Amsterdam might be famous for its tulips and vibrant nightlife, but it’s also a surprisingly good place for wine tours. The city’s historic canals and cozy taverns create a perfect backdrop for sipping local wines or tasting Dutch cheeses. We particularly love the Cheese & Wine Cruise Tasting Experience for its relaxing atmosphere and high-quality pairings, and the Private Champagne Canal Cruise offers a luxurious way to celebrate special occasions. Whether you prefer a lively boat with unlimited drinks or a more intimate tasting with expert guidance, Amsterdam’s wine scene won’t disappoint.
In this guide, we’ll look at a variety of wine and cheese experiences that suit different tastes and budgets. From scenic boat cruises to educational tastings, the list below covers the best options for exploring Amsterdam’s liquid delights.
1. Amsterdam: Evening Cruise with Optional Wine and Snacks
At number 1, this 1.5-hour evening cruise offers a magical way to see Amsterdam’s illuminated canals. The boat departs from two convenient locations and glides past iconic sites like Rijksmuseum and the Magere Brug, providing stunning waterfront views. Guests can purchase drinks on board, including wine and snacks, with some reviews highlighting the relaxing atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The cruise features an engaging commentary and passes by scenic spots like the A’DAM Tower and Het Scheepvaartmuseum.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a romantic evening or a relaxed way to see the city at night. The optional wine and snacks add a nice touch, making it a good value for such a scenic experience. The major downside? Drinks must be bought before boarding, so plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: A scenic, relaxed cruise ideal for couples and night owls wanting unforgettable views with a touch of wine.
2. Amsterdam: Cheese & Wine Cruise Tasting Experience
For around 75 minutes, this heated boat cruise combines Dutch cheese with unlimited fine wines, beers, or soft drinks. It’s a great way to enjoy the canal views while sampling Dutch cheeses such as Gouda, paired with wines selected by your host. Guests can expect a lively commentary about Amsterdam’s sights and stories from the captain.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of relaxation and education, perfect for couples or friends celebrating a special night out. The wine and cheese are highly praised, and reviews highlight its cozy atmosphere and engaging guide. The boat also has a toilet on board, adding to the comfort.
Bottom Line: A delightful, social experience ideal for those wanting a casual tasting with unlimited drinks and canal views.
3. Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine
This 45-minute session offers a guided tasting of five Dutch cheeses paired with three wines selected by a sommelier. It’s held in a charming setting, and participants receive a certificate to remember their experience. The guide explains Dutch cheese-making traditions and helps you recognize flavor nuances.
Rated very highly, guests rave about the fun, educational, and delicious nature of the activity. The guide’s expertise makes it stand out, and the pairings are thoughtfully curated. It’s a perfect fit for food lovers wanting to learn more about Dutch cheese and wine in a small-group setting.
Bottom Line: An educational, tasty experience for cheese and wine enthusiasts wanting an authentic taste of Dutch traditions.
4. Amsterdam Wine and Cheese Evening Cruise
This 1 hour 15-minute cruise offers a romantic setting aboard a glass-enclosed boat, perfect for cozying up with Dutch cheeses and wines. Guests enjoy beautiful views of illuminated waterways, passing landmarks like the Royal Theater Carré and Het Scheepvaartmuseum. The cruise includes a selective cheese platter and a variety of wines.
Guests commend the intimate atmosphere and the quality of the cheeses and wines. It’s ideal for couples or small groups seeking a romantic experience with a relaxed pace. The main limitation is the shorter duration, which might leave some wanting more.
Bottom Line: A warm, intimate cruise tailored for those celebrating or seeking a softer, romantic evening.
5. Amsterdam: Wine and Cheese Evening Cruise
This 1.5-hour cruise takes you along the Canal Belt at night, showing off Amsterdam’s lit-up merchant houses. The boat offers unlimited wine and a selection of Dutch cheeses while passing bridges like the Magere Brug. The lively atmosphere and classic tunes make it especially appealing.
Reviewers note the friendly staff and delicious cheese and wine, with many calling it an excellent value. It’s a great choice if you want to experience Amsterdam after dark with a fun, social twist.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to combine night views with wine and cheese in a lively setting.
