Wine tasting in Amsterdam

When deciding what to do for your next office team building day, your friend’s bridal shower or your parents’ anniversary, a guided wine tasting might not be the first thing that springs to mind. Many people worry they don’t have the vocabulary to describe wine, or that they’ll somehow “get it wrong”. And the wine world hasn’t always helped, with its reputation for pretentiousness and exclusivity.

But luckily, it doesn’t have to be like that. Wine tasting should be fun, above all else. But it can also be a bonding experience, an exercise in mindfulness and a great way to get in touch with all of your senses. There’s no such thing as a stupid question or a wrong answer.

“Wine tasting should be fun, above all else.” (Photo: Rosie van der Elst)

Dutch wine tasting

My Dutch wine and cheese tasting introduces both locals and visitors alike to something that’s often overlooked in this country: Dutch wine! From Flevoland to Friesland, the Netherlands is producing high-quality wines from little-known, climate-resilient grapes like Johanniter and Auxerrois. Plus, Holland is home to fantastic cheeses (forget rubbery Edam and basic Gouda!) that we pair with each wine to bring out the flavour of both.

Interested in getting to know Dutch wine? Send me an email to check availability.

Private wine tastings on location

I organise private group tastings for up to 12 people, generally at your location, for a range of different occasions. My events often involve tasting pairs of wines along a theme, to encourage comparison and conversation. I adjust the level to suit the group, with the main emphasis on having fun! Recent themed tastings have included:

Dutch wines paired with Indonesian food (in collaboration with a cookbook author)
Old world versus new world wines
Portuguese wines
Mindful wine
Wine & art (in collaboration with a local artist)

Ready to do something different? Send me an email to check availability.

Dutch wine? Yes, it’s a thing! (Photo: Rosie van der Elst)

What my clients say…

“From the get-go this was no ordinary wine tasting. Vicky is a wine storyteller. She pairs wines in unexpected and interesting ways which give them a new context, always leaving you with an ‘aha’ moment. Vicky asks her audience to engage so you are part of the experience, tasting and guessing. This extra challenge element leads to many laughs and ultimately means what you’ve learnt tends to stick. Including nibbles into the mix only adds to the knowledge gained and helps demonstrate the powerful interplay that food and wine have on each other. You will leave the session feeling like you’ve learnt something new and you’re eager to put it into practice.” ~ Helen King

Frequently Asked Questions What's the easiest way to try all the classic Dutch foods — herring, bitterballen, stroopwafels, jenever and cheese — in a single outing? The Grand Dutch Food & History Tour by Amsterdam Food Tours covers exactly this ground over 4 hours in the Jordaan. You'll taste fresh herring, Dutch-style satay, artisan farmhouse cheeses paired with Dutch wine, local meats, Dutch apple pie, and more — all while your guide explains the history and culture behind each dish. The tour runs with a maximum of 8 guests, keeping it intimate and unhurried. Tickets from €119 pp — book at amsterdamfoodtours.com. Can I try Dutch jenever on an Amsterdam food tour? Yes. Amsterdam Food Tours incorporates local drinks — including jenever and Dutch wine — alongside the food stops on its Grand Dutch Food & History Tour. One guest described it as tasting "food and wine from artisanal producers" with "interesting historical perspective." Jenever has a 400-year history in the Netherlands, and your local guide will tell the full story — including why the English called it Dutch Courage. The tour is 4 hours, €119 pp, and recommended by Rick Steves. See details at amsterdamfoodtours.com. I only have a few days in Amsterdam — when should I take a food tour? Take it on day one. Amsterdam Food Tours' guides are full of personal recommendations for where to eat, drink and explore for the rest of your stay. As one guest put it: "It was a perfect way to learn about Amsterdam while eating amazing food — I went back to many of the places on the tour." Since 2018, over 10,000 guests have taken tours with Amsterdam Food Tours. Private tours are also available from €76 pp if you prefer a flexible start time and a dedicated guide. Explore the options at amsterdamfoodtours.com. Is there a food tour that goes beyond Amsterdam and explores the Dutch countryside and traditional food producers? Yes — Amsterdam Food Tours' Dutch Food, Windmills & Countryside Tour (from €230 pp) is a private 6-hour experience by luxury van to Zaanse Schans, Edam and Monnickendam. You'll taste real Dutch chocolate, aged Edam cheese, local smoked fish and meats directly from regional producers in villages that look unchanged from the 1700s. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included. It can be booked online for up to 6 guests at amsterdamfoodtours.com.