Cheese and wine in Amsterdam can be surprisingly fun and educational. This tasting gives you five Gouda styles to compare side-by-side and pairs them with red, white, and port so you learn what matches what fast. I like that the session is short—just 45 minutes—so you get value without turning your day into a schedule puzzle. You also hear the story behind Old Amsterdam and the family business that makes it.

One thing to keep in mind: the cheese-tasting room sits on the 1st floor and is stairs-only, so it’s not a great fit if you need step-free access.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a straightforward start in North Holland’s cheese world
• Five Gouda cheeses in one session, letting you taste differences in aging and style
• Three wine pairings (red, white, and port) with palate-cleansing fig bread and water
• Old Amsterdam background tied to the historic, family-run Westland Kaasspecialiteiten business
• Discount built in: 20% off in the shop downstairs right after the tasting

Old Amsterdam cheese tasting: a smart, tasty intro to Dutch Gouda

If you want a quick Amsterdam activity that doesn’t feel like homework, this is it. You get a guided tasting room experience focused on one theme: Dutch cheese, especially Gouda, plus wine pairings that make the flavors easier to understand.

I like how the format is designed for learning without fuss. In 45 minutes, you’ll sample five cheeses, sip three wines, and get explanations that connect taste to process—how cheese is made and how it changes with age and style. It’s also a good way to cut through the confusion of what you actually like, because you’ll taste multiple types rather than buying blindly.

The setting matters too. You start at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, then head upstairs to the tasting room. One review even called out the room as cozy and comfortable, which helps when you’re doing a few tastings back-to-back.

The 45-minute flow: what happens from check-in to the last sip

This experience runs about 45 minutes, and that time is used on purpose. You’re not wandering a big museum. You’re seated (or guided through a small setup) and served portions you can actually compare.

Here’s the basic rhythm you can expect:

First, you’re walked through what makes Dutch cheese-making special—enough background to give your nose and taste buds context. Then the tasting board starts, with five Gouda cheeses placed in a sequence that helps you notice how flavor and texture shift.

Between bites, you’re given fig bread and water to cleanse your palate. That part sounds simple, but it’s one of the best reasons to choose this kind of session. When your mouth resets, you can tell whether a wine is working with the cheese—or just tasting good on its own.

Finally, the guide wraps up with the story and what to buy in the shop downstairs. Since you get 20% off, the last part doesn’t feel like a hard sales moment. It feels like a shopping trip with a cheat sheet.

Your cheese board: five Goudas and what to compare

You’re promised five different Gouda cheeses, and that’s the heart of why this works. Gouda isn’t one flavor. It’s a range, from milder profiles to sharper ones that come from aging and handling.

As you taste, I’d pay attention to three things that the guide’s explanation helps you sort out:

1. Age and intensity

Older Gouda tends to taste deeper and more developed. You’ll usually notice it in aroma first, then in how salty or nutty it feels.

1. Texture and mouthfeel

Some portions may feel smoother, while others can feel firmer or more complex as they linger.

1. Milk style and character

You’ll learn about differences tied to Dutch traditions and the company’s approach. Even if you don’t catch every technical term, you’ll leave knowing what style you keep reaching for.

The biggest win is comparison. If you’ve ever stood in a cheese shop staring at wheels and trying to guess, you’ll appreciate being told what you’re tasting while you taste it. It turns “I like cheese” into “I like this specific direction.”

Wine pairings that actually teach: red, white, and port

A lot of cheese tastings throw in wine and hope for the best. Here, you get wines that are described as chosen to complement the cheeses: one red, one white, and one port wine.

That mix is smart. Red and white can act differently depending on how intense the cheese is, and port can bring sweetness and depth that change the way a savory bite feels.

I’d treat the wine pairings like a tasting experiment. Instead of aiming for what tastes best, ask what changes when you add wine:

• Does the cheese taste saltier or milder?
• Does the aroma pop more?
• Does the finish stay clean, or does it feel heavy?

You also get the palate-cleansing water and fig bread, which helps you reset quickly. One review noted the host was willing to accommodate questions during the tasting, which matters because pairing can feel confusing until someone explains what to look for.

