Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam

A Delicious Introduction to Amsterdam’s Cheese and Wine Scene

If you’re looking for a taste of Amsterdam’s culinary soul, a cheese and wine tasting at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store is an experience you shouldn’t miss. For just under $30 per person, you’ll spend about 55 minutes exploring five different award-winning cheeses of 2024, paired thoughtfully with selected wines—white, red, and port. The tasting takes place in a charming, traditional room that transports you to the Amsterdam of yesteryears, creating a cozy, authentic setting for your palate-pleasing adventure.

What really draws us in are two specific aspects: first, the knowledgeable guidance that makes the experience more than just a tasting — it’s an educational journey, with tips on recognizing subtle flavors and understanding cheese origins. Second, the atmosphere is both intimate and lively, with a small group size that encourages conversation and curiosity.

One potential consideration is that this activity is relatively short—about an hour—so if you’re eager to explore more extensive tastings or pairings, you might find it a bit limited in scope. Still, for those who appreciate quality over quantity and love learning while tasting, this experience hits the right note.

This tour appeals most to food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Dutch cheeses or looking for a fun, informative way to spend an hour in Amsterdam. It’s especially suited for solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting a friendly, guided introduction to local delicacies.

Key Points

• Educational Focus: Learn how to recognize subtle cheese flavors and understand their origins.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Experience a traditional Amsterdam setting designed to evoke the city’s bygone eras.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are specifically praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience engaging.
• Well-Paired Wines: Enjoy carefully selected wines—white, red, and port—that complement the cheeses perfectly.
• Affordable and Valued: At around $28, it offers a well-rounded, high-value experience.
• Small Group Setting: Max 26 travelers, ensuring a personal and comfortable environment.

Exploring the Cheese and Wine Tour in Depth

What’s Included and What’s Not

For just $28.49, your ticket covers the cheese and wine tastings, along with cutlery to serve the cheeses. You’ll sample five award-winning cheeses of 2024, paired with a white wine, a red, and a port. This combination helps you understand how different cheeses are best enjoyed with specific wine styles, a lesson appreciated by many reviews that mention the expert guidance.

The only thing not included is private transport, so you’ll need to make your way to the starting point at Damrak 62HS. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making it easy to continue exploring nearby attractions afterward.

Meeting Point and Duration

The activity kicks off in a cozy, dedicated tasting room above the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible whether you’re arriving from a cruise, a hotel, or other city attractions.

The entire experience lasts about 55 minutes—just enough time to savor, learn, and ask questions without feeling rushed. It’s a perfect break from sightseeing or a relaxing way to start an evening out.

The Itinerary Breakdown

You can expect a well-structured, engaging session:

• The guide begins with an introduction to Dutch cheese-making traditions.
• You’re then guided through five different cheeses, each with its own story and flavor profile.
• Guided by a friendly expert, you’ll receive tips on how to distinguish between mild, aged, goat, and cow cheeses, and how to identify their unique characteristics.
• The wines are carefully chosen to match each cheese, demonstrating how the pairing enhances flavors—whether it’s a crisp white or a rich port.

One reviewer highlighted how the facilitator explained the aging process and history of the cheeses, making it not only a tasting but an educational experience. Others appreciated how the guide answered questions and offered recommendations for purchasing cheeses to take home.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

The tasting room is designed to replicate a traditional Amsterdam ambiance, offering a sense of place that adds to the enjoyment. It’s a small, inviting space that fosters conversation and curiosity, especially in groups of just a few people. Many reviews rave about the cozy, intimate setting, and the knowledgeable guides who make learning fun.

The Guide’s Role and Review Highlights

Guides like Maria and Ron are praised for their friendly demeanor and deep knowledge. They make the experience engaging by sharing stories about Dutch cheese history, production, and pairing tips. As one reviewer said, “Ron was very knowledgeable and engaging,” which made the hour feel both fun and informative.

Value and Pricing

Considering the quality of cheeses and wines, this tasting offers fantastic value. Many reviews mention the “good value for money,” especially given the personalized attention and the educational component. At under $30, it’s an accessible indulgence that enhances your understanding of Dutch cuisine—something you’ll remember long after the last sip and bite.

Reviews: Authentic Praise from Fellow Travelers

• “Loved this adventure. Wine and cheese were wonderful. We learned a lot.” — Gary S.
• “A great one-hour spent. The presenter was knowledgeable and friendly.” — Brian W.
• “Personal and pleasant tasting. 5 cheeses with a white, red, and port—enjoyed it a lot.” — Brad B.
• “Great experience — tasted 5 cheeses with well-chosen wines. The history behind the cheese was fascinating.” — Doug R.

Several reviews mention how the experience was perfect as a relaxed, social activity, and many would recommend it for first-timers or those wanting a quick, quality introduction to Dutch cheeses and wine pairing.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits anyone curious about Dutch culinary traditions, wine lovers wanting to learn more about pairing, or visitors seeking a cozy, informative activity that doesn’t take up a whole day. It’s especially great for solo travelers, small groups, or couples looking for a fun, relaxed way to connect over local specialties.

The Sum Up

The cheese and wine tasting at Old Amsterdam Cheese Store offers an appealing blend of education, authenticity, and fun—all packed into under an hour. You’ll leave not only with a better understanding of Dutch cheeses but also with an appreciation for how they pair beautifully with wines.

If you enjoy learning about food, love discovering local flavors, or simply want a relaxed, guided experience in a charming setting, this tour fits the bill perfectly. Its affordable price makes it accessible, and the small-group environment ensures a personal touch that elevates the experience beyond a simple tasting.

While it’s not a large-scale or elaborate event, it’s exactly those small details—knowledgeable guides, well-chosen pairings, and a cozy atmosphere—that make this activity worth your time. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, we think you’ll find this tasting a highlight of your Amsterdam visit.

FAQs

How long does the cheese and wine tasting last?
The experience takes approximately 55 minutes, making it a perfect short activity in the city.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers food and wine tastings, plus cutlery. You will sample five cheeses paired with different wines.

Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, the minimum drinking age is 18 years, so it’s suitable for adult travelers.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins and ends at Damrak 62HS, in a cozy tasting room above the cheese store, close to public transportation.

Are private transportation arrangements needed?
No, transportation is not included or necessary; you’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What makes this experience stand out?
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the authentic, traditional setting as key strengths.

Can I buy cheese to take home?
Yes, at the end of the tasting, you can enjoy a 10% discount on cheese purchases.

Is this activity suitable for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention how it’s a great introduction to Dutch cheeses and an engaging way to learn about local flavors.

What should I wear or bring?
Just wear comfortable clothes. The experience is indoors, so no special attire is needed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 16 days in advance, due to its popularity.

Embark on this delightful journey into Dutch cheese and wine — it’s a small, tasteful adventure in the heart of Amsterdam that promises both education and enjoyment.