Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam

Cheese makes Amsterdam taste better. This 55-minute tasting pairs five Dutch cheeses with selected wines while explaining aging, milk types, and local cheese-making traditions. I especially like the clear food-and-wine guidance and the chance to learn in a shop devoted to Old Amsterdam cheese. The main drawback is that it also functions as a sales presentation, so it may feel less independent than a tasting at a small farm or wine bar.

The price is $32.65 per person, which is fair for five cheeses, several wines, an English-speaking presenter, and a full hour indoors. I also like the friendly, social setup, though the room can hold up to 26 people, so you may not receive much personal attention in a full session.

Key points to know before booking

• Five Dutch cheeses: Taste cheeses made with both cow and goat milk, including different aging periods.
• Three wine styles: Pairings commonly include white wine, red wine, and ruby Port.
• Central Damrak setting: Meet at Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, Damrak 62HS, close to Amsterdam’s main sightseeing area.
• A short, useful lesson: Learn how milk type and cheese age affect flavor, texture, and wine pairings.
• Friendly named hosts: Past sessions have featured presenters including Rick, Maria, Luca, and Ron.
• A shop discount may be offered: Several attendees received 10 percent off cheese purchases after the tasting, though this detail is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion.

A Dutch cheese lesson above the Damrak shop

The tasting takes place at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store at Damrak 62HS. You meet at the shop, then the session takes place in an upstairs room set aside for presentations and tastings.

That setting gives the experience a useful sense of place. You are not sitting in a generic hotel meeting room. You are above a working cheese shop, surrounded by the product being discussed, and you can browse the shelves afterward.

The location is convenient if you are already exploring central Amsterdam. Damrak runs between Amsterdam Centraal Station and Dam Square, so this fits neatly into a day of sightseeing. You do not need private transportation, and the meeting point is near public transit.

The room has been described as attractive and carefully arranged, with a presentation screen and a live host. The tone is informal rather than formal. You are there to taste, ask questions, and enjoy yourself, not pass an exam in dairy science.

Five cheeses, from young to mature

The heart of the session is a tasting of five cheeses. The selection focuses on Dutch-style cheeses, especially Gouda, with examples made from cow and goat milk.

The age range is one of the most useful parts. Past tastings have included cheeses aged from about four months to 18 months. That gives you a direct way to compare a younger cheese with a more mature one, rather than simply hearing that aging changes flavor.

You may notice that younger cheese tends to be softer and milder, while longer-aged cheese can have a firmer texture and a stronger, more concentrated taste. The presenter explains these changes as you sample each piece. The goal is not just to tell you that one cheese is older. You learn how to notice the difference yourself.

The milk source is another practical lesson. Sessions have included two goat cheeses and three cow cheeses. The host explains how to distinguish goat and cow milk cheeses by their flavor and texture. This is the kind of information you can use later in a Dutch market or cheese shop.

One tasting has also included a chocolate cheese served as a small dessert. That is not listed as a standard part of every session, so consider it a possible extra rather than a promise. Flavored cheeses are not the main focus here. The emphasis is on traditional cheese and the way age and production affect taste.

How the wine pairings work

The cheese comes with three wines. The most consistent descriptions identify a white wine, a red blend, and a Portuguese ruby Port. Another account mentions two white wines and one red, so the exact bottles may change.

That flexibility is not necessarily a problem. Wine selections can vary, and the useful part is the comparison. You are shown how a lighter wine can suit a younger or milder cheese, while a fuller red or sweet Port may work better with a stronger, older sample.

The host explains why a pairing works instead of simply pouring wine beside the cheese. You can taste the cheese alone, take a sip, and then try them together. That small sequence helps you notice whether the wine softens, sharpens, or balances the cheese.

The wines come from different parts of Europe, according to the tasting descriptions. This gives the session a wider focus than Dutch cheese alone. You get a quick lesson in pairing without needing prior wine knowledge.

You should not expect a full wine class. This is a food tasting first, with wine used to bring out differences in the cheeses. Still, for the price, three wine styles and five cheese samples provide a good amount to taste in 55 minutes.

The hosts make the difference

The presentation depends heavily on the person leading it. That is normal for a short tasting, and the named presenters have made a strong impression.

Rick has been praised for explaining both wine and cheese clearly, as well as the story behind Old Amsterdam. Maria has been described as a warm and effective guide, especially for explaining cheese production. Luca has been praised for his grasp of the tasting and the quality of the setting.

Ron has also led sessions and is described as engaging, funny, and easy to follow. His style seems to suit groups who want a social hour rather than a stiff lecture.

You may also hear recommendations for other things to do in Amsterdam during the presentation. That can be helpful if you are building your day, though it adds to the sense that the event is connected to the shop’s business.

