Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery — Attraction in Laketown Township

I was very disappointed with the service at Schrams Vineyard & Winery. We arrived at 6 PM to celebrate a birthday and quickly realized this was not the place for hosting events, despite all the advertising suggesting otherwise.

We were told we couldn’t order pizza because the kitchen was backed up but encouraged to order other food that would “come out pretty fast.” After waiting over an hour, we had to go ask about our food because the buzzer never went off. Our order of pretzels, nachos, a charcuterie board, chocolate cake, and cheesecake was finally given to us cold, with both cheese sauces cold. We eventually placed a pizza order, which then took another hour to arrive.

When I ordered a cocktail, I had already paid before being told there was no ice. The waiter suggested I switch drinks, but I ended up with a half-poured glass. To make matters worse, the wine buckets had flies in the ice.

The setup itself is unsafe and inconvenient. Guests must pick up their own food and drinks on an unpaved pathway. I nearly slipped multiple times, and with kids running around, it felt like an accident waiting to happen.

What should have been a celebration turned into a frustrating evening. Schrams needs to seriously rethink their service, food quality, and guest experience if they want to be considered a true event...

Schram is a standout for Minnesota wine—well worth a visit if you appreciate thoughtfully made, cold-climate varietals. The tasting experience is customizable, which I love, especially when exploring unfamiliar regional wines. It’s approachable but still informative, with staff who know their history of the winery.

The Bourbon Barrel Frontenac was a highlight—such a creative expression of a local grape. The oak influence adds depth without overpowering the fruit, and the story behind the barrel-aging process adds another layer to the experience. The Last Course Tawny was another favorite—well-executed with a rich, lingering finish that rivals some traditional dessert wines. Smokey Vines was unexpected in the best way: savory, elegant, and complex.

On the white side, the Sparkling Itasca was clean, crisp, and super refreshing—great acidity and a beautiful showcase of what Minnesota whites can offer.

The setting doesn’t disappoint either—lake views, multiple seating areas, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to linger. Food-wise, the charcuterie and the burrata with bruschetta were well-curated and paired nicely with both red and white selections. Schram continues to prove that Midwest winemaking can be both innovative...

I am extremely disappointed with the customer service at Schrams Winery. I inquired about booking the small gazebo for Saturday, September 13th. I was initially told to email for all questions and then directed to book online. Although the date showed as available, the website would not allow me to proceed.

I emailed several times requesting help and never received a response. I also called multiple times over the course of two weeks. A woman from the wine tasting room eventually took down my information and assured me that a manager would contact me and that the gazebo was still available. Despite this, I never received a follow-up.

After all that effort, when I finally reached someone today, I was told the gazebo was already booked — even though I have screenshots showing it was available until September 9th. This lack of communication and accountability is unacceptable.

It is extremely frustrating to see such poor customer service from a business that promotes a celebratory and enjoyable experience. I expected more professionalism, responsiveness, and respect for customers’ time and effort. I would not recommend relying on Schrams Winery for reservations, especially if you are trying to book something specific...