Amsterdam: Dutch Cheese Tasting Experience with Wine

Amsterdam’s cheese scene gets much more interesting when you taste five Gouda cheeses side by side. This 45-minute session moves from the cheese-making process to aging, cow and goat milk, and wine pairing, with Old Amsterdam taking a starring role.

I like the three wine pairings, including red, white, and port, and I like the useful 20% shop discount afterward. The main catch is simple: the tasting room is upstairs by stairs, so it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before you book

• Five Gouda samples show how much one cheese family can vary, from younger styles to more aged flavors, with cow and goat cheeses included.
• Three wines are paired with the board, a red, a white, and a port, with fig bread and water to refresh your palate.
• Old Amsterdam gets special attention, including the story of its family-run producer, Westland Kaasspecialiteiten.
• The hosts make the short session lively, with Aris, Rik, Roberta, Ron, Maria, and others praised for clear explanations and humor.
• The $23 price is strong value, especially if you use the 20% discount to buy cheese downstairs.
• Plan for stairs, since the first-floor tasting room has no stated step-free access.

What happens inside the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store

You meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, then go upstairs to the tasting room. The setting is designed for a sit-down cheese lesson rather than a quick shop sample, and one account describes it as cozy, private, and air-conditioned.

The session lasts 45 minutes, so this is a compact activity. You are not giving up half a day of sightseeing. It fits nicely before dinner, between canal walks, or during a rainy afternoon when you want something indoors.

The group size can reach around 18 people. That means the atmosphere may change from one departure to another. A small group of two couples can feel very personal, while a fuller room will feel more social and lively. The host or greeter speaks English.

The presentation begins with the basics. You learn how cheese is made in the Netherlands and what happens as it ages. That matters because Gouda is not one single flavor. Age, milk, texture, and production choices can change the cheese from mild and soft to firmer and more pronounced.

Five Goudas, not just five random cheese cubes

The tasting board contains five different Gouda cheeses. This side-by-side format is the heart of the experience. Instead of tasting one cheese and moving on, you can compare how the samples differ.

The material provided for the session does not give the exact tasting order or names of every cheese. It does indicate that the selection can include both cow and goat Gouda. That gives you a useful comparison: the same broad cheese style can taste quite different when made with different milk.

You will also hear about age. A younger cheese generally gives you a softer, gentler starting point, while an older Gouda can bring a firmer bite and stronger flavor. The guide explains these changes as you taste, which helps you understand what you are eating rather than simply deciding which sample you like best.

The portions are tasting sizes, not a full lunch. One person found them small but sufficient for learning, while another described the servings as generous. I would treat this as a substantial snack or an appetizer, not a replacement for a meal.

That is an important distinction. At $23, you are paying for a guided comparison, wine, and context, not an unlimited cheese buffet. If you want to eat a large amount of cheese, the shop downstairs gives you more options, but the tasting itself is about quality and contrast.

Old Amsterdam and the Westland family story

Old Amsterdam is the best-known name on the board, and the session gives it more than a passing mention. You hear about Westland Kaasspecialiteiten, the historic family-run business behind the cheese, along with its production story and different brands.

The exact family recipes are kept secret. You will not walk away with a complete formula for making Old Amsterdam at home, but you do get an explanation of the traditions and methods behind the product.

This part gives the tasting a local business angle. You are not only sampling an anonymous supermarket label. You are learning how one Dutch cheese company developed its identity and why Old Amsterdam has such a strong place in the country’s cheese trade.

The host may also share hints about the cheese-making process. The lesson is light and accessible rather than technical. You can ask questions, and several hosts have been praised for making room for questions and checking that everyone understands.

Three wines that change the cheese

The wine element makes this more than a standard cheese sampling. You receive one red wine, one white wine, and one port, selected to match the different cheeses.

The point is not to find a single perfect wine. It is to notice how the drink changes the flavor and texture of each sample. A cheese that seems sharp or salty on its own may feel rounder with wine. A sweeter fortified wine such as port can create a very different match from a dry white or a red.

The host guides you through the pairings, and you can follow the suggested matches or decide which combinations suit you best. That makes the session useful beyond Amsterdam. You can take the basic pairing ideas home and use them when serving cheese to friends.

Fig bread and water are included. The fig bread adds a sweet note between samples, while water helps clear your palate. These are small details, but they matter in a tasting. Without a reset between strong flavors, the later cheeses can blur together.

The wine servings are part of the value, though the amount may vary with the host and group. One account specifically praised the generous wine service and mentioned that a refill could be requested. I would not book this as a drinking session, but you should have enough wine to understand the pairings.

You must be at least 18 to drink alcohol. The tasting includes wine, so this is not an alcohol-free activity for younger visitors.

The hosts make or break the 45 minutes

The strongest part of this experience is the person leading it. Cheese itself is easy to provide. Turning five samples and three wines into a memorable half hour requires a host who can explain, entertain, and keep the pace moving.

