Wine Bar Amelie Amstelveen: A Perfect Blend of Expertise and Flavor.
If you’re in the Amsterdam area and have a passion for fine wines and gourmet cuisine, there’s a must-visit spot to add to your list. Located in the heart of Cityden Stadshart, a modern well-equipped apartment hotel, the newly opened Wine Bar Amelie Amstelveen is already making waves among wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
With the interior design that combines modern sophistication with warm, welcoming touches, it’s a space where you can linger for hours. Soft lighting, plush seating, and tasteful décor create an atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate dates, lively gatherings, or quiet moments of indulgence. Whether you’re unwinding after a day of working, shopping, or seeking an elegant night out, Amelie ensures an exquisite and stylish experience.
Recently, our Kazumi had the pleasure of experiencing their meticulously curated wine pairing course alongside exquisite modern Chinese cuisine. Here, we’ll share three reasons why Amelie Amstelveen is a standout destination.
A World-Class Wine Selection: Over 350 Options
At the heart of Amelie is its impressive wine list, featuring over 350 hand-selected lineups from around the globe. From the iconic vineyards of France to hidden treasures in Georgia and New Zealand, the selection caters to seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
Delving into the details, the Champagne list includes celebrated names such as Jacquesson, Egly-Ouriet, Pierre Paillard, and Salon, while Burgundy lovers will appreciate offerings from Anne Boisson, Pierre-Henri Rougeot, and Jean-Marc Bouley, among others. In Alsace, names like Boxler and Zind-Humbrecht stand out, while South Africa is represented by the renowned Sadie Family, Savage, and Storm.
A unique highlight is the selection of wines from Switzerland—a rarity in many wine bars—thanks to the connections of one of the business partners. Additionally, the expertise of Julee, the manager with roots in Spain, shines through in the exceptional range of Spanish wines available.
Every bottle is thoughtfully chosen to offer a diverse range of tastes, occasions, and budgets. Whether your preference leans toward a crisp white, a bold red, or a celebratory sparkling wine, Amelie ensures there’s something to delight every palate.
Pairing Perfection: Modern Chinese Cuisine by Amber Garden
Amelie Wine Bar shares its kitchen with Amber Garden, a Michelin-listed modern Chinese restaurant renowned for its innovative take on traditional flavors. With the kitchen under the expert guidance of Master Chef Jiang Jiang, the modern sophisticated Chinese cuisine is not only a growing trend but has already earned a stellar reputation in the Netherlands and in the area.
Paring of the day
Cold Dishes:
- Poached Black Tiger Prawns with lime foam and homemade pickles
- Hand-Cut Steak Tartare with apple, avocado, and sweet chili paste
- Lightly Fried Eggplant with spring onion oil and spicy soy vinaigrette
- Cherry Tomatoes with passion fruit and lime juice
Wine Pairing:
- Rheingau Riesling Trocken 2022 by Eva Fricke
- Ribeiro ‘Peña’ 2022 by Eduardo Peña
These four beautifully crafted appetizers were impeccably paired with two outstanding wines. The first was a Riesling from Eva Fricke, a rising star in the Rheingau region celebrated for her precise biodynamic approach. This wine showcased vibrant acidity and delicate floral aromas. The second was an enchanting blend from DO Ribeiro in Spain, offering aromatic richness with notes of muscat, lychee, and grapefruit that perfectly complemented the fresh, diverse flavors of the dishes—especially pairing harmoniously with the cherry tomatoes, a match made in heaven. Together, these pairings elevated the dining experience, setting a refined and elegant tone for the meal.
Warm Dishes:
- Deep fried seabass fillet sweet soy sauce
- Fried egg Tofu, pumpkin purée, mushrooms
Wine Pairing:
- Rioja Blanco 2022 by Alegre Valgañón
A traditional oxidative-style Rioja Blanco crafted from 85% Viura, 10% Garnacha Blanca, and 4% Tempranillo Blanco, among other varieties. The wine showcases aromas of ripe pear, green apple, bruised apple, citrus peel, yellow peach, herbal undertones, subtle oak, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with added complexity from its nutty and honeyed nuances. This versatile gastronomic wine pairs beautifully with both sea bass and fried tofu.
Main Dish 1:
- Slow cooked Black Angus short ribs, sweet soy reduction, seasonal veg
Wine Pairing:
- Pies Negros 2022 by Bodega Artuke
This wine is a village red from Rioja, crafted from 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. It carries a slightly rustic character with earthy undertones, layers of spices, and hints of bay leaf, all complementing the opulent notes of red currant and cooked blackberry. These flavors make it an excellent match for dishes with sweet soy sauce and spices. Rich and powerful, this wine elevates the meal to an exceptional level.
Main Dish 2:
- Iberico pork spareribs, cumin salt, bell peppers
Wine Pairing:
- Historic 2021 by Terroir al Limit
This wine, crafted from 75% Grenache and 25% Cariñena, offers a beautifully expressive nose with aromas of red cherry, blueberry, hints of bay leaf, licorice, smoke, and earthy undertones. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity, it pairs wonderfully with Iberico pork cooked with a medley of spices that align seamlessly with the wine’s spiced red fruit profile.
Expertise You Can Trust: Julee Bruens
What truly sets Amelie Wine Bar apart is the expertise and passion of its manager, Julee Bruens. A seasoned professional, Julee is not only a sommelier but also an accomplished wine educator with the prestigious WSET Diploma and the title of Certified Sherry Educator. Her background ensures that every detail of the bar—from the curated wine list to the knowledgeable events prepared—reflects a profound understanding and appreciation for wine.
Julee brings personalized recommendations, educational experiences and commitment of the excellence to your table. The bar plans to host engaging wine tastings and masterclasses, providing guests with the opportunity to deepen their wine knowledge in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere as well. Whether you’re exploring a specific wine region or varietal, or simply looking for an enjoyable evening out, Amelie combines tradition with innovation to create memorable moments.
Conclusion
With its unparalleled wine selection, innovative cuisine, expert guidance, and warm ambiance, Amelie Wine Bar promises to become a cornerstone of the dining scene for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting your journey into the world of wine, every visit to Amelie feels like a special occasion.
Amelie Wine Bar isn’t just a spot to enjoy exceptional wines—it’s a place to connect, learn, and celebrate. With plans for guided tastings, food & pairing nights, and meet the winemaker events, Amelie offers experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
So why wait? Raise a glass to this exciting new addition in Amstelveen and discover the perfect blend of tradition, expertise, and indulgence. Cheers!
This article is written by our own Kazumi Uejo (@kazuming.wine.food). We would like to thank Julee for their invitation and for the exceptional wines and dishes. All mentioned wines are available in the Amelie Amstelveen. Picture credits: Dutch Wine Apprentice and Amelie Amstelveen.
