4
Mar
Helderberg 1839 Maple & Vine Brings Pure Maple Tradition to the Helderberg Hilltowns
BERNE, NY — Deep in the rolling landscape of Albany County’s Helderberg Hilltowns, Helderberg 1839 Maple & Vine is cultivating more than just maple syrup — it’s celebrating a homegrown journey rooted in family, tradition, and farm-to-table excellence.
What started as a humble backyard experiment has blossomed into a boutique farm enterprise producing high-quality 100% pure maple products for local families and visitors alike. Owners Ernie and Vicki Cupernall, who moved to the rural Town of Knox in 2012, transformed an old dairy farm with a farmhouse dating back to 1839 into a thriving maple operation.
“Our first syrup was made over a propane stove from just six tapped trees,” says the Cupernall story — a modest beginning that led to a proper sugar shack and an expanded tapping operation.
From Sap to Specialty
Each spring, the farm’s network of sugar maples is tapped and the sap is boiled down to create pure maple syrup — a process that takes roughly 40 gallons of sap for every gallon of syrup produced.
Visitors and customers can enjoy a range of maple offerings including:
- Pure maple syrup in a variety of bottle sizes
- Maple wine crafted entirely from 100% maple syrup
- Specialty maple products like maple candies, maple sugar, maple cream, and maple-encrusted nuts
The maple wine — a unique take on traditional syrup flavors — is described by the farm as delicate with rich, sweet notes, similar in character to ice wine or mead.
A Community Staple
Helderberg 1839 Maple & Vine isn’t just about products; it’s about community. The farm invites engagement from neighbors and maple lovers alike, sharing recipes and seasonal inspiration, and offering free local delivery within a 25-mile radius for orders over $25.
Located at 214 Becker Road in Berne, the farm welcomes visitors year-round (with advance contact recommended for hours) and has become a beloved stop for those exploring the historic agricultural landscape of New York’s Capital Region.
Whether drizzled over pancakes, stirred into fall baking, or enjoyed as a chilled glass of maple wine, the products of Helderberg 1839 Maple & Vine continue a legacy of pure, natural sweetness — and a story that began more than 180 years ago.
