Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine

The most interesting part of this Amsterdam tasting is the contrast between five Gouda cheeses. You are not simply handed a plate of cheese and told to enjoy it. The host explains how cheese is made and aged, then shows you how different styles work with red wine, white wine, and port. I especially like the focus on Old Amsterdam and the chance to taste both cow and goat Gouda.

I also like the practical format. At $23 per person, you get 45 minutes of instruction, five cheeses, three wines, fig bread, water, and a 20% shop discount. The main drawback is that the tasting room is upstairs and reachable only by stairs, so it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Alcohol is served, and you must be at least 18 to drink.

Key points at a glance

• Five Gouda cheeses: Compare differences in age, texture, flavor, and milk type rather than tasting just one familiar Dutch cheese.
• Three wine pairings: Red wine, white wine, and port are selected to match the cheeses and refresh your palate between samples.
• Old Amsterdam story: Learn about this well-known cheese and the family-run Westland Kaasspecialiteiten business behind it.
• Lively English hosts: Aris, Rik, Roberta, Maria, Ron, and other hosts have been praised for clear explanations, humor, and friendly interaction.
• Useful shop discount: Your tasting includes 20% off cheese purchases downstairs, a handy bonus if you find a favorite.
• Short and easy to fit in: The 45-minute session works well between Amsterdam sights, meals, or rainy-day plans.

Five Gouda cheeses, not just one familiar Dutch flavor

Dutch cheese is often reduced to a single mental picture: a yellow wheel of Gouda. This tasting gives you a better sense of the range hiding behind that label.

The session includes five different Gouda cheeses. The exact order and selection may vary, but the presentation focuses on how cheese changes through its production and aging. You learn about the making process, the difference between young and older cheese, and the contrast between cow and goat Gouda.

That comparison matters. A younger cheese can feel softer and milder, while an aged cheese may have a firmer bite and stronger flavor. Goat Gouda brings another variation, and one particularly popular sample among past tastings was young goat cheese. You do not need to know much about cheese before arriving. The host gives you a simple framework for noticing texture, salt, aroma, and finish.

I like this approach because it turns the tasting into a small lesson you can use later. After 45 minutes, you should have a better idea of what you like in a Dutch cheese, rather than simply knowing that everything on the board was good.

The Old Amsterdam story in its own cheese shop

The experience takes place at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, with the tasting room on the first floor. You begin in a working cheese-shop setting, then head upstairs for the guided session.

Old Amsterdam is one of the most familiar names in Dutch cheese, and the host explains its connection to Westland Kaasspecialiteiten, a historic family-run business. You hear about the company, its cheese production, and the different brands associated with it. The family recipes remain private, but the presentation gives you useful clues about how the cheese is made and aged.

This is a worthwhile part of the tasting because it adds context to the food in front of you. You are not only sampling a branded product. You are also hearing how a Dutch cheese business developed its methods and identity.

The tone is not stiff or overly formal. Hosts such as Aris and Rik have been praised for mixing information with jokes and plenty of room for questions. Roberta was also singled out for explaining the cheese-making family, Gouda, and the wines in a clear and entertaining way. The host you meet can vary, but the activity is conducted in English.

How the wine pairings change the tasting

Three wines are included: one red, one white, and one port. A sommelier selects them to suit the cheeses, and the host explains why particular combinations work.

Wine can make a noticeable difference to cheese. A sip may soften a salty edge, bring out a nutty note, or clear your palate before the next sample. The port gives you a sweeter, fuller contrast, while the red and white wines provide different matches across the cheese board.

The pairing is not just an excuse to pour drinks. You are encouraged to taste the cheese and wine together, then consider what changes. That makes this a good choice if you are interested in food pairing but do not want a long culinary class.

Fig bread and water are also provided. The fig bread offers a sweet break between bites, while water helps clear your palate. Portions are tasting portions rather than a full meal. Several people found the amount generous enough for the session, but you should still plan lunch or dinner separately.

The wine service has received especially warm praise, with some past participants noting that refills were available. Still, you should approach this as a tasting, not an open-ended drinking event. Three wine styles are served over a short period, so take your time and use the water provided.

A 45-minute schedule that stays focused

The 45-minute length is one of the activity’s strengths. Amsterdam has no shortage of things to see, and you can fit this session into a busy day without giving up half an afternoon.

The tasting generally follows a clear rhythm:

• You meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store and go upstairs to the tasting room.
• The host introduces the company, Old Amsterdam, and the Dutch cheese-making process.
• You sample five Gouda cheeses while learning about age, texture, and milk type.
• You taste the cheeses with red wine, white wine, and port.
• Fig bread and water help refresh your palate between samples.
• You finish with the chance to shop downstairs using the 20% discount.

The room has been described as cozy, private, and air-conditioned. That last detail can matter during a warm Amsterdam day, especially when you want a calm break from walking. A bathroom is also available on-site, which is a small but useful convenience.

Group size can reach around 18 people, though some sessions may be much smaller. A small group makes it easier to ask questions and speak directly with the host. A fuller room will have more social energy, but less personal space for conversation. Either way, the short format keeps the presentation moving.

