Schussboom Brewing Company, a craft brewery and pizzeria in South Reno, quickly became a staple in the region’s beer and dining scene after its launch in June 2021. The brewery, located at 12245 S. Virginia St., is the vision of husband-and-wife team Jason and Briana Wagner.
The name is a nod to the founders’ love of the outdoors and adventure. The term “schussboom” refers to pointing your skis straight down a mountain and letting gravity take over—a fitting metaphor for the Wagners’ bold leap into the brewing business. They specialize in German-style beers and offer a rotating selection of crisp lagers, malty bocks and other traditional brews. Jason, who began as a homebrewer, leads the beer program. He has developed a reputation for quality and innovation. The brewery also features collaborations with other renowned breweries.
So why is the wine guy taking about a brewery? Because they also serve wines. Schussboom’s wine program is designed to complement its menu of artisan pizzas, shareables and entrees, providing a sophisticated beverage option in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
The wine list offers something for every palate, whether it’s a crisp white to pair with a salad or a bold red to enjoy with pizza. It’s a curated selection of notable California wines, each chosen for its distinct character and food-friendly appeal.
Among the whites, the William Hill Chardonnay from Napa Valley stands out. This medium-bodied wine is elegantly structured, with ripe notes of honeydew melon, pear and apple crumble. It is complemented by delicate hints of Meyer lemon and nutmeg, offering a smooth, well-balanced profile with crisp acidity and a creamy mouthfeel, making it an excellent pairing for a variety of dishes.
Another white option is the J Vineyards Pinot Gris from Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. This wine is aromatic and complex, blending tangerine, melon and mineral notes on the nose with floral hints of jasmine and lily on the palate. The layered flavors of fresh-picked white peach, apricot, green apple and pear mingle with subtle touches of toast and white pepper, finishing with hints of lemon and wet stone. It is crisp yet full-bodied, appealing to those who enjoy a nuanced white wine experience.
For red wine lovers, Schussboom offers several compelling choices. The Banshee Pinot Noir is exciting and approachable, bursting with aromas of dried cherry, earthy peat moss and redwood forest. It also features notes of hyacinth, sandalwood and confectioners’ sugar, creating a complex and inviting profile.
The Napa Valley Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon is a highlight of the red wine selection. This full-bodied cabernet has a deep, ruby color and aromas of blackberry, cassis and vanilla. On the palate, it offers flavors of ripe dark fruit, dark chocolate and espresso, with balanced acidity and structured tannins. The finish is long and lingering with a touch of spice, making it a superb companion to grilled meats and rich sauces or enjoyable on its own.
For those interested in blends, the Linne Calodo 2022 Stereotype Red Blend provides a rich, velvety experience. Its deep purple hue hints at the complex aroma of red currant, eucalyptus, anise and toasted oak. The wine’s composition includes grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, graciano, and Carignan, resulting in grippy tannins that hold through to the finish for a robust, layered tasting experience.
Beyond traditional wines, Schussboom has also experimented with unique offerings that blur the lines between beer and wine. One such creation was “Is It Wine?,” a sour lager that has drawn attention for its subtle white wine notes and chardonnay-like qualities. Customers have praised it for its crispness and enjoyable flavor profile.
Beyond beer and wine, Schussboom is known for its hearty menu of pizzas and entrees. The kitchen serves up inventive pies, shareable plates and, more recently, a weekend breakfast menu that has quickly gained a following. On Saturdays and Sundays, breakfast favorites include oversized burritos—dubbed “boomritos”—scrambled eggs, Benedicts, and buttermilk biscuits.
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