Additional reporting by Bhakti Modi

Schram Haus Brewery will close its Chaska location at the end of December, ending a seven-year run marked by local support, creative programming and mounting financial pressures. Owners Ashley and Aaron Schram announced the decision on Instagram, citing increasing operating costs as the basis of the decision.

“This decision did not come easily,” the post reads, “but it is a necessary one. Like many small breweries, the increasing costs at this location have made operating as a brewery unsustainable for us moving forward.”

Before opening Schram Haus, owners Aaron and Ashley Schram had opened Schram Vineyards to the public in the summer of 2013 and just a year later had made it a brewery too. As the popularity of their beer took off, the couple needed more space to meet demand and moved their brewing and taproom operations to Chaska, opening Schram House Brewery.

“Needless to say,” reads the Schram Haus website, “when we saw an opportunity to open a brewery and taproom to showcase our brews separate from the winery tasting room atmosphere, we jumped at the chance. And with Chaska’s rich brewing history and German heritage, it was serendipitous to carry this German-inspired brewery concept out in Chaska.”

The brewery’s closure follows a recent trend of brewery closures throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Chanhassen Brewing Company next door in Chanhassen similarly closed its doors earlier this year. The string of closures, according to a report from the Star Tribune, stems from the craft-beer market’s rising costs of operation and decreasing consumption since Minnesota’s brewery scene swelled in the late 2010s.

Costs associated with the property, regulatory hurdles and Minnesota’s liquor licensing laws also played a role. “It’s frustrating, especially knowing that most states around us would allow it,” the Schrams said of their attempt to broaden offerings under a different license type.

The decision has sparked a wave of local disappointment, with many Chaska residents sharing the Schrams’ announcement and expressing sadness in neighborhood Facebook groups. “We loved being part of the Chaska community and wish we could stay open for our loyal supporters and customers,” the Schrams said. “But simply put, when expenses outweigh revenue, that does not make for a viable business.”

The Chaska closure affects about 10 staff members. “We are transitioning as many as we can who have interest in moving to Schram Vineyards,” they said. “We have a really great staff at Schram Haus and want to support them as best we can and retain them.”

“As for what comes next,” they said, “Schram Haus beer will live on at our Schram Vineyards location in Waconia. We are still working through the details, but we look forward to continuing the Schram Haus beer brand there and welcoming you to enjoy it with us.”

Schram Vineyards has enjoyed some exciting successes in the past year. The vineyard won three medals in the Star Tribune’s “Minnesota’s Best” reader awards, winning gold medals in Best Winery and Best View and winning bronze in Best Place to Take Visitors. 

In a March 17 blog post, Schram Vineyards announced expansions. The 32-acre estate has since opened its Bonfire & Barrel Restaurant and Lounge in a newly-constructed building, naming its original building the Vineyard Lodge (which currently goes by “The Christmas Lodge”).

There is still time in this cold season to have a hearty beer at Schram Haus and celebrate all that the Schrams have accomplished with the brewery on the bluff. Per their announcement, “We will remain open through the end of the year, and all scheduled December events are still on, including the Holiday Haus Market, live music, comedy night, trivia and bingo. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this final month together.”

The brewery’s final day is expected to be Saturday, Dec. 28.