At Wijnbar Paulus, it’s all about enjoying wine in a relaxed, intimate setting. The bar is located in De Pijp, has limited seating, and feels more like a living room than a sleekly designed restaurant or bar. You sit close to the bar, overhear conversations about wine, and realize that here, it’s all about paying attention and taking your time.
Owner Paul curates the wine list himself and focuses primarily on European wines. The selection changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try. The emphasis is on wines with a personal story: where the grapes are grown, who makes the wine, and why this particular bottle was chosen. You won’t find that background information on the wine list—you’ll get it straight from behind the bar.
Paul is known for his half-glass tastings. Instead of ordering a whole bottle right away, you discuss with Paul what you like: light or full-bodied, fresh or a bit more mature, well-known grape varieties or more adventurous choices. Based on that, he’ll put together a tasting selection, briefly explaining each half-glass. This way, you’ll taste several styles in succession and discover the differences in origin and character.
Paul is known for his tastings with half-glasses.
The atmosphere is informal, with plenty of direct interaction between guests and the owner. Precisely because the space is small and seating is limited, conversations about what’s in the glasses quickly get going. Paulus focuses mainly on the late afternoon and evening, making it a natural spot to wind down at the end of the day or kick off a wine-tasting evening. If you enjoy exploring different European wines at your leisure, this neighborhood bar is definitely the place for you.