Restaurant Cornelis in Amsterdam has long been a destination for diners seeking refined Dutch cuisine with a modern twist. Now, the restaurant is expanding its offerings with a series of wine tasting events designed to complement its seasonal menus. These events provide an opportunity to explore both Old World and New World wines, guided by experienced sommeliers, in the intimate setting of the restaurant’s private dining room. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, the events are structured to educate and delight. Below, you will find the confirmed dates, themes, and practical details for the upcoming wine tastings at Cornelis.
Event Format and Pricing
Each wine tasting event lasts approximately two hours and includes a curated flight of five to six wines, accompanied by small bites prepared by the Cornelis kitchen. The price per person is €65, which covers all tastings and paired snacks. A €25 deposit is required at booking, with the balance due on the evening. Seating is limited to 20 guests per event to ensure an intimate experience. Reservations can be made via the restaurant’s website or by calling the reservation line. For more on the overall dining experience, see our complete guide to dining at Cornelis.
Spring Wine Tasting: Dutch White Wines
Date: Saturday, 12 April 2025, 15:00–17:00
This spring edition focuses on the emerging wine regions of the Netherlands. Though Dutch winemaking has a long history, it has gained international attention only in the last decade. The tasting will feature five white wines from producers such as De Kleine Schorre (Zeeland) and Apostelhoeve (Limburg). Varietals include Riesling, Chardonnay, and the lesser-known Solaris, a hybrid grape that thrives in the cool climate. Each wine will be paired with a seasonal bite from the spring Dutch dishes menu, highlighting asparagus, young peas, and fresh herbs. The sommelier will discuss how the maritime influence and sandy soils shape the wines’ profiles.
What to Expect
- Five white wines from Dutch estates
- Paired bites: asparagus with beurre blanc, pea and mint tartlet, herring croquette
- Guided tasting notes and vineyard history
- Q&A session with the sommelier
Summer Wine Tasting: Red Wine Pairings
Date: Saturday, 14 June 2025, 15:00–17:00
As the weather warms, Cornelis turns its attention to red wines that pair well with heartier summer dishes. This event features six reds from France, Italy, and Spain, including a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine de la Chassagne and a Barbera d’Alba from Giacomo Borgogno. The tasting will explore how tannin structure and acidity complement the red wine pairings available on the regular menu. Bites will include slow-cooked beef short rib, aged Gouda, and a dark chocolate truffle. The sommelier will explain the principles of pairing red wine with Dutch cuisine, which often features rich, braised meats.
What to Expect
- Six red wines from classic European regions
- Paired bites: beef short rib with red wine jus, 36-month aged Gouda, dark chocolate truffle
- Discussion of tannin, acidity, and food matching
- Comparison of Old World vs. New World styles
Autumn Wine Tasting: Harvest Edition
Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025, 15:00–17:00
Autumn is harvest season, and this tasting celebrates the bounty of the vine. The flight includes five wines from the 2024 vintage, showcasing early releases from Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Expect Grüner Veltliner from Weingut Bründlmayer, Riesling Spätlese from Dr. Loosen, and a Pinot Noir from St. Urban-Hof. The paired bites draw from the autumn harvest menu, featuring mushrooms, squash, and game. The sommelier will discuss the challenges of the 2024 vintage and how the wines reflect their terroir.
What to Expect
- Five wines from the 2024 vintage
- Paired bites: mushroom risotto, butternut squash soup, venison carpaccio
- Insight into vintage variation and winemaking
- Blind tasting element for guests to guess the grape
Winter Wine Tasting: Dessert Wines and Fortifieds
Date: Saturday, 13 December 2025, 15:00–17:00
To close the year, Cornelis offers a tasting focused on sweet and fortified wines. These wines are often overlooked but provide exceptional pairings with the restaurant’s dessert menu. The flight includes a Sauternes from Château Suduiraut, a Tokaji Aszú from Oremus, a Vintage Port from Taylor’s, and a PX Sherry from Bodegas Toro Albala. Bites will include the restaurant’s famous apple tart, blue cheese, and a dark chocolate fondant. The sommelier will explain the production methods, from botrytis to fortification, and suggest ideal pairings for the holiday season. For more on sweet wine pairing, see our dessert wine guide.
What to Expect
- Five dessert and fortified wines
- Paired bites: apple tart with cinnamon cream, Roquefort cheese, dark chocolate fondant
- Education on sweet wine production
- Tips for holiday entertaining
How to Book and Additional Information
Reservations for all wine tasting events can be made through the reservation tips page or by calling the restaurant directly at +31 20 123 4567. A deposit of €25 per person is required to secure your spot, with the remaining €40 due on the day of the event. Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the event receive a full refund; cancellations within 48 hours forfeit the deposit. The tastings are held in the private dining room, which is accessible via the main entrance. For those traveling from outside the city, see our getting to Cornelis guide. Guests are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes early to settle in and enjoy a welcome glass of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic aperitif.
Each event is led by a certified sommelier with extensive knowledge of European wines. The small group size ensures personalized attention and ample opportunity for questions. While the events are conducted in English, the sommelier is also fluent in Dutch and German. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice—please mention any allergies or preferences when booking.
Private Tastings for Groups
In addition to the public events, Cornelis offers private wine tastings for groups of 6 to 12 people. These can be customized to focus on a specific region, varietal, or theme, and can be paired with a multi-course dinner from the main course highlights or signature starters menus. Pricing starts at €85 per person for a tasting and three-course dinner. Contact the events team at [email protected] for details.
Why Attend a Wine Tasting at Cornelis?
Cornelis is not just a restaurant; it is a place where food and wine are treated with equal respect. The wine tasting events are an extension of that philosophy. By attending, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the wines served with the white wine pairings and red wine pairings on the regular menu. The events also offer a chance to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to learn from professionals who are passionate about their craft. Whether you are looking to refine your palate, discover new producers, or simply enjoy a pleasant afternoon, Cornelis’s wine tastings provide an enriching experience in the heart of Amsterdam.
For those interested in the culinary side, the bites are crafted by the same team that creates the seasonal dishes featured in our spring Dutch dishes and autumn harvest menu. The flavors are designed to complement the wines without overwhelming them, achieving a balance that is the hallmark of great food-and-wine pairing.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to Dining at Restaurant Cornelis in Amsterdam
- Red Wine Pairings
- White Wine Pairings
- Dessert Wine Guide
- Reservation Tips