Our Story
Founded in 1998 by Geauga County Maple Festival Grand Champion Pierre Delafranconi, Butternut Maple Farm began as a small operation on Pierre's property along Butternut Road in Burton, Ohio. What started in a garage soon grew into a small sugar shack—still standing today—and a passion for producing exceptional maple syrup rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and continuous learning.
As the farm expanded, Pierre envisioned a larger facility to support the growing operation. With the help of family and friends, he designed and built a 2,000-square-foot sugarhouse, which opened in 2018. Today, the sugarhouse features state-of-the-art equipment, including a high-efficiency evaporator, reverse osmosis systems, custom-built filter presses, and ample storage capacity. The facility also includes a welcoming retail showroom where visitors can shop our products and enjoy private or small-group tours.
Our sugarhouse is home to a commercial kitchen known for its pancake breakfasts, where guests enjoy our signature buttermilk pancake mix paired with pure Butternut Maple Farm maple syrup. Visitors can also extend their experience by staying in our on-site Airbnb apartment, offering a unique opportunity to witness maple syrup production firsthand during sugaring season.
Today, Butternut Maple Farm operates approximately 6,500 taps across five sugar bushes and continues to grow while remaining committed to quality and sustainability. In 2021, our maple syrup became Certified Organic, a standard we proudly maintain. Our products are enjoyed locally, shipped across the United States, and shared with customers around the world through retail, wholesale, and bulk markets.
Beyond producing award-winning maple syrup, Pierre is passionate about preserving and sharing the tradition of maple sugaring. A lifelong student of the craft, he continually studies new techniques and innovations while educating families, schools, and aspiring syrup makers about sustainable maple production. Through workshops, tours, media appearances, and hands-on mentorship, Pierre remains dedicated to ensuring the maple syrup tradition continues for generations to come.
When to Visit
Although our farm store is open year-round (by appointment). The best time of the season to visit is during tapping season which is February & March (dependent on weather). We are part of the Ohio Maple Tour and host a pancake breakfast every year, so be sure to join our email list to stay up to date on events and tours.
Our Process
Watch this video where Pierre shows our process at making our premier certified organic maple syrup.
Have questions? Contact Us
Maple Syrup Care & Storage
Pure maple syrup is a natural product and should be stored properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Before Opening: Store unopened syrup in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard.
After Opening: Refrigerate promptly after opening and keep the container tightly sealed. Properly refrigerated maple syrup can maintain its quality for up to a year or longer.
For Long-Term Storage: Maple syrup freezes beautifully and can be stored in the freezer for extended periods without affecting flavor or quality.
Because our syrup contains no preservatives, mold can occasionally develop if left unrefrigerated after opening. If this occurs, the syrup should be discarded.
With proper care, you can enjoy the rich, pure taste of Butternut Maple Farm maple syrup long after it's harvested.