As I have experienced quite often, it is of certain advantage for the wine shops if a country or region does not have it's own wines: the result are "independent" wine shops that are not bound to local habits. Generally speaking that means they have a bigger choice of different wines from all over the world. So here in Amsterdam. You can find some shops with a remarkable choice and - as long as you're not from a typical wine area yourself - for a very decent price, too.
Shops
Hart's Wijnhandel Amsterdam
Great choice of port and new world wines. Very nice atmosphere. The owners offer every now and then wine tasting days (minimal charge, great choice of wines). Tel. 020 - 623 83 50, Fax 020 - 624 95 48. Mail
address: Vijzelgracht 27
pc: 1017 HN Amsterdam
Wijnwinkel Quinta
The Wijnwinkel Quinta (wine shop) is of course not a reason to visit Amsterdam, but once you are already here and you like for example portwine, well, then you should not miss this little shop. Vintage and Tawnies back till the 40s - a great choice!
The house brand is Quinta do Castelhino, well worth trying if you want a good port at a fair price.
Wijn Antiquariat
It is very easy to oversee, in that corner behind the bookstore, but you should not miss this shop if you are anyhow interested in wine! Here you can buy wine, dating back long as 1895! And there are always some good bottles opened for tastings...
So far, the shop has been open only on Saturdays — call ahead if you want to visit on another day.
Cave Rokin
Located on the Rokin, just off Dam Square, the Cave (located, as its name suggests, in a cellar) stocks a good range of European and New World wines at very reasonable prices. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful, and wine tasting can be arranged for larger parties.
PC: 1012 KV
address: Rokin 60
tel: 020 625 0628