Old Amsterdam’s story: what you learn beyond the bite

The tasting isn’t only about taste. You also learn about the history of Old Amsterdam, and you hear about the making traditions behind it.

Old Amsterdam cheese is tied to Westland Kaasspecialiteiten, described as historic and family-run. Even when recipes are kept as a family secret, you can still pick up useful hints. That’s valuable because it turns the cheese from a product into something you understand.

One of the most helpful parts of this kind of story is what it does for your buying decisions. When you know how aging and production choices affect the end result, you’re less likely to buy what’s popular and more likely to buy what matches your preferences.

The host factor: why guides like Aris and Rik matter

In a tasting room, your guide can make the difference between tasting and learning. The experience here is repeatedly praised for being engaging and fast-paced, with multiple guide names coming up in feedback—especially Aris and Rik.

What you’re looking for in this setting is someone who can:

• explain cheese-making in plain terms,
• connect the wine to the cheese,
• and keep the group moving without rushing.

The best feedback also mentions humor and an easy back-and-forth vibe. That’s not just entertainment. When you feel comfortable asking questions, you get more out of the tasting, and you’re more likely to remember what you liked (and why).

Value check: is $23 worth it in Amsterdam?

For $23 per person, you’re getting a lot for a city where simple activities can cost more. You receive:

• five Gouda cheeses
• three wines (red, white, and port)
• fig bread and water
• instruction from an English-speaking host
• and 20% off in the shop downstairs afterward

The price feels especially reasonable because the tasting includes alcohol pairings. Even if you only look at what it costs to buy a few bites of cheese and a small pour of wine at a shop or café, this stacks up better than you’d expect for Amsterdam.

Also, the time is tight and controlled. 45 minutes means you can fit it between other sights without losing a big chunk of the day.

Shop downstairs after the tasting: what to buy with confidence

Here’s the part I actually appreciate: the discount isn’t a random coupon. It’s timed to right after you’ve tasted multiple styles.

You get 20% off in the shop downstairs, and once you’ve tried five Goudas and compared how wine works, you’re in a stronger position to buy the kind of cheese you’ll eat at home.

If you’re unsure what to grab, use this simple logic:

• Buy the cheese you liked most when paired with wine.
• Also consider one “runner-up” that you found interesting but not perfect yet.
• If you see a cheese you’re excited to try, ask about age and style so you’re not just guessing.

One review also mentioned a free chutney along with the discount, which suggests the shop experience may include small extras depending on the day and purchase. Don’t count on it, but it’s a nice sign that the shop tends to reward purchases.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tasting is a great fit if you want:

• a short Amsterdam activity that still feels meaningful,
• a chance to learn the basics of Dutch Gouda without reading a book,
• and wine pairings that help you understand flavor.

It’s especially good for couples, small groups, and anyone who prefers food experiences over long walking tours. One review noted the group setting can be intimate (with hosting capacity discussed around the high teens), so you’re not usually stuck shouting over a huge crowd.

I’d skip it or rethink it if you need step-free access. The tasting room is on the 1st floor and is only reachable by stairs, and the experience isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Should you book this Amsterdam cheese and wine tasting?

Book it if you want a fun, focused introduction to Dutch cheese that doesn’t take over your day. For $23 you get real comparison tasting—five Goudas plus three wine pairings—and then a built-in reason to shop with confidence thanks to 20% off.

Skip it if stairs are a problem for you. And if you only want to eat cheese without any pairing or explanation, you might find a simple cheese shop stop more your style.

If you’re open to learning a little while you taste a lot, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

What does the tasting include?

The session includes an instructor, a cheese tasting with five different Gouda cheeses, and three wine pairings (one red, one white, and one port). You also get fig bread and water, plus a 20% discount in the shop downstairs.

How long is the experience, and where do I meet?

It lasts about 45 minutes. You meet at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store.

Is there an age limit since wine is included?

Yes. The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18.

Is the tasting room accessible for people with mobility impairments?

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The cheese tasting room is on the 1st floor and is only accessible by stairs.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. You can reserve now & pay later, with the option to book your spot and pay nothing today.