Wine Wind Down

/ The Winery /

"What makes our wines different from other Ohio wineries is we focus more on dry wines and less on sweet," says general manager Scott Swaldo. "Although we have a range of both, we have several wines made in traditional Italian styles, and we hand-select all our grapes." Among the options are a late harvest riesling, a dessert wine and a dry chardonnay. The winemakers host free tours showing stages from grape to bottle. Bistro guests can have private tours and tastings for a fee (reserve in advance), be led through a tasting with dinner or have a three-wine flight.

/ TRY THIS / The house Ciao Bella chardonnay and Piove riesling are proven pleasers. Swaldo recommends Truscano, the signature Italian red wine and No. 1 seller.

/ PRICE CHECK / Per-glass prices range from $5 to $9, bottles from $21 to $36. Take some home for $13 to $28.

Soft lighting, stone walls and wood floors give a taste of Tuscany even before the first course. Here, appetizers, salads, entrees, pizza and pasta are prepared Italian-style by Jerry Risner. He considers his specialty to be braised meats, such as his braised lamb shanks, the bistro's Friday entree prepared for two. And spring is his favorite cooking season. "It's the only time some of my favorite fresh ingredients are available: peas, morels and asparagus."

/ TRY THIS / Jerry Risner suggests pork braciola or Tuscan beef short ribs.

/ PRICE CHECK / The average entree ranges from $22 to $27.

/ The Villas /

Luxury linens and a plush mattress form the bed you don't have to make in the morning, so why not stay? Accommodations are available in three styles: double queen suites, king luxury and two-level king luxury suites, the latter with a main living level and a king-size bed upstairs. Each room has its own fireplace, bath and walk-in shower.

/ PRICE CHECK / $179-$339 per night

More Info 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com