At Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, the experience begins long before a glass is poured or a room key is given. Gervasi is more than a destination. What’s remembered long after you leave, is much more than the beautiful setting; it’s the people who have shaped it. Gervasi is an immersion of senses, but defined by how it makes people feel. Behind that experience are the women who have developed it at every level.
For Chief Operating Officer, Gretchen Wendell, that understanding comes from having worked in every layer of the business. She began her career at ground level as a bartender and now holds the position as COO. Her perspective is rooted in proximity to the guest. She has learned not just what they enjoy, but how those moments form someone’s overall experience.
“Employees who are guest facing notice preferences and patterns of guests over time,” Wendell said. “Often when you ask someone about a memorable experience anywhere, they want to describe how they felt.”
For Wendell, hospitality isn’t a script, it’s a mindset. The experience at Gervasi is designed to feel effortless and is built on an understanding of what guests need before they even ask.
“We are very intentional behind the scenes to create an environment where multiple senses are triggered at the same time! Is the atmosphere aesthetically beautiful, is the lighting and music right, how comfortable is the seating, what do you smell, how are you greeted?” Wendell added.
Gervasi makes it a point to zero in on as many senses as possible. That creates something entirely different for every individual.
“Walking into the Still House you immediately smell the coffee house or distillery’s mash and fermentation process. At the same time, the lighting and music give you a ‘vibe check’ that feels exciting. When multiple senses are triggered at the same time, you feel and remember that experience more strongly,” Wendell said.
It’s this kind of thoughtful attention that quietly sets the tone for everything that follows. There’s something luxurious in the way the light settles over the vineyards, the calm of the lakes, and the quiet hum of conversation drifting from the adirondack chairs on a patio at dusk. This 55-acre estate will draw you in with its Tuscan-inspired feel and timeless elegance.
Beyond the first impression, there’s a larger story unfolding at Gervasi. As Director of Hotel & Resort Operations, Susan Montelone’s journey reflects the kind of organic growth that defines the property’s culture. Originally hired as a host when the Bistro first opened, she has steadily risen through the organization. Her perspective is also deeply rooted in firsthand experience, influencing a leadership style centered on consistency, care, and an intuitive understanding of the guest experience from arrival to departure.
She plays an integral role in fashioning how that story is told. The vineyard isn’t positioned as exclusive or intimidating, but as an elevated experience to be enjoyed.
“A beautiful space may set the initial tone, but truly memorable experiences are built through meaningful moments that make each guest feel recognized, valued, understood, and personally cared for,” Montelone said. “That level of service doesn’t happen by chance. It’s taught. Our staff participates in a dedicated training program designed to instill these principles, ensuring that every interaction reflects the thoughtful, personalized experience our guests expect and deserve.”
Details are never overlooked as everything is intricately planned. From the linens and the heated tile floors in the Villas, to the glasses and silverware at Olinda, these decisions are made with the guest in mind.
As a mother-daughter duo, Christi and Sophie Blackerby represent both the legacy and future of Gervasi’s creative identity. Christi, Buyer for The Marketplace and interior collaborator, helps illustrate the property’s visual world through intentional, layered design. Most recently contributing to the Olinda interior alongside the leadership team. Her daughter Sophie, Social Media & Content Specialist, grew up alongside the brand and now helps define how it is experienced digitally. Together, they bridge physical space and storytelling.
This is the standard that defines Gervasi’s approach to luxury: not excess, but intention. That same intention carries into the design of each space. Christi Blackerby approaches every Gervasi environment with a clear vision rooted in elevated guest experience.
“I always begin with a clear vision, usually a theme, mood, or feeling I want to create for a particular season or space. From there, I look for a standout piece that really captures that idea, and I build around it. It might be a texture, a color palette, or even a single object that sets the tone,” Blackerby said.
With this in mind, Sophie is able to add yet another dimension to the family business.
“Today, I’m really focused on creating content that not only performs well, but truly reflects the Gervasi experience. It’s about balancing high-quality, elevated visuals with content that still feels engaging and relevant. I want everything we post to feel intentional—something that either tells a story, sets a mood, or helps someone picture themselves here.”
Sophie concluded, “at the end of the day, the goal is always the same: to create content that feels inspiring, memorable, and true to the brand—while continuing to evolve with our audience and the platforms we’re on.”
Similarly, there are moments that turn a visit into something more. Andrea Hartman, Marketing Director, ensures every event at Gervasi unfolds effortlessly and feels as meaningful as it is seamless.
She was first inspired to join the property after eight years with the Canton Chamber of Commerce. There, she developed a deep appreciation for tourism and community-driven events. Seeking a new chapter while continuing to promote Canton as a destination, she found a natural fit in Gervasi’s role as a premier hospitality and tourism experience.
“We focus on telling stories that highlight the emotion behind the experience—whether that’s a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, a wedding, or even a quiet afternoon with a glass of wine. By showcasing real moments, seasonal experiences, and the people behind what we do, we create a sense of authenticity that resonates with guests.”
Behind every great story is a person who saw the vision before it became a reality. Co-founder Linda Swaldo, had a vision to transform a simple piece of land into a destination that now feels both expansive, unique, and personal. Her influence is woven into every detail, from the architecture to the philosophy of hospitality that defines who Gervasi is.
“Back in 2009, the barn was nothing like it looks today, it was dilapidated and actually unsafe to walk in. We had to move very carefully, watching every step to avoid weak floorboards, and in some spots, you could see straight down into the basement,” Swaldo reminisced.
“Standing there, I remember thinking, I hope we can restore this place into something people would actually want to come to. With a lot of planning, imagination, and hard work, my hope was that guests would be able to see the charm in this old, broken-down barn—that they would find the history and character fascinating, even amidst all the restoration.”
Together these women have left their individual mark to create a legacy for Canton to be proud of. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, to stay awhile, and to return again. Above all, it’s a place shaped by women who understand that the most lasting memories are those experienced.
"A beautiful space may set the initial tone, but truly memorable experiences are built through meaningful moments that make each guest feel recognized, valued, understood, and personally cared for”
“Often when you ask someone about a memorable experience anywhere, they want to describe how they felt."