The tree-lined drive into Gervasi Vineyard offers a glimpse of lovely buildings, a peak at neatly ordered vineyards and a view of a perfectly sited, spring-fed lake.
Just beyond the Gervasi Vineyard entrance is the usual jumble of suburban sprawl: housing developments, gas stations, fast food restaurants. Within the 55-acre property lies a piece of Tuscany, private, quiet and elegant. An ideal getaway works when it can transport visitors both mentally and physically. If it’s just an hour or so away — even better.
It’s easy to dismiss a vineyard in Canton. Most people associate Ohio’s thriving wine industry with vineyards that hug Lake Erie. Yet the former tree farm and its rich, glaciated soil nurtures six wine grape varieties specifically suited to Ohio’s fickle growing conditions.
Winemaker Andrew Codispoti says the intangibles make Canton an ideal home for a winery.
“Wine is not only about the product,” he says. “It’s about the whole experience with activities, family and friends. In Canton, we have our own microclimate. We can grow fantastic hybrids developed for areas such as ours. Canton is a great place to produce and sell wine.”
A TUSCAN DESIGN
Codispoti is partial to the wine-making aspect of Gervasi Vineyard; after all, it’s his job. It takes several years for vines to mature sufficiently to produce quality wine. The inaugural harvest was 2014. This past summer, Gervasi released Passione and Lascito, their first estate-grown wines. Most grapes or juice come from vineyards in Washington, California and Ohio, selected in person by Codispoti, produced into wine on site.
Since its founding in 2009 when long-time area businessman Ted Swaldo purchased the property, Gervasi Vineyard has grown even more quickly than its vines. Guided by general manager (and son) Scott Swaldo, Gervasi has evolved into a regional destination. About 75 percent of its visitors come from within an hour away. The rest are drawn to the property for weddings and other special events.
Ted Swaldo’s initial plan was to preserve the former farm and to give back to the community that gave so much to him and his family. A winery was a logical fit for the site. Careful culling left the property with plenty of mature trees and open land for grapevines. Gervasi is a family name from his mother.
Quickly, the family saw a need for expanded services. In short order they restored a 19th Century farmhouse and barn on the property to provide lodging and fine dining. They soon constructed other buildings with a Tuscan design, which is upscale and provides a more comfortable elegance. Also, visitors can eat, shop, take cooking, wine and related classes, spend the night and hold events within the Gervasi property.
A team of polished guides provides tours of the vineyard and wine-making facilities, discussing pairings and holding tastings. Com- plimentary wine tours are on Saturdays at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
A PLACE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
While many associate vineyards with warm-weather touring, late fall and winter bring plenty of opportunities for visitors. Lights will adorn trees throughout the property, promising a twinkly glow around the buildings and landscaped walkways. Santa is stopping by for special lunches with children on Saturdays in December. Horse-drawn carriage rides and live music also are planned for the holiday season. For specifics, check the website (gervasivineyard.com).
The vineyard’s quaint gift shop, The Marketplace, has an assortment of wines, custom-made gift packages, jewelry and Gervasi gift cards.
Most items can be shipped directly from the shop, says Nichole Cardinale, marketing and business development manager at Gervasi.
Also available is the Gervasi Vineyard Wine Club with quarterly wine shipments, rebates on purchases, discounts and member-only events.
THEN THERE’S THE FOOD
Admit it. If you’re going to a winery, the food can be as important as the wine. Gervasi has that covered. The Bistro is located in the restored 1823 barn with innovative menu selections. The vibe is fancy yet laid back. It’s a great place for a dress-up celebration, but also suitable for a gathering of friends or a family event.
The Crush House features a private room (seats 12), a wine bottle chandelier and view of the winemaking tanks. Other dining areas are popular lunchtime spots for locals and others who want a casual meal.
Now completing its first year, The Twisted Olive in nearby Green offers a way to get a hint of the Gervasi experience. The restaurant is adjacent to a park and carries the Italian theme throughout with its extensive menu and modern décor.
All three restaurants serve Gervasi wines along with the resort’s newest venture into the beverage business — craft beer. Jabber-wocky and Farmhouse ales are Gervasi creations made at Akron’s Thirsty Dog Brewing Company.
Each restaurant has areas that can easily be closed off into small dining rooms suitable for special events such as wedding showers, business gatherings and parties.
The winery’s conference center, The Villa Grande, has space for large receptions, corporate events and meetings. All catering is done in-house.
Event planners can help put together menus and venues that suit most needs, Cardinale says.
A popular spot for weddings in all but the coldest months is The Pavilion, a large, open-air structure with vineyard and lake views.
GETTING AWAY, AND STAYING THERE
One of the more unique features of the property is The Villas. Folks looking for a getaway — with or without friends — can stay in one of six villas around the five-acre lake. Each has four bedrooms with fireplaces, walk-in showers and elegant décor. The rooms open to a common space where guests can gather.
The Villas are popular destinations for friends and others who want to spend time together yet crave private time, too. One of the original structures, The Farmhouse, is another lodging option.
“Our motto at Gervasi Vineyard is “Celebrate Life,” Cardinale says. “GV Destinations is so comprehensive. We are so much more than a winery; we are a resort and a tourist destination.”
