Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands recognized for its colorful canals, famous artwork and important history. This charming city is a popular tourist destination as it draws visitors worldwide for its beer gardens, coffee shops, fine restaurants and delicious wine.

The Netherlands is home to nearly 200 commercial vineyards that grow dozens of grape varietals. Embark on a wine tour and tasting in Amsterdam to indulge in the delicious local selections and learn about the wine-making process.

Here's all you need to know about the food experiences in Amsterdam.

What are the best wine tours in Amsterdam?

Classical boat cruise with wine & cheese

Cruise along the stunning Amsterdam canals in a traditional wooden boat while admiring all the colorful sights of the capital city. This boat tour allows guests to indulge in unlimited regional wines paired with locally made cheeses for the ultimate sensory experience.

Combine flavors while you drift by some of the city’s most important landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, Red Light District and the Old Harbor.

Evening cruise wine & cheese tour

For a more romantic ride through the famous Amsterdam canals, opt for a nighttime ride in a glass-enclosed boat. You’ll have the opportunity to see the incredible city at nightfall while enjoying an array of wines and cheeses from The Netherlands. Pass by famous attractions such as Centraal Station and The National Maritime Museum before closing out your journey back at the harbor.

Henri Willig wine & cheese tour

This one-of-a-kind experience allows guests to taste some of The Netherlands’ most famous cheese tastings paired with local wines. Sample five different types of cheese while learning about their making process from an authentic factory. Explore the shop of Henri Willig, one of the country’s most famous dairy farmers.

Private wine tour of Amsterdam

Personalize your wine tour and tasting with a private day trip through Amsterdam. On this excursion, you’ll stop at a 160-year-old dairy farm. While there, you’ll visit cows, learn how wooden shoes are made and taste freshly made gouda.

You’ll visit a traditional Dutch windmill and a local village where you’ll buy bread to pair with the cheese. Afterward, visit a Dutch vineyard to watch how wine is made by a passionate winemaker, while enjoying the fresh selection of food purchased earlier in the day.

Private tours also include hotel pickup and drop-off.

Which places are visited?

Anne Frank House

During a canal cruise tour of Amsterdam, you’ll pass by the Anne Frank House where the teenage girl and her family hid from the Nazi regime. The diarist kept records about her life that was spent in the attic of the home for more than two years, lending inside knowledge about the Holocaust. The original canal-side home has since been converted into a museum to honor Anne’s bravery.

Red Light District

A wine tour in Amsterdam will also typically pass by the Red Light District, the urban part of the city known for its sex shops and prostitution. The area is unmissable with its bright red neon lights and provocative signage.

National Maritime Museum

On a wine-tasting canal tour, you will typically pass by the stately National Maritime Museum, recognized for its impressive architecture and priceless nautical collections. The landmark is located near the old city harbor and boasts a replica of a 1749 three-masted ship out front named “The Amsterdam”.

Henri Willig cheese shop

Visit the Henri Willig cheese shop while on a wine tour of Amsterdam. This cheesemaker is considered one of the finest in The Netherlands for cultivating his organic products and distributing it across the country. Pair five different cheeses with delicious local wines.

How much does it cost?

A basic canal wine and cheese tour of Amsterdam ranges between €15 and €35 per person with at least one glass of wine included.

For a grander experience with finer wine and a luxury boat, expect to spend around €150 per person.

An evening wine tour canal cruise typically costs about €35 per person, while a visit to Henri Willig for local varietals and organic cheese will cost about €20 per person.

A private wine tour and tasting in Amsterdam will cost between €180 and €200 per person but will include hotel pickup and drop-off, unlimited wine and visits to multiple attractions along the way.

What is included?

All canal wine tours include a boat ride with a professional guide to lead you on your journey. Many excursions offer unlimited cheese, beer and wine, though some will offer just one glass and a small snack. A visit to Henri Willig will include five cheeses, one dip and two mustards as well as two glasses of wine.

Private tours include pickup and drop-off in a private air-conditioned vehicle, unlimited wine and cheese tastings as well as entry into attractions such as the traditional Dutch windmills.

Where does it start?

Most canal boat tours will meet at the Stromma Damrak pier or along the canal near the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Wine tours at Henri Willig will begin at the cheese shop, while private excursions will include personalized hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long does it last?

Canal boat wine tours typically last between 1 and 1.5 hours, while a trip to the Henri Willig shop lasts about 45 minutes. A private wine tour of Amsterdam can run anywhere between 7 to 8 hours depending on the itinerary stops included.

When is the best time for a wine tour in Amsterdam?

Choose a daytime canal wine tour of Amsterdam for the best views of the city landmarks. Private tours are best scheduled in the morning to see as many sights as possible on your drive through Amsterdam and the surrounding farmland.

Opt for a nighttime tour for a more romantic evening as you’ll be surrounded by the twinkling city lights as you float through the canals.

Are children allowed?

Infants may accompany parents on a wine tour in Amsterdam though older children are not permitted.

Travel tips

In order to participate in a wine tasting in Amsterdam you must be over 18 years old.
Some tours include limited wine and cheese tastings so bring money for additional purchases.
The Amsterdam canals are filled with beautiful views so make sure to pack a camera.

Wine Tours and Tastings in Amsterdam