Our Team

Scott Swaldo

GENERAL MANAGER

I joined the team in November of 2009 and am responsible for the oversight of all operations and development. After several career changes I feel like this was what I was meant to do. I love working at Gervasi because of the great people I get to work with everyday who are passionate about what they do and it allows me to be creative and focus my efforts on providing our customers a memorable experience, our employees an opportunity to grow and an enjoyable place to work. What makes the Gervasi experience amazing is our ability to make people feel like they have truly escaped or have been transported to somewhere very special.

Favorite GV Spot: The Piazza during a warm summer night at dusk, the gas lanterns lit, the music playing…the feeling is incredible.
Favorite GV Dish: Tuscan Beef Short Ribs
Favorite GV Wine: Truscano
Favorite Quote: “Staying the same is falling behind.”

Jeff Hicks

BRAND MANAGER

I joined the Gervasi team in December of 2009. I manage all of our social media outlets and interact with Gervasi’s on-line community. I am also responsible for monitoring and responding to on-line reviews of Gervasi. I enjoy chatting with Gervasi’s customers and learning more about their experiences here as well as their suggestions. I feel a huge sense of responsibility to promote and advertise Gervasi Vineyard™ and to protect our brand by using social media. I never want our on-line interactions to lose their personal touch!

Favorite GV Spot: The Tavola Lunga, right in front of the big picture windows in the Bistro. I like to sit with my back to the window and watch our customers come and go. Nothing makes me happier than our guests’ smiles!
Favorite GV Dish: Tuscan Beef Short Ribs
Favorite GV Wine: Primitivo! I love the big, bold reds in the winter months but in the summer I drink Lucello. 
Favorite Quote: “You are only as good as the people on your team.” -Ted Swaldo

Gretchen Wendell

DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANT AND EVENT OPERATIONS 

I joined the Gervasi team in January of 2010, working in a variety of roles on Gervasi’s main property and at The Twisted Olive™ (sister location). I currently am responsible for all Food and Beverage outlets to ensure our guests have the best quality dining experience we can offer. After working in a variety of upscale hospitality venues it became apparent to me that this family business is very different from the norm, of the sometimes grueling hospitality industry. The continual push to be our best, surpass previous goals, and exceed guests expectations is THE norm here. Words cannot express how fulfilling it is to know I work with a team that shares the same core values. It is easy to feel amazed when you step foot on our property, but beauty is not enough to continue to amaze our repeat guests. Our exceptional staff is what makes this destination truly one of a kind.

Favorite GV Spot: The round table right in front of the fireplace in the Bistro on a snowy winter night
Favorite GV Dish: House Made Gnocchi
Favorite GV Wine: The Abbraccio, our Cabernet is my favorite. It is full bodied red, the perfect thing to relax with after a long but enjoyable day.
Favorite Quote: “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” -Ernest Hemingway

Susan Monteleone

DIRECTOR OF HOTEL AND RESORT  OPERATIONS

I joined the team in February of 2010. It is my responsibility to ensure all guests visiting the Gervasi Vineyard™ experience all we have to offer, and for guests to walk away wanting to schedule a return visit. I love working here because even though we have separate venues and separate buildings, we work as one team. Our ability to transport our guests to a place and time that allows them to enjoy old world class and an overwhelming sense of style makes the Gervasi experience amazing.

Favorite GV Spot: Sharing food and wine at the Tavola. It’s great to begin an evening with a few old friends and to walk away with a few new ones.
Favorite GV Dish: Artisan Piatti
Favorite GV Wine: Piove
Favorite Quote: “Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Frank Nigaglioni

HOTEL SERVICES MANAGER

I joined the team in July of 2014, and am currently responsible for managing the daily functions of the Villa Operations. My first memory of Gervasi Vineyard™ was sitting in The Crush House and thinking to myself, “Wouldn’t this be a fantastic place to work!” Fast forward several years later, and I can honestly say that thought was so spot on and then some. I am one of those lucky few who can say “I love my job!” From the friendly guest interactions, the camaraderie and the professionalism of my peers, to the picturesque beauty of the Vineyard, I am so honored and fortunate to be a member of the Gervasi Vineyard™ family. What truly makes my day is when I hear feedback from guests about what a fabulous time they had staying at Gervasi and how much they are looking forward to a return visit! Our team and I take great pride in exceeding our guest’s expectations and making their experience a memorable one. Gervasi Vineyard™ is about celebrating life. We have delicious food and award winning wines, but what truly makes the “Gervasi Experience” amazing are our dedicated and professional staff as well as the serene and picturesque beauty of the Vineyard.

