Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance. - Benjamin Franklin

The Netherlands is a beer drinking country by nature and few wine bars were to be found a decade ago. Thankfully, Franklin's wisdom has got on amongst the Dutch and Amsterdam can welcome a new wine bar on almost an annual basis!

Vyne
One of Amsterdam's most trendy bars, with goodlooking waiters and even more beautiful bottles. Hundreds of bottles are on display (in climate controlled wine closets, of course). The chic canapes are stunning; both in presentation as in taste. The '3 flights of wine & appetizers tasting menu' was overprized. Better opt for a good bottle of wine to share. Don't forget your credit card. Vyne, Prinsengracht 411.

Bubbles & Wines
Hidden behind Dam square is an intimate wine bar. The waiters are friendly and down-to-earth wine lovers; wine connoisseurs and wine newbies will feel at ease in their company. The lounge music and modern interior keep the venue easy going and styling. Though you can stand outside, Bubbles & Wine is most cozy in autumn and winter. Bubbles & Wines, Nes 37.


Wijnbar Boelen & Boelen
The only wine bar in Amsterdam where you can enjoy a real dinner. Unpretentious & simple is what characterizes this venue. The wine and food menu are good; they even have Angus beef which allows you to enjoy a beautiful Bordeaux (or other red wine) to the best. The waiters are students; thus, if you are lucky, you'll be served by a hospitable and knowledgeable one, if you are out of luck... you can forget about service. Wijnbar Boelen & Boelen, 1e Van der Helststraat 50.

Cafe Graves
This bar I still need to test myself, but its online presence looks promising. Great customer reviews (on Iens.nl, the Dutch Zagat) and nice website with pictures of a styling and modern interior. Apparently, Cafe Graves welcomed a new chef in 2008 and ever since the dishes are beautiful. What's more, Cafe Graves gets its wines from Chabrol, which is one of Amsterdam's best wine retailers. Have you been to Cafe Graves? If so, leave a message to inform us if this place is worth visiting! Cafe Graves, Gravenstraat 10.

**New: Cafe Brecht
Cafe Brecht is not really a wine bar as such, but the Cosmo Polite Wine Master Dieuwke has extensively tested the wine menu and was very impressed, great wines and reasonably priced. With 'reasonably' she meant: glasses by the glass for under E5. The cafe opened in June and labels itself as a 'grandma's living room bar', thus think: old-fashioned sofa's and Victorian lamps. Cafe Brecht, Weteringschans 157 (website is still to be uploaded)