What makes the guides important

The cheese is the reason to book, but the host shapes the quality of the session. This activity works best when the presentation feels like a conversation rather than a lecture.

Aris has been praised for being funny, warm, and highly engaging. Rik has been noted for his wine-pairing skill and clear explanations. Roberta has received similar praise for her command of the cheese-making story and her ability to answer questions. Other hosts, including Maria, Ron, and Ares, have also been described as friendly and helpful.

You should expect an English-speaking host who explains the cheese, asks for reactions, and answers questions. The style appears to lean lively rather than solemn. If you like a little humor with your food lesson, that is a plus. If you want a silent, highly technical tasting, this may feel more casual than expected.

I also like that the session can work for different occasions. It has been used as a birthday outing, a family activity, and a relaxed stop for couples. The shared board and group format give it a social feel without requiring a full evening commitment.

The 20% shop discount is more useful than it sounds

The tasting ends downstairs, where you can try more cheeses and use a 20% discount on purchases. This is not a reason to book by itself, but it improves the value of the experience.

The tasting lets you make an informed choice. You can buy the cheese you actually preferred, rather than guessing from a packaged label. Past purchases have included Old Amsterdam goat cheese and truffle Gouda, and some people wished they had bought more of their favorite sample.

You may also receive a small extra, such as chutney, though that is not listed as a standard inclusion and should not be assumed. The dependable benefit is the 20% discount.

Keep in mind that cheese is perishable. If you are staying in Amsterdam for several days, buying some for your room or a later meal may be easy. If you are heading straight to an airport or continuing by train, think about how you will carry and store it.

Is $23 a fair price?

At $23, this is good value if you enjoy both cheese and wine. The price includes five cheeses, three wine styles, an instructor, fig bread, water, and the shop discount. You are also paying for a short lesson in how to taste, not just for food samples.

Compared with ordering several Dutch cheeses and wines separately, the organized presentation gives you more structure. You can learn what to look for and ask questions as you go. The discount may also reduce the cost of a purchase afterward.

The value is less clear if you do not drink alcohol or dislike cheese. There is no stated nonalcoholic wine option, and the main focus remains Gouda. It is also a 45-minute tasting, not a full meal or an extended visit to a farm or production facility.

For most food-loving visitors, the price is reasonable. The activity is especially useful on a rainy day, during a short city break, or when you want something beyond museums and canal walks.

Who should book this tasting?

I would recommend it to you if you enjoy trying local food and want a simple introduction to Dutch cheese. It suits couples, families with adult children, small groups, and solo visitors who are happy to share a table with others.

It is also a good fit if you are curious about wine pairing but do not want a formal sommelier course. The host explains enough to make the combinations interesting without turning the 45 minutes into a technical exam.

You may want to skip it if you need step-free access. The tasting room is on the first floor and can only be reached by stairs. It is also not suitable for anyone under 18 who would be drinking alcohol, although the data provided does not specify an alternative arrangement for younger participants.

Because the activity is short, I would pair it with nearby sightseeing rather than treat it as a full afternoon plan. Book it when you want a pleasant break with a clear beginning and end.

Practical details before you book

Meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. The host or greeter speaks English, and the session lasts 45 minutes. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date before planning the rest of your day.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which helps if your Amsterdam schedule is still changing.

The two details most likely to affect your decision are the stairs and the drinking age. The tasting room is not accessible to people with mobility impairments, and alcohol service is limited to those aged 18 or older.

My verdict: a smart short stop for cheese lovers

I would book this Old Amsterdam tasting if you want to understand why Dutch Gouda is more varied than it first appears. The five-cheese comparison, three wine pairings, and lively English presentation offer more substance than a quick shop sample.

The best part is the balance between instruction and fun. Hosts such as Aris, Rik, and Roberta have helped make the session warm and interactive, while the cheese-making story gives the tasting a useful local connection. The 20% shop discount is a welcome extra, especially if you discover a favorite goat Gouda or aged cheese.

Skip it if you need a full meal, a farm visit, or step-free access. Otherwise, $23 buys a well-paced, flavorful introduction to Dutch cheese that fits neatly into an Amsterdam sightseeing day.

FAQ

Where does the Amsterdam cheese tasting take place?

Meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store in Amsterdam. The tasting room is located on the first floor of the store.

How long does the cheese and wine tasting last?

The scheduled duration is 45 minutes.

How many cheeses will I taste?

The session includes five different Gouda cheeses.

Which wines are included?

You receive one red wine, one white wine, and one port wine. The wines are selected to complement the cheeses.

Is food included besides the cheese?

Fig bread and water are included. The cheese portions are for tasting, so you should not treat the activity as a full meal.

What language is the experience in?

The host or greeter conducts the activity in English.

Can children join the tasting?

The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18. The provided information does not specify separate arrangements for children who would not drink.

Is the tasting room accessible without stairs?

No. The tasting room is on the first floor and is only accessible by stairs. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Do I receive a discount after the tasting?

Yes. The activity includes a 20% discount in the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, where you can try and buy additional cheeses.