Pour Decisions: The Dreamiest Wine Bars in Amsterdam
There's something about Amsterdam that just begs for a slow afternoon/evening and a good glass of wine. Between the flickering candlelight, crooked canal houses, and tucked away corners, the city is full of cozy wine bars that make you want to put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" and linger for hours. Whether you're into natural wines, bold reds, or a crisp white with a view, I've rounded up my favorite spots that combine great pours with impeccable vibes. These are wine bars I find myself dreaming about long after the last glass, and I think you will, too.
Venus & Adonis | Contemplating If I Should Move To Amsterdam
If you’re heading to Amsterdam and need a break from dodging bikes and squinting at maps, put Venus and Adonis on your list. Tucked along one of the prettiest canals in the Jordaan neighborhood, it’s the kind of spot that feels like a local secret, except the wine list is way too good to keep under wraps.
But this place isn’t just about the wine; it’s all about the vibe. Think velvet chairs, low lighting, and that perfect background buzz that makes everything feel effortlessly cool. Order a glass (or a bottle—we’re not here to judge), nibble on some sourdough with homemade butter, or go all in with a steak if you’re feeling fancy.
Whether you’re on a date, treating yourself, or catching up with friends while pretending you’re a chic local who just stumbled upon it, Venus and Adonis hits the sweet spot. It’s not touristy—it’s timeless. And honestly, you’ll wish you had one just like it back home.
Venus & Adonis | Interior
GlouGlou | One Of My Favorite Places In Amsterdam
If you like your wine a little wild and your evenings effortlessly cool, then Glou Glou is calling your name. Tucked into the laid-back De Pijp neighborhood, this place is basically the artsy, fun friend of wine bars—laid-back, a little quirky, and very into natural wine (think less polished, more personality).
It’s the kind of spot where you sit down for “just one glass” and end up three deep, happily grazing on cheese and half-seriously talking about moving to Amsterdam. It’s casual, charming, and just the right amount of unpredictability, kind of like the wine itself.
GlouGlou
At Glou Glou, you won’t find a stuffy sommelier or a wine list the size of a novel. Instead, you’ll be greeted by friendly folks who just want to pour you a glass of something you’ll actually enjoy. The rotating lineup of natural wines, sourced from across Europe, features bottles made without pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers (a rarity these days, especially in the U.S.).
GlouGlou
The result? Some wines are fizzy, some are funky, but all are poured with serious style and zero pretension. The patio is a dream on sunny days, and the cozy interior turns even the gloomiest weather into something charming. Expect great wine, casual plates, and a crowd that leans more “cool creative” than “wine snob.”
There are no reservations, so show up early and let the glou-glou (French for gulp gulp) begin.
Out of all the spots on this list, this is the one I visited not once but twice during my short stay in Amsterdam. Obsessed is an understatement.
Bonus: if you fall in love with a bottle, you can take it home for €15 less than the list price. Cheers to that.
Rayleigh & Ramsay
I was on a totally unofficial (but very enthusiastic) mission while in Amsterdam: to try as many wine bars as my liver would allow. While chatting with some locals at Venus & Adonis, they tipped me off to Rayleigh & Ramsay—especially if I liked sampling unique wines.
Let’s just say... they did not steer me wrong.
Rayleigh & Ramsay is basically the Disneyland of wine bars, minus the crowds, plus way better snacks. With over 100 wines on tap and a self-serve system (yes, really), it’s a DIY wine-tasting dream. You grab a card, wander the walls lined with bottles, and pour as little or as much as you’d like. It’s part tasting, part choose-your-own-adventure, and no one’s judging if your “taste” looks more like a glass.
What makes it so great? You can try that fancy Italian red without committing to a full pour, or go ahead and commit. No pressure, just pleasure. The vibe is relaxed but stylish, and the small plates are exactly what you want mid-wine journey.
Whether you’re a curious sipper or a full-on wine nerd, Rayleigh & Ramsay makes wine feel fun, not fussy, and leaves you wondering why this setup isn’t everywhere.
Rayleigh & Ramsay | Choose Your Own Wine Adventure
Sinck
If Sinck isn’t already on your Amsterdam radar, go ahead and drop a pin. Tucked away on a cozy corner near the Prinsengracht canal, this effortlessly cool wine bar feels like the kind of place you'd stumble into by accident—and then immediately cancel your next plan just to stay a little longer. The vibe is low-key chic, with warm lighting, polished wood, and just enough buzz in the background to make you feel like you're in on something special.
Here’s the thing about Sinck: it’s two incredible spots in one. Downstairs is the wine bar. Think loungy vibes with couches, oversized leather chairs that beg you to stay a little longer and a large walk-in glass wine cellar. Upstairs guests can enjoy the restaurant that’s both accessible yet luxurious. A perfect place to end the day.
Sinck
So there you have it - my unofficial, highly biased, and thoroughly tested guide to Amsterdam’s best wine bars. Whether you’re into funky natural pours, DIY tastings, or cozy corners with great bites and even better vibes, this city seriously delivers. Just remember, maps are optional, good wine is essential, and saying “just one glass” is almost always a lie.
Cheers to discovering your new favorite sip!
Until Next Time!
