A cheese tasting that feels like a mini lesson, minus the lecturing. In Amsterdam, this 45-minute session pairs five Gouda cheeses with three wines, and you’ll learn how the Dutch build flavor through aging. I love that the host style is upbeat and human, and names like Aris, Roberta, and Maria show up in the mix.

What makes it click is the pairing itself and the way the tasting is structured. You sample multiple Gouda styles, then reset between bites with fig bread and water, which makes each cheese taste clearer.

One thing to consider: the tasting room is upstairs and reached only by stairs. If mobility is an issue, this is not the best fit.

Key things to know before you go

• Five Gouda cheeses, paired with three wines (red, white, and port) so you taste more than just one “safe” match
• Old Amsterdam focus—you’ll hear the story of this famous cheese and the Westland Kaasspecialiteiten business behind it
• Palate resets with fig bread and water between tastings to keep flavors distinct
• Stairs-only access to the 1st-floor room, so plan accordingly
• 20% discount on extra cheese shopping downstairs in the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store

Old Amsterdam Cheese Store: start here, then go upstairs

The experience meets at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, which makes it easy to find if you’re already browsing in the area. Expect to go straight into the store vibe first, then head to the tasting room.

The tasting room sits on the 1st floor, and it’s stair-access only. There’s no elevator mentioned, so if you’re traveling with limited mobility, I’d skip this one and look for an option that’s fully step-free.

If you like comfort while you taste, you’ll appreciate that people describe the room as cozy and even air-conditioned. On a warm or rainy day in Amsterdam, that kind of indoor comfort is a real plus.

The 45-minute format: how the tasting actually flows

This is a tight, 45-minute session designed to keep you moving. You’re not just handed a plate and pointed at a wine menu—you get an instructor who explains what you’re tasting and why.

You’ll get a guided walkthrough of the cheese-making basics in the Netherlands, with emphasis on what changes as cheese ages. The session is set up so you can understand the differences as you go, not after you leave with a bag of cheese.

One small detail I like in a tasting like this: the pacing doesn’t rely on you remembering everything. With each new sample, you get taught a specific idea, then you put it in your mouth.

Five Gouda cheeses plus the Old Amsterdam story

The heart of the experience is the five Gouda cheeses on the board. You’ll learn about Dutch cheese traditions as you sample, and you’ll also get specific context for Old Amsterdam, one of the most famous names in the lineup.

You’ll hear about the historic, family-run business behind Old Amsterdam: Westland Kaasspecialiteiten. The recipes are described as well-kept family secrets, but you do pick up hints about how the company thinks about making and selecting cheeses.

A theme that comes through in the session is that Gouda isn’t one flavor. It’s a range—different aging levels, different production choices, and sometimes different milk types. People also talk about learning the cow-versus-goat angle and how that changes what you taste.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to know what’s happening before you buy, this part is worth it. By the end, you’re not only saying you liked something—you can explain why it worked for you.

Wine pairing: red, white, and port with cheese resets

The wine pairing is one of the main reasons this tasting feels like more than a quick snack. You get three wines chosen by a sommelier to complement what’s on the cheese board: one red, one white, and one port.

What I like about pairing is that it trains your tongue to notice textures and intensity. For example, the sweetness and weight in port can shift how salty or nutty a cheese tastes, while a crisp white can make flavors feel sharper and cleaner.

You’ll also cleanse your palate between tastings with fig bread and water. That’s not filler. It helps you avoid the “everything tastes like cheese” problem that happens when you don’t reset.

You should also know the alcohol rule: the minimum age to drink is 18. If you’re under that age, you’ll want to plan around the fact that alcohol is part of the included pairing.

The shop downstairs: use the 20% discount to buy better

At the end, you get time (and incentive) to shop in the Old Amsterdam store downstairs. You’ll receive a 20% discount on purchases, which turns the tasting into a practical step—not just an activity to do and forget.

This is where the experience becomes genuinely useful. Now you know what you liked—whether it was a younger Gouda with brighter flavor, or an older style with deeper, more intense notes—and you can buy the direction you want.

People mention buying extra cheeses on the spot, including things like Old Amsterdam goat cheese and truffle Gouda. There’s also talk of small extras such as chutney bundled with the deal, though I can’t promise it will be the same every time.

If you’re shopping for gifts, this is a smart move. You’re buying after tasting, not guessing based on packaging.

Price and value: $23 for cheese and wine you can learn from

At about $23 per person, this isn’t just a “light” tasting. You get an instructor-led session plus five Gouda cheeses, three wines, fig bread, and water—then a 20% discount to take action in the shop right afterward.

That value matters in Amsterdam, where food experiences can range from overpriced to forgettable. Here, the cost is tied to specific included items, and you’re getting explanation that helps you repeat the experience at home.

It’s also one of the better types of cheap-that-doesn’t-feel-cheap activities. Instead of paying for ambience, you’re paying for samples plus a guided framework for tasting.

With a strong overall rating—4.7 out of 5 from hundreds of bookings—it’s clear this setup works for most people. I’d treat that as a confidence signal, especially if you’re food-curious rather than just doing a box-ticking tour.

Who should book this Amsterdam cheese-and-wine tasting

You’ll get the most out of this if you like hands-on food learning. It suits people who enjoy pairings and want to understand the basics of Dutch cheese-making and aging while they eat.

It’s also a good choice if you want a break from walking. The tasting is indoors, structured, and fast enough to fit between bigger Amsterdam plans.

If you’re traveling as a couple, this can be especially fun because the session still feels personal even in a group setting. People describe small, friendly groups, and the shop can host around that mid-range capacity—enough energy, not enough chaos.

Avoid it if you’re mobility-limited, since the room is stairs-only. Also, if alcohol is a deal-breaker for you, keep in mind that the pairing includes wine and port.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Amsterdam cheese and wine tasting?

It lasts about 45 minutes, and you can check available start times before booking.

Where do I meet for the tasting?

Meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store.

What cheeses and wines are included?

You’ll taste five different Gouda cheeses paired with three wines: one red, one white, and one port wine. Fig bread and water are also included.

Is there an age limit for alcohol?

Yes. The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18 years old.

Is the tasting room accessible for people with mobility impairments?

No. The cheese tasting room is on the 1st floor and is only accessible by stairs.

Do I get a discount if I buy cheese afterward?

Yes. You receive a 20% discount in the shop downstairs after the tasting.

Should you book this tasting?

Yes—if you want a short Amsterdam food experience that teaches you something you can actually use. For me, the winning combo is five Gouda tastings, sommelier-selected wine pairings, and the chance to shop right after with 20% off.

Book it especially if you’re the type who likes to taste first, then buy with confidence. Skip it only if stairs would make the experience difficult for you, or if alcohol doesn’t work for your group.