March is Maple Month in New Hampshire
Join us for a wine tasting and add a Maple Platter to get in the groove.
The Time-Honored Tradition of Maple Sugaring
As winter begins to loosen its grip, maple trees prepare for one of nature’s sweetest transformations. The sap starts to flow when daytime temperatures rise above freezing while nights remain cold, creating a cycle of expansion and contraction within the tree. This pressure change causes the sugary sap, stored in the roots during winter, to move upward through the tree’s vascular system. The process is a crucial part of the tree’s seasonal cycle, signaling the shift from dormancy to active growth.
This natural phenomenon is the foundation of maple sugaring, a tradition that dates back centuries. Farmers and sugarmakers tap the trees by drilling small holes into the bark, allowing the sap to be collected and later boiled down into maple syrup. The sap itself is mostly water with a hint of sugar and nutrients, but through evaporation, it transforms into the rich, amber syrup enjoyed around the world. The sap run typically lasts for several weeks, depending on weather conditions, before the trees fully awaken and budding signals the end of the season.
March Maple Madness at Seven Birches Winery
As the sweet scent of maple fills the air in New Hampshire, we at Seven Birches Winery are embracing the maple sugaring season with a special twist. To celebrate this beloved local tradition, we’re introducing a maple-inspired picnic platter, perfect for pairing with our handcrafted wines. Featuring a local cheddar cheese, pepperoni, some maple candy, heirloom apple with maple syrup mini jam, locally smoked maple syrup, and picnic crackers, the platter offers a delicious way to experience the flavors of the season. Whether enjoyed in our cozy tasting room or as part of an outdoor vineyard picnic to go, this limited-time offering captures the essence of New England’s sugaring season.
$26 Maple Picnic Platter Includes:
- Cabot Cracker Cut Cheddar Cheese
- Garfield Smokehouse Pre-Sliced Pepperoni
- Nabisco Entertainment Crackers
- Sugar Bob’s Smoked Maple Syrup
- Blake Hill Heirloom Apple with Maple Syrup Jam
- Maple Candy
In addition to our maple-infused picnic platter, we’re also showcasing locally sourced maple products, including small-batch maple syrup and maple confections, available for purchase in our winery gift shop. These sweet additions complement the rich, complex notes of our reds and whites, creating a unique tasting experience for our guests. Whether you’re a wine lover, a maple enthusiast, or simply looking for a cozy winter treat, we invite you to sip, savor, and celebrate the magic of maple sugaring with us in the heart of the White Mountains.
