Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Dutch cheese-making traces back to the Middle Ages when farmers in Gouda and Edam perfected aging techniques that turned the Netherlands into Europe’s dairy powerhouse. By the 17th century, cheese markets thrived alongside global trade, with wheels shipped worldwide from Amsterdam’s ports.
Old Amsterdam, crafted by the Westland family since 1985, blends centuries-old recipes with modern precision, earning gold medals and a cult following for its rich, crystalline texture.
Highlights
- Taste 5 premium aged Gouda cheeses, including iconic Old Amsterdam
- Sip 3 sommelier-paired wines: red, white, and port
- Learn secret family recipes and Dutch dairy traditions
- Receive a personalized cheese-tasting certificate
- Enjoy fig bread & water palate cleansers + 20% shop discount
Full Description
Enter a cozy, aromatic tasting room above the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store and let a passionate host guide you through Holland’s golden legacy. Five distinct Gouda cheeses—each with unique aging, texture, and flavor—are presented on a board, from buttery young to intensely crystalline mature.
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As you savor, discover the Westland family’s guarded techniques, from curd-cutting to cave-aging. A sommelier-curated trio of wines—crisp white, bold red, and velvety port—elevates every bite, while fig bread and water refresh your palate.
In just 45 minutes, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave with a certificate, new favorites, and a 20% discount to stock up downstairs.
Why Choose This Experience?
This isn’t just tasting—it’s a masterclass in Dutch culture, led by experts who make history delicious. Perfect for foodies, couples, or anyone seeking a quick, memorable indoor activity.
The small group size ensures personal attention, and the central location fits any itinerary. Walk away with skills to impress at your next cheese board—and a certified title to prove it.
What’s Included
- 45-minute guided cheese-tasting session
- English-speaking cheese expert/host
- 5 premium Gouda cheeses (including Old Amsterdam)
- 3 sommelier-selected wines: 1 white, 1 red, 1 port
- Fig bread and water palate cleansers
- Official cheese-tasting certificate
- 20% discount voucher for Old Amsterdam Cheese Store
- Intimate group (max. 16 guests)
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Reserve now, pay later option
Itinerary
- Arrival & Welcome: Check-in at Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, ascend to 1st-floor tasting room
- Introduction: Meet your host, learn Dutch cheese history & Westland family story
- Tasting Round 1: Young & medium-aged Gouda + white wine pairing
- Tasting Round 2: Mature & Old Amsterdam + red wine pairing
- Tasting Finale: Extra-aged crystalline Gouda + port wine
- Wrap-up: Q&A, certificate presentation, shop discount activation
Pricing
From $23 per person
Meeting Point
Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, Leidsestraat 28, 1017 PB Amsterdam (look for the golden cheese wheel sign).
How to get there
- From Dam Square: Tram 2, 11, 12 to Keizersgracht (3 min), then 2-min walk via Leidsestraat.
- From Museumplein: Tram 2 or 5 to Leidseplein (5 min), then 4-min walk north.
- From Centraal Station: Tram 2, 11, 12 to Koningsplein (10 min), then 5-min walk.
- On foot: 12-min stroll from Rijksmuseum via flower market.
Good to Know
What to bring
- Photo ID (required for wine; 18+ only)
- Comfortable shoes (stairs to 1st floor)
- Camera/phone (photos encouraged)
- Appetite (no lunch needed!)
Know before you go
- Tasting room on 1st floor—accessible only by stairs (no elevator)
- Minimum age for alcohol: 18 (soft drinks available for younger guests)
- Notify host of dietary restrictions (lactose-free/vegan options limited)
- Certificate includes your name & official “Cheese Connoisseur” title
- Shop discount valid same day only
Reviews
- Aris was a fantastic host—hilarious, knowledgeable, and made the wines and cheeses come alive. A perfect afternoon activity!
- Learned so much about Gouda aging and Old Amsterdam’s secret recipe. The port pairing was divine. Highly recommend!
- Intimate, fun, and delicious. Left with a certificate, full belly, and 3 new favorite cheeses. Aris is a legend!
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Is the tasting room wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, no—the tasting room is located on the 1st floor and is only accessible via a narrow staircase with about 20 steps and a handrail. There is no elevator or ramp due to the historic building’s structure. Guests with mobility challenges can enjoy a ground-floor cheese sampling at the shop counter with staff assistance, but the full guided experience with wines and seating is upstairs only. We recommend contacting the store in advance to discuss alternatives; they’re very accommodating and can sometimes arrange private ground-floor sessions for small groups with prior notice.
What types of Gouda cheeses will we taste?
You’ll sample five distinct ages and styles of Gouda, all from the Westland family’s premium line. The lineup typically includes: a creamy young Gouda (2–4 months, mild and buttery), a medium-aged (6–8 months, nutty with slight caramel notes), a mature (12 months, deeper flavor with crunchy tyrosine crystals), the iconic Old Amsterdam (18 months, intense, crystalline, and slightly sweet), and a surprise extra-aged or smoked variant (24+ months, bold and complex). Pairings are fixed by the sommelier, but the host explains why each wine elevates the cheese’s profile. All are cow’s milk, pasteurized, and gluten-free.
Can I buy the cheeses and wines afterward?
Yes—and you’ll want to! Your 20% discount applies to all cheeses, gift packs, and accessories in the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store immediately after the tasting (same-day only). Popular take-homes include vacuum-sealed Old Amsterdam wedges (last 6+ weeks refrigerated), cheese knives, and wooden gift boxes. The exact wines served are available in limited bottles at the shop; ask your host to note the labels. Shipping within the EU is offered, or pick up pre-packed duty-free versions at Schiphol if flying out.
Is this suitable for non-drinkers or under 18s?
Absolutely—guests under 18 or those preferring non-alcoholic pairings receive premium Dutch apple juice, elderflower spritz, or sparkling water instead of wine, with the same fig bread and full cheese selection. The experience is just as educational and fun; kids love learning to identify flavor notes and often earn their certificate with a special “Junior Connoisseur” sticker. The legal drinking age is strictly 18 (ID checked), but the tasting is family-friendly in tone. Pregnant guests can also opt for the non-alcoholic route.
How many people are in each session?
Sessions are capped at 16 guests for an intimate, interactive vibe—everyone sits around one large wooden table, making it easy to chat with the host and other tasters. This size allows Aris (or another expert) to give personal attention, answer questions, and share funny anecdotes about cheese mishaps in the aging cellars. Solo travelers, couples, and small groups all fit perfectly. Larger parties can book consecutive slots or contact the store for private tastings (minimum 10 people, custom add-ons like extra wines or chocolate pairings available).
