Top 5 Wine Bars in Amsterdam

I’ll be the first to admit that I massively underestimated the quality of the wine bars in Amsterdam! My first few trips to the city were spent focusing on meat-based dishes, desserts, and beers, and it wasn’t until recent years that I explored the wine culture here.

These days, wine is a feature on several of my Amsterdam food tours, and I’ve made it my mission to visit a different tavern or cellar each time I’m in town. After checking out dozens of spots, these are my choices for the best wine bars in Amsterdam!

Top Wine Bars in Amsterdam

Wijnbar Paulus

Photo credit: Wijnbar Paulus

It’s no secret that Wijnbar Paulus is considered one of the top wine bars in Amsterdam. As soon as I sat down in this cozy haunt and met the super passionate owner, I had a pretty good idea of why this place had such a stellar reputation.

I went for the three-glass wine flight and loved how each variety had a unique backstory. The khikhvi white wine from Georgia was the most memorable, with its golden color and fruity mineral notes.

Wijnbar Paulus (€€) – Ceintuurbaan 348, 1072 GP Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Shiraz Jardin des Vins

Photo credit: Shiraz Jardin des Vins

If you’ve read any traveler reviews and recommendations about Shiraz Jardin des Vins, you’ll know that securing a seat in this funky canal-side spot is no easy feat!

It was worth waiting in the rain, especially when I got to listen to suggestions from their award-winning sommeliers. My favorite was the dry chenin blanc, as I loved the quirky mix of pear and ginger notes.

Shiraz Jardin des Vins (€€) – Lijnbaansgracht 267 HS, 1017 RL Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Clos Amsterdam

Photo credit: Clos Amsterdam

Clos Amsterdam is a gorgeous wine bar that came highly recommended by some wine-loving friends. The chunky wooden features, vintage chandeliers, and bold artwork gave this place a sophisticated, traditional vibe.

For my meal, I went with the flaky pike fillet and zingy sauerkraut. My served suggested I pair this with a creamy French chardonnay that added some refreshing citrus tones to the dish.

Clos Amsterdam (€€) – Beukenplein 50, 1091 ML Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Natural Wine Bars: Where to Find Organic and Biodynamic Wines

Glouglou

Glouglou was among the first natural wine bars in Amsterdam I visited, and my friend and I snagged one of the few remaining sidewalk tables.

We started off with slightly salty olives and crusty bread before moving on to some dark German rosé. It tasted a little tart at first, but the deep strawberry flavors grew on me with each sip, and we both ended up ordering a second glass.

Glouglou (€€) – Tweede van der Helststraat 3, 1073 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Fabus

Photo credit: Fabus

I’ve been to a bunch of natural wine bars in Amsterdam, but Fabus is the one I’m most eager to return to. The laidback vibes, bottle-covered brick walls, and extensive menu make this a must-visit spot for those with a taste for organic wines.

It was here that I first tried natural orange wine, which had gorgeous herbaceous tones and a lively mouthfeel. In between sips, I tucked into their much-loved dukkah focaccia, which was as nutty, springy, and flavorful as it sounds.

Fabus (€€€) – De Clercqstraat 105H, 1053 AH Amsterdam, Netherlands.

La Dilettante

If you’re in the market for some natural wine bars in a quirky, rustic setting, I don’t think it gets any better than La Dilettante. The staff here are fantastic, as is the mismatched furniture and lengthy wine list.

I tried a handful of different wines and was particularly drawn to the natural Sicilian red. It had the typical dark fruit flavors and gently spicy notes that I love in a red, but there were some distinctive earthy, yeast-like undertones brewing in the background.

La Dilettante (€) – Saenredamstraat 37, 1072 CB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Unique Wine Bar Experiences in Amsterdam

As part of this Amsterdam city guide for wine lovers, I’ve included some of the most immersive wine bar experiences I’ve come across for those looking for something a little different.

Rayleigh & Ramsay

Photo credit: Rayleigh & Ramsay

The olive green walls and golden lighting at Rayleigh & Ramsay make it feel like your quintessential wine bar. However, this spot is unlike most of its counterparts, offering pour-your-own wine experiences. I had a blast sampling wine from the self-service machines and appreciated how each variety came with a detailed description.

Rayleigh & Ramsay (€€) – Van Woustraat 97, 1074 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Paskamer

Photo credit: Paskamer

Paskamer is among the most romantic, chic wine bars in Amsterdam, and their wine and small plate pairings are superb. Throughout the tasting process, the team walked us through the art of matching wine with food while serving some tasty sharing plates.

Paskamer (€€) – Lutmastraat 132, 1073 HB Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Chateau Amsterdam 

Photo credit: Chateau Amsterdam

Chateau Amsterdam is Europe’s biggest urban winery, and the wine bar experiences here are incredible. I’ve taken part in both a tour and tasting session here, but I’m eager to try their dinner and wine pairing package the next time I’m in Amsterdam! 

Chateau Amsterdam (€€) – Johan van Hasseltweg 51, 1021 KN Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Tips for Exploring Amsterdam’s Wine Scene

• For a lively atmosphere, visit wine bars in Amsterdam in the evening or on weekends. If you prefer something more mellow, stop by before dinnertime early in the week.
• Many bars in Amsterdam double as wine shops, meaning you can pick up some bottles to take home if you wish.
• You may require a reservation to secure a table at popular spots like Wijnbar Paulus, especially at weekends.
• For a truly local experience, try pairing your wines with Dutch cheeses like Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam or charcuterie classics like cured meat sticks and ring bologna.
• Keep in mind that several wine bars only accept walk-ins, so try to arrive early to avoid long queues.

Conclusion

The selection of wine bars in Amsterdam is wide-ranging, as the city is packed with cozy lounges and bustling bistros serving local and international varieties. If you’re passionate about wines, you’ll fall in love with the bars and wineries of Amsterdam.

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam food tours & experiences. Eating Europe. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

Wijnbar Paulus. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.wijnbarpaulus.nl/

Shiraz Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://shirazamsterdam.nl/en/

Clos Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://closamsterdam.nl/en

Glou Glou. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://glouglou.nl/

Fabu Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.fabusamsterdam.com/

La Dilettante. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://ladilettante.amsterdam/

RR Wine. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.rr.wine/en

Paskamer Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://paskamer.amsterdam/

Chateau Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://chateau.amsterdam/en/