Wojciech Bońkowski is a wine writer from Poland.

He obtained an MA in Italian literature and PhD in musicology from the University of Warsaw with a dissertation on Chopin’s editions published in Polish and English (2006). His book on Chopin’s favourite food and wines, Chopin Gourmet, was published in English by the Chopin Institute in 2010.

Simultaneously he developed a career in wine, working in London before returning to Poland where he published eight books and founded the country’s leading wine website, Winicjatywa (2012), and wine magazine, Ferment (2017, with Ewa Rybak and Ewa Wieleżyńska). The Ferment media group now also includes a wine events agency, wine school, and publishing house.

Wojciech is active internationally as a writer, wine market consultant and judge, notably at Decanter World Wine Awards and 50 Great Greek Wines.

He was President of the Polish Wine Trade Association (2015–22) and is a member of the Académie Internationale du Vin.

He currently focuses on the wines of Italy, Greece, Austria, Central and Eastern Europe including Poland’s booming industry, Port, Madeira, and Champagne, as well as gin and rum.

And he actually has another life as a tea taster.

Current employer: Ferment

Primary area(s) of work: Strategy, Communication

Industry sector(s): Broadcasting, Events, Business owner, Buying, Journalism, Author, Educator, Consultant, Wine judge, Wine tourism, Market access, Marketing research, Wine business strategy, Wine buying

Wine styles: Natural, Sparkling wine, Champagne, Cremant, Cava, Prosecco, Sekt, Sweet wines, Fortified wines, Port, Sherry, Marsala, VDN, Madeira, Still white, Still red, Still rosé, Still wines, Aszú, Dry wines, Tokaji

Wine region expertise: Austria, Germany, Greece, Hungary Tokaj, Portugal, Eastern Europe, Jerez, Italy, Piedmont, Veneto/Friuli, Tuscany, Sicily, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Douro, Alto Adige, Western Balkans, Campania, Maremma

Market expertise: Poland

Specialisms: Marketing wine, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Routes to market, Supermarket and multiple retail, Events, Broadcasting, Podcasts, Food and wine pairing, Wine laws and regulations, History of wine, Tax, Training, Digital communications, Education, Events, Music and wine pairing/events, Wine marketing research, Wine judging