Aris is singled out repeatedly for humor, warmth, and an ability to make the room laugh while still teaching the essentials. Rik is praised for pairing skill and for explaining the cheese-making process. Roberta received high marks for her account of the family and the wines, while Maria, Ron, and other hosts were also described as friendly and clear.

You should not expect the same named host every time. The activity is conducted in English, and the host may be Aris, Rik, Roberta, or another member of the team. The consistent pattern is an informal teaching style, with plenty of questions and a social tone.

That atmosphere suits people who enjoy conversation. Couples, families with adult children, and small groups of friends should find it easy to join in. It is also a good choice if you want an activity that feels more interactive than looking at another Amsterdam display.

The humor can be a plus, but it also means the experience is not a formal sommelier course. You will learn practical basics, not receive professional cheese or wine certification. If you want detailed technical instruction on milk chemistry, cellar conditions, or regional appellations, this will feel light.

The shop discount is more useful than it first sounds

At the end, you receive a 20% discount in the cheese shop downstairs. This changes the price calculation, especially if you already planned to take Dutch cheese home.

The discount is not cash back on the tasting. You need to buy something to use it, and the activity does not promise that you will want a particular product. Still, the tasting gives you a sensible way to choose. You can sample first, then buy the cheese you actually prefer instead of guessing from a package.

One person bought Old Amsterdam goat cheese and truffle Gouda after the session. Another bought several cheeses for a tasting at home. The provided information does not list the full shop selection or prices, so I would not assume every product will fit in your luggage or qualify for the same value calculation.

For a cheese lover, the shop is a practical finish. You can use the tasting to identify a favorite, then apply the discount. If you are traveling with only a small bag or flying a long distance, you may prefer to buy a modest amount rather than let the discount tempt you into an awkward food haul.

Some versions of the experience also include a free chutney surprise. It is not listed as a standard included item, so treat that as a possible extra, not something to book around.

Is $23 a good Amsterdam value?

At $23 per person, the price is reasonable for a short Amsterdam activity that includes five cheese samples, three wines, fig bread, water, an English-speaking instructor, and a store discount.

The key question is what you value. If you only want a free bite of cheese, this will seem expensive. If you want a guided introduction to Dutch cheese, the price is easier to justify because you are paying for the explanation and the pairings as well as the food.

The 45-minute length keeps the cost and time commitment under control. You can fit it into a crowded day without losing a major sightseeing block. Several people described it as excellent value, especially with the discount afterward.

The value is strongest for people who like wine and plan to buy cheese. It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike dairy, or want a full meal. The tasting is also not aimed at children under 18 because of the alcohol rule.

Who should book this cheese tasting?

I would recommend it to:

• Couples looking for a relaxed food activity
• Adult families celebrating a birthday or special occasion
• First-time visitors who want a Dutch introduction beyond canals and museums
• Cheese lovers who want to compare Gouda styles
• Wine drinkers interested in practical pairings
• Anyone with a free 45-minute gap on an Amsterdam itinerary

It works especially well as a break from outdoor sightseeing. One account valued the air conditioning, and the indoor setting can be welcome in hot weather or rain.

I would hesitate if stairs are a serious problem. The first-floor room is only accessible by stairs, and the activity is specifically unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. I would also skip it if you need a nonalcoholic tasting, since red, white, and port are built into the session.

Practical details that affect your choice

Book a starting time that leaves room for the shop afterward. The session itself is short, but you may want to browse and use the 20% discount rather than rush straight back into the city.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Amsterdam plans are still shifting.

The meeting point is the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store. The tasting room is upstairs, so make that part of your planning before you reserve.

The activity is offered in English. The provided information does not list other languages, so English is the safe choice for understanding the presentation and asking questions.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a short, social, and tasty introduction to Dutch cheese rather than a long formal class. The combination of five Goudas, three wines, Old Amsterdam’s family story, and a 20% shop discount gives the experience more substance than a quick retail sample.

I especially like it for a first Amsterdam visit or a return trip when you want something different from the usual canal cruise. The hosts appear to be the main reason the session works so well, and names such as Aris and Rik come up for good reason: the best version is funny, clear, and generous with practical advice.

Skip it if you need step-free access, do not drink alcohol, or expect a full meal. For everyone else, $23 is a fair price for 45 minutes of Dutch flavor, with the chance to take your favorite cheese home afterward.

FAQ

Where does the cheese tasting take place?

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

How long does the activity last?

The cheese and wine tasting lasts 45 minutes.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $23 per person.

Which cheeses are included?

You taste five different Gouda cheeses. The selection can include cow and goat Gouda, with different ages and styles explained during the session.

Which wines are included?

The tasting includes one red wine, one white wine, and one port wine.

Is food included besides the cheese?

Fig bread and water are included to refresh your palate between cheese samples.

Can I buy cheese after the tasting?

Yes. You can try more cheeses in the shop downstairs and receive a 20% discount on purchases.

Is the tasting suitable for children or people with mobility impairments?

The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18. The tasting room is reached by stairs and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.