CANTON, OHIO (March 16, 2021) – As spring kicks off and blueberry-picking season is under way, Gervasi Vineyard and Blossom Creek Farm (BCF) have partnered together to create a new seasonal blueberry liqueur, BLU, which will debut at Gervasi Vineyard on Friday, April 9.
“At Gervasi Vineyard, we have always sought out local partnerships,” said Scott Swaldo, General Manager/CEO for GV Destinations. “We believe in and love our community in Northeast Ohio.”
This is the first liqueur produced in the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard, which opened in December of 2018. According to Swaldo, the product exceeded expectations—so much so that the partners hope to continue producing the liqueur in future years and increase the volume dramatically.
“This is the first time our distillery has collaborated with a local fruit producer and developed a product that we are really excited about,” said Swaldo. “We are thrilled with how it turned out. Not only is the partnership great, but we are excited to bring this to the market and think it will be a signature product that carries us forward.”
According to Matthew Moore and Michael Davis, owners of Blossom Creek Farm, the idea for producing a blueberry-based beverage was always on their radar since taking over the farm in 2019. They decided to present the idea to Gervasi Vineyard last summer.
“When I think about the best alcohol, spirits, and wine in our area, Gervasi is the first place that came to mind,” said Moore.
After extensive research, Gervasi’s distillery team suggested producing a blueberry liqueur with BCF’s freshly-harvested blueberries, which would have a higher quality taste than fruit wine.
“Our mission of connecting people with nature through food is made possible through collaboration with other small and innovative local businesses. The opportunity to collaborate with Gervasi on this project felt natural. Using our farm-fresh blueberries, Gervasi’s distilling team crafted a distinct, full-of flavor spirit. BLU truly embodies our “farm to soul” vision and builds on Gervasi’s mission to Celebrate Life!,” said Davis.
For the inaugural batch, which the distillery team at Gervasi Vineyard worked on developing over a period of nine months, nearly 1,200 lbs. of blueberries from Blossom Creek were used. The batch produced roughly 1,700 bottles of blueberry liqueur, which will be launched to the public on Saturday, April 10th in a special tasting event at Gervasi Vineyard.
The 78-acre farm, which is one of the few farms in Ohio to irrigate all of its produce and blueberry bushes, offers pick-your-own blueberries and blackberries. The current owners, who also own Akron-based professional florist Leaf, are passionate about community and supporting local businesses in Northeast Ohio.
Limited tickets to attend the BLU Tasting event at Gervasi Vineyard on April 10, are available online at gervasivineyard.com. To ensure the safety of guests while observing social distancing guidelines, tables are sold in blocks 2 – 8 people. Cost to attend is $29 per person. The event will include a presentation by both Gervasi Vineyard and Blossom Creek Farm.
BLU will be featured neat and in craft cocktails in all GV Destinations’ restaurants (Gervasi Vineyard estate and The Twisted Olive) as well as available for take home purchase by the bottle $39 + tax. Bottles of BLU may be purchased at The Still House, The Crush House and The Marketplace gift shop.
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