A True Family Business

Our Grandmother, Marjorie Palmer, began sugaring during WW II when traditional cane sugar was rationed due to the war effort. With the help of her children, grew the business a little bit each year.  In 1972, she moved the current sugarhouse from the “old sugarhouse” location which is located up in the woods about one half mile to our current location on Shelburne Hinesburg Road. 

Steven Palmer started sugaring over the years with his grandmother starting at the age of 6 and became a big part of Steve’s life.  Steve took over the family sugaring business in 2011. Since then, our family expanded the sugarhouse incorporating new technology. In 2012, we installed the very first natural gas fired evaporator east of the Mississippi which drastically cut our energy costs.  We also updated and expanded our tubing and vacuum systems and added reverse osmosis to allow us to efficiently process the sap. 

Our investments in technology have dramatically increased production while allowing us to drastically cut costs. We are environmentally conscious as this process has allowed us to reduce our carbon foot print by over 97%! Recently we began producing the world’s first line of premium maple ice cream that uses our pure maple syrup as the primary sweetener. We produce seven standard flavors in addition to a few seasonal flavors. Customer can purchase directly thru us at our sugarhouse and is also available retail at Healthy Living Market at both South Burlington and Williston, VT locations.

Four-Season Outdoor Center

In 2018, we formally opened the farm to the public for outdoor recreation. We have miles of trails available to the public for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. We’re pleased to offer this natural resource free to the public.  You can park at Shelburne Sugarworks and enjoy 170 acres right here in the heart of Chittenden County. 

Our trail system continues to expand and improve thanks to family, neighbors and dedicated volunteers. Bring your cross-country skis, hiking boots or mountain bike and make memories in our spectacular sugarwoods that you will never forget.