The Gervasi Vineyard & Italian Bistro on 55th Street in Canton, Ohio is due to open in March of 2010. I had the pleasure of touring the construction site with my fellow CVB members and listening to the vision of Scott Swaldo and Jeffrey Hicks. This 55 acre farm in the middle of Canton is being transformed into not only a winery but an Italian Bistro and an event site for groups. The Swaldo’s are doing whatever they can to maintain and enhance the existing landscape and buildings. The original barn was elevated and a new foundation was built underneath with the barn being replaced on its new foundation, no easy task to be sure and whenever possible trees are being relocated not merely cut down. Much of the wood from the original barn is being reclaimed and reused whenever possible as they renovate to include a façade of brick and stone. The look is impressive, warm and inviting even in the middle of construction. The winding stair cases, massive fireplaces and cozy seating areas will add to the ambiance of the interior while the 6 ½ acre lake, outdoor patio and adjacent pavilion enhance the wineries outdoor experience.
The Convention & Visitors’ Bureau feels this facility will be a huge asset to the tourism, meetings & event industry for Stark County. Tours of the winery to explain how wine is made and wine tasting seminars will appeal to a variety of groups as will having a private event in their 2800 square foot pavilion. After seeing the facility and listening to Scott and Jeffrey describe the final project, I really could imagine driving up the tree lined entrance to view an impressive stone and brick winery overlooking a lake and walking into the Winery and Italian Bistro sitting in front of a fireplace or out on the patio sampling my favorite wine and ordering dinner. Personally I can’t wait. If you would like to see pictures and keep track of how they are progressing follow them on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gervasi-Vineyard-Italian-Bistro/166711470061?ref=mf
More importantly stop in when they open, I’ll save you a seat!
I watched your winery being built. It’s impressive.
Comment by Patricia Mills — March 28, 2010 @ 11:04 am