The Story of Volio
Mission
Volio’s mission is to bring the consumer experience closer to the vineyard experience. As an importer of European fine wine we do this by empowering our carefully selected network of distributors, retailers, and restaurateurs with meaningful communication, a relentless commitment to wine education, and unparalleled customer service.
Vision
For every customer to know the journey behind each bottle of wine.
Quality
The natural byproduct of caring genuinely about the product as well as the people who create it.
Education
A source of information for consumers and an outlet for creators. Helping form opinions on wine; building a benchmark. Providing more than just a bottle of wine, providing an experience.
Honesty
Straightforward and to the point. Providing truth and information in a clear and concise method.
Approachability
Using positive experiences and attitudes to guide anyone looking to learn about wine. A source of information. Building a community of like minded individuals—built around wine.
Connectivity
Building relationships and connecting consumers to creators. Using honest education to foster a community of people hoping to grow and learn from their own experiences.
The Team
Charles Lazzara
CEO & Founder
Charles Lazzara started Volio Imports in 2007, at the age of 25, with modest intentions of promoting undiscovered, high quality wine producers from Italy back in Colorado. The sale of Volio Distribution in 2017 allowed Charles to dedicate his time and energy to Volio Imports’ strategic expansion to becoming a leading National Importer of Italian wines, as well as spend more time with his amazing wife (Angela), two young boys (Lorenzo and Tommaso), and daughter (Sofia). As the Founder & CEO of Volio, Charles is always out networking with customers, wholesalers, and engaging Volio’s 30+ wineries throughout Italy.
Elisa Ballard
Vice President of Operations
Elisa is no stranger to global engagement. After spending her childhood visiting family in Italy, studying abroad for a semester in Bologna, and working for the European Union at Milan’s World Fair, Expo 2015, it seemed only natural to pursue a career in Italian wine. And it doesn’t hurt that she has dual citizenship, speaks fluent Italian, and spends as much time as possible at her house just north of Rome. Prior to Volio, Elisa worked for MISA Imports, an importer and distributor in Dallas, TX as their Marketing and Sales Support Director. This role built on her background in international marketing and media consulting while exposing her to the world of international wine sourcing and bespoke programming. At Volio, Elisa works across departments and across borders, investing heavily in producer relationships, leading product innovation, and managing strategic national sales opportunities. Joining Volio also allowed Elisa to realize her dream of returning to the beautiful state of CO, where she received an MBA in Marketing and Finance and BA in Management and Economics from the University of Denver. She is the perfect addition to our Denver-based Volio clan: mountain-lover, Italian connoisseur, and proud dog mama of a German Shepherd Husky mix pup, Dakota.
Natalie Newman
Director of Commercial Operations
After realizing her passion for wine while studying at Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy, Natalie devoted as much time and as many resources as possible to immersing herself in the world of wine. In 2015, she graduated with her BA in Hospitality Business Management from Washington State University. Through working in hotels, restaurants, and wine and spirits distributors, Natalie has additionally achieved the accolades of Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine, and French Wine Scholar. After spending five years working as a Sales Representative and Sales Manager for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits in Austin, Natalie relocated to Denver. Joining Volio Imports fulfilled her longtime dream of working for a wine importer. While not scheming ways to maximize efficiencies and streamline processes, Natalie is obsessive about seeing her friends, skiing, playing pickleball, hosting parties, and, of course, drinking wine.
Emily McDonough
Brand Manager
Emily is a brand champion and storyteller who loves bringing the “why” behind a product or company to life and sharing it with others. She approaches her work, and life in general, with intentionality (and sometimes sarcasm to spice up the situation) — from building meaningful relationships with partners to amplifying project details, big or small. With both sides of her brain always having something to say, she’s constantly striving to raise the bar with creative, data-driven strategies. Emily spent the early years of her career in the food delivery space, most recently working as the Brand Manager for Nextbite where she oversaw all brand, marketing, and creative initiatives to strengthen her portfolio of restaurants. During her time at Nextbite she earned their Adaptability Award, which is given to an employee who manages well in an environment of ambiguity. With an immense passion for fine wine, she is excited to shift into the beverage side as Volio’s Brand Manager where she will champion the voice and growth of Volio’s portfolio of brands across the US. After all, there’s nothing like having someone in your corner. When she’s not driving brand growth, she also likes to run, explore new restaurants, and soak up the Denver sun.
Leanne Enos
Order Processing Coordinator
Leanne grew up in Salinas, CA, the salad bowl of the world and close to the wonderful Santa Lucia Highlands wine region. At an early age she developed an appreciation for growing your own food. Leanne got her Communications degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and during a study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, she discovered wine — the way it tells a story about where it is grown and made. After a job in ad sales, she realized her heart was elsewhere, and in 2013 began working for a small, family-owned winery in Edna Valley, CA. Working in the tasting room and telling stories about the vineyards encouraged her to learn more. She passed the Certified Sommelier exam in 2015 while working at a wine and cheese shop. Her curiosity about the winemaking process sent her to Barossa Valley, South Australia, to work the 2016 wine harvest as a Cellar Hand. Returning to the US, Leanne became an Assistant Wine Buyer at JJ Buckley, eventually working her way to Logistics Manager. Currently, Leanne is studying for the ASCM Certified Supply Chain Professional exam to deepen her knowledge of supply chain management. She is excited to bring her passion for wine and knowledge of logistics and supply chain to Volio as the Order Processing Coordinator. When she isn’t studying about supply chain or enjoying a glass of wine, Leanne likes to spend time cooking, gardening, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, son, and two chocolate labs.