Favorite GV Spot: Anywhere with a view of the lake. The beauty of the lake with the swans and the weeping willows, flanked by the elegant Tuscan architecture of the Villas and the Pavilion evoke a sense of serenity that you can cherish for a lifetime.
Favorite GV Dish: My favorite Gervasi menu item is the “Chef Special.” Our fantastic culinary team does a marvelous job of coming up with fresh new entrees using local seasonal ingredients.
Favorite GV Wine: I recommend our award winning Abbraccio (Cabernet Sauvignon) with a good steak. For something semi-sweet, I recommend our Lambrusco paired with some chocolate covered strawberries. Everybody has a different palate for wine so I always recommend doing a tasting at one of our elegant restaurants to see which one of our many wines you prefer. 
Favorite Quote: “Excellence can only be achieved when we push ourselves to our maximum potential.”

Nichole Cardinale

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

I joined the team in September of 2015. My key responsibilities are in marketing, advertising, community & media relations as well as outside sales and business/project development for GV Destinations. I love working at Gervasi Vineyard™ because it’s such a beautiful place…as I drive through the grand “Gervasi arch” each day, I take in the beauty of the property and really appreciate the sense of peace that comes with it. In addition, I love tourism and marketing; Gervasi Vineyard™ is a unique destination and offers so many products and services that I find it is so much fun to promote! What makes the Gervasi experience amazing is the fact that our winery is unlike any other…we are a destination! As an upscale winery with the feel of Tuscany, Gervasi offers our guests an AMAZING experience to escape from life and relax. Whether it’s a bride’s big day or a couple celebrating a night out, it’s such a wonderful place to be.

Favorite GV Spot: Outside on The Piazza, enjoying a glass of wine with friends, while listening to live music and taking in the beauty of the lake on a gorgeous summer night.
Favorite GV Dish: I’m still making my rounds to try ALL the items on the menus, but if I had to pick my favorite “go to” menu item, it would be The Crush House Salad with Steak….so delicious!
Favorite GV Wine: I love Gervasi’s Moscato wine…perfect blend of sweet and refreshing!
Favorite Quote: “Smile and be kind to everyone…you don’t know what they may be going through.”

Gay Yager

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

I joined the team in August of 2010 and am responsible for financial reporting, reconciliations, receivables, payables and payroll. Some of my greatest talents are my attention to detail, process improvement and a passion for what I do. Gervasi is breathtakingly beautiful and the people are wonderful here. What makes the experience here so amazing is the views, the appointments and the service.

Favorite GV Spot: My office and The Villa Grande
Favorite GV Dish: Tuscan Beef Short Ribs
Favorite Quote: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

Stephanie Vankirk

EVENT SALES MANAGER

I joined the team in May 2016 and am responsible for helping guide businesses and guests in finding the perfect event venue at Gervasi Vineyard™ and the Twisted Olive™ to exceed their expectations. I love working for a company that prides itself on family values and building long lasting relationships with its staff and guests alike. One of the best parts about what I do, is I get to work with a great team of co-workers, all with the same goal in mind of creating and executing exceptional service for every single guest. Gervasi Vineyard™ Destinations is truly special because of the atmosphere that surrounds you when you visit any of our venues.

Favorite GV Spot: Standing in the middle of a social event inside the Ballaria Sophia or Conservatory, seeing people truly enjoy themselves with the experience we can provide.
Favorite GV Dish: The Crab Cakes at The Twisted Olive
Favorite GV Wine: ZinZin
Favorite Quote: “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter” -E.E. Cummings

Pam Royer

EVENT SALES SPECIALIST

I came here as an Event Server in the Spring of 2018 and had a fantastic time with each and every event.  It is truly an honor to work with such a fun, lively and talented group.  This is a far cry from my professional financial career of 40 years but it is wonderful to have combined my love of great food, great wine, wonderful people and “work” at a place that makes everyone happy.  What a joy! Finding the right solution for our guests is extremely satisfying.  This is such a happy place to be ~ it is an honor to be part of such a great team!

Favorite GV Spot: The Pavilion at night with a wedding in full swing
Favorite GV Dish: Catherine’s mashed potatoes
Favorite GV Wine: I am a bubbles girl so Processco would be my choice any day . . . every day!
Favorite Quote: “Raise your words, not your voice.  It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”  Rumi

Kendyll Bartram

EVENT COORDINATOR AND TEAM MANAGER

I joined the team in April 2012 as an Event Server and am now coordinating and executing private events as an Event Coordinator. Not only do I love what I do, I love the people I work with. They make every day at “work” a blast! Our employees are so dedicated. They come to work every day with such a great attitude. They are always happy to help both our guests and each other. It creates a great atmosphere for anyone lucky enough to spend their time here.

