Planning a last-minute escape to Amsterdam or a leisurely vacation? I have just the thing that would make your holiday even more special – an afternoon exploring brilliant local cheese and understanding wine pairings at the popular Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room.
There are so many things to do and lots to see while exploring Amsterdam. From the famous tulip garden at Keukenhof to many wonderful museums, the Anne Frank house and not to mention the brilliant food scene this capital city has to offer.
Hollands cheesemaking industry is said to date as far back as the 800 B.C. The most widely produced cheese in the Netherlands is Gouda, famous for its distinctive flavour. No surprise then that Gouda cheese is one of Holland’s biggest exports.
The Reypenaer Cheese Tasting room is conveniently located very close to Dam square in the heart of the city centre. It is minutes away from the Anne Frank House and very close to the famous Rijksmuseum.
Reypenaer Cheese is ripened used age-old traditions and benefits from decades of experience and excellent craftsmanship of the master cheese-makers and the unique ripening conditions. Their famous Dutch cheese is matured on planks inside a 100-year old warehouse on the Oude Rijn river in Woerden.
The Reypenaer cheeses are matured in an entirely natural way meaning allowing the natural humidity and fluctuations in ambient temperature to do their magic as compared to factory produced bulk cheese.
Naturally, the resulting rich and complex taste of the Reypenaer cheese is also attributed to non-tangible factors such as the micro-flora of bacteria and mould that thrive in the rich environment of the wood on which the cheese rests.
Over the period of one hour, a Reypenaer cheese expert took us on a journey exploring the history of artisan cheese making. Understanding the ageing process and the difference in the taste of young Gouda and aged gouda by tasting six of their finest cheeses.
Wine pairings – red, white and port – teased our tastebuds and gave us an insight into appreciating the different textures of the fine Reypenaer cheeses.
By the time we were done with the tasting, slightly tipsy with all the wine, the light outside was just perfect for a long stroll along the canals….
Tempted? Why not hop over to the Reypenyer website and book a spot on one of their tasting sessions? Each session lasts for about an hour and caters to not more than 20 people.
Salivating at the thought of all that fabulous cheese?
Who moved your cheese? Did I? Guilty as charged! While you are here, have a gander and read about my other adventures involving cheese – why not? And if you do try any of my recipes please do let me know below in comments! I love to hear from my readers and nothing makes me happier knowing someone tried my recipes and loved them 🙂
- Scandinavian cookery class with Västerbottensost cheese
- Reblochon cheese tart recipe
- Indian Cottage cheese recipe – Paneer firecracker parcels
- French Chaource AOP cheese omelette recipe
- Costa Rico’s fav meal Casado – recipe
Based in London and looking to book yourself into a wine tasting, have a look at my post where I have shared my experience of booking myself for a Wine Tasting evening at West London Wine School:
And for those of you planning your itinerary for your holiday in Holland, do have a read through some of the experiences I loved while in Amsterdam:
And of all the fine things that like has to offer, wine and cheese top my list but am also partial to perfume, if you are too then have a look at this interesting post about the world’s perfume capital.
Looking for pointers about where to stay while in Amsterdam? Then you might want to read my review about my stay at the Steigenberger Hotel in Schipol
*With thanks to Reanyer Cheese, Amsterdam for inviting us. All opinions expressed are as always my own. No monetary compensation was offered for a positive review.
Oh wow, that’ looks like a lot of fun. I’ve never been to Amsterdam and now I really want to go.
I loved my first trip to Amsterdam and am determind to go back soon!
I love cheese and I always enjoy going on food tours and tastings when I’m travelling. So, if we end up in Amsterdam, we’ll definitely go here!
Hey Alex, yes me too, love cheese and going on food tours and exploring places by getting to know local food cultures. I do hope you try them when you go to Amsterdam.
Manjiri, it’s lovely to catch up with some of your travels. A cheese tasting shop? I need to go there. Love a good gouda, but they’re hard to find over here. Supermarket ones are a bit boring.
Hey Choclette! I love Gouda too! Let’s go for a cheese tasting someplace nice in London sometime?