Amsterdam Uncorked, A Day of Tasting and Talking Terroir

Amsterdam Uncorked, A Day of Tasting and Talking Terroir.

Masterclasses and a Global Wine Showcase in the Dutch Capital.

On Monday, 30 June 2025, Amsterdam Uncorked transformed the Postillion Hotel into a vibrant epicentre of wine dialogue and discovery — despite outside temperatures soaring above 30 °C. Organized by Pitch PR in collaboration with global wine consortia, the event offered an enticing combination of walk-around tastings, intimate masterclasses, and thought-provoking discussions. Reporting on behalf of Dutch Wine Apprentice, our own Onno Deumer was on location to explore what’s trending in the world of wine — from climate resilience to the rise of Moldavian terroir.

Amsterdam Uncorked – A Brand-New, One-Day Wine Event

Amsterdam Uncorked made its debut this year as a fresh initiative to connect the Dutch wine trade with producers from across the globe. organized by Pitch PR, the one-day event brought together importers, sommeliers, wine professionals, and media to explore regional diversity and engage with timely themes such as sustainability and market innovation. With around 75 participating wineries representing more than ten countries, the event offered an eclectic but carefully curated view of the international wine landscape.

Our reasons for attending were threefold: to hear directly from those shaping the conversation in wine, to gain deeper insight through a diverse range of masterclasses, and to spotlight wines and producers worth watching. The program delivered on all fronts — and then some.

Masterclasses – Addressing the Climate Crisis and Changing Preferences

The day began with a roundtable discussion led by Master of Wine Cees van Casteren, featuring prominent industry figures such as Olivier Humbrecht (Zind-Humbrecht, Alsace), Mireia Torres (Familia Torres, Spain), and Poh Tiong Ch’ng (Asia Chair, Decanter World Wine Awards). Together, they tackled the topic that underpins every wine conversation today: climate change.

Familia Torres shared a broad palette of mitigation strategies, from large-scale tree planting and renewable energy to lightweight bottle production and the reactivation of high-altitude vineyards. Zind-Humbrecht, a biodynamic pioneer since the 1990s, framed the issue more precisely: “Temperature is not the main problem. It’s water — or rather, the lack of it in the soil. We must work on increasing soil drought resistance.”

As the conversation turned to shifting consumer behavior, Poh Tiong made a compelling case for embracing low- and no-alcohol wines: “It’s not for us to judge. Just like vegetarian food or decaf coffee, these are personal choices. To ignore them would be arrogant.” His reflections on the Asian market added nuance: “Wine is still new, cool — not the drink of your parents. But offering non-alcoholic options remains rare, even in high-end restaurants.”

Beyond the plenary discussion, focused sessions covered themes such as recent developments in Alsace — where producers are increasingly pushing for dry, terroir-specific expressions — and Moldova, whose indigenous grape varieties and international accolades are positioning it as Eastern Europe’s rising star. A session on Ribera del Duero rounded out the series, showcasing the region’s powerful reds and aging potential.

The Walk-Around Tasting – From Alsace to Australia

The tasting floor reflected the wide-ranging themes of the day’s masterclasses, offering a compelling mix of wines and producers. Alsace was present with clarity and conviction, leaning towards biodynamic and bone-dry styles that emphasize terroir. Moldova surprised and delighted with its indigenous grapes — Fetească Albă, Viorica, and Rara Neagră — showing both authenticity and technical polish.

Italy impressed with elegance across multiple regions, while South Africa stood out with vibrant Chenin Blancs and structured reds. Among the international highlights was Wynns Coonawarra Estate from Australia. Renowned for its cool-climate expressions of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, Wynns delivered wines with depth, precision, and regional character. Their combination of refined structure, vivid fruit, and earthy minerality proved to be a standout moment for many tasters.

Altogether, the diversity on display did more than showcase Amsterdam Uncorked’s global ambition — it illustrated the event’s core mission: to provide professionals with a hands-on exploration of quality, innovation, and terroir from every corner of the wine world.

Blind Tasting Challenge – Ribera del Duero in Focus

Our third consecutive year in the Ribera del Duero Blind Tasting did not disappoint (check out our report of last year’s edition). This celebrated region of northern Spain, renowned for high-elevation Tempranillo-centric reds, delivered again.

All but a few of Onno Deumer’s personal Vivino scores topped 4.0 — full details can be found on his profile @OnnoDeumer. Among the highlights:

●         (4.4) Convento de las Claras – Paraje de San Juan 2018: Rich and layered, featuring black cherry, mocha, and graphite, with refined tannins and a persistent mineral finish.

●         (4.4) Matarromera Ribera del Duero Reserva 2019: A beautifully balanced wine, melding ripe blackberry, cedar spice, soft vanilla, and earthy depth—elegant yet powerful.

It’s worth noting that in addition to the blind challenge, numerous open Ribera del Duero wines were available for tasting — showcasing a style range from fruit-forward youthful bottles to more oak‑influenced, aged expressions.

Reflections – A Thoughtfully Curated and Inclusive Event

Amsterdam Uncorked 2025 proved a hit for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Held in the Postillion’s air-conditioned halls, the event struck the perfect balance between tasting and education. With diversity on display — from dry Alsace whites, to emerging Moldovan treasures, to the classic strength of Ribera del Duero — it succeeded admirably in its mission.

We look forward to next year. If your calendar allows, Amsterdam Uncorked is one you won’t want to miss.

This article is written by our own Onno Deumer, we thank Pitch PR for their invitation and organisation of this day in honour to wine, in all its forms and shapes. Picture credits: Onno Deumer and Pitch PR.