Thinking about trying something a little different during your trip to Amsterdam? This Dutch wine tasting experience offers a chance to explore wines made right in the Netherlands, which many travelers don’t realize is a vibrant part of the local food scene.
Instead of sticking to the usual beer or touristy spots, this intimate tasting in a stylish speakeasy lets you discover Dutch vintages with expert guidance.
Two things we really love about this tour are its personalized approach—you can tailor the experience whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned wine collector—and the unique setting: a sleek, underground speakeasy in central Amsterdam that makes the whole thing feel special.
Diederik was our host this evening in the best quaint wine shop. The wine tasting room is in a hidden area and was very cool. He had so much knowledge and was truly passionate about his craft. We had a great afternoon. There was only 4 of us over all, it was very personal and relaxed. The tasting went on for a couple hours and it was a very lovely afternoon out of the snow. Wines were great, would recommend.
We had a wonderful experience at our tasting of Dutch wines. Great atmosphere and beautiful tasting room. We had the charcuterie board and appreciated the suggested pairings with the wines. The wines were good quality, very knowledgeable about Dutch wines overall. Highly recommend.
Diederik was our guide and he was fantastic. He was juggling between us and a group of five in the room so sometimes the time between tastings was a bit slow, but honestly it was relazing and it was the last thing we had planned that day so we didn't mind. This is our introductoin into Dutch wines as we were (and still largely are) unfamiliar. But not only did we get to try and learn to understand the five wines we were tasting, but we learned more about the wine production process in the Netherlands and what regions are responsible for which wines. They use a lot of steel, which in interesting, though we also had some that was blended with more "traditional" barrel aged wine. Diederik wal…
That said, one thing to keep in mind is that not all wines tasted here are available for purchase, which could be a bummer if you fall in love with a particular bottle.
This experience is ideal for anyone curious about wine, especially those eager to explore Dutch varieties beyond the traditional. It works well for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a relaxed, educational outing. If you’re a foodie or a wine enthusiast looking to add a unique twist to your Amsterdam visit, this is definitely worth considering.
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Dutch Wine Tasting Experience
- What’s Included in the Tour?
- The Venue: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Amsterdam
- The Wines: Surprising and Local
- The Experience: Personalized and Educational
- Food and Snacks: Simple but Thoughtful
- Group Size and Atmosphere
- Timing, Location, and Accessibility
- Price and Value
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
- FAQs
- More City Tours in Amsterdam
- More Tour Reviews in Amsterdam
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Amsterdam we have reviewed
Key Points
- Intimate and customizable tasting experience suitable for all levels of wine knowledge
- Located in a stylish speakeasy, adding a fun and exclusive vibe
- Tastes five Dutch wines from local winemakers, with guidance from a knowledgeable sommelier
- Includes local bread and optional snacks, great for cleansing your palate
- Small-group setting ensures a personal, relaxed atmosphere
- Option to upgrade to a Royale version with charcuterie for an added indulgence
An In-Depth Look at the Dutch Wine Tasting Experience
You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Amsterdam
What’s Included in the Tour?
For roughly $55 per person, you’re getting a 1.5 to 2-hour journey into the world of Dutch wine, led by a knowledgeable sommelier. You’ll taste five carefully chosen Dutch wines, all made by local winemakers, which makes this more than your average tasting.
The experience also includes fresh bread from a top Amsterdam bakery—Niemeijer—serving as a palate cleanser between sips, plus water and tasting forms to help you remember each wine.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, there’s an option to upgrade to the Dutch Wine Tasting – Royale, which includes a charcuterie platter with local meats—great for those who love pairing their wine with a bit of delicious food.
The Venue: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Amsterdam
The tasting takes place in a stylish speakeasy, located in the wine cellar beneath a sleek bar in central Amsterdam. The setting is intimate, with only up to 18 travelers, which allows for a personalized experience. Many reviews highlight the charm and sophistication of this underground spot, making it a memorable backdrop for tasting Dutch wines.
Wines are good, staff is VERY knowledgeable. Only downside is that many of the bottles of wine that get tasted aren't available for purchase, at the experience or even local wine shops
Diederik was our host, very pleasant and skilled. We learned a lot about wine. Different from the other wine tasting experiences we have tried. Recommended.
This wine-tasting is perfect for those who want to enjoy some great Dutch wine while learning new things about wine and the wine-making process. D was my “guide” and he did a fantastic job explaining everything thoroughly and giving me enough time to enjoy the wine and the charcuterie board. My only regret is that I didn’t have a checked bag so I couldn’t take any of the wine home with me this time. But I will be back!