6. Classic Salonboat Tour in Amsterdam Including Cheese and Wine
This 1-hour classic boat tour offers a more traditional experience on board a stylish salon boat. You’ll learn about Amsterdam’s history and landmarks, such as the Magere Brug and Anne Frank House, while enjoying Dutch cheeses and drinks.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and informative narration. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a cultural touch along with culinary delights. The small-group setting enhances the experience, though some may find the duration slightly short.
Bottom Line: A refined, cultural cruise perfect for those interested in history and local flavors.
7. Private Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
For a truly special occasion, this private 1.5-hour Champagne cruise offers exclusivity and luxury. The vessel is a 1920s salon boat, and your own private captain takes you past flower-lined waterways and historic sights like the Prinsengracht.
Guests rave about the beautiful boat and knowledgeable captain, with some describing it as their favorite Amsterdam experience. The complimentary glass of Champagne and optional limited beer and sodas make it a sophisticated treat. It’s best suited for romantic celebrations or VIP experiences.
Bottom Line: An elegant, private experience for special moments and those seeking luxury on the water.
8. Amsterdam Champagne Private Canal Cruise
This exclusive private cruise accommodates up to 12 people and includes unlimited Champagne. The elegant 1920s vessel offers a chance to relax while cruising past iconic sights like the Magere Brug. The personalized service and insider commentary make it stand out.
Guests mention the friendly crew and the luxurious feel, with reviews praising it as a highlight of their trip. It’s ideal for group celebrations or romantic getaways. The main limitation is the higher price point, but the intimacy and exclusivity justify it for special occasions.
Bottom Line: A top choice for group celebrations or those wanting an exclusive, private cruise.
9. Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Cheese and Wine
This one-hour cruise combines canal sightseeing with a cheese and wine tasting. The boat is a chic wooden vessel, and the guide shares stories about Amsterdam’s landmarks like the NEMO Museum and houseboats.
Guests enjoy tasty Dutch cheeses and unlimited wine, with some noting the friendly crew and informative narration. It’s suitable for those who want a short but flavorful experience of the city’s culinary and scenic highlights.
Bottom Line: A short, stylish tour ideal for foodies on a time crunch.
10. Amsterdam Luxury Boutique Boat tour with Unlimited Beer and Wine
This 40-45 minute luxury boutique experience offers a personalized overview of Amsterdam’s main sights, like Oude Kerk and Rembrandt House, with an open bar option. The small, cushioned deck makes for a comfortable ride.
Guests praise the informative commentary and unlimited drinks choice. It’s great for travelers wanting a quick, elegant overview or a pre-dinner drink. The main drawback is the shorter duration, but it’s a good fit for a faster-paced sightseeing session.
Bottom Line: A premium, quick tour suited for those seeking luxury and convenience.
How to Choose the Best Wine Tour in Amsterdam
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. For those wanting a romantic evening, the Wine and Cheese Evening Cruise or the Champagne Private Canal Cruise are top picks. If you’re more into educational tastings, the Dutch Cheese Tasting with Wine or the Dutch Wine Tasting with Sommelier offer in-depth insights.
For travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting, the Canal Cruise with Cheese and Wine or the Cheese & Wine Cruise Tasting provide scenic views alongside delicious pairings. Budget-conscious visitors will appreciate options like the Luxury Boutique Boat or standard cruises, which often include unlimited drinks.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private and exclusive options, and check availability based on your travel dates. Many tours run daily, but some popular slots fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam offers a surprising range of wine and cheese experiences on water and on land. Whether you prefer a scenic canal cruise with unlimited drinks, an educational tasting with expert guides, or a luxurious private Champagne cruise, there’s something for every taste and occasion. For an authentic, memorable trip, consider booking a combination—like a boat cruise with a cheese tasting—to get the full Dutch flavor.
If you’re planning your visit, remember that early booking will ensure you get your preferred time and experience. Whatever your style, these tours promise a flavorful, scenic way to enjoy Amsterdam’s unique charm from a new perspective.
