Home to numerous wine shops, restaurants and bars, Amsterdam provides the perfect setting to experience wine in all its glory. Twice a year, in spring and fall or winter, the city hosts the Amsterdam Wine Festival, a joyful celebration of the successful harvest season. Featuring more than 300 wine varieties from all over the Northern Hemisphere, the event promises to both deepen your knowledge of wine with workshops and masterclasses, while letting you enjoy live music performances and concerts.
Food & Wine
The main allure of the festival is, of course, an impressive variety of wine, able to satisfy even the most picky connoisseurs. The spring edition of the event celebrates wine producers from the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. On the other hand, the fall or winter edition showcases all the Northern Hemisphere has to offer, featuring hundreds of wines from Italy, France, and other countries. To accompany the delicious taste of the drink, browse the gastronomy section of the festival, which offers more than 50 dishes to enjoy.
Entertainment Program
While at the event, you can enjoy exciting performances of local musicians and DJ parties, which will keep you dancing throughout the entire evening. A staple of any wine festival, a grape stomping contest is also one of the highlights of the program. Visitors can challenge themselves and test their wine knowledge by participating in the wine trivia, the winner of which receives a bottle of wine. During various workshops, several field experts and professionals will teach the tips and tricks of wine tasting and how to differentiate the diverse flavors.
Schedule & Hours
The hours for the September festival differ depending on the day. On September 26th and 27th, the venue is open from 3 pm until 1 am, while on September 28th and 29th, visitors can enjoy the festivities from 1 pm until 1 am.
Tickets
Advance admission to the Amsterdam Wine Festival costs € 16.50 during all days of the event and grants access to the venue and a complimentary wine glass. All vendors and food stalls accept credit and debit card payments, so there is no need to stock up on cash. While alcohol is only served to adults over 18 years old, children under 12 can enter for free with adult supervision. Pets aren't allowed inside the indoor area of the festival.
Location & Parking
The festivities take place in the heart of Amsterdam, in the Westergas cultural district. The venue is located in the Westerpark and boasts 17 industrial buildings and some historical ones, all of which have been used for cultural and entertainment events since the 1990s. If you're traveling by car, parking is available in the Q-Park Westergasfabriek near the festival grounds. However, organizers strongly encourage visitors to use a bicycle or public transport to support the event's sustainability efforts.
