Gervasi Village & Cucina Sneak Peek

Entrance to Villa Grande

You know the saying, "Go big, or go home?" That pretty much epitomizes the ongoing development of Canton's popular, Gervasi Vineyard and Italian Bistro.  I was fortunate enough to meet the Swaldos a few years ago at a local wine bar where I prepared a tapas tasting menu for them. They told me about their plans to build a winery in Canton across from Rice's Nursery, which would include a small casual dining menu.

I know that what actually was built in the form of the Bistro and marketplace far exceeded what I'd envisioned from those early conversations , and I think it's safe to say at this point, it's exceeded what the Swaldos originally envisioned as well. 

The destination complex, which really does feel like you've escaped Northeast Ohio, has evolved to include a hugely popular outdoor gazebo for weddings (60 held this summer), an outdoor patio with bocci courts, a summer farmers market, and now an event center, Villa Grande, with a professional kitchen which will host hands-on cooking classes from fall to spring, as well as provide catering for the weddings that were previously outsourced, plus 24 luxury suites for overnight stays.  

Chandelier with over 200 wine bottles

This stunning custom made chandelier made with over 200 Gervasi wine bottles hangs high above the entrance and check-in area for the Cucina and villas.  A cozy fireplace with comfortable chairs is situated across from the desk, and a dining area where the cooking class students will enjoy their creations with a glass of wine, is framed by a beautiful hand painted mural by a local artist.

Four six burner stove station

There are four six burner professional range stations, and the cooking classes will be set up with a maximum of sixteen students, each with ample work room, and access to brand new, state of the art equipment.

Larger view of the kitchen

The kitchen also houses a pastry station with a professional pasta machine imported from Italy, and a rotating oven.  In addition to taking in-house the currently outsourced bread and pasta doughs, specific pastries will be made there which will be available exclusively to the Villa guests.

Queen Suite

There are six four bedroom villa suites with fireplaces, each with a common area and patio.  You may rent an individual room or the entire suite.  Luxury linens, large flat screen televisions, plush robes, and beautiful bathrooms are in each suite.

Gorgeous Bath with Walk-In Shower

The villas feature geo-thermally heated and cooled flooring. The bathrooms have huge double showers. 

Four Poster King in the 2 level suite

Each villa features one two-level king luxury suite with a sitting area on the first floor, and the bed on the second floor.

Wet Bar in King Suite

Greenhouse

One of the other unique features is an on-site greenhouse which will be used to grow heirloom vegetables and herbs in the cooking classes as well as the kitchen. I've already provided the gardener with a list of my requests - how cool is that?

Back patio view overlooking the villas

Executive conference room

There are several conference rooms, including this beautifully appointed one on the second floor of the event center.

Water Wheel at the entrance

The water wheel at the front entrance pays tribute to the property's former use as a sawmill.  Wetlands on the property have been preserved, and there is a portion of the Stark County bike and hike trail that runs along the edge of the property.


You can see for yourself at the upcoming public open houses, which are free but require registration:

Wednesday October 19th, 1 PM- 4 PM

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventInner?oeidk=a07e4vm0ac9546e0f70&oseq=#

Saturday October 22nd, 10 AM -1 PM 

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventInner?oeidk=a07e4vm0ahq39e11b9d&oseq=#

Sunday October 23rd, 1 PM -4 PM

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventInner?oeidk=a07e4vm0ak7eee8792e&oseq=#

The cooking classes, along with instructor bios (including mine) are listed on the website and can be signed up for the links there. I'm one of ten instructors, including the fabulous Bev Shaffer and author Carla Snyder. Some of the classes are set up as weekend workshops specifically geared towards the upcoming holiday season.

My first class is New Twists on Thanksgiving sides, plus I am including two of my most popular fall items, Pumpkin Pie Spiced Nuts and Pumpkin Dip with Pie Crust Cookie Dippers. It's a five hour session which will give you plenty of hands-on time in that gorgeous kitchen.  Sign-up quickly, because I'm pretty sure there are only a few seats left.

Hope to see you there soon.