Favorite GV Spot: In the Pavilion right before the guests arrive, when the venue is set and ready for another beautiful event! It is a calming sense of pride to see what our team has accomplished
Favorite GV Dish: Vegetariano Piada at the Crush House®
Favorite GV Wine: Truscano – smooth blend, way too easy to drink!
Favorite Quote: “You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Stacey Kunkle

EVENT SERVICES MANAGER

I joined the team in May of 2012 and assist guests in planning and executing their dream event. I love working here because of the teamwork. The beautiful scenery, wonderful food and wine and the amazing atmosphere make Gervasi an amazing experience for guests and staff.

Favorite GV Spot: Standing in the Pavilion looking out across the Lake
Favorite GV Dish: Chicken Piccata with Lemon Caper Sauce
Favorite GV Wine: Abbraccio
Favorite Quote: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only turns on the light” -Albus Dumbledore

Kristine Lamiell

EVENT COORDINATOR

Brit Stenger

EVENT COORDINATOR

Jerry Risner

EXECUTIVE CHEF

I joined the team in November of 2009 and oversee all food productions on the property. One of my greatest talents is a willingness to learn. There is always something new to look forward to and Gervasi. The people here makes the Gervasi experience amazing.

Favorite GV Spot: The Orchard
Favorite GV Dish: Any of our homemade pasta dishes
Favorite GV Wine: Truscano

Marsha Sommers

CHEF DE CUISINE, THE CRUSH HOUSE

I join the Gervasi family in  2012. I am currently the Chef de Cuisine at The Crush House. I love what I do!

Favorite GV Spot: Sitting at the outdoor fireplace upstairs at The Crush House.
Favorite GV Dish: The Crush House’s Rosemary Roast Beef Sandwich!
Favorite GV Wine: Abbraccio  
Favorite Quote: “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get the chance, take it. Nobody said it would be easy they just promised it would be worth it.” –Dr. Seuss

Ryan Bowen

BANQUET CHEF

I joined the team in January of 2010. I am responsible for preparing all the food for weddings, corporate and other special events at Gervasi, as well as any off-site events. What I love most about working here is the people I get to work with each day, the new challenges and the opportunities they provide that allow me to continue learning. The level of teamwork and working relationship between the entire event staff is great. Everyone does whatever is needed to ensure that every wedding and special event will meet or exceed the expectations of the guests.

Favorite GV Spot: The path leading from the Pavilion to the Villa Grande on a busy night
Favorite GV Dish: Any of the soups from the Bistro menus, especially the Corn Soup in the summer
Favorite GV Wine: Primitivo and Bellina
Favorite Quote: “”When you acknowledge, as you must, that there is no such thing as perfect food, only the idea of it, then the real purpose of striving toward perfection becomes clear: to make people happy, that is what cooking is all about”

Julianna Wilmoth

DIRECTOR OF THE CUCINA

I joined the Gervasi team in 2016 as an assistant for the Cucina classes. When the Culinary Director decided to retire, I knew that was where I wanted to be. From early on in my life, I have always loved being in the kitchen and I wanted a unique culinary education. After completing the professional coursework at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, I returned and started a catering and personal chef business. I have also worked for Kent State University/Stark campus in their corporate center, Williams-Sonoma as an instructor, and for a food manufacturing company. By utilizing both my professional experiences and numerous nutrition classes and seminars at The University of Akron, I became involved with a local celiac group as chef-mentor while catering their fundraisers. I am very excited to be a part of the Gervasi team and look forward to fun, informative and inspirational classes at the Cucina.

Favorite GV Spot: In the Cucina! To relax afterwards, I’ll have a glass of wine on the balcony of the Crush House. It is lively, yet easy and comfortable.
Favorite GV Dish: I love ‘sampling’ menus by trying two or three apps or sides. The Bistro Parmesan Risotto is wonderfully creamy and The Crush House hand rolled Provolone Carrozza and Italian Loaded Potato Chips are perfect to start the evening.
Favorite GV Wine: Lucello – light, bright, and crisp
Favorite Quote: “Cooking is like love – It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.”- Julia Child

Scott Owens

CHEF DE CUISINE AT THE BISTRO

I joined the Gervasi team in the spring of 2010. I am tasked with managing The Bistro kitchen and staff. During my time with Gervasi I have learned much and grown as a chef.  Whether it be by fresh local ingredients, or creatively thought out dinner features,  my ultimate goal is to exceed the expectations of every guest that walks through our doors to dine with us.

