Gervasi Vineyard entertains all summer with activities, events
By Natalie Hamren
Those looking for a taste of wine country this summer need only travel to Canton. Ohio’s Gervasi Vineyard is a 55-acre winery resort that has fun in store for the whole family thanks to its restaurants, villas, inn, distillery and more. This summer guests and their families also can explore and appreciate antique and vintage cars with Gervasi Vineyard’s Cruise-In, a free and family-friendly event.
Starting June 1, each Wednesday in the summer between 5 and 8 p.m., car lovers can browse through an array of cars during the Cruise-In. Each week, the event rotates through different car clubs, making the event unique every week.
“It is open to anyone,” says Andrea Hartman, marketing director. “Anyone that wants to come and take a look at the cars… Even though we are a winery, we do encourage families to come out because we do have really delicious food, kids’ menus, especially at the Piazza, and at our different outlets.”
Hartman says guests will be able to learn about vintage cars and share their love with fellow guests and the car owners, which will make this experience even more enjoyable.
“People love cars. They love learning about cars and vintage cars as well. Most of the owners of these cars sit by their vehicles. Interacting with one another is so great about this event,” Hartman says. “People can come out and talk with one another, learn about the different car organizations and really get in touch with someone on a personal level.”
Outside of special events—like the Cruise-In and live music—guests can enjoy the other amenities the vineyard has to offer—from dining and drinking to touring.
On the Premium Pairings Tour, guests will enter through the Crush House and be lead through the winery. Winery tour guides will explain the entire winemaking process from start to finish.
“You’ll experience and tour our state-of-the-art facility,” Hartman says. “At the end of the tour, you will sample four wine pairings that will be paired with four chef-inspired small bites. Along with this, you will receive a logo stand wineglass that you can take home as a little memento.”
Summer is a great time to experience the vineyard, Hartman says. If you want to beat the heat and try a delicious wine that is unique to the region, she recommends trying Gervasi’s ice wine.
“It’s actually made and harvested when the vine is frozen, which gives it the term ‘ice wine,’” Hartman says. “It’s called Sognata, and it has won several awards in the state of Ohio and beyond. That is one of our most unique wines that people enjoy.”
While many may see a vineyard as only a destination for wine lovers, Gervasi Vineyard has also proven to be a great place for a weekend getaway
“Our property just blossoms and looks phenomenal during the summer months,” Hartman says. “You almost feel like you’re not in Canton, Ohio anymore—somewhere in Tuscany, Italy, or Florida or California. It just totally transforms and you truly feel like you’re on vacation when you step on property, even on a Wednesday night here in Canton, Ohio.”