Leadership Team
Meet the Family
Some of us were born into this family. Some of us were hired into it. All of us proudly carry on the Mazza legacy.
Robert Mazza
Founder & President
A leader in the PA Wine Industry with a focus on creating quality, local products, Bob has been leading the Mazza team and growing the Mazza business, along with the PA wine industry, since Mazza Vineyards’ beginnings in 1972.
Mario Mazza
General Manager & Vice President
With a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH – Mario went on to earn a Master’s in Enology from the University of Adelaide in Australia. While there, he gained experience in the Barossa Valley and in the Adelaide Hills. In addition to his early exposure to the family business, Mario has 15 years of experience in research & commercial winemaking, as well as sensory training including the PA Wine Quality Initiative. He has a passion for quality & excellence in both process & product.
Vanessa Mazza
Creative Director
Vanessa has been working part-time in the family business since she and her brother, Mario, created the private label program while still in high school. Vanessa, a board-certified art therapist, now contributes to the business as Creative Director helping to oversee and coordinate packaging, promotions, event planning, web, and social media..
Kevin Faehndrich
Director of Sales
Kevin started his career in the wine industry as an assistant winemaker and vineyard worker in 2007. In 2010 Kevin founded Upstate Wine Company, a wine wholesaler representing NYS wines in NYC. After successfully gaining a foothold for Upstate Wine Company in the competitive NYC market and cultivating a portfolio of 17 NYS wineries, Kevin sold his business to Opici Family Distributing in 2014. He was retained by Opici Family Distributing as the Director of NYS Wines & Spirits for all 7 of their markets. Kevin joined the Mazza team in 2018 to manage and grow wholesale markets for Robert Mazza, Inc.
Joe Nelson
Director of Distilling & Brewing
Joe Nelson has been the spirit behind Five & 20 Spirits since 2008. He approaches distilling with a blend of scientific experimentation and deep knowledge of our nation’s whiskey production history, with a die-hard dedication to using local agricultural products. Joe demonstrates his mastery of blending techniques and inspired secondary cask finishes in every batch and barrel, both for our own line of products and our portfolio of partner products, including Jägermeister, Hamilton Rums, and Sazerac’s Bittermen’s collection.
Blaine Ballard
Brand Ambassador
Blaine is a North East native who began working in hospitality at a young age. He bartended through college, gaining experience and a passion for hospitality that opened doors for bartending, bar manager, and beverage director positions at restaurants and resorts locally and across the country. Blaine’s talent for curating wine lists and cocktail menus and developing bar programs has provided opportunities at establishments large and small. A true passion for wine and spirits continues to drive him in his current position as brand ambassador for our family of wineries, distillery, and brewery.
Guillermo Lombardo
Head Winemaker
Guillermo, originally from Mendoza, Argentina, received his Bachelor’s Degree in Enology in his home town, where he also worked for several wineries as well as for his family’s farm and vineyards. Grapes and wine run in his family as his mother is a winemaker and his dad a grape grower. He brings international experience in winemaking from Australia, along with experience from nearby Long Island, NY. Guillermo believes that a passion for people and for quality work are the main pillars for making great wines, and we are excited to have him as a part of our team.