Favorite GV Spot: The Bistro Kitchen before anyone else gets here.  It is nice to be in a kitchen by yourself with your own thoughts and creativity.
Favorite GV Dish:  Our House Made Perogies
Favorite GV Wine:  Piove
Favorite Quote: “Recipes are important but only to a point. What’s more important than recipes is how we think about food, and a good cookbook should open up a new way of doing just that.” Chef Michael Symon

Kristen Dewitt

EVENT COORDINATOR

I joined the GV team in April of 2015 and I organize as well as execute private events at the Bistro to ensure a memorable customer experience for our guests. I love working here because of the fact that we are fundamentally based upon providing an excellent guest experience. I’m fortunate enough to be able to work at such a beautiful property and share and create these memorable moments with each and every guest I come in contact with. What makes the Gervasi Experience so amazing for others is that we are able to provide something very unique from the moment the guest steps on to our property until the very moment they leave. It’s a retreat, whether it’s for the weekend, for a relaxing dinner or a casual lunch, the entire experience transports you to another place. Completely surrounded by its immediate beauty, the fantastic food, great wine and some of the most passionate staff in the hospitality industry, makes it an experience that will stay with you when you leave.

Favorite GV Spot: My favorite spot at Gervasi is the Bistro. I love the essence of always celebrating a special occasion and the relaxed pace the night has to offer. Of course, the food and wine too!
Favorite GV Dish: The Artisan Piatti at the Bistro. A selection of imported Italian meats and cheeses, this is great as an appetizer or as a dessert. Its versatility lets it pair well with almost any wine on the menu.
Favorite GV Wine: My favorite wine is our Amarone. The complexity of this wine delivers subtle hints of dark cherries laced with black licorice yet still provides a nice nuance of oak from the wine aging in the barrel. The elusive long silky finish is the absolute best part about enjoying this wine.
Favorite Quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” -Mark Twain

Brad Preston

GV EVENT COORDINATOR/DESTINATIONS WINE STEWARD

I joined the Gervasi team in October of 2012, working as a server in The Bistro. My role at The Twisted Olive™ is the point of contact after you book your special event with us! Together we will make certain that your event will not only be special but extraordinary as well. I wanted to be the wine steward because of the passion that I have for wine, the process of making wine, and of course Gervasi. I am looking forward to working with the winery team to further my education and then passing that education on to not only employees but guests as well. To be a part of a team that not only strives for excellence and growth but makes you feel part of the family, is indescribable. The level of professionalism and standards set are everything that I love about the GV Destination venues. From top to bottom both properties nail the definition of what a perfect experience is. The landscape, the food, the service, and most certainly the wine, come together to create Gervasi Destinations.

Favorite GV Spot: 
Favorite GV Dish: The Twisted Olive™ Seared Sea Scallops with Red Pepper Jam and Fresh Basil Cream.
Favorite GV Wine: I appreciate ALL wine, but of course I do have some favorites! The Malvasia Bianca is my favorite white because I love the perfect blend of the floral and citrus notes. The Abbraccio is such a wonderful cabernet with a nice round finish. 
Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great” -Zig Ziglar

Chrissy Glass

THE CRUSH HOUSE® AND THE STILL HOUSE OPERATIONS MANAGER

I joined the team in June of 2017. My role at The Crush House® is to ensure guests truly feel they are at a destination. From the moment our guests walk through our doors we want to provide them with world class service through our engagement, delicious food and wine, and friendly customer service. The entire Gervasi property has so much to offer anyone that is looking to get away! It is amazing to be a part of a team that strives to help all guests relax, celebrate, let loose, and have fun. You can even take a little Gervasi home with you from our amazing wine selection, organic fair trade fresh coffee, and gift baskets.

Favorite GV Spot: The North Vineyard is the most beautiful spot!
Favorite GV Dish: Crispy Fig Crostatas drizzled with honey and topped with walnuts. Delicious!
Favorite GV Wine: Unita-“Unity” Marquette Blueberry, Black Current, Vanilla and Clove framed by supple Tannins and Dark Fruits.
Favorite Quote: “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” -Harvey S. Firestone

Devin Hurd

THE CRUSH HOUSE® ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER

I joined the Gervasi team in November of 2017 to assist in the day-to-day operations of The Crush House. While my role encompasses many facets, my primary focus is to always provide unforgettable experiences to everyone that walks through the door. I have the honor of working with an amazing team that never settles and never says something is “good enough.”  Progress, change, and new ideas are encouraged at Gervasi in way that is difficult to find elsewhere.  This is a beautiful place to work, but it’s the people that really put it over the top.