The group limit is 26 people. That is small enough for a shared experience, but not necessarily intimate when fully booked. Smaller sessions can feel almost private, with more time for questions. A full room may mean a more standard presentation with less individual conversation.

A short itinerary with one clear purpose

There is only one stop: Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. That sounds simple, but it keeps the session focused.

You arrive at the Damrak address, check in with a mobile ticket, and move into the tasting area. The presenter introduces Dutch cheese-making, the Old Amsterdam brand, and the basics of aging and milk types.

The cheese samples then arrive alongside the wines. You taste each pairing while the host describes the cheese, its production, its region, and the reason for the chosen wine.

Some sessions include a booklet naming or describing the cheeses. One useful suggestion from a past tasting was to provide a clear handout listing the exact cheese and wine names used. If you want to remember your favorites, bring a note on your phone and write them down as you go.

A quiz has also been used at the end, with a small prize for the winner. It is a light touch, not a serious test, and can help keep the group involved.

After the tasting, you return to the store area. The cheese shop is a practical final stop because you can buy the cheeses you liked. A 10 percent discount has been offered after some sessions, but it should not be treated as guaranteed unless it appears in your booking details.

What the price gives you

At $32.65, this tasting offers good value if you enjoy both cheese and wine. You receive five cheese samples, three wines, cutlery, and a guided explanation in a central location. You also avoid the time and cost of arranging several tastings on your own.

The value is strongest for people who want a compact cultural activity. In less than an hour, you learn about Dutch cheese production, taste several age and milk differences, and get practical pairing advice.

The value is weaker if you only want a large meal. This is a tasting, not lunch. The portions are designed for comparison, so you should plan another meal or snack if you are hungry.

It is also less appealing if you want a completely independent introduction to Dutch cheese. The tasting takes place in the Old Amsterdam store and naturally encourages you to buy cheese afterward. One honest assessment described it as partly promotional and similar to tastings available at many cheese shops.

That does not make it poor value. It simply tells you what you are buying: an enjoyable lesson attached to a cheese retailer, not a neutral academic seminar.

Who should book this tasting?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Dutch cheese. You do not need to know anything about wine, Gouda, aging, or milk types before arriving.

It also suits couples and small groups. The format gives you something to talk about, and the shared table makes it easy to chat with people you have just met. Solo visitors can find it social without needing to commit to a long group tour.

Food lovers will get the most from the session, especially if you like comparing subtle flavors. The tasting teaches you how to pay attention to texture, age, and the way wine changes the taste of cheese.

It can also work well on a rainy day. The entire activity is indoors, lasts less than an hour, and sits in a central area where you can continue sightseeing afterward.

Families need to note the drinking age. The minimum drinking age is 18, so this is not designed as a children’s activity. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed, but the provided information does not give detailed wheelchair or seating specifications.

Timing, booking, and practical details

The session lasts about 55 minutes. That is long enough for a proper introduction but short enough to fit between museum visits, canal sightseeing, or dinner.

It is offered in English and includes a mobile ticket. Confirmation arrives when you book. The activity is often booked about 14 days ahead, so reserve early if your Amsterdam dates are fixed.

The meeting and ending point are the same: Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, Damrak 62HS, 1012 LM Amsterdam. No private transportation is included, though the shop is near public transportation.

You must be at least 18 to drink. The maximum group size is 26 people. If personal attention matters to you, ask about the expected group size when possible, or choose a less popular time.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

My verdict on the cheese and wine hour

I rate this as a strong short activity, especially for the price. The best parts are the five-cheese comparison, the clear pairing lesson, the central location, and the lively hosts. The most useful takeaway is learning to recognize how milk type and aging shape Dutch cheese.

The experience is not a full meal, a farm visit, or a neutral wine course. It is a polished shop tasting with an educational presentation and a chance to buy what you have sampled.

I would book it if you want a friendly indoor hour, enjoy trying local food, and value practical explanations over a long sightseeing tour. I would skip it if you dislike retail-linked tastings or want unusual flavored cheeses rather than traditional cow and goat milk examples.

FAQ

Where does the cheese and wine tasting take place?

It takes place at Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, Damrak 62HS, 1012 LM Amsterdam, Netherlands.

How long does the tasting last?

The experience lasts approximately 55 minutes.

How much does the tasting cost?

The listed price is $32.65 per person.

How many cheeses will I taste?

You will taste five different cheeses. The selection focuses on Dutch cheeses, including examples made from cow and goat milk.

How many wines are included?

The tasting includes wine tasting with the cheese. Past sessions have featured three wines, commonly a white wine, a red blend, and a Portuguese ruby Port.

Is the tasting offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What is the minimum drinking age?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.