Flights & Small Bites

Written by Cherie Westerkamp, Assistant Office Coordinator

The Ultimate Pella Tasting Adventure

If you think Pella, Iowa, is just about history and quiet strolls, think again. For anyone looking to level up their weekend, this town is a foodie playground hidden in plain sight. We are talking about an epic crawl built entirely around liquid flights, artisan pairings, and a hidden speakeasy.

Whether you’re planning a trendy group hang or a spontaneous day trip, embark on an adventurous, bite-sized journey through the absolute best flavors Pella has to offer.

1. The Creative Fuel: IRIS Coffee Co.

Kick off your flavor tour at IRIS Coffee Co., a bright, modern space that doubles as a coffeehouse and an experimental beverage laboratory, it is the ultimate launchpad for a day of tasting.

• The Flight: Grab a seasonal espresso or cold brew flight to sample their rotating, house-roasted bean profiles.
• The Bite: Pair your caffeine boost with a pastry or a classic Dutch Letter to fuel the adventure ahead.

2. The Cheese Fix: Frisian Farms Cheese House

Hop in the car for a quick, scenic cruise just minutes outside of town to Frisian Farms Cheese House. This family-owned business makes traditional Dutch Gouda using authentic Old World techniques. Look through large viewing windows to watch the cheese-making process before teasing your taste buds.

• The Flight: Build your own custom grazing board by sampling a flight of Goudas ranging from young and creamy to deeply aged and sharp.
• The Bite: Do not leave without trying a handful of their squeaky, ultra-fresh morning cheese curds.

3. The Vineyard Views: Tassel Ridge Winery

Keep the countryside vibes rolling by heading down the road to Tassel Ridge Winery. Nestled right in the rolling Iowa farmlands, this state-of-the-art facility brings an urban winery feel straight to the Midwest.

• The Flight: Book a seated tasting reservation to explore a flight of their award-winning wines, ranging from dry, complex estate reds to fun, sweet fruit wines.
• The Bite: They regularly host weekend wine-and-food pairing events. Grab some chocolates or stay for a wood-fired pizza to complement your pour.

4. The Local Pour: The Wijn House

Head back to the historic downtown square and walk into The Wijn House, Pella’s vibrant, dedicated all-Iowa wine store. Boasting over 150 selections from more than 30 different regional vineyards, it’s a lively hub designed for discovery.

• The Flight: Their tasting menu changes weekly, making it the perfect spot to order a tasting of unique local pours you won't find anywhere else.
• The Bite: Order a cheese & cracker tray or bring your own snack to pair with a new wine, while you chat with the incredibly knowledgeable staff.

5. The Craft Curation: The Cellar Peanut Pub

Walk down the street into The Cellar Peanut Pub, a legendary craft beer destination that takes tasting seriously. Every single bartender here is a Certified Cicerone Beer Server, meaning they will literally stand there and curate a personalized beer adventure just for you.

• The Flight: Choose from over 50 craft beers on tap to build a custom 4-glass flight, or watch while they create their famous and epic, garnish-heavy Pickle Bloody Mary.
• The Bite: Throw your peanut shells straight onto the floor or order a hot pizza or appetizers right to your barstool from George’s Pizza.

6. The Moody Nightcap: de Kelder Speakeasy

As the sun goes down, it's time for the grand finale. Slip away from the main streets and descend into de Kelder Speakeasy, a gorgeous, candlelit hideaway tucked below street level. It features a cozy, post-prohibition aesthetic that completely shifts the energy of your night.

• The Flight: Ask the mixologists for a custom high-end spirit flight, or sample a few of their expertly crafted, upscale cocktails.
• The Bite: Round out the night by sharing an array of their premium appetizers, elegant small plates, and decadent desserts.

💡 Pro-Tips for Your Tasting Tour:

• Designate a Driver: Pella's drinks pack a serious punch. Make sure someone is playing bartender-in-chief behind the wheel, or utilize local rideshares to zip between town and the countryside wineries.
• Leave time for shopping all of Pella’s unique boutiqes!

Pella is waiting with the espresso brewing, the corks popped, and the speakeasy doors unlocked. See you this weekend!

This post was published on the Visit Pella blog on August 4, 2026.

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