Tour de Taste: Discover Local Wineries Near Pittsburgh
Import quoi? Our region boasts the soil and climate to produce first-class wines, and winemakers are taking advantage, crafting vino that expresses the roots of our domaines.
Gervasi Vineyard in Ohio Feels Like a Trip to Italy
Tuscany is much closer than you think! Enter the gates of Gervasi Vineyard in Ohio and prepare to be transported to Italy. Brick walking paths throughout this picturesque vineyard lead guests through its gorgeous grounds. From the Villas, to dining at the Bistro, to the lake and the new Crush House, guests can sip vino while gazing out at the vines. Family-managed, Gervasi prides itself on its hand-crafted, award-winning wines, in addition to accommodating its guests to their upmost satisfaction.
Plan Your Trip
A trip to Gervasi is all about the ultimate experience — the vineyard provides enough activities to pack an itinerary for the entire weekend. We recommend calling ahead to reserve a room, or an entire villa for an overnight stay, and scheduling a tour. Each Saturday, Gervasi offers vineyard tours, free to the public, but extended tours are also available to visitors seeking to delve deeper into the inner-workings of a vineyard, and to sample wine and food pairings on-site. Dining options at Gervasi don’t disappoint. Guests will find upscale Italian offerings at The Bistro, in addition to vino, and out on the patio, enjoy a more relaxed setting with live music in the evening from Thursday through Sunday. Head over to The Crush House wine bar to taste a few of the vineyard’s 23 wines and casual cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Guests of Gervasi’s Villas also have access to the Glenmoor Country Club Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, and in-suite spa services and yoga classes. Additional programming includes the Musica Summer Concert Series on select Tuesdays in the summer, yoga class in the vineyard on Wednesdays, as well as a farmers market. Lastly, stop in the boutique Marketplace and pick up your favorite wines to take home and share!
The Wine
From the beginning, Gervasi’s wine offerings have always been carefully calculated. When Andy Codispoti, originally from Italy, began to develop the wine portfolio, he considered the vineyard’s terroir, and prospective clientele, and ultimately, Gervasi consulted with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Ohio State University to determine the ideal varietals that would flourish in the local climate. Gervasi then laid the path with classical European varietals for old-world style, vintage-produced wines with balance and true expression. He says, “We recognize that there are intrinsic characteristics to each varietal, and every varietal really likes to display and express its characteristics just like a person does. By having minimal intervention, we give the varietal the freedom to express itself.”
Savor Now
In August, Codispoti suspects guests would enjoy the refreshment that comes from Gervasi’s newly introduced Sauvignon Blanc “Fioretto,” or any of the vineyard’s other fantastic whites. “In September, I would lean towards our Pinot Noir “Velutto,” but white wine drinkers don’t need to change their habits,” he says. “Pinot Noir can actually be served chilled at 60 degrees because of its low tannins and soft texture. But, I personally like mine between 63 and 65 degrees.”
Pairings
When it comes to pairings, which comes first — the wine or the food? Codispoti says, “I’m usually hungrier than I am thirsty. But, if there’s a particular wine I really want to try, I will pair an entree with that. The wines are designed to complement food, even though you can enjoy them by themselves.”
Codispoti’s Favorite Gervasi Pairings:
Abbraccio Cabernet Sauvignon + Manzo Italian Filet
Bellina Chardonnay + Lobster Formaggio
Truscano Sangiovese + Housemade Meatballs
Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, Ohio. 330.497.1000. gervasivineyard.com.
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