While Amsterdam might not be a winemaking capital, its wine-drinking culture has flourished in recent years – thanks in part to the city’s vibrant festival scene. From festivals in the forest to natty wine fairs and elegant evenings in museum gardens, Amsterdam’s wine scene grows more dynamic each year. Whether you’re a professional oenophile or just someone who enjoys a bit of day drinking, here’s your guide to the best wine festivals (and a few noteworthy events) taking place across the city.
Amsterdam Wine Festival
Held twice a year, the Amsterdam Wine Festival is the city’s most prominent wine event, celebrating the harvest seasons of both the Southern Hemisphere (March) and the Northern Hemisphere (September). The festival brings together over 300 wines from all over the world under one roof over the course of a weekend. If filling your wine passport with tasting notes isn’t enough of a draw, there are also food stalls, performances, music and workshops to keep you entertained.
- When: spring & autumn (in 2025: spring dates were in March/April and autumn dates are not yet known)
- Where: Markthal (note: this is a new venue for 2025, replacing the iconic Gashouder!)
- Website: amsterdamwinefestival.nl
Bacchus Wijnfestival
Set in the verdant forest of Amsterdamse Bos, Bacchus Wijnfestival offers a more relaxed, al fresco alternative to indoor wine fairs. The focus here is on boutique wine importers and natural-leaning selections, with over a dozen wine bars pouring by the glass or bottle. A strong culinary lineup from the city’s chefs and food trucks makes this one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a summer weekend. Expect a festival-style atmosphere with music, deck chairs and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves.
- When: June (in 2025: 6-8 June and 13-15 June)
- Where: Amsterdamse Bos
- Website: bacchuswijnfestival.nl
