Waconia is a weirdly perfect spot for a drink. You’re driving through these rolling Minnesota hills, past cornfields and quiet roads, and suddenly you hit this ridge. Right there, overlooking the water, sits Schram Winery and Brewery. It isn't just a place to grab a quick glass of Riesling. It’s actually a massive, multi-generational project that basically redefined what a "farm winery" looks like in the Midwest. Most people show up for the view, but they stay because the Schram family figured out a way to make serious wine and craft beer coexist without one overshadowing the other.
Honesty is key here. Usually, when a place tries to do both wine and beer, one of them sucks. It's just the truth. You get great beer and "house" wine that tastes like vinegar, or a sophisticated vineyard with a dusty tap handle in the corner serving a mediocre IPA. Schram is different. Aaron and Ashley Schram started this thing back in 2013, and they didn’t just slap a label on some bulk juice. They planted the vines. They built the brewery. They created a hybrid.
The Reality of Cold-Climate Viticulture at Schram Winery and Brewery
Growing grapes in Minnesota is a nightmare. It really is. You aren't dealing with the gentle Mediterranean breezes of Napa or the consistent heat of the Sonoma Valley. You’re dealing with winters that can hit -30 degrees and summers that feel like a tropical rainforest. Because of this, Schram Winery and Brewery relies heavily on "cold-hardy" hybrids. These are the grapes developed by the University of Minnesota—think Frontenac, Marquette, and Itasca.
If you go there expecting a buttery California Chardonnay, you’re going to be confused. Minnesota wine has a punchy acidity. It’s bright. Sometimes it’s a little wild. The Schrams have leaned into this rather than fighting it. Their Marquette is a standout because it doesn't try to be a Cabernet; it stays true to its cherry and spice profile. They also source some grapes from Washington and California for those who absolutely need their West Coast fix, but the soul of the place is in the local soil.
The Beer Side of the Brain
Then there's the brewery. This isn't just an afterthought for the guys who don't like wine. The brewing operation is robust. They focus on clean, drinkable styles that actually pair well with being outside on a patio. You’ll find everything from hazy IPAs to traditional German lagers.
The cool thing? The crossover. Sometimes they’ll age a beer in wine barrels. Or they might use wine must in a fermentation process. This kind of experimentation is why the local crowd keeps coming back. It’s not static. They’re always messing with the recipes to see what sticks.
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What Actually Happens When You Visit
Parking can be a bit of a mess on a Saturday in July. Just a heads up. You’ll pull into the gravel lot and likely see a wedding party taking photos near the vines. That’s the vibe. It’s busy, loud, and full of life.
The tasting room is a big, rustic-modern barn structure. High ceilings. Wood beams. You walk up to the counter and you have to make a choice: beer flight or wine flight? Or both. Most people do both. They have this great outdoor space with fire pits and bocce ball courts. It feels like a backyard party, just on a much larger and more professional scale.
Honestly, the best time to go is late September. The air is crisp, the grapes are being harvested, and the "Bona" (their signature red blend) tastes exactly like autumn should.
Debunking the Snobbery
One thing that people get wrong about Schram is that they think it’s going to be stuffy. It’s Waconia. It’s Minnesota. You’ll see people in flip-flops sitting next to people in suits. There is zero gatekeeping. If you don't know the difference between a dry wine and a sweet wine, the staff will actually explain it to you without making you feel like an idiot. That kind of hospitality is what built their reputation.
They also have a sister location now—Schram Vineyards has a spinoff called Schram Haus Brewery in downtown Chaska. It’s a bit more "beer-centric" and has a German beer hall feel, located in an old historic building. It shows the family’s range. They can do the scenic vineyard thing, but they also understand the grit and history of an old brick-and-mortar brewery.
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Why the Soil Matters More Than You Think
The land around Lake Waconia is unique. Glacial till. It’s rocky, it’s mineral-rich, and it drains well. For a vine, struggle is good. If a vine has it too easy, the grapes are watery and boring. At Schram, those vines have to work.
- Marquette Grapes: These are the rockstars of the North. Deep purple, high sugar, high acidity.
- Frontenac Blanc: A newer mutation that makes a killer, crisp white wine with notes of pear.
- Estate Grown: This means the grapes were grown right there on the property. Look for that on the label.
Many people don't realize that Aaron Schram is deeply involved in the technical side of the industry. He’s served on boards and worked with other regional winemakers to elevate the entire state’s reputation. This isn't a hobby. It’s a dedicated push to prove that the Midwest can produce world-class beverages.
The Food Situation
Don't show up expecting a seven-course tasting menu. That’s not what this is. They have a solid kitchen that puts out "winery food." Think charcuterie boards, pizzas, and pretzels. It’s designed to soak up the alcohol and complement the drinks. The pizzas are actually surprisingly good—thin crust, charred in the right places.
If you’re a big group, get a couple of the boards. They source a lot of local cheeses, which makes sense because, well, it’s the Midwest. The pairing of a sharp cheddar with a cold-climate red wine is something everyone should try at least once.
Hidden Details Most People Miss
Check out the labels. The branding at Schram is very intentional. It’s clean, modern, and avoids the "tacky vineyard" cliches. Also, pay attention to the seasonal releases. Because they are a farm-based operation, they are at the mercy of the seasons. If a frost hits early, a certain vintage might be limited. That scarcity makes the wine more interesting. It’s a snapshot of a specific year's weather.
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Another thing? The "Vine Club." It’s their version of a wine club, but it includes the beer. It’s a genius move. Most clubs force you into one category, but Schram realizes their customers are "poly-drinkers." We like options.
Practical Advice for Your Visit
If you want to avoid the crowds, go on a Thursday evening. It’s peaceful. You can actually talk to the people behind the bar and learn about the fermentation process. If you’re there for the party, Saturday afternoon is your window.
- Check the Calendar: They do live music constantly. It’s usually local acoustic acts that fit the vibe perfectly.
- Dress for the Weather: A lot of the best seating is outdoors. If it’s windy, you’ll feel it. Bring a jacket.
- Explore Waconia: While you’re out there, check out the lake. It’s one of the prettiest in the metro area.
- Try the Itasca: It’s one of the newer grape varieties and it’s arguably the best white wine being made in the state right now.
The Verdict on Schram Winery and Brewery
There are a lot of places to grab a drink in the Twin Cities. You can go to a dark taproom in North Minneapolis or a fancy wine bar in the North Loop. But Schram offers something different. It offers a sense of place. When you’re sitting there looking at the vines, you feel connected to the land in a way that’s hard to find in the suburbs.
It’s a family-run business that took a massive gamble on Minnesota soil and won. Whether you’re a "beer guy" dragged along by your wine-loving partner, or a sommelier looking to see what the Midwest can do, you’ll find something that surprises you. They’ve managed to bridge the gap between two very different worlds, and they’ve done it with a lot of heart and a lot of very good yeast.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of a visit to Schram Winery and Brewery, start by checking their current tap and bottle list online, as it changes with the seasons. If you are planning a weekend visit, arrive before 2:00 PM to secure a table with a view of the vineyard. Consider booking a guided tasting if you are with a group of six or more to ensure you get the full backstory on their estate-grown hybrids. Finally, don't leave without a bottle of the Marquette; it’s the most authentic representation of what Minnesota winemaking is trying to achieve.