Josh Chambers
Logistics and Compliance Coordinator
Josh was born and raised in Bendigo, Australia, in the heart of the central Victorian winegrowing region. His first job was working for his Italian neighbors at their local deli and café, learning about Italian food, wine, and culture from a young age. Working yearly harvests at various local wineries and watching the transformation from vine to bottle enthralled Josh and lead to many years in the hospitality business both in Bendigo and later, Melbourne, focusing on restaurant/front house management with a studied emphasis on wine. In 2005, Josh moved to Telluride, a remote Colorado ski town, where he worked the ski season at their Italian restaurants. With award-winning, 100% Italian wine lists, he furthered his knowledge of Italian food, wine, and service. From there he transitioned into a role with Tellitalia Imports, which led him through 17 years of importing and selling Italian wine to Colorado, many parts of the USA, and Bermuda. It was in this role that Josh first came into contact with Volio Vino Distributing and soon began distributing wines in Colorado through Volio. During this period, Josh travelled extensively throughout Italy visiting producers from Sardinia to Sicily, walking the vineyards, tasting in the cellars, being present for harvest, breaking bread with the multi-generational families behind the wines, and sharing this experience with others. Josh and his wife now live in Abilene, Texas, with their two boys where they love enjoying the outdoors and hosting lengthy wine dinners.
James Moll
Vice President, National Sales
James Moll’s stellar reputation in the wine business is built upon decades of experience with some of the most successful wine companies in the world. His unique, multi-dimensional understanding of the wine industry is born from a career which includes corporate fine wine buying, sales management, wine distribution, and importing. Through a broad range of leadership positions he has grown a deep network of colleagues and contacts across the country — not to mention, his good humor and humility make him a great dinner date. If you ask those who know James well, it’s his passion for growing relationships that sets him apart. James lives in Dallas, TX, managing eight states in the Southwest and Central regions of the US. Previous to this role, he led operations and sales teams in six states for Taub Family Selections (TFS), a division of Palm Bay International. He’s a proud, lifelong Texan, who loves football Saturdays, foodventures, and his cowboy boots that match any Barolo or Brunello.
Jason Blanford
Regional Sales Director, Midwest
While studying Classical Civilizations in Italy, Jason took his first sips of Brachetto and Brunello on the same day and instantly fell in love with the unique diversity the wine world provides. He didn’t know it at the time but recreating and sharing that experience would soon become his life’s mission. A few years later, Jason’s thirst for knowledge and education took him “down under” to Adelaide, South Australia, where he received his Master’s in Wine Marketing. In 2012, he joined the team at Pasternak Wine Imports, the U.S. sales and marketing company for Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), driving sales in the midwest region as well as the National Account On-Premise universe. Most recently, Jason led the Central Division team at Taub Family Selections, managing sales and operations across 13 states. At Volio, he will be heading up Volio sales in the Midwest, based in the broader Chicago market. When he isn’t crushing boxes and swirling glasses, Jason enjoys the futility of golf and exploring the outdoors with his family.
David Metz
Regional Sales Director, Southeast
Originally hailing from Dallas, Texas, David lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with 16 years of experience working in fine wine. For six years he managed the fine wine retail team for Empire Distributors in the Atlanta metro area. Prior to that, he worked at a number of fine wine retail accounts throughout the city, doing everything from Wine Consultant and Management to being a Wine Director and Consumption Specialist. With his CSW and WSET Diploma, David went as far as Stage 2 of the Masters of Wine program. David is pumped to join Volio’s team as the Regional Sales Director for the Southeast region. When he’s not drinking wine, he enjoys travel, hiking, camping, and can often be found with a fly rod.
Sarah Newman
Regional Sales Director, Mid-Atlantic
Joe Merlino
Regional Sales Director, California
Raised in California within an immigrant Italian family, Joe Merlino’s love for food and wine blossomed early. Watching his grandfathers cultivate fresh ingredients and his grandmothers cook with tradition and care, he developed a lifelong passion that steered him into the hospitality sector. This path ultimately led him to a successful career in wine and spirits, spanning over two decades of excellence in imports, sales strategy, and brand development.
While the Director of Imports for Northern California at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Joe expanded the international portfolio, optimized supply chain logistics, and fueled brand growth through strategic marketing and consumer engagement. Also, before Volio, Joe served as the Italian Wine Specialist and Import Specialist, where he managed supplier relationships, executed sales strategies, and provided in-depth education on global wine regions and varietals. His expertise in market analysis and strategic sourcing has driven significant growth in the imported beverage sector. Earlier in his career, as Beverage Director at Restaurant Lulu Group, he oversaw beverage programs for multiple restaurants, curated innovative wine lists, and trained staff to enhance customer experiences.
A Certified Sommelier and three-time Southern Glazer’s Import Specialist of the Year, Joe continues to shape the California wine industry. He resides in Menlo Park with his wife and two daughters, upholding his family’s tradition of celebrating great food, wine, and community.