Amsterdam: High Wine at wine bar Paskamer, 3-rounds

Discovering Amsterdam’s Hidden Gem: Paskamer’s High Wine Experience

If you’re after a refined yet relaxed way to enjoy Amsterdam’s vibrant food and drink scene, the High Wine at Paskamer offers a fantastic option. This intimate wine bar, located in the lively De Pijp neighborhood, has earned the title of Wine Bar of the Year in the Netherlands 2022. Over two hours, you’ll be treated to a thoughtfully curated series of three wine and food pairings, guided by a WSET-certified sommelier. As someone who appreciates good wine and small bites, I found this experience a delightful blend of education and enjoyment—perfect for those who want to elevate their visit without the pressure of a full dinner.

What immediately caught my attention were two things: first, the local, cozy atmosphere of Paskamer itself, and second, the expert guidance from knowledgeable sommeliers. Their explanations made each sip more meaningful, revealing the stories behind the wines and why they paired each with specific bites. A minor consideration is that the portions are smaller than a full meal, so if you’re very hungry, you might want to extend your visit for extra food and wine. But overall, the value for the price—just $41 per person—is impressive given the quality and intimate setting.

Key points / Takeaways

• Expert-led tastings with WSET-certified sommeliers enhance your understanding of wine.
• High-quality wine and food pairings carefully curated for memorable flavor combinations.
• Lively, authentic atmosphere in one of Amsterdam’s most popular neighborhoods, De Pijp.
• Flexible options to extend your experience with additional wine and small bites.
• Small portions, emphasizing quality over quantity, suitable for a tasting rather than a full dinner.
• Accessible for private groups, and the experience is suitable for most adults (not for children or pregnant women).

The Charm of Paskamer: An Intimate Amsterdam Wine Bar

Walking into Wijnbar Paskamer, you immediately sense its friendly, welcoming vibe. This is a true hidden gem—a cozy spot that’s far from touristy noise but bursting with character. The bar’s selection of wines is carefully curated, and the intimate setting allows for meaningful conversations with the sommelier, who guides you through each pairing.

The high wine concept is somewhat reminiscent of the traditional French aperitif tradition but with a modern twist. Instead of a full meal, you get three elegant glasses of wine, each matched with small bites that accentuate the flavors. It’s an excellent way to learn about wine while enjoying a relaxed, social atmosphere. From the reviews, it’s clear that the food is well thought out and complements the wines beautifully, with one guest noting, “Food is good well paired with wine.”

What to Expect: An Evening of Tasting and Learning

The experience begins at Wijnbar Paskamer, where your guide—likely a friendly, knowledgeable Dutch or English-speaking sommelier—welcomes your private group. You’ll have around 90 minutes to savor three different wines, each served with a small, carefully selected bite. The tasting lasts about an hour and a half, giving ample time to relax and absorb the stories behind each wine.

Stop 1: The first glass may introduce you to a local or lesser-known wine, with the sommelier explaining its origins and unique qualities. The accompanying bite will highlight complementary flavors—perhaps a cheese or a small savory snack.

Stop 2: The second round often features a more complex or internationally recognized wine, with a food pairing that balances richness or acidity. This is where you start to see how each element influences your palate.

Stop 3: The final round might be a special or more premium selection, rounding out your tasting experience. The bites here tend to be more refined, leaving you with a satisfying aftertaste and new insights into wine pairing.

The entire session is educational without feeling overly formal, making it suitable for curious travelers who want a taste of local expertise. You’re encouraged to ask questions—the sommelier is happy to share tips or stories.

The Value of a Guided Wine Tasting in Amsterdam

At just $41 per person, this experience offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of wines and the expertise involved. It’s not a full dinner, but the smaller portions emphasize quality over quantity, making it ideal for an early evening activity or a refined pre-dinner experience. Plus, with the option to add an extra round for EUR 11, you can tailor your tasting to suit your appetite.

The small group size (private bookings only) ensures a more personalized experience. You won’t be lost in a sea of strangers but instead enjoy a relaxed setting where your questions and preferences matter.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This activity is perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge, couples seeking a romantic yet educational outing, or groups of friends wanting a memorable night out. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer authentic, intimate experiences over large, touristy tastings.

It’s also a wonderful choice if you’re interested in Dutch wine culture or want an insider’s perspective on local food pairings. Just keep in mind that pregnant women and children under 18 are not permitted, and the portions are small, so if you’re very hungry, plan accordingly.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

• Reserve early; spots fill up quickly, especially in high season.
• Arrive on time—the experience lasts around 90 minutes, and punctuality helps keep the flow.
• Inform the staff of dietary needs in advance if you want to customize your bites.
• Consider extending your stay if you want more wine and snacks; just leave a note when booking.
• Bring a curious attitude and a willingness to ask questions—this is a learning experience as much as a tasting.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Experience?

If you’re in Amsterdam and looking for a relaxed, authentic way to enjoy local wine culture, Paskamer’s High Wine offers an excellent balance of quality, education, and ambiance. It’s especially well suited for those who appreciate thoughtfully paired small bites and enjoy learning about wine from passionate guides. The intimate, friendly setting makes it an ideal choice for couples, groups, or solo travelers who want a memorable, manageable tasting without the formality or cost of a full dinner.

For wine lovers eager to discover new flavors in a lively neighborhood, this experience hits all the right notes. Just remember, it’s about savoring rather than stuffing yourself, so plan to complement it with a proper meal later if you’re hungry. Overall, at a very reasonable price, it’s a charming way to spend an evening in Amsterdam.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for non-English speakers?
Yes, the experience is led by guides who speak Dutch and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long does the High Wine experience last?
It lasts approximately 90 minutes, so plan to reserve around two hours to include settling in and possible extension.

Can I extend my tasting with more food and wine?
Absolutely. You can ask at booking or during the experience to add extra rounds for EUR 11 each.

Is this experience appropriate for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, and pregnant women are also advised against participating.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll get three quality wines, three matching bites, and guidance from a certified sommelier. Extra rounds and food can be added for additional cost.

How do I reserve a spot?
Booking is recommended in advance through the provider’s site or platform, and you can pay later—just secure your date early to avoid missing out.

Overall, Paskamer’s High Wine offers a genuine taste of Amsterdam’s wine scene in a cozy, educational setting. It’s a small, well-curated experience that’s worth seeking out for anyone wanting to enjoy the city’s vibrant neighborhood and excellent wines without the fuss of a full dinner.