Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine

Discover Authentic Dutch Cheese and Wine in Amsterdam

For just $28 per person, the Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine offers a compact yet rich dive into the world of Dutch cheeses paired with fine wines. This 45-minute session is hosted at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, right in the heart of North Holland. It’s perfect for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone eager to learn about Dutch cheese-making traditions in an intimate setting. While the experience is relatively short, its focus on quality, education, and fun makes it a worthwhile addition to any Amsterdam itinerary. The tour features five Gouda cheeses, including the renowned Old Amsterdam, paired with three carefully selected wines, and ends with a certification to remember the occasion.

A key strength of this experience is how enthusiastic guides lead the tasting, sharing stories behind each cheese and wine pairing. The combination of knowledgeable instruction and delicious samples makes it an engaging activity. Although the cheese tasting room is accessible only by stairs, the engaging presentation and the small group atmosphere ensure an intimate, relaxed vibe. This tour is especially suited for those who prefer a focused, informative tasting over a long, crowded tour.

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Key Points

• Affordable and compact: Just $28 for a 45-minute session
• Includes: 5 Gouda cheeses, 3 wines, fig bread, water, and a certificate
• Led by expert guides who share stories about Dutch cheese and wine
• Highlights: the story of Old Amsterdam cheese and cheese-making traditions
• Convenient location at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store in North Holland
• Highly rated with a 4.7/5 score based on 479 reviews

The Location: Old Amsterdam Cheese Store in North Holland

The experience begins at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, a well-known shop in Amsterdam’s central area. The tasting room is located on the 1st floor, accessible only by stairs, so travelers with mobility issues should consider this. The store’s historic ambiance complements the tasting, creating a cozy setting perfect for exploring Dutch cheeses. The meeting point is straightforward, and the activity ends back at the same location, simplifying logistics.

Inside the Cheese Tasting Room in Amsterdam

Once inside the cheese-tasting room, guests are welcomed into a cozy, private space. The instructor guides the session, beginning with an overview of Dutch cheese-making traditions. You get to sample five different Gouda cheeses, including the famous Old Amsterdam variety, made by Westland Kaasspecialiteiten, a family-run business with a long history.

The cheeses are paired with three wines: a red, a white, and a port. These wines are specially selected by a sommelier to enhance each cheese’s unique flavors. Between tastings, fig bread and water help cleanse your palate, enhancing the tasting experience. The session also includes stories about the cheese brands and the family secrets behind recipes, which, while kept secret, are hinted at during the session.

Learning About Dutch Cheese-Making Processes

The guide provides insights into how Dutch cheese is produced, giving context to the distinct flavors of each Gouda sample. The Old Amsterdam cheese has a notable history, made by a historic, family-run business. Guests learn about the traditions that have been passed down through generations, adding depth to the tasting. The session’s educational aspect aims to make everyone feel more confident about pairing cheeses with wines and understanding cheese classifications.

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The Wines Paired with Dutch Cheeses

The three wines are carefully chosen to match the different cheese varieties. The red wine complements certain Gouda cheeses, while the white and port wines highlight other flavor profiles. The expert sommelier leading the tasting shares tips on wine and cheese pairing, making it easy to replicate these combinations later at home. The wine is served in moderate portions, encouraging sipping and savoring rather than drinking large amounts.

The Role of the Guide and Atmosphere

Throughout the session, the guide—notably Ari in many reviews—brings warmth, humor, and in-depth knowledge. Guests comment on how engaging and fun the guide is, with many saying the presentation makes the activity memorable. The small group size fosters interaction, enabling questions about cheese history, pairings, and Dutch culture. The air-conditioned room adds comfort, especially during warmer days.

The Certificate and Souvenir Benefits

At the end of the experience, each participant receives a cheese-taster certificate, serving as a lasting reminder of their Dutch cheese journey. Guests also enjoy a 10% shop discount, making it easy to pick up favorite cheeses or local treats. The certificate and discount add extra value to this already reasonably priced activity.

Practical Details and Considerations

The experience operates with flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the opportunity to reserve now and pay later. It’s designed for guests aged 18 and over due to alcohol consumption. No specific information about group size is provided, but the small-group nature suggests an intimate experience ideal for up to a dozen participants.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Similar Activities

Unlike larger, more generic tastings, this experience emphasizes personalized instruction and storytelling about Dutch cheese. The inclusion of wine, fig bread, and a certificate makes it a complete package for food and drink enthusiasts. The knowledgeable guides and interactive style contribute to highly favorable reviews, with many mentioning having learned a lot in a fun environment.

Final Thoughts on the Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting

This 45-minute session offers good value for money and a chance to learn about Dutch culinary traditions. Its small-group setting and expert guides make it more personal and engaging than many self-guided tastings. While the stair access and short duration might not suit everyone, foodies, wine lovers, and culture seekers will find this activity both educational and highly enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet insightful way to discover Dutch cheeses, especially Old Amsterdam, combined with complementary wines, this experience makes a memorable choice. Its high ratings reflect consistent satisfaction, and the friendly atmosphere promises an entertaining and delicious addition to your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cheese tasting suitable for children?
No, since alcohol consumption is involved, the minimum age is 18 years old.

Where does the activity take place?
It starts at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store in North Holland, on the first floor of the shop.

How long does the experience last?
The tasting session lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later.

Is the venue accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the cheese-tasting room is only accessible by stairs, so it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.

What is included in the price?
The cheese tasting of five Gouda cheeses, three wines, fig bread, water, a certificate, and a 10% shop discount.

What makes this experience stand out?
The knowledgeable guides, storytelling approach, and focus on Dutch cheese traditions make this a noteworthy activity.

How many cheeses are sampled?
Guests sample five different Gouda cheeses, including Old Amsterdam.

Are the wines included?
Yes, three wines—a red, white, and port—are included and paired with the cheeses.

Is this a good activity for a quick cultural experience?
Absolutely, just 45 minutes, with educational content and delicious samples, makes it a perfect short cultural activity.

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