Sagra Dell'uva

Sagra Dell'uva ('the wine party') is one of my favourite places in Amsterdam to buy wine. Owner Gennaro Buongiovanni imports his own Italian wines, as well as grappas, liqueurs, olive oil and a small selection of organic food items.

The shop is only open three days a week at present, but is open relatively late on all those days, which is ideal for anyone looking to buy a good bottle of wine after work.

For something really different, try the 2004 Le Moire Etna Rosso. Made from a local grape variety that's organically grown in the volcanic soil around Mount Etna on Sicily, this deep red wine has a very distinct, almost musty odour which really grows on you. It goes perfectly with grilled or spicy meat dishes.

Buongiovanni and fellow wine fan Jeroen van Krimpen are friendly and knowledgeable and give excellent advice. I often just go in and tell them what dish I’m making and they will ask what my budget is and recommend something. I've never had a bad wine from Sagra Dell'uva.