Gervasi Vineyard is distributing 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and now is producing 1-gallon jugs that will be sold to the public.

CANTON The initial batch of hand sanitizer made by Gervasi Vineyard is being distributed and the company is producing a second batch that will be sold to the public.

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In late March, Gervasi converted its distillery from making bourbon, vodka and other spirits to the the production hand sanitizer, which has been in high demand because of the coronavirus pandemic.

When government officials approved converting distilleries to hand sanitizer production, the distillery and winery teams at Gervasi stated researching and collecting materials needed to make and distribute the product.

"It’s been a quick learning curve and some challenging sourcing plans, but we’re on our way and they have done a fantastic job," Scott Swaldo, general manager of GV Destinations, said of the effort by Gervasi employees.

The first batch produced more that 3,000 bottles that have been donated with the community. Swaldo said bottles went to Aultman Hospital, the Stark County Emergency Management Agency, police officers and firefighters in Canton, and firefighters in Green. The company also distributed bottles to employees of Gervasi and Twisted Olive in Green.

Several area companies donated supplies for the project. Berlin Packaging supplied discounted bottles, Label Aid provided labels, corn for the alcohol came from Swartz Farm in Lake Township and was milled at Hartville Elevator, Lellamand provided yeast and Berandi’s supplied boxes.

Swaldo said Gervasi Vineyard will release 1-gallon containers of liquid hand sanitizer on multiple dates based on production. It's anticipated 900 bottles will be available at $34 plus tax per jug.