Make a Soy Candle at Rustic Roots Winery: Scandia's Hands-On Workshop

At Rustic Roots Winery, 20168 St Croix Trail N in Scandia, Minnesota, an afternoon candle-making class turns grape-country leisure into a hands-on craft ritual. TS Home Studio leads a station-based workshop where you'll blend from more than fifty fragrance oils, pour 100% soy wax into a 14-ounce vessel, and set a wood wick that crackles when lit. The setting is convivial and purposeful: a tasting room that doubles as a studio, sunlight through winery windows, and the low hum of conversation as candles cool on racks. This experience is built for people who want a tactile souvenir to match the landscape. The St. Croix River valley nearby shapes the region - rolling vineyards, oak savanna fragments, and poplar-lined roads - so it's easy to pair a late spring hike or a quiet drive with the class. The format is straightforward: arrive at 1 PM, move through scent stations with guidance from an on-site Scent Consultant, mix a custom formula, and pour your 14oz soy candle with a wooden wick. Candles need roughly 1.5-2 hours to solidify, so plan to linger or explore the property's grounds while your pour sets. Why this outing stands out locally is simple: it stitches a creative workshop into a living winery. You're not only making a candle; you're doing it inside a working tasting room where the terroir and seasonality of Minnesota small-lot wines are visible. The workshop capacity is limited, which keeps the flow intimate and practical. It's a social craft with low barriers - no prior experience required - and it's hospitable to anyone who wants to make something thoughtful without a full-day commitment. Practical notes: tickets don't include wine, but the winery's menu is available if you'd like a glass or a mocktail. The event is standing and station-based, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the color of your custom blend. Candles are poured on site and taken home once set. This is a good stop for couples, friends celebrating an afternoon, or travelers seeking an engaging indoor activity that still feels tied to place. Combine it with an exploration of nearby Afton State Park or a scenic run along the St. Croix River to turn a single class into a full-day outing in eastern Minnesota wine country. Bookings are limited—sessions cap at 25 participants—so reserve your spot through the event link. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in at the Rustic Roots tasting room; the experience moves between stations and benefits from an orderly start. The class makes an excellent, handcrafted gift: personalize a scent for someone else, attach a note, and you have an intimate present that echoes local character. The winery address is 20168 St Croix Trail N in Scandia.