Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine

Imagine strolling into a cozy cheese tasting room in Amsterdam, ready to sample some of the best Gouda cheeses you’ll find in the Netherlands. This experience is a fantastic way to get a taste of Dutch culinary tradition, learn about cheese-making, and connect with local flavors—all in under an hour. We’ve looked into this popular tour, and here’s what you can expect if you decide to give it a try.

One thing we love about this experience is how knowledgeable guides make the tasting both fun and educational. Also, the pairing of cheeses with carefully selected wines elevates the experience, making each tasting memorable. On the flip side, the location involves stairs to access the tasting room, which could be a consideration for some travelers. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re interested in Dutch culture, cheese, and wine—especially for those who enjoy small, intimate tastings with expert hosts.

Key Points

• Authentic Dutch cheese experience focused on Gouda varieties.
• Expert guidance from knowledgeable hosts and sommeliers.
• Wine and cheese pairing designed to enhance flavors.
• Short but sweet duration, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day.
• Affordable price point around $28, offering good value.
• Includes a certificate, perfect for remembering your trip or sharing with friends.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s the Overview of this Cheese & Wine Tasting in Amsterdam?

This experience invites you into a cheese-tasting room in Amsterdam, where you’ll get to sample five different Gouda cheeses, including the famous Old Amsterdam variety. Over about 45 minutes, your host will guide you through the process of tasting and learning about Dutch cheese-making traditions. It’s a great way to combine a little culture with some delicious flavors, all while sipping on wines specially picked to complement each cheese.

The session takes place at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, a spot that is central and easily accessible. You’ll start your journey here, where the host welcomes you and leads you upstairs to the tasting room—note that the room is only accessible by stairs, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

The Highlights of the Experience

• Taste five Gouda cheeses, including Old Amsterdam, crafted by a historic, family-run business. The story of Westland Kaasspecialiteiten adds a charming touch, giving you insight into Dutch cheese-making traditions.
• Learn the secrets behind the recipes—although the family recipes are secret, your guide will share interesting hints about how the cheeses are made and what sets them apart.
• Enjoy three wines carefully selected by a sommelier: a red, a white, and a port wine. Each is chosen to perfectly pair with each cheese, helping you appreciate the flavors more deeply.
• Palate cleansers like fig bread and water are provided, which help reset your taste buds between tastings.
• Receive a souvenir certificate at the end, a sweet keepsake to remember your Dutch cheese adventure.

The Experience Itself: What You Can Expect

Once inside the tasting room, you’ll be greeted and invited to settle in. The cozy, air-conditioned space is an ideal setting for this kind of intimate activity, especially during the warmer months. Your host, often described as engaging and knowledgeable, will walk you through the cheese-making process, sharing stories of the family business and the history behind Old Amsterdam cheese.

Expect the tasting to be interactive—there’s plenty of room for questions and curiosity. Many reviews mention how entertaining and educational the guides are. For example, one reviewer highlighted how their host was “funny, informative,” making the experience feel more like a friendly chat than a formal lesson.

The cheeses are served in small, tasting-sized portions—just enough to understand their flavors without feeling overwhelmed. The wines are poured into small glasses, allowing you to savor each sip and see how the different wines influence the cheese flavors. Between tastings, the fig bread acts as a perfect palate cleanser, bringing out the subtleties of each cheese.

Why This Tasting Feels Like a Good Deal

At just around $28 per person, this experience offers excellent value. The inclusion of five cheeses, three wines, and a certificate makes it a well-rounded, affordable activity. Several reviews praise the quality of the cheeses and wines, noting that the presentation and the guidance elevate the tasting above a simple snack session.

Some reviews even mention the added bonus of shopping discounts—10% off in the shop—so if you fall in love with a particular cheese or wine, this could be your chance to stock up.

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A Closer Look at the Cheeses and Wines

The cheeses focus on the Gouda variety, with Old Amsterdam being a star attraction. Many reviewers highlight how much they enjoyed the pairing, with one noting that some cheeses pair particularly well with certain wines, especially the port. The wines complement the cheeses beautifully, and the guide’s explanations make it easy to understand why certain pairings work.

The wines are carefully selected to enhance each cheese’s flavor profile, making the tasting feel like a thoughtfully curated experience rather than just a random sampling. The guide’s expertise ensures that everyone gets a good understanding of how wine and cheese work together.

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

Based on the 479 reviews and a consistent 4.7/5 rating, it’s clear that most participants walk away satisfied. Many reviewers appreciated the friendly, knowledgeable guides, with comments like “the host was a true legend” and “she explained everything so well.” The social aspect, combined with the educational content, makes it fun rather than just a snack stop.

People also loved the cozy, air-conditioned space, making the experience comfortable regardless of the weather outside. One reviewer even mentioned that “the AC alone was worth the time and money spent,” which is worth considering during warmer days.

Practical Details for Visitors

• The activity lasts about 45 minutes, so it’s a quick but rich experience.
• Starts at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, with check-in times available throughout the day—just check availability.
• The activity operates with English-speaking guides.
• It’s suitable for travelers aged 18 and over due to alcohol consumption.
• Note that the tasting room is only accessible by stairs, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.
• You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This tour is perfect for foodies, wine lovers, and anyone curious about Dutch cheese. It’s also a great activity for those who want a relaxed, small-group setting—reviews frequently mention how intimate and personalized the experience feels. If you’re traveling alone or with a small group, you’ll likely find the interaction engaging and informative.

While it isn’t specifically geared towards children, the focus on adult beverages makes it best suited for travelers 18 and over. It’s also not recommended for people with mobility issues given the stairs, but it’s otherwise accessible for most.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For just about $28, this cheese and wine tasting in Amsterdam offers a delightful peek into Dutch culture and culinary craftsmanship. You get to learn from passionate guides, sample top-quality cheeses, and pair them with wines that elevate the flavors. It’s a relatively short activity, but one that leaves a lasting impression—plus, you get a certificate to remember your trip.

If you enjoy trying local foods, learning new pairing tricks, or simply want a cozy, friendly environment to kick back and enjoy some cheese, this experience hits the right notes. It’s well-reviewed, reasonably priced, and provides a genuine taste of Amsterdam’s cheese heritage.

This tour suits those who appreciate good food, want an authentic local experience, and prefer small, engaging groups. It might not be the best choice if stairs are a problem or if you’re on a very tight schedule, but overall, it’s a charming way to add a different flavor to your Amsterdam visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific dress code for this tour?
No, casual comfortable clothing is perfect since it’s a short, indoor activity.

How long does the experience last?
Approximately 45 minutes, making it easy to slot into your day without it feeling too long.

Are the cheeses and wines included in the price?
Yes, the price covers five Gouda cheeses, three wines (red, white, port), fig bread, water, and a certificate.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this activity suitable for children?
No, only travelers aged 18 and over can enjoy the wine, so it’s not suitable for children.

Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store and ends back at the same location.

Is the tasting room accessible?
The room is only accessible by stairs, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Do I get a souvenir or certificate?
Yes, every participant receives a cheese taster certificate as a keepsake.

Can I buy the cheeses I taste?
Yes, there’s a shop with a 10% discount for participants, so you can pick up some favorites after the session.

In the end, if you’re after a cozy, informative, and delicious experience that showcases Dutch cheese in a friendly setting, this tasting tour in Amsterdam is a real winner. It’s a fun way to learn, enjoy good wine, and taste some of the best Gouda the Netherlands has to offer—all without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: