As the days grow longer and the crisp air gives way to hints of spring, we know one thing for certain—maple syrup season has arrived in the Sullivan Catskills! We’ve been out in the sugarbush, walking the lines, checking taps, and making upgrades to our system. While we’re not quite at full capacity yet, we’re thrilled to be back at it, and before long, the sweet scent of boiling sap will fill the air.
A Sweet Tradition in the Catskills
Maple sugaring is one of the oldest agricultural traditions in North America, dating back to the Indigenous peoples who first discovered the process of collecting and boiling sap. Early settlers adopted the practice, and over generations, it has become an essential part of our region’s seasonal rhythms. Here in the Catskills, we’re lucky to have the perfect conditions—cold nights and warm days—that keep the sap flowing and the sugaring season in full swing.
From Sap to Syrup: The Magic of Maple
It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make just one gallon of syrup! The process begins with tapping our mature sugar maples, collecting the sap, and then boiling it down in our evaporator to remove excess water, leaving behind pure, golden maple syrup. Every year brings its own challenges, and while we are still making improvements to our system, the joy of maple season never fades. There’s nothing quite like watching the steam rise from the sugarhouse and knowing that soon, we’ll be tasting the first syrup of the season.
Visit Winterton Farms This March
We invite you to stop by Winterton Farms during the last two weekends of March to experience the magic of maple season firsthand! While we’re not fully set up for our full maple tours just yet, you may still get a glimpse of the process and see some of the work that goes into making maple syrup. And of course, no visit would be complete without something delicious to sip on—Two Farms Brewing will be serving up maple-inspired beverages to celebrate the season!
Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes (though we won’t judge if that’s your go-to). It’s a versatile, natural sweetener perfect for coffee, cocktails, baking, glazes, and more. We can’t wait to share the sweetness of the season with you!
Mark your calendars and come see us at Winterton Farms! We’d love to hear—what’s your favorite way to enjoy maple syrup?