The Wines: Surprising and Local
One of the standout features is the quality and variety of the wines. Many visitors have expressed shock that the Netherlands produces such good wine, with some calling it “a pleasant surprise.” The sommelier will guide you through each bottle, explaining the nuances and stories behind each vintage. Several reviews mention that the wines are flavorful and well-chosen.
Along With standard varieties, you might also get to sample something different, like Dutch orange wine, which many guests find intriguing. The wines are sourced from local winemakers, supporting Dutch agriculture and craftsmanship, giving the experience an authentic local flavor.
The Experience: Personalized and Educational
What really makes this tasting stand out is how tailored it is. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced collector, the sommelier will adjust the level of detail and complexity. Many reviews praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, who take time to answer questions and share stories about the winemakers, the wine-making process, and the cultural context.
Guests often remark on how much they learn—one reviewer noted, “We learned a lot about wine, different from other tastings we’ve tried.” This makes it great for those who want to expand their wine knowledge in a relaxed environment.
Food and Snacks: Simple but Thoughtful
The included bread from Niemeijer is appreciated for cleansing the palate, and some guests wish for a bit more, especially crackers or additional snacks. However, the option to order more bites on-site is available, and the pairing of wine and local charcuterie offers a fantastic experience if you choose to upgrade.
Group Size and Atmosphere
This is a small-group tour, which promotes a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. Many reviews mention how welcoming and personable the host is, often adding local restaurant and bar recommendations at the end of the session. The intimate setting encourages conversation, making the experience great for couples or small groups of friends.
Timing, Location, and Accessibility
Starting at Haarlemmerdijk, the location is conveniently near public transportation, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city. The session lasts about 90 minutes, making it a manageable activity that won’t eat up your entire day. The maximum group size of 18 helps keep things personal but also ensures a lively group dynamic.
Price and Value
At around $55, this tasting offers a solid value, especially considering the personalized guidance, the exclusive setting, and the local wines you’ll sample. While not all wines are available to purchase later, the experience itself is rich in information and enjoyment. Several guests mentioned that the wines exceeded expectations given the modest price point.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This tasting is great for wine lovers eager to explore Dutch varieties, people looking for a relaxed, intimate experience in central Amsterdam, or those simply curious about local wines. It’s suitable for all knowledge levels, and the flexible format means you’ll get a customized experience—whether you want to learn the basics or dive into more complex wine discussions.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you're interested in discovering a different side of Amsterdam’s food scene, this Dutch wine tasting offers a unique, educational, and enjoyable experience.
The setting alone makes it stand out—hidden beneath a chic bar in the city center—and the quality of wines and guidance is consistently praised. It's a great way to spend an evening if you want to combine learning with a bit of local indulgence.
For those who appreciate personal touches, good conversation, and well-selected wines, this experience delivers on all fronts. It’s especially suited for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a cozy, friendly environment to expand their wine horizons.
While it may not be ideal if you’re set on buying the wines you try (since many aren’t available for purchase), the knowledge and memories gained are well worth the price. And, with the option to upgrade to a more indulgent version, there’s room to tailor the experience to fit your style.
Dutch Winetasting – Amsterdam City Centre
"Diederik was our host this evening in the best quaint wine shop. The wine tasting room is in a hidden area and was very cool. He had so much knowl..."
FAQs
Is this wine tasting suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The tasting can be customized, making it great for novices wanting to learn about Dutch wines without feeling overwhelmed.
How long does the tour last?
Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the wines, snacks, and conversation without feeling rushed.
Can I purchase the wines I taste?
Most of the bottles sampled aren’t available for purchase at the experience or even at local wine shops. However, the focus is on education and enjoyment rather than buying.
Is the venue accessible?
The meeting point is near public transportation, but since it’s in a cellar, accessibility might be limited for those with mobility issues.
What’s included in the price?
Five Dutch wines, fresh bread, water, tasting forms, and a postcard. Upgrades include charcuterie and additional bites.
Are tips included?
No, tips are not included but are appreciated if you feel the guide did a good job.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable.
Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed for families or children, the experience is adult-oriented due to the alcohol. It’s best for those 18 and older.
What should I wear?
Smart casual is fine. Since it’s in a cellar, bring a light jacket if you tend to get cold, and wear comfortable shoes.
To sum it up, this Dutch wine tasting in Amsterdam offers an engaging, intimate look into the local wine scene, paired with expert guidance and a cozy setting.
Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a serious connoisseur, it’s a lovely way to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening, discovering the surprising quality of Dutch vintages. If you’re after a memorable, personalized experience that goes beyond the typical, this is definitely worth booking.
