Get Away

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.

An easy two-hour drive east on Interstate 90 takes you a world away to a mountain resort that caters to every family member.

Snowboarding? Check.

Spa service? Got it.

Fine dining? Of course.

Golf, swimming, banquet facilities, luxurious lodging — it’s handled.

And don’t forget the skiing. This is Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, after all — a place with a well-deserved reputation as a skier’s paradise that has expanded into so much more.

A GETAWAY THAT’S NOT FAR AWAY

Just 20 miles south of Erie, Pennsylvania, Peek’n Peak is in the state’s picturesque Chautauqua region. Not only is the area lovely, it also has the potential for abundant snowfall, even into early spring. The combination of hilly topography and snowfall has made it a skiing destination for decades.

As warm weather approaches, the opportunities for outdoor recreation expand far beyond skiing. It’s worth a visit to see the changes.

AN EXPANDED AND UPGRADED RESORT

Heading off the highway through the winding, treelined roads you get a sense there’s something special around the final bend. The enormous hillsides peppered with skiers, snowboarders, tubers, chairlifts and the main lodge confirms it: you have arrived at a true resort.

The main buildings have an Old English theme— pitched roofs, thick timber framing with a Tudor-style look — that provides a rustic charm.

THE RIGHT STUFF

Peek’n Peak derives its name from the Pekin Hill, the original name of the mountain and homestead of the Pekin family. Originally built in 1964, Peek’n Peak was purchased in 2011 by Scott Enterprises, a third generation hospitality company with local roots.

The Scotts invested more than $10 million, introducing thoughtful upgrades and new attractions. They pumped money into key infrastructure, remodeled the hotel, installed cutting edge snow hill technology and upgraded equipment to ensure a professional and luxurious visit for guests.