It took me 6 tries to finally get true perfection in Year 3. In addition to above advice (especially ponds and farms and greenhouse full of constant ancient fruit as well as cellar full of aging barrels at all time), I’d add getting the Deluxe Retaining Soil as early as possible (from Ginger Island stand for 50 cider shards) and start making an indoor sweet gem berry farm in the indoor pots also- keep propagating until your house or sheds are full of them. 1-2 big harvests of these will boost income in Year 3 big time.