pio imports

In 1938, the Pio family operated facilities on both the east and west coasts to craft the wine. In Cucamonga, California, they cultivated and harvested grapes, subsequently crushing them and initiating the fermentation process. The wine was then transported via rail in glass-lined tank cars to Philadelphia, where it underwent final aging and bottling. The Pio Philadelphia Winery boasted a storage capacity of one million gallons, utilizing redwood and oak tanks (positioned upright) as well as casks (placed on their sides) for aging. European skilled craftsmen were enlisted to construct these storage facilities. Following proper aging, experts at the Philadelphia Winery filtered and bottled the wine, achieving a bottling rate of five thousand cases per day.

In 1964, Bartolomeo Pio, the patriarch of the Pio family, sold the family winery and transitioned from being a local wine maker to becoming an international wine importer and distributor. The family's firsthand wine knowledge and experience enabled them to market and sell wines from various corners of the globe, offering their customers a wider array of wine choices. Pio Imports commenced the import of Pio Cesare wines from their cousins in the Piemonte region of Italy, thus making the finest quality and globally renowned Italian wines accessible.

In 1976, Bartolomeo Pio's son, Elmo, deeply involved in the family wine distribution business, journeyed to Italy. His goal was not only to explore traditional Italian wines but also to search for new and distinct wines that resonated with his personal preferences. During one such visit, Elmo stumbled upon a traditional Italian wine with a flavor profile that he believed would be warmly received by American consumers. Its invigorating, sweet, and lightly effervescent taste set it apart from anything available in the market. Elmo's unwavering faith in this wine compelled him to create his own line of exquisite Italian wines, complete with labels and bottling for import. This decision marked the birth of the Elmo Pio Moscato legend. Promoted by Elmo himself, donning his iconic hat, this wine found its place in the market. Elmo's dedication to quality lives on through the bottles that proudly bear his name and likeness.

The family has worked to further their father’s vision by continuing to import quality wines from Italy. Using the skills and knowledge that was imparted to them, Elmo Pio Wines continues to evolve to include new products to match modern tastes, never faltering from the high standards of quality that their Father insisted upon; as well as the pledge to stay "Forever Italian.”