A Tuscan-Inspired Vineyard You Can Fly to in Under Two Hours from RDU - CAK Airport
We may have just found the ultimate wine weekend getaway - and it’s only a quick 1.5-hour flight from Raleigh (55 min on the way back)! If you’ve been dreaming of vineyard views, luxury suites, handcrafted wines, and Tuscan vibes without leaving the country, this trip is for you. From the moment we landed at CAK and pulled into the stunning Gervasi Vineyard, we knew we were in for something special.
Getting There ✈️:
One of the best parts of this wine weekend? How easy it was to get there! We flew with Breeze Airways, which offers multiple nonstop routes from RDU- including a super quick 1.5-hour flight to CAK (Akron-Canton Airport), just 15 minutes from Gervasi Vineyard.
Breeze flies out of Terminal 1 at RDU and is known for making travel simple and affordable with modern, comfortable planes and flexible bundle options. We booked the “Nicer” bundle, which included a checked bag, priority boarding, free Wi-Fi, and extra legroom - perfect for a weekend getaway.
Where We Stayed 🍇🍷:
Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa is a 55‑acre Italian‑inspired estate where everything happens onsite. From our arrival, we didn’t have to leave the property - perfect for a relaxing getaway.
We stayed in The Casa, a 375‑sq‑ft suite designed for serenity. Heated floors, a spacious veranda overlooking a courtyard and lake, complimentary breakfast, coffee on a private patio, and evenings by the fire with a glass of wine - Gervasi does luxury well.
If you're traveling with friends or family, The Villas offer four private suites each, with shared living and dining, fireplaces, heated flooring, and outdoor patios.
Where We Dined & Drank 🍽️🍸:
By day, it’s a charming coffeehouse (we loved the Lavender Fields iced latte and breakfast sandwiches); by night, a refined cocktail lounge featuring Gervasi Spirits - bourbon, gin, vodka, rum - and live music. Perfect for morning coffee and evening drinks. The Blueberry Cupcake Cocktail is a MUST. 🫐
Located in a beautifully restored 1800s barn, The Bistro delivers a truly memorable dining experience. The setting is warm, intimate, and inviting, and the food? Incredible. The menu features elevated Italian cuisine - from small shared plates to full entrées. Everything we tried was delicious, and the service was just as impressive. We were even lucky enough to meet the head chef. Reservations are definitely recommended here!
We popped over here for lunch and it was one of the best salads we’ve ever had! It has an industrial vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and was perfect for a midday break. The Crush House’s menu features sandwiches, pasta, and wine-friendly entrees that are ideal for pairing with Gervasi’s signature blends. You can also do wine tastings here, making it a great stop whether you’re hungry or just in the mood to sip and relax. No reservations needed unless it's a holiday.
Dining al fresco doesn’t get better than this. The Piazza is the vineyard’s outdoor dining space, offering beautiful views of the property, live music in the evenings (weather permitting), and a vibrant menu of Italian-American favorites. We grabbed a table here for cocktails and brick-oven pizzas, and the atmosphere was exactly what you'd want on a summer night. The menu is perfect for sharing, with appetizers, grilled dishes, and seasonal specials that pair perfectly with a glass of wine or one of Gervasi’s signature cocktails.
What to Do Onsite:
The Cave offers a truly world class wine tasting experience. This intimate, underground space features stone-lined walls, low light ambiance, and a behind-the-scenes look at Gervasi’s winemaking process. During our guided tasting, our host Lorrie walked us through a curated flight of Gervasi wines - sharing stories about each bottle, how it’s made, and how to taste it like a expert. We also got a peek into the stunning barrel-aging room. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just learning what you like, The Cave is a must do.
If you’re looking to relax and recharge, The Spa is the perfect sanctuary. Designed with the same Tuscan architecture as the rest of the property, the spa offers a range of personalized treatments - from facials and massages to body rituals and wellness therapies. The space itself is tranquil and thoughtfully designed, with calming neutral tones and vineyard-inspired details. While we didn’t get to try it this trip, we took a peek inside and it’s definitely on our list for next time.
Enjoy Live Music & Featured Events
One of our favorite surprises during the weekend was just how much live music there was across the property. Whether we were sipping cocktails at The Still House or dining outdoors at The Piazza, local artists brought the perfect music for the evening. In addition to live music, Gervasi hosts seasonal events year-round that go far beyond your typical winery experience. Think wine pairing dinners with the executive chef, bourbon tastings, yoga in the vineyard, art and wine nights, specialty brunches, and holiday markets. We were there for Christmas in July!
Gervasi isn’t just about wine and food—it’s also a great place to reconnect with nature. The property is connected to the Stark County Park District trail system offering a paved path for walking, running, or biking. We loved taking a morning walk after breakfast just to enjoy the quiet and get some fresh air.
The Marketplace is a chic boutique that feels like a mix between a European wine shop and a curated home décor store. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully styled collection of gifts, seasonal decorations, home goods, accessories, and of course - Gervasi wines & spirits to bring home. Whether you're looking for a hostess gift, a piece of jewelry, or a bottle of wine, it's the perfect place to browse. We picked up a few souvenirs (and may have considered redecorating our entire home afterward).
More Things to Do in the Canton–Akron Area 🎨🏛️
If you're looking to explore beyond Gervasi, here are some standout attractions within a short drive:
Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton): A must-see for football fans or history lovers. The Hall celebrates the legends of the NFL with interactive exhibits and immersive experiences.
McKinley Presidential Library & Museum & McKinley National Monument (Canton): Learn about President William McKinley at the library with its historic exhibits, then visit the striking monument and domed structure in the adjoining park.
Canton Classic Car Museum: A fun stop showcasing rare vintage automobiles, automobilia, toys, and memorabilia in a nostalgic setting.
The Palace Theatre (Canton): An atmospheric 1926 movie palace featuring live events, organ‑accompanied silent films, and classic architecture that’s still in operation today.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron): This historic estate features a 70‑acre Tudor Revival mansion, gardens, greenhouse, and carriage house—beautiful and peaceful grounds to explore.
Akron Zoo (Akron): Home to over 1,000 animals and 100 species across 77 acres. Portions of the zoo include exhibits like Penguin Point, Komodo Kingdom, and Wild Asia.
Akron Art Museum & Akron Civic Theatre: Museum highlights American and regional art since 1850, including Warhol and Pop Art pieces. Nearby, the Akron Civic Theatre showcases live performances in a classic 1920s "atmospheric" venue.
Free & Outdoor Activities: Explore Sippo Lake Park, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Umbrella Alley murals, and more—great free options if you're looking to stretch your legs and soak in local charm.
MAPS Air Museum (Alliance) & Troll Hole Museum: Under an hour away, Alliance features unique attractions like the small but impressive MAPS Air Museum and the quirky Troll Hole Museum filled with troll doll art and exhibits.
The Perfect Girls Weekend
This girls’ weekend was a dream - Tuscan vibes, exquisite wine, delicious dinners, and so many memories! Thanks again to Breeze Airways, Akron-Canton airport, and Gervasi Vineyard for inviting us and sponsoring this blog. Until next time! 🍇🍷✈️