You can still make gold with: animals, selling fish, foraging, selling valuable stones from the mines
Generally in the first winter, I do all the stuff that I didn't have time for in the first few seasons
After the first year, I have made enough gold that I have enough to last me through winter
Mayo makers turn those eggs into more money! I usually check on my chickens first thing in the morning, grab the eggs, stick them in the Mayo machines and then by the afternoon there’s Mayo to sell. It’ll more than triple your selling price.
First winter is the time to gather resources and focus of crafting, improving infrastructure, gaining friendship with locals, and plowing through the mines and monster slayer goals.
You can up your fishing through crab traps, btw, and lining your farm with them is moderately profitable as long as you can make or find enough bait. As you advance fishing you'll craft items that give you bait every day and can turn garbage into useful items.
Artisan goods are things like wines, juices, beer, cheese, mead etc. they are a more valuable than the normal farmed stuff but take some extra time. Next fall you can maybe prepare some to sell in winter.
First winter is the time to gather resources and focus of crafting, improving infrastructure, gaining friendship with locals, and plowing through the mines and monster slayer goals.
You can up your fishing through crab traps, btw, and lining your farm with them is moderately profitable as long as you can make or find enough bait. As you advance fishing you'll craft items that give you bait every day and can turn garbage into useful items.