Favorite GV Spot: The outdoor couches and fireplace at The Crush House®.
Favorite GV Dish: Any weekly feature put out by our fantastic chefs. The features are always beautifully crafted and delicious.
Favorite GV Wine: Amarone. I love bold wines with deeply complex flavor profiles and notes of dried fruits. 
Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” –Maya Angelou

Andrew Codispoti

DIRECTOR OF WINEMAKING AND DISTILLING OPERATIONS

I joined the team in February 2009 and am privileged to design our wines, oversee winery development, production and inventory as well as manage the wine portfolio strategy. I find satisfaction integrating the romance of wine with the principles of organization, process control, writing and teaching. The irresistible opportunity to exercise passion and creativity in a rewarding environment in addition to interaction with our guests and the community makes my job the best in town. The overall attention to excellence and the regard for those who create and those who come to appreciate the Gervasi Experience makes a compelling environment.

Favorite GV Spot: Spending warm summer evenings on the Piazza sharing food and wine with family and friends completes my enjoyment of our fabulous operation.
Favorite GV Dish: While I love all of our food, I can’t resist the pizzas.
Favorite GV Wine: The one I am drinking at the moment.
Favorite Quote: “”Lucidare le scarpe” – Remember to shine the shoes” ~ Vincenzo Salvatore Codispoti

David Smith

WINERY MANAGER

I joined the team in December 2011 and coordinate with the winemaking team to ensure quality control throughout the winemaking process, manage the laboratory and perform all necessary analyses, maintain bottling equipment and oversee bottling operations, as well as aid the Winemaker with blending trials and sensory evaluations. Gervasi promotes a positive working environment with an emphasis on quality. As part of the winemaking team I feel this facilitates my desire to craft exceptional wines. I find Gervasi to be an immersive experience. Once you drive through the iron arch beautiful scenery gives a sense of leaving your routine behind. You can focus on the moment at hand and enjoy the friends you came with.

Favorite GV Spot: The bridge over the spillway on a cool autumn morning as the mist rises from the lake.
Favorite GV Dish: I love the Bianco Pizza, the flavors are always exceptional.
Favorite GV Wine: I think if I had a favorite it would make all the other wines we produce jealous. However, I do particularly enjoy making, and drinking, Bellina. The barrels literally sing during fermentation, and I find it fascinating how the wine matures and changes during the sur lie aging.
Favorite Quote: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed” ~ Response in preparation for receiving Holy Eucharist, derived from Mathew 8:8

Bill Hockett

DISTILLERY MANAGER

My family has a history of alcohol production going back to Prohibition. I started making beer and wine at home very early on and have been lucky enough to make a career out of something I have a great passion for. I was lucky enough to get my first distillery position at a Beam family distillery in Kentucky. Since then I have also worked as a Brewer at one of the larger craft breweries in Cincinnati, before finally arriving here at Gervasi.

Favorite GV Spot: Easily answered, the chairs overlooking the lake are a great place to just relax and enjoy the view.
Favorite GV Dish: The Beef Gnocchi at the Crush House is my go to.
Favorite Gervasi Wine: For a white I like Lascito, for a red I love the ZinZin. It really depends on the mood and the meal being served.
Favorite GV Spirit: Of our initial offerings my favorites are the Wheated Bourbon neat with a cigar and the Small Batch Gin in a classic gin & tonic.
Favorite Quote: “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” Mark Twain

Kim Sayre

STILL HOUSE MANAGER

Traci Singree

MARKETPLACE OPERATIONS MANAGER

I have been working on the sales floor since I was 16 years old. Retail is what I do. Being part of a successful, passionate team is what drives me. Working for a local company who cares about its community has been a priority for me. So when I was hired in at The Marketplace here at Gervasi Vineyard, I knew I found my home. Coming to work every day is a joy and passion creating memorable guest experiences with the rest of the sales team. Working in The Marketplace gives me an opportunity to create a boutique environment that is welcoming and comfortable. Our local shoppers know us by first name and our out of town guests feel like they are at their best friend’s house when they visit us at The Marketplace.

Favorite GV Spot: Driving through the lighted trees at night feels magical and inspiring.
Favorite GV Dish: Crush House Hummus and Pita Chips
Favorite GV Wine: Malvasia Bianca
Favorite Quote: “I often ask myself what is the purpose of our lives and I conclude that life’s purpose is to be happy. We have no guarantee what will happen in the future, but we live in hope. That’s what keeps us going.” ~Dali Lama

Sara Maksim

ASSISTANT MARKETPLACE OPERATIONS MANAGER