Gervasi Vineyard Adding a Spa, Wine Cave and Rickhouse

CANTON, Ohio – Gervasi Vineyard is expanding with the construction of a building that will house a spa, a new tasting area to be dubbed The Wine Cave, and a product warehouse.

The winery is also constructing a rickhouse for the aging of bourbon. Gervasi opened a distillery in 2019.

Both buildings are now under construction in the southwest corner of the 55,000-acre property at 1700 55th St. NE.  The project is scheduled to be complete by late spring of 2023, with an opening date to be announced, according to a press release from the winery.

The creation of The Spa is in response to the No. 1 request Gervasi staff hears from its guests.

The Wine Cave will allow for a traditional wine tasting experience that isn’t mixed with a restaurant experience.

The Swaldo family, owners of Gervasi, have hired Norman Eckinger Inc. as the design/build contractor for the project.

“What a unique project this is,” said Norman Eckinger, president of the company. “I have only known the Swaldos for a short time, but it is clear to me why Gervasi has become a northeastern Ohio destination.”

From its initial concept as a winery when it opened in 2010, the 55-acre estate has grown considerably. The property currently includes a winery offering more than 20 varietals of wines made on-site.

In addition, four restaurants are on the property: The Bistro, The Crush House Wine Bar & Eatery, The Still House, and The Piazza patio.

Two large event spaces were built to host high-end weddings, social functions, and corporate events: The Pavilion and The Villa Grande.

Gervasi also boasts The Marketplace, a boutique shopping experience, and guests can stay overnight on the property at one of three lodging facilities: The Villas, The Casa and The Farmhouse.

“It has always been our promise to our guests that we will continue to develop new endeavors and experiences that people will enjoy as much as our vineyard, wines and spirits,” said Ted Swaldo, founder of GV Destinations.

The Spa will feature a state-of-the-art design and equipment and high-end luxury. Services will include a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, and manicure/pedicure services. It will be on the main level of the building.

“The addition of the spa exemplifies Gervasi Vineyard as a true destination resort,” said Scott Swaldo, CEO and general manager of GV Destinations. The winery has partnered with Chicago-based spa designer Michele Pelafas on the project.

The Cave will consist of an underground 1,000 square-foot tasting room and an adjoining 4,500 square-foot area for wine barrel aging. The intimate tasting room will be open select hours for traditional wine tasting experiences and tours.

 Exclusive wine club access, Gervasi events, and private events will all be offered in The Cave. The space will allow Gervasi to not only showcase its products but educate guests about the wine making process, the press release states.

With Gervasi’s ever-growing product line, the addition of the 8,300 square-foot warehouse and distribution facility is a crucial component to the expansion project.

The winery currently ships wine to 10 states and the demand is growing daily.

The other building in the expansion project will be a rickhouse. The 1,500 square-foot building will be used to store and age barrels of bourbon and whiskey made on-site.

Gervasi Spirits now include four bourbons, spiced rum, three liqueurs, rosé vodka, blood orange gin, small batch vodka, and small batch gin.

In a rickhouse, barrels are stored vertically on racks, also known as ricks, usually stacked three high, and have plenty of room for air circulation around the sides and ends. Typically, these structures do not have artificial climate control to allow the liquid in the barrels to expand and contract which will drive the whiskey into the wood.

Pictured: Artist’s rendering of one of two buildings being added to Gervasi Vineyard in Canton. It will house The Spa and a warehouse-distribution facility on the main level, and The Wine Cave, a tasting room and wine storage area, on the lower level.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.