day keeps the doctor away”?
A: I’d like to think so! (Grins)
Q: What’s trending right now in the wine world?
A: Low-intervention wines are the hot thing right now—more natural, less processed.
Q: Got a favorite Polish wine?
A: Definitely the Pandemiczna Pomarancza from Winnica Milosz and the Keskese Pirot Noir from Dom Bliskowice.
Q: What’s your cheapest bottle on the shelf?
A: The Spanish Talma Sauvignon Blanc for 36 PLN. It’s crisp, citrusy, with a hint of green apple.
Q: And your most expensive?
A: The Bordeaux Chateaux Talbot Saint Julien 2019 for 595 PLN. It’s rich, velvety, with blackcurrant and tobacco notes—real classic Bordeaux vibes.
Q: Is older wine always better?
A: Not at all. Only about 5% of wines improve with age. Most are meant to be enjoyed within 2-3 years.
Q: What’s the priciest wine you’ve ever had?
A: Either Chateaux Margaux, Chaten Petrus, or the Italian Masseto. They go for over €1,000 a bottle!
Q: So, does higher price always mean better wine?
A: Generally, yeah. But everyone’s palate is different. You might love a 50 PLN bottle just as much as a pricier one.
Q: What pushes up the price of a wine?
A: A lot goes into it—aging time, how many bottles are made, and overall production costs.
Q: It’s been awesome chatting with you, Łukasz. One last question—Is wine really an aphrodisiac?
A: (Laughs) Well, it definitely helps you relax, so probably! But too much? That can backfire, trust me! (Wink, wink)
If you’re serious about your wine or just curious to learn more, you’ve got to check out Poznaj Wino. Keep upto date with future events on Facebook and while he doesn’t have an online shop yet, Łukasz is all about face-to-face recommendations to match you with the perfect bottle. Head down there and let him guide you through his incredible selection! Hit him up about his exclusive cheese drops. If you’re lucky, he might just have something rare for you to taste!
