The Mill City Times Interview: Aaron and Ashley Schram, Owners of AxeBridge Wine Company (coming to the North Loop in 2021)

Article by Becky Fillinger

The North Loop will be home to a new winery – that’s right, a winery! Aaron and Ashley Schram are busy renovating their new location, and we caught up with them to learn more about their new business.

Aaron and Ashley Schram   

Q:  Tell us about the new winery you're opening in the North Loop.

A:  It has been several years in the making, but we could not be more excited to open AxeBridge Wine Co. in early 2021 in the North Loop. We selected this site - 411 N Washington Avenue - a couple of years ago already and obviously there have been some bumps in the road on our way to opening, but we feel on track now to open at a good time. The space will have indoor and outdoor seating, lounge areas, private tasting rooms, a kitchen, and a wine production area. The winery will focus the majority of wines on cold-hardy grape varieties developed by the University of Minnesota to really showcase what our local grape and wine industry is doing. We are anticipating a late winter/early spring opening. 

Q:  Why did you decide to take your Waconia experience and bring it to the North Loop?

A:  It seemed like a perfect fit. The North Loop lacked an urban winery, and we saw an opportunity to expand the enthusiasm for Minnesota wines partnered with some of the best local growers in the state. 

Q:  Will it be called AxeBridge Wine Company? 

A:  Yes, it will be called AxeBridge Wine Co. It differs from our Schram Vineyards because it will have its own production done in the North Loop space and will be a different winery than our Waconia location. The name was originally inspired by our two kids, whose names are Axel and Bridget, but when we saw how nicely it tied into the area, we knew it was serendipitous. Our building is right next to a steel bridge and the North Loop was home to lumberyards back in the day! And there is a nice metaphorical tie in as well as we say we are axeing down the perception of what people think of Minnesota wines and building a bridge of quality and their connection to these local wines.

Q:  How do you divide the responsibilities in running your family business, with a vineyard, winery and multiple locations?

A:  Well, for starters - it isn't easy! We've grown very organically over the years and we've learned how to build a team of people who can help run different areas of the business. It truly takes a village and we have found some talented team players to help us grow. Aaron and I have both had our hands in many different pots and we want to know all areas of the business, but as we've grown, we've realized it's best to focus our efforts on the things we do best. The things we do best are often opposite of each other, and it’s important we find time for our busy family, too. But now knowing what works well and what doesn't, we don't have to reinvent the wheel on how to best run things. It helps that we live on-site at our Waconia location as we can be around for our kids here. They're getting to the age were they can actually help out around here too! 

Q:  What experiences will you offer at the North Loop location?  

A:  We really wanted to bring as much of the agricultural experience and all the amenities of a vineyard to the North Loop as much as possible. We will have tasting experiences, a wine club, special events, space rentals, an outdoor seating and patio area, group tasting experiences, a kitchen with wine friendly food pairings, and more. We are also looking to do a grape stomp around harvest time too! This location will also be centered on wine education and experience as we truly have something unique that even California does not have - local hybridized grapes created at the university 30 minutes away, quality crafted, with wine/grapes that have won awards against some of the big names. When is the last time California developed their own grapes varieties? We have something truly special and unique that will win over the local market over and is truly something to support. Not just our location but hope to really kick start this industry and bring more awareness to other local wineries making great products too.

Q:  How can we stay up to date with your progress? 

A:  Here’s several ways: Facebook, Instagram and webite. Join our email list through the website, as we'll send periodic updates and info on our opening there!