Meet the Winemaker

Andrew Codispoti

An Italian immigrant, Gervasi Head Winemaker Andy Codispoti traces his passion for wine to his youth on a mountainside village in Calabria that overlooks the Ionian Sea. While Andy’s father worked in Rome as a professional shoemaker, his mother raised the children, cared for the vineyards and oversaw the family winemaking which supplied sought-after wines to the local bulk market. Upon entering the new world, the family embraced American culture and assimilated into their new life. Winemaking shifted to family only. Andy recalls the seasonal winemaking with his parents and brothers - never considering a career in winemaking.

After retiring from the bearing industry, Andy encountered an irresistible challenge and joined the inaugural Gervasi team in 2009 to make the leap from occasional hobbyist to commercial winemaking.  He strategically united old world art with new world technology in the development of Gervasi’s wine processes, systems and portfolio.  His methodologies and philosophies set the tone for Gervasi’s winemaking culture and high standards of operation.  In this role, Andy has introduced a number of technical innovations that include a supervisory computer system with web access to monitor, control and schedule production automation and a unique nitrogen delivery system that maintains a network of tanks under constant nitrogen pressure. Gervasi’s industry-class winery hygiene program incorporates steam, 180 degree water, and a positive pressure “clean room” for bottling. Under Andy’s guidance, Gervasi’s wine offering has grown to 11,000 cases and 27 labels in a few short years. Today Andy guides the business of the winery from raw materials to finished products and from portfolio to deployment.  

Publicly, Andy is a creative and prolific exponent of Ohio’s burgeoning wine culture. He regularly addresses private and community organizations, public and university libraries and expositions at regional fairs.  Andy participates in television appearances, radio and web interviews and makes contributions to publications. Andy also teaches classes on the subjects of wine appreciation, food and wine pairing, the wines of Italy and their history.

He and his wife Claudia have been married 47 years. Their family includes 3 sons Drea, Brandon, Ryan and respective daughter-in-law’s Teri, Cherith, Kelley.  They enjoy six grandchildren and Andy’s 88 year old mother who still wants to counsel him